York County, S.C., October 13, 2025
News Summary
Windy Hill Orchard in York County, S.C. has bounced back from a devastating hailstorm that greatly reduced its apple crop in April. Innovative recovery strategies like introducing hayrides and a pumpkin patch have helped attract visitors and sustain the business through tough times. Now, the orchard is celebrating a bountiful apple harvest, offering fresh apples, cider, and local products, and plans to stay open through Christmas to foster community engagement.
York County, S.C. — Windy Hill Orchard Recovers with Bountiful Apple Harvest
Windy Hill Orchard in York County, S.C. is celebrating a successful apple harvest following a devastating hailstorm that nearly destroyed the establishment in April 2024. The storm, which struck on April 20, resulted in the loss of approximately 80-90% of the orchard’s apple crop within a matter of 20 minutes. This catastrophic event led the owners, Matthew Gusmer and his team, to experience substantial financial losses amounting to thousands of dollars.
In an effort to sustain the business after the storm’s impact, the team at Windy Hill Orchard developed innovative strategies to attract visitors. These included the introduction of hayrides and the opening of a pumpkin patch, which provided a much-needed source of revenue during a challenging time. The creative measures proved essential in maintaining operations and keeping the orchard alive through the difficult months post-storm.
This year, the hard work and patience of the team have paid off, as Windy Hill Orchard now boasts a revitalized apple crop. The orchard’s trees are again abundant with ripe fruit, delighting visitors who have eagerly anticipated the return of the apple harvest. Customers can now find fresh apples, homemade cider, and a variety of local products available at the orchard’s farm stand, offering a sense of normalcy and joy.
Windy Hill Orchard plans to remain open through Christmas, providing ample opportunities for family activities such as apple picking and hayrides. This decision aims to enhance community engagement and allow visitors to enjoy the fruits of the orchard’s recovery. The renewed bounty has also evoked personal reflections among frequent visitors. One regular expressed happiness at the orchard’s recovery, contrasting the grief of the previous year with current joy.
The challenges faced and overcome by Windy Hill Orchard underscore resilience in the face of adversity. The dedication of the owners and their team not only secured the future of the orchard but also revitalized a beloved community destination. As the fresh apple harvest graces the orchard once more, both the agricultural output and the surrounding community can celebrate new beginnings.
Key Information Summary
- Location: York County, S.C.
- Storm date: April 20, 2024
- Crop loss: 80-90% of apple crop
- Financial impact: Thousands of dollars in losses
- Recovery strategies: Hayrides, pumpkin patch
- Current offerings: Fresh apples, homemade cider, local products
- Open through: Christmas
Background
Windy Hill Orchard has been a point of local interest and a family-friendly destination for several years. The April hailstorm was an unexpected calamity, leaving the orchard’s future uncertain. However, the swift actions and adaptive strategies implemented by Matthew Gusmer and his team showcased their commitment to not only recover from the storm but to also strengthen community ties.
As the orchard fully reestablishes itself, it serves as a testament to the resilience and spirit found within both the agricultural sector and the local community in York County, S.C.
FAQ
Where is Windy Hill Orchard located?
When did the storm that impacted the orchard occur?
What percentage of the apple crop was lost due to the storm?
What measures did the orchard take to recover?
What is available at the farm stand now?
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | York County, S.C. |
| Impact of Storm | 80-90% loss of apple crop |
| Recovery Strategies | Introduced hayrides and pumpkin patch |
| Current Offerings | Fresh apples, homemade cider, local products |
| Opening Hours | Open through Christmas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WCNC: Orchard Celebrates Comeback After Hailstorm
- WCNC: South Carolina Orchard Sweet Comeback
- CNY News: North Star Orchards Apple Loss
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Apple Orchards
- Google Search: Apple Picking News
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
