Duration
1-2 hours (longer with wait times on busy days)
Price
$15-25 per person including drinks and dessert
Best For
Families with kids who love farm experiences • Couples seeking scenic mountain dining • Apple lovers and fall foliage enthusiasts
Pro Tip
Call ahead to put your name on the waiting list, then browse the market and walk the orchard while you wait - it makes the time fly by.
About Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant
Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant stands as a beloved family-owned destination in the Smokies, sprawling across 70 acres dotted with 40,000 apple trees. The dining room windows frame spectacular orchard views that enhance every meal.
The restaurant has earned a reputation for its legendary chicken and dumplings, perfectly complemented by signature fried apples and homemade mashed potatoes. Each meal includes drinks and dessert, delivering exceptional value for diners.
Visitors should expect substantial weekend crowds with wait times often stretching to an hour. Fortunately, the charming porch swings provide a pleasant way to pass the time, particularly for families with children.
The attached market offers an impressive selection of fresh apple butter, caramel apples, and seasonal produce that tempts most guests to take home a taste of the orchard. Fall visitors can enjoy the added attraction of u-pick apple experiences.
Operating Thursday through Sunday only, Carver's requires advance planning for visits. Most guests find themselves spending around two hours savoring both the dining experience and exploring the picturesque orchard grounds.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
70-Acre Apple Orchard
Walking through 40,000 apple trees with 126 different varieties is pretty magical, especially in fall. The views from the dining room windows overlook the orchard, and during harvest season you can pick your own apples.
Famous Chicken and Dumplings
This is what everyone raves about, and honestly, we get it every single time. The dumplings are fluffy, the chicken is tender, and it comes with those addictive fried apples and homemade mashed potatoes.
Country Store and Market
The attached market is packed with homemade apple butter, jams, caramel apples, and fresh produce. We always grab a few jars of apple butter and whatever seasonal treats they have available.
Porch Swing Waiting Area
Even the wait is part of the charm here. The front porch has swings where families hang out while waiting for tables, and it's actually pretty relaxing with the mountain views.
Seasonal U-Pick Apples
Fall brings the best experience when you can wander the orchard and pick your own apples. With so many varieties, you'll find types you've never heard of before.
Homemade Apple Desserts
The fried apple hand pies and apple fritters are incredible, though they often sell out on busy days. Everything's made fresh, and dessert comes included with your meal.
Know Before You Go
- Parking is limited - arrive early or be ready to park along the road
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking the orchard paths
- They accept both cash and cards
- Fall weekends get extremely busy - weekdays are much calmer
- The restaurant is wheelchair accessible with handicap parking available
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsCarver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant impresses visitors with quality cuisine and attentive service. The atmosphere creates a memorable dining experience in Cosby.
Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant
For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant?
They're closed Monday through Wednesday. Thursday through Saturday they're open 11 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday 8 AM to 5 PM. The orchard itself is open year-round, but restaurant hours are seasonal.
How much does Carver's Orchard cost?
There's no admission fee for the orchard or market. Restaurant meals run about $$ range and include drinks and dessert with your entree, making it a solid value for the quality and portions.
Do I need reservations for Carver's Orchard?
They don't take traditional reservations, but you can call ahead to get on the waiting list. We highly recommend this, especially on weekends when waits can exceed an hour.
How long should I spend at Carver's Orchard?
Plan on 1-2 hours minimum - that includes your meal plus time to browse the market and walk the orchard. If there's a wait, add extra time, but the porch swings make it pleasant.
Is Carver's Orchard good for kids?
Absolutely! Kids love the orchard, the porch swings while waiting, and the servers often offer little snacks. The market has caramel apples and candy that'll keep them happy too.
Is there parking at Carver's Orchard?
Yes, but it's limited and fills up fast on busy days. We've had to park along the road during peak fall weekends, so arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit.
When is apple picking season at Carver's Orchard?
Fall is peak season for u-pick apples, typically September through October. With 126 varieties, different apples ripen at different times throughout the season.
What's the best food to order at Carver's Orchard?
The chicken and dumplings are what we always get - they're famous for a reason. The grilled pork chops and fried chicken with homemade mashed potatoes are also top choices.
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We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
Carver's Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant impresses visitors with quality cuisine and attentive service. The atmosphere creates a memorable dining experience in Cosby.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
3460 Cosby Hwy Cosby TN 37722
3460 Cosby Hwy Cosby TN 37722
Cosby
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