More Than Just Apples – The Nivens Apple Farm
If you drive up to
Nivens Apple Farm in Spartanburg County on a fall weekend, you’re sure to see the ground covered with more than just apples. You’ll see kids and kids at heart roaming the nearly 40 acres of farm land.
Some are there to pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve, put on the front porch for decoration or to make some delectable pies. Others are there just to have loads of fun. Either way, there’s plenty to do and see.
You’ll be amazed at the fun you’ll have trying to find your way through the corn maze.
With corn stalks that stand taller than your head, the two-acre maze has signs with farm facts you can learn while making your way through it. It's also a good way to find out who has the best sense of direction in your family.
What’s a farm without some animals?
Meet Bubba the cow who hangs out near the old wooden barn. Walk around and see the chickens, turkeys, geese, donkeys and goats. Listen to Chucky the Chicken, an animated rooster affectionately named after the owners’ son-in-law, tells a story about his babies.
Once you’re worn out from all the walking relax in a rocking chair on the porch, or hop on board for an educational and fun hayride.The adventure becomes a classroom on wheels as hostesses teach riders about farm life. They also sing songs like “Old Man Donald Had a Farm,” referring to Donald Nivens, co-owner of Nivens Apple Farm. The song is sung to the tune of the children’s classic “Old McDonald Had a Farm.” Hayrides are offered by reservation Monday through Friday, all day Saturday and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m.
Open since 1974, the farm has been an attraction for many, far and near.
Nivens says he and his wife, Katherine, love what they do, and their guests love it too. “We get so many letters. We have boxes and boxes of things people send us" to express how much they enjoyed their visit, he said.
An observation bee hive and a playground with farm-related playground equipment Nivens created are also onsite.
Nivens has a passion for the farm and wants it to continue after he and his wife can no longer do the intensive labor it takes to make it have the appeal that it does.
Nivens said a mother visiting the farm with her children asked the younger one, ‘You hear the rooster?’ But it was actually a donkey braying. Nivens suggests, “People need to get out in the country.”
Before you leave, stop by the store and take home some apple cider, apple butter, 
jellies, relishes, candy or caramel apples, pies or a bag of apples.
Hours and Directions
Nivens Apple Farm is open Aug. 15 thru Thanksgiving (or until apples are gone) 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Contact: Don and Katherine M. Nivens, (864) 574-8889 or (864) 576-4195 Location: 2.2 miles west of Moore, SC, from Hwy. 290 or exit 63, 6.2 miles east of I-85 down Hwy. 290 towards Moore, SC
Fall Fun: U-pick apples, hayrides, school tours, U-pick pumpkins, farm animals, corn maze, apple cider
For maps and directions click here.