A Wilmington pie shop stays open until 11 PM on Fridays, and yes, apple pie is part of the deal.
I love the idea of a late-night slice when most bakeries have long since turned off the ovens.
That was only the start of my apple pie rabbit hole.
One spot bakes pies in an old bank building.
Another is a fully gluten-free bakery that makes a maple bacon apple pie.
North Carolina takes fall baking seriously, from the mountains to the Outer Banks.
Some of these pies come by the slice, some come in flights, and some come folded into crispy hand pies.
I can’t think of a better excuse for an autumn road trip.
The only real question is how many forks you’re willing to pack.
McFarlan Bake Shop
Old-school bakeries are getting harder to find, so this Main Street classic feels like a treasure. It’s the kind of place where pies, cakes, and decorated cookies share one busy display case.
McFarlan Bake Shop is a traditional, time-tested bakery in downtown Hendersonville. You’ll find decorated cookies, pastries, custom cakes, and even sandwiches when you need something savory first.
Apple fans have options here. Apple pies sit alongside apple turnovers and apple fritters, so you can pick your favorite format.
Can’t decide on one pie? Plenty of folks grab a few, with cherry, blueberry, and lemon meringue joining apple on the lineup.
The bakery also turns out cupcakes, danishes, and chocolate glazed donuts. Coffee is available too, which makes a morning stop pretty tempting.
Plan ahead before you go. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 7 AM to 5:30 PM, and closed Sunday and Monday.
This is a takeout spot, not a sit-down cafe. Grab your box, then stroll Main Street with your prize tucked safely under your arm.
Saturday mornings tend to bring the biggest crowds. If you’d rather skip the rush, a weekday visit could be the smarter move.
Parking comes in paid lots and paid street spaces nearby. Bring a little patience, because a downtown this charming draws a crowd in fall.
Hendersonville is famous for apples, so a bakery pie here just makes sense. Think of it as tasting the town’s favorite fruit at its finest.
Address: 309 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Pies By Di
Gluten-free eaters, your fall pie dreams just got a lot more realistic. Pies By Di is a dedicated gluten-free bakery, so you can order without the usual worry.
The menu centers on scratch-made pies and donuts. That means the whole case is fair game, not just one sad option in the corner.
Apple pie leads the charge for autumn cravings. You’ll also spot an apple hand pie with crispy, flaky layers that feel almost like filo dough.
Feeling adventurous? Try the maple bacon apple pie, which balances sweet and salty without going overboard on sugar.
Other favorites include coconut cream and key lime pie. Gluten-free home-baked bread is another reason to bring a bigger bag.
You can stay a while, too. The bakery offers dine-in seating, free wi-fi, and coffee for a slow morning treat.
Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 8 AM to 4 PM. It’s closed Sunday through Tuesday, so mark your calendar carefully.
Getting there is simple on Brevard Road. On-site parking and free street parking make a quick pie run easy.
Delivery and in-store pickup are both available if you’re planning a holiday table. Ordering ahead could save your Thanksgiving dessert plans.
Hendersonville already shows up once on this list, and honestly, that’s no surprise. This apple-loving town clearly knows how to treat a pie.
Address: 3632 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791
Pie Safe Baking Company
Banks used to guard money, but this one now guards pie. Pie Safe Baking Company lives inside a historic bank building in downtown Forest City.
The space features an open kitchen design. You can see where the scratch-made magic happens while you decide what to order.
Apple pie is a standout on the menu. Pecan pie and New York cheesecake are strong reasons to linger at the counter, too.
The case doesn’t stop at pie. You’ll find brownies, giant cookies, mini cheesecakes, and a banana cream pie with a delicate flavor.
Espresso-based coffee pairs nicely with a slice. Hot chocolate is on hand if you’d rather keep things cozy on a chilly day.
Here’s a nice bonus for your wallet. This bakery sits on the budget-friendly end of the scale for a sweet stop.
Timing matters, though. Doors open Thursday through Saturday, from 9 AM to 8 PM, and stay closed the rest of the week.
Those evening hours are handy. You can swing by after dinner for dessert instead of racing the clock at lunch.
Free parking lots and free street parking make the stop easy. Delivery and takeout are available if you’d rather eat at home.
Saturdays tend to bring the biggest crowds. Thursday and Friday are calmer if you want a more relaxed visit.
Address: 102 W Main St, Forest City, NC 28043
Baked Pie Company
Choosing one pie is hard, so Baked Pie Company lets you choose several. Pie flights are the star move at this charming Arden shop.
A flight lets you sample multiple slices side by side. Pairing apple with coconut cream and honey pecan, plus a scoop of caramel ice cream, sounds like a perfect afternoon.
The menu rotates, so you’ll see new homemade pies over time. That keeps return visits interesting, which is dangerous in the best way.
Apple lovers can look for Caramel Apple Pie when it’s available. Oreo Cookie Pie and cherry pie also turn up as fan favorites.
The interior is quaint and inviting. A patio gives you another spot to enjoy your slice when the fall weather cooperates.
It’s a locally owned shop with friendly service. The team creates an easygoing mood that makes lingering feel natural.
Arden sits just south of Asheville. That makes this a handy stop after a day of leaf-peeping on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM. Sunday and Monday are closed, so plan your pie mission accordingly.
Free wi-fi is available if you want to sit for a bit. Free parking lots and free street parking help keep the visit simple.
Friday afternoons are the busiest time. A weekday morning is your best bet for a quieter flight.
Address: 4 Long Shoals Rd Ste A, Arden, NC 28704
Louie and Honey’s Kitchen
A deep apple pie packed with real apples, not syrupy filling, is the kind of thing worth crossing town for. Winston-Salem’s Louie and Honey’s Kitchen delivers exactly that.
This charming bakery cafe is known for signature cinnamon rolls. Still, the apple pie holds its own right beside them.
Simple doesn’t mean boring here. The cakes and pies keep things classic while still feeling rich and special.
Seasonal fruit pies rotate through the case. Cookies, scones, dinner rolls, and unusual cakes round out the lineup.
Crispy rice treats also have a loyal following. They might be the surprise hit of your bakery bag.
Coffee drinkers get a treat too. Counter Culture cappuccinos and lattes make a strong partner for a pie slice.
Expect lines at busy times. Saturday mornings tend to draw the biggest crowds, while Wednesdays are usually calmer.
The cafe is open Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 5 PM. It’s closed Sundays, so don’t save your craving for the weekend’s end.
Dine-in seating, free wi-fi, and a restroom make it easy to stay awhile. Takeout works if you’re heading somewhere else.
Parking options include free lots, free street parking, and a paid lot. Pick whatever’s closest and get to that pie.
Address: 401 W End Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Augustino Gusto Bakery
Hunting for the best apple pie for a birthday is serious work. Augustino Gusto Bakery in Greensboro has earned a reputation for winning that hunt.
The bakery sits on an ordinary side street. Don’t let that location keep you from finding it, because the case is anything but plain.
Apple pie is a top reason to visit. The sweetness in the pies and cakes lands right in the sweet spot, not too much and not too little.
Savory fans should look at the quiche. It’s known for big flavor and makes a great partner before dessert.
Cinnamon rolls, breads, and pastries fill out the selection. There’s a wide variety of high-quality, fresh-baked items to explore.
Coffee is available too. A cup and a slice could easily become your new weekend ritual.
Pay close attention to the hours. The bakery opens Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, with closures on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.
Sunday hours run from noon to 4 PM. Wednesday and Saturday run 10 AM to 5 PM, while Thursday closes at 4 PM.
This is a takeout and pickup spot. In-store pickup is handy if you’re planning a pie for a party.
Saturdays tend to be busiest in North Carolina’s Gate City. Thursday mornings offer a calmer window.
Address: 2508 New Garden Rd E, Greensboro, NC 27455
Carolina Pie Company
When a shop puts pie right in its name, you expect it to take crust seriously. Carolina Pie Company in Mooresville does exactly that with scratch-made crusts.
This specialized pie shop offers a wide variety of fruit and cream pies. It’s a focused menu, which usually means care goes into each one.
The apple pie balances apples and filling nicely. Add an excellent crust and rich flavor, and you’ve got a strong fall contender.
Crumble fans have a fun choice too. Apple and berry crumble brings a fruity twist to the classic.
Other picks include chocolate chess, Southern Peach Crumble, chocolate cream, and peanut butter pie. Choosing just one might take some negotiating.
Dietary needs are part of the plan here. Gluten-free and sugar-free options help more people at the table share dessert.
Helpful staff can steer you toward a good pick. That’s handy when the whole shop smells this tempting.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM. The shop closes Sundays and Mondays.
A free parking lot makes stopping easy. This is a takeout spot, so plan to enjoy your pie at home or at a nearby park.
Mooresville sits close to Lake Norman. A lakeside fall drive followed by pie sounds like a solid Saturday.
Address: 136 Stutts Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117
La Farm Bakery
French croissants and American apple pie make an unexpected pair. At La Farm Bakery in Cary, they share the same counter happily.
This bakeshop and espresso bar serves a full French and American cafe menu all day. Sunday brunch adds another reason to visit on the weekend.
Apple pie earns a spot among the top recommendations. Chocolate croissants and almond croissants often get mentioned in the same breath.
Bread is a huge part of the appeal. You’ll find fresh loaves, pastries, tarts, sandwiches, granola, jams, and even flours to take home.
The space feels clean and pleasant. Plenty of outdoor seating gives you room to enjoy crisp autumn mornings.
A large coffee menu means plenty of drink choices. Pick your favorite and settle into a slice.
Hours are generous compared to many bakeries. Doors open daily at 7 AM, with later closing times on Friday and Saturday.
That daily schedule is a big plus. You won’t have to worry about a surprise closed day midweek.
Weekend mornings get busy. Evenings tend to be quieter if you want a calm dessert run.
Delivery, dine-in, and takeout are all options. Parking includes free lots and street spaces nearby.
Address: 4248 NW Cary Pkwy, Cary, NC 27513
Pie Slayer
Most bakeries call it a day by mid-afternoon. Pie Slayer in Wilmington is just getting started, opening at 3 PM on weekdays.
This late-night dessert shop specializes in inventive pies and handheld pastries. Friday hours stretch until 11 PM, which is perfect for a post-dinner sweet tooth.
Apple fans have two great choices. The apple hand pie is a popular grab-and-go treat, and the apple cider pie offers a fun fall twist.
The creative menu goes well beyond apple. Cannoli pie, blackberry maple, s’mores, creamy lemon, and chocolate peanut butter have all shown up.
Cookie lovers should look for oatmeal cream pies. The caramel and salted caramel fillings make them hard to resist.
The shop sits in downtown Wilmington on Princess Street. A riverfront stroll and a hand pie make a great evening plan.
Hours run Wednesday and Thursday from 3 PM to 10 PM. Saturday shifts earlier, from noon to 6 PM.
Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday are closed. Double-check your schedule before you head out.
Dine-in seating lets you enjoy your slice right there. Coffee is available for anyone who wants a warm drink alongside.
Prices land on the budget-friendly side. Paid garages, lots, and street parking are close by downtown.
Address: 129 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Tullio’s Bakery
Beach towns aren’t only for summer, and Tullio’s Bakery proves it. This Duck favorite gives you a tasty reason to visit the Outer Banks in fall.
The bakery is down-to-earth and well stocked. Cakes, doughnuts, pies, breads, and bagels all share the spotlight.
Apple pie gets strong praise here. The apple crumb pie is another tasty pick when you want a crunchy topping.
Cherry pie and pecan pie are big hits as well. Some folks make the pecan pie a yearly tradition for special occasions.
Apple fritters come with chunks of apple inside. That’s a breakfast upgrade worth setting an alarm for.
Speaking of breakfast, sandwiches are on the menu too. Pair one with coffee and save the pie for later.
Tullio’s opens every day at 7 AM. It closes at 4 PM Monday through Saturday and at 3 PM on Sunday.
Many days stay busy from morning into afternoon. Arriving early gives you the best shot at your favorite pie.
Free parking lots and street parking help. There’s no restroom on site, so plan your stops around that.
North Carolina’s coast in autumn is calmer and lovely. A pie from Duck might be the sweetest souvenir you bring home.
Address: 1187 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
