Finally, the heat wave is over, and we are ready for crisp weather and all things fall. We are fortunate in the Northern Virginia area to have many great local places to pick apples. Enjoy the fall colors on a quick day trip to any of these local apple orchards. Here are some of our favorites.
Stribling Orchard
This Markham orchard has been around since 1812 in nearby Markham, Virginia just off Route 66W. They have 35 acres of orchards where you can pick your own apples through November and a bakery that’s open on weekends. You can choose from many varieties including Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Stayman, Fuji, Grimes Golden, Rome, Granny Smith, Braeburn, York and Pink Lady.
Each of these orchards offers their own twist on the pick-your-own-apple experience. You really can’t go wrong with any, or all, of these. Start filling up your fall calendar now!
Marker-Miller Orchard
Take a day trip to the country at this Winchester orchard. They have 325 acres of apples including many varieties that you can pick. They offer Granny Smith, Fuji, Ida Red, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Stayman, Cameo, Rome and Nittany apples. You can also buy delicious baked goods, ice cream and fudge from their sweet shop. They offer Peaks of Otter fruit wines, which are fermented in apple juice and have a distinct flavor. Pack a picnic, or purchase food and enjoy at one of their picnic tables. This orchard is dog friendly.
Carter Mountain Orchard
This family-owned and operated orchard is in Charlottesville next to Monticello and Michie Tavern. They are located on top of a mountain, so while you’re picking your own apples you can enjoy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Piedmont and Charlottesville. You can buy prepicked or pick-your-own apples through November.
Enjoy lunch at the Mountain Grille or taste wines on site. You can shop for local crafts, pumpkins, gourmet food products, jams, jellies, apple butter and apple cider at their country store. Satisfy your sweet tooth with goodies from their bakery including fresh-baked pies, cookies, hand-dipped ice cream and apple cider donuts.
Vintage Virginia Orchards
This North Garden orchard offers a variety of apples. They categorize their apples by cider, dessert or culinary apples. Albemarle CiderWorks offers several varieties of apple cider including Brut D’Albemarle, Ragged Mountain and Old Virginia Winesap. The orchard hosts workshops for people who may want to start growing apples for a hobby or a business.
Henley’s Orchard
Located in Crozet, Virginia, this orchard has apples until the end of October. Late-season apples are kept in cold storage and available until April. Pay a visit to The Packing Shed during growing season, where they offer homemade preserves, ice cream, apple cider donuts and apples. The Packing Shed is located on Route 810/White Hall Road between the towns of Crozet and White Hall.
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