Fall is coming, and although it’s sad that summer is ending, the start of fall does mean the start of the annual tradition of apple picking! Picking your own apples means you can make homemade apple pie, cider, and more. The prime time to go apple picking in Virginia is generally from late August or early September to the beginning of November. Here are Tripping.com’s six best places to go apple picking in Virginia.
First, Plan Your Trip To Virginia!
Where To Go Apple Picking In Virginia This Fall
1. Stribling Orchard
11587 Poverty Hollow Lane, Markham, VA 22643
Stribling Orchard has apples available from mid-August to the beginning of November. They also have fresh cider starting in September. There are also farm animals and gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stribling Orchard is open from 9am to 5pm Tuesdays through Sundays.
2. Carter Mountain Orchard
1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22901
If you visit on a Thursday from May to September, you can sit on the mountain with hard cider and live music until 9pm. From June to the beginning of November Carter Mountain Orchard is open from 9am to 6pm. From November 6th through November 27th the orchard is open from 9am to 5pm. The orchard is open on the weekends in December depending on the weather.
3. Marker-Miller Orchards
3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, VA 22602
Marker-Miller Orchards has 325 acres of apples. They also have apricots, peaches, and plums. Marker-Miller Orchards is open from June to October from 9am to 6pm Monday through Friday and 9am to 6pm on Saturdays. The orchard is open on Sundays in September and October from 12pm to 5pm.
4. Vintage Virginia Orchards
2545 Rural Ride Lane, North Garden, VA 22959
Vintage Virginia Orchards has a wide variety of apples, which fall into the three categories of Cider, Culinary, and Dessert apples. There are also seven types of homemade cider, including Old Virginia Winseap, Ragged Mountain, and Brut D’Albemarle. The ciders are available in the Tasting Room. Vintage Virginia Orchards is open all year from 11am to 5pm Wednesday through Sunday.
5. Hartland Orchard
3064 Hartland Lane, Markham, VA 22643
Hartland Orchard has 16 varieties of apples available, such as Summer Rambo, Rome Beauty, and Red Delicious. There are also strawberries, blueberries, cherries, pumpkins, and Christmas trees. Hartland Orchard is open everyday from 9am to 5pm.
6. Great Country Farms
18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135
Great Country Farms has a variety of attractions besides the apple orchards. Make a day of apple picking by taking a wagon ride, going fishing, and finding your way through a maze, which is available year round. Apples are available from late August to the middle of October. Honey Crisp apples are available in August. In September and October you can choose from more varieties of apples, such as Ruby Jon, Jonagold, Gala, and Candy Crisp. Great Country Farms is open daily from 9am to 6pm and dogs are more than welcome to join you.
This article was written by Colleen Regan.