The 10 Best Places to Go Apple-Picking in Virginia
The apple picking season in Virginia runs from early August through October. Mid-September to mid-October is, however, the preferred time for most folks. This is as this period falls in the autumn season, and I think we can all agree that nothing beats spending a crisp autumn day with our significant others. So, are you looking for apple picking places in Virginia? Here are the top ten places you should consider adding to your bucket list.
10. Vintage Virginia Apples – North Garden
Address: 2545 Rural Ridge Ln, North Garden, VA 22959, United States
It is also known as Albemarle Cider Works. According to ALBE Marle Cider Works, Vintage Virginia Apples was founded in 2000 by the Shelton family. It is home to many unique and extraordinary apple tree varieties, both heirlooms and more recent. However, these older trees are becoming increasingly rare due to commercial marketing. While apples are the most popular products, Vintage Virginia Apples also make their cider freshly sold at the farm. Head over to Vintage Virginia Apples and experience a vibrant universe of texture, flavor, and scent.
9. Hollin Farms
Address: 1584 Snowden Rd, Delaplane, VA 20144
Hollin Farm is a fourth-generation farm located high on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, next To Sky Meadows State Park in Fauquier County, Virginia. It is well known for its grass-fed beef, Angus cattle, and pick-your-own fruits and vegetable offers. Apples are among their most popular products. Thus, they have pick-your-own apples offers from September through October. There are many varieties of apples to pick from, such as Gold Rush, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Golden Delicious. However, like any other place, there are rules which include; no bringing backpacks, bags, large purses, or picnic items into the orchard. Adhere to these, and you will enjoy your time picking apples with your loved ones. Additionally, you get to enjoy a breathtaking view of the countryside.
8. Stribling Orchard
Address: 11587 Poverty Hollow Ln, Markham, VA 22643
Stribling Orchard is another mind-blowing apple picking destination for you and your family this fall. Six generations of the Stribling family have farmed it for 200 years. Apple trees take up to 30 acres of land with different varieties, including Honey Crisp, Gala, Empire, McIntosh, and Cortland apples. Are you looking to enjoy your day in the country? Stribling is the place for you. Relax, bring a picnic and enjoy the astounding views of the Blue Ridge mountains. According to Stribling Orchard, they have a harvest house where they offer cider, honey, jams, jellies, salsa, hot sauces, baked goods, and many more.
7. Drumheller’s Orchard
Address: 1130 Drumheller Orchard Ln, Lovingston, VA 22949, United States
Founded in 1937 in Lovingston, Drumheller’s orchard is a fifth-generation family-owned and operated farm. It has attained a reputation for its wide variety of great-tasting apples. Drumheller’s orchard is also a great destination for family bonding. Besides apple picking, there are tons of festivals like hayrides to the pumpkin patch, corn maze, and apple slingshots. Additionally, they have a sales area and a kitchen offering baked goods such as pies and cakes, jams, jellies, and ice cream.
6. Great Country Farm
Address: 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, VA 20135, United States
It is situated at the base of the Blue Ridge mountains; the great country farm is a 400 acres farm owned by the Zurschmeide Family since the 1970s. It is well known for its unique ability to farm in a difficult climate. Whether young or old, there is something for everyone as they also offer activities such as riding the Cow Train, solving the giant mazes, pumpkin jumping pillow, making friends with the goats, and hooking the big one at the fishing pond. Additionally, they have a farmers’ market and have cider and a variety of baked goods available for sale.
5. Johnson’s Orchard
Address: 1218 Elmos Rd, Bedford, VA 24523, United States
Johnson’s orchard is beautifully situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and at the foot of the Peaks of Otter. It is a family-owned and operated farm of about 200 acres. They have around 7500 apple trees with almost 200 different varieties. Apart from picking your own gardens, they also have exciting events and festivals like Long Strange Night and Horse & Hound wine festival. This way, there is no shortage of options of things you could do during your visit.
4. Carter Mountain Orchard and Country Store
Address: 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States
It is easily one of the most popular apple picking spots in Virginia. However, apple picking is far from the only thing the farm has to offer. You and your family will get to pick apples while enjoying the breathtaking view of the valley below and the fresh mountain air. Nonetheless, they host events and are famous for their apple cider donuts. It is the perfect place to enjoy cider as you watch the sunset over the acres of trees.
3. Cullipher Farm
Address: 772 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457
It is home to a wide variety of fruits. There are around 20 different types of fruits, including apples, strawberries, blueberries, melons, and many others. Pick-your-own apple practice is especially done during the fall season. Cullipher Farm Market also provides a new corn maze each fall, thus making it a family-friendly destination.
2. Dickie Brothers Orchard
Address: 2685 Dickie Rd, Roseland, VA 22967, United States
Dickie Brothers Orchard, which has been there since 1750, is one of the USA’s oldest and same family-owned and operated farms. They grow about 100 acres of apples with about 15 different varieties for you to choose from, including; McIntosh, Paula Red, Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Stayman, Rome, Winesap, Fuji, Empire, Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Pink Lady, Golden Supreme, and Jonagold. However, you need to follow a few rules, such as no climbing trees, throwing apples, littering, and others.
1. Fruit Hill Orchard
Address: 2745 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Palmyra, VA 22963, United States
The orchard has been in business for five generations. They have over 2000 fruit trees and annually plant other vegetables offering you a huge variety to choose from when you visit. Their apple season starts from mid-July and continues through late October. They also offer baked goods and various other products during winter. It is the best-rated orchard in Virginia as of 2021.
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