Farming has long been in Virginian’s blood. So when the leaves begin to change and the air starts to chill, there’s only one thing to do: apple picking. Many orchards from colonial days still exist here, and the land is still tended to. Carry on the fine tradition of living off the rich Virginia land by visiting on of these 10 apple orchards throughout the fall!
Join the sixth generation of Striblings to own this orchard in Markham, Virginia, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, to pick your next bushel of apples. Apple trees take up 30 acres with all kinds of different types, including Honey Crisp, Gala, McIntosh, Empire, and Cortland apples. The prices differ depending on volume, but start at $1.50 per pound.
Johnson’s Apple Orchards is located in Bedford, Virginia. The farm is in “Appleseed Country,” seated on 200-plus acres with 7,500 apple trees planted. Johnson’s Orchards even created their own apple, called the “Gold Nugget.” U-pick isn’t available every day, so make sure to call ahead of time to find out when the next day is scheduled.
The Marker-Miller Orchards include a farm market and bakery, along with family activities like hay rides, cow train, and a playground. Pick-your-own is available seasonally. Stop by in July to pick peaches, raspberries, blackberries, and tomatoes. August adds Ginger Gold apples and Gala apples. And throughout September and October, 12 new varieties of apples ripen and become available.
Fill your basket with the latest and ripest produce at Great Country Farms in Bluemont, Virginia. Apples become available for picking in the fall, along with gourds, potatoes, and pumpkins. Weekly admission is $8 per child and $10 per adult.
Mackintosh Fruit Farm in Berryville, Virginia, is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday for pick-your-own goodness. It is free to come pick at the farm—you just pay for what you pick. Currently available for picking are Honey Crisp apples, pawpaws, peaches, Gala, Ginger Gold, and Fuji apples, among many more items.
Levering Orchard saw its beginnings in 1908. Although it started as an apple orchard, Levering has expanded to cherry’s and peaches, too. U-pick apples become available at the end of July and last until Labor Day weekend, with fall apples ripening around mid-September.
Morris Orchard in Monroe, Virginia, is open every day of the week except Sunday. They are a family owned and operated farm that grows apples, peaches, blueberries, and blackberries. Morris Orchard offers limited pick-your-own options on apples, including Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Winesap.
Ayers Orchard has been in business for over 100 years and is today a family owned and operated venture. They grow cherries, peaches, and apples, primarily, with apples becoming available for picking season at the end of June. The dates are approximate, so make sure to call ahead of time to ensure the picking’s still good.
Dickie Brother’s Orchard has existed in one form or another since 1750. Join a staggeringly long tradition of eating off the land with their pick-your-own apple offerings. Simply adhere to a few rules, and you’ll have a fantastic time picking your own apples: no climbing trees, throwing apples, littering, culling, or using ladders, and you’ll be good to go.
Pick your own apples and then have the folks at Silver Creek use them for cider. Silver Creek Orchards has several pick-your-own apple days throughout September and October. Keep in mind that the events will go on, rain or shine. Check the website for a full listing of dates and varieties available during those times.