Photo Credit: Hollin Farms
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Nothing says fall quite like heading to an orchard and filling a bag with crisp apples. Whether your family is looking for a simple pick-your-own outing or a full day of hayrides, apples and festival fun, these Virginia orchards within driving distance of the ’Burg offer plenty of ways to celebrate apple season!
1. Carter Mountain Orchard
Drive Time From Downtown FXBG: About 1 hour 40 minutes
Just outside Charlottesville, Carter Mountain Orchard pairs apple picking with one of the area’s best-known mountain views. Families can head into the orchard to pick their own apples or stop by the Country Store for pre-picked varieties.
The treats are part of the experience, too. Apple cider doughnuts and apple cider slushies make an easy post-picking reward, while pumpkins and specialty items offer even more reasons to browse before heading home.
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. Ticketed admission on weekends begins Sept. 12.
2. Great Country Farms
Drive Time From Downtown FXBG: About 1 hour 35 minutes
At Great Country Farms, getting to the apples is part of the adventure. Families can hop aboard a wagon for a ride out to the pick-your-own orchard before filling their bags with apples.
The Bluemont farm is a fun option for families who want more than a quick orchard stop and don’t mind traveling a little farther for a fall day trip. Pair your apple-picking adventure with one of the farm’s many fall festivals for even more seasonal fun.
Hours: Sept. 1–30, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
3. Hollin Farms
Drive Time From Downtown FXBG: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Head to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains for a classic pick-your-own experience at Hollin Farms. The family-run farm offers apple picking from late August through October, with different varieties ripening throughout the season. Depending on when you visit, families may find favorites such as Honeycrisp, Fuji and other varieties ready for picking. The farm also offers seasonal vegetables and other fall crops, making it easy to bring home more than apples.
Hours: Hours and picking days vary, so check the farm’s website before you go for that week’s schedule.
4. Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges
Drive Time From Downtown FXBG: About 1 hour 20 minutes
If you’re looking to turn apple picking into a full fall day trip, Graves Mountain’s annual Apple Harvest Festival packs plenty into an autumn weekend.
Families can pick apples in the orchards and then stick around for traditional festival activities, including hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, hay mountain and hay maze. There’s also a pumpkin patch, making it possible to check apples and pumpkins off your fall bucket list in one trip.
Hours: Oct. 3–4, 10–11 and 17–18; 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
5. Hartland Orchard
Drive Time From Downtown FXBG: About 1 hour 15 minutes
For families who prefer a more traditional pick-your-own experience, Hartland Orchard keeps things simple. Grab a bag, head into the orchard and pick your own apples to bring home for snacking, baking or making your favorite fall recipes.
One important thing to know before you go: Hartland Orchard accepts cash or check only, so plan accordingly.
Hours: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. daily through late October.
Before You Go
Apple availability can change quickly depending on weather, crowds and what’s ripe in the orchard. Check with the farm before making the drive, especially if you’re hoping to pick a particular variety. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and don’t forget to make a little extra room in the car for cider doughnuts for the ride home.
Then all that’s left is deciding what to do with your haul: apple pie, apple crisp, homemade applesauce or simply eating them straight from the bag.
