As soon as the fall leaves start to hit the ground, the apples are ready to be picked. The crisp temperatures of Virginia make it a great place to find the fruit in different varieties, including Granny Smith, Fuji, Golden Delicious, and others.
Like in Ellijay, Georgia, the area outside of Richmond, including near Charlottesville, is the perfect place to visit for fall apple picking and fun on the farm. There is also apple picking near Washington DC. Pack up the car and load up on apple cider doughnuts and hard cider!
The Best Places for Apple Picking in Virginia
Carter Mountain Orchard, Charlottesville
If you’re near Charlottesville, don’t miss the chance to go to Carter Mountain Orchard, an apple orchard with a restaurant, store, and a tasting room for Bold Rock, a hard cider company. It offers incredible views of the Shenandoah Mountains. They also have peach orchards in Afton and Crozet.
Dickie Brothers Orchard, Roseland
Dickie Brothers is south of Charlottesville in Roseland and has been owned by the same family since 1750. The orchard has varieties like Pink Lady, Gala, and Fuji.
Drumheller’s Orchard, Lovingston
Drumheller’s Orchard, between Charlottesville and Lynchburg, has been open since 1937 and grows both apples and peaches. Different varieties are available from summer to fall, including Lodi and honey crisp.
Fruit Hill Orchard, Palmyra
Tucked between Richmond and Charlottesville, Fruit Hill Orchard started as a family business in Winchester in 1929. It’s continued into offering U-pick, Christmas trees, and even overnight accommodations in their cottages.
Ikenberry Orchards, Daleville
In the area around Roanoke, Ikenberry Orchards has been family owned and operated for five generations. Visitors love the sixteen varieties for sale in the country store.
Johnson’s Orchards, Bedford
Johnson’s Orchards is not far off the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it the perfect detour. The 200-acre farm has over 7,000 apple trees of varying styles for U-Pick.
Stribling Orchard, Markham
The family-run Stribling Orchard has been in operation for over 200 years. The Harvest House shop sells apples, along with other vegetables, jellies, cider, and even grass-fed beef.
Tips for Apple Picking in Virginia
Looking for even more? The Virginia Apple Industry has an extensive list of active apple orchards throughout the state along with what to expect at each.
Looking for a place to eat near Virginia’s apple orchards? Many of these farms also have restaurants. For a place to stay in the region, Crown Orchard in Rustburg offers a farm stay through Airbnb.
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