As the first day of fall approaches, many of us start to think about activities that focus on the crisp weather and seasonal harvest. If it’s not on your list of fall family traditions yet, consider adding a trip to the local apple orchard! There is no better way to welcome the new season than by enjoying a day of picking apples, sipping apple cider, and munching on apple cider donuts!
If you’re looking for good September apple picking, your best bets are: Macintosh, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Jonalicious, Cortland and Red Delicious.
Remember to call the orchard before heading out on your picking pilgrimage to be sure the apples you’re hoping to enjoy are ready for the picking.
Westmoreland Berry Farm and Orchard is open from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sundays. They have lots of apples available ready-picked in their market but do not offer pick-your-own apples. They do have tons of fall events and pumpkin picking starting Friday 9/22.
Graves Mountain Farm is open throughout the week from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Pick-your-own opens in September for various apple varieties.
Hollins Farm is normally open Wednesday through Sunday and has apples, pumpkins and dig your own peanuts and potatoes.
Hartland Orchard is open Monday through Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The orchard also has apple butter, orchard honey, and apple cider for sale.
Stribling Orchard is open Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Harvest House also offers cider, honey, jams, jellies, salsas, hot sauces, local cheese, local eggs, Virginia peanuts, cookbooks, fresh baked goods, and more!
Carter Mountain Orchard is open Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (see site for closings and alternate hours). They have the cutest store, offer amazing food by our friend Chef Stefan, great cider and cider donuts, and pumpkins, (plus that's where Bold Rock hard cider is)!
