Apple Season

When was the last time you went apple picking?

There's just something magical about that right-from-the-tree-run-down-your-chin first bite of one of autumn's standout fruits!

We have two U-Pick orchards pretty close by, and a couple more I've been to personally that are an easy day trip and include lovely, scenic drives to boot!

Gross Orchards is located off Wheat's Valley Rd. in Bedford County and they have started picking the first varieties of the season. Plus, if you go soon, you might just hit the end of peach season too!

Johnson's Orchard is beautifully situated at the base of the Peaks of Otter. They also have a tasting room for the Peaks of Otter Winery onsite, which is definitely a local experience you should have at least once. Be aware that the wines are mostly fruit based, and quite sweet!

If you're up for a little drive, check out:

Carter Mountain Orchard located near Charlottesville. The view is incredible, and they truly have it all up on the mountain. It's like a little slice of fall paradise. Through the end of September, they're also having a fun Thursday Evening Sunset Concert Series running that sounds like it's really worth checking out!

Doe Creek Farm is near Blacksburg and is nestled in a sweet setting that is part of the National Register of Historic Places. They open August 30th for the picking season. One thing that makes Doe Creek unique is their neat little rows of dwarf trees that are super easy to pick from! They've also curated a selection of less-common varieties including: Jonafree, Jonagold, Honeygold, Liberty, Honeycrisp (small amount), and Wolf River (small amount).