There's nothing quite like the taste of fresh-picked fruits and vegetables. And for some reason, they taste that much better when you've picked them yourself. While we might all dream of having our own bountiful gardens, the reality doesn't always happen. Fortunately, there are many farms and orchards in Virginia that will do the growing for you - all you have to do is harvest the goodness. Check out these 11 pick-your-own farms and orchards to get the best of the late summer crops and early fall apple and pumpkin harvests.
1. Hollins Farm, Delaplane
Located just next to Sky Meadows State Park in Fauquier County, Hollins Farm is a country oasis about 45 minutes from the Washington, D.C. beltway. The farm currently has apples, pumpkins, potatoes, winter squash, gourds, lettuce, turnip greens, broccoli rabe, Napa cabbage, bok choy and mustard greens available to pick. Check them out here.
2. Mackintosh Fruit Farm, Berryville
This family-owned farm offers pick-your-own fruits, berries and vegetables, along with a farm-fresh market stand and one-of-a-kind farm dinners. Come by now to pick pumpkins, apples (Golden Delicious, Jonagolds, Honey Crisp, Early Fuji, Crimson Crisp and Gala), Asian pears, cucumbers, peppers, eggplant, greens, green beans, squash and tomatoes. Learn more or get weekly picking updates at Mackintosh Fruit Farm.
3. Stribling Orchard, Markham
For pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, be sure to check out Stribling Orchard at Mountain View Farm in Markham. Apples are now available (pick-your-own peaches just ended July - August), along with cider, honey, jams, jellies, salsas, hot sauces, local cheese, local eggs, Virginia peanuts, cookbooks and fresh baked goods in the farm market. Be sure to try some cider while you stroll through the grounds featuring historic buildings, farm animals and the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
4. Marker-Miller Orchards, Farm Market and Bakery, Winchester
At Marker-Miller's there's fun for the whole family. Currently, they have 12 varieties of apples available to pick, along with pumpkins and winter squash. When you're done, be sure to check out the farm market, the kid's playground and "Kiddie Land" or take a wagon ride. Learn more about hours and availability here.
5. Dickie Brothers Orchard, Roseland
There are family businesses and then there are family TRADITIONS. For more than 260 years, the Dickie family has owned their orchard land. Today, they grow over 15 different varieties of apples, as well as peaches, nectarines, plums, blackberries, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and more. Currently, apples and pumpkins are available for pick-your-own, with many other varieties of fresh produce available in the market along with jams, jellies and apple butter. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains close to Crabtree Falls, the views are the only thing better than the produce. Learn more or plan your visit here.
6. Henley Farms, Virginia Beach (Pungo)
This family-owned and operated farm has been in the Henley Family for three generations. Featuring pick-your-own fruits and vegetables - and Christmas trees for those who are planning ahead - Henley Farms also offers a farm market located on-site. Plan your visit here.
7. Westmoreland Berry Farm, Oak Grove
This beautiful riverside farm on the Northern Neck is more than just "a farm" - its a destination. Featuring pick-your-own berry fields, a goat walk, a petting zoo and a Country Store and Cafe with homemade goods, local produce and gifts, Westmoreland Berry Farm has something for everyone. Learn more about the farm or plan your trip here.
8. Pebble Hall Wildflowers and Herbs, Weyers Cave
Pebble Hall offers a wide array of wildflowers, as well as more than 40 herb varieties and Mesclun leaf lettuce. While you're there, learn more about edible plants like nasturtiums, dandelions and marigolds, discover local history, learn to identify local birds, flowers and insects and much more. Be sure to check out Pebble Hall Wildflowers to learn more about their hours and upcoming events.
9. Gross Orchard, Bedford
Located at the foot of the Peaks of Otter, this family owned and operated orchard has been specializing in mountain grown peaches and apples for generations. While the peach season has just wrapped up, apples are ready for picking now. Also, be sure to check out their market for fresh produce, jams, jellies, country ham and bacon and fresh apple cider. Learn more and plan to visit their upcoming Apple Harvest Festival here.
10. Doe Creek Farm, Pembroke
Set in the idyllic mountains of Southwest Virginia, Doe Creek Farm is a 400-acre farm offering pick-your-own apples, including Jonafree, Jonagold, Honeygold, Liberty, Royal Empire, SnowSweet, Grimes, Ultra Gold, Enterprise, Candy Crisp, Myra Fuji, Stamared and Mutsu. Come for the apples, or come for the view…it's a good deal either way. Learn more here.
11. Windy Hill Orchard, Ararat
For more than 100 years, the Noonkester Family has been growing apples, peaches and cherries. Currently, they have apples ready to pick along with fresh pressed raw apple cider made on-site while you watch every Thursday during apple season. Be sure to pick up some fresh fruit butters, jams and apple sauce after you pick. Learn more or get directions here.
There are many more farms that offer berries, fruits and spring and summer vegetables, but are either closed for the season or have ended their pick-your-own season. Be sure to let us know about some of your favorites in the comments below so we can revisit them in the spring!
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