Fall activities are back, and that includes autumnal festivals and fruit picking. A late April frost wiped out a lot of the apple blossoms in our area last spring, so be sure to check what’s available before heading out. While many local farms were hit, there are still plenty of appealing options around. Here’s the in-cider scoop on where to pick-your-own apples within 90 minutes of home.
Great Country Farms
With so much to do on this 400-acre farm—two pumpkin jumping pillows, a cow train, putt putt, mazes, the farm ninja course and the new mega slide—visitors may need a reminder to head to the orchards. And that’s a good thing as the orchards were hit hard by the late spring freeze. The farm is hosting apple picking on weekdays only this year, while supplies last. Check the “now picking” section of their website before you go to see what’s on offer. Meanwhile, its popular corn maze and fall harvest are going strong, and the farm says they’ve had a fantastic crop of gourds and pumpkins this year. Drive time: 1 hour. 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, Virginia
Butler’s Orchard
This family-owned and -operated farm is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, with apple picking on weekends only. Crimson Crisps and Fujis were ripe for the taking as of Sept. 12. Admission is $5 online or at the gate (kids under 2 are free). The farm suggests making a reservation to guarantee orchard access. Walk-ins are welcome only if there is availability. You can make a reservation for the weekend every Thursday at 5 p.m. Admission includes the Farm Park (giant slides, a playground, farm animal fun). Drive time: 45 minutes. 22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, Maryland
Hollin Farms
Good news for apple lovers here: Farm reps say the high elevation of their orchard in the Blue Ridge Mountains saved the apple crop from the spring cold snap, which settled down into the lower elevations. Honeycrisps ripens the earliest and were already available in late August. Check the website to see which varieties are ready as the season’s bounty moves to Wolf River, Empire, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Idared and Shizuka apples. Mix and match your batch for $25 per peck. While you’re there, you can also dig up your own potatoes for $1.50 per pound and snag other fall veggies, such as broccoli raab, arugula and mustard greens. Though it doesn’t offer bells and whistles (no playgrounds or animals), the farm does have a bakery that’s open on weekends selling apple cider doughnuts and other baked goods. They also raise and sell their own Angus beef. Drive time: 1 hour. 1524 Snowden Road, Delaplane, Virginia
Homestead Farm
Open Tuesday through Sunday this year, Homestead Farm charges a $4 admission fee, plus $2.49 per-pound of apples that you pick. Fill a container with Crimson Crisp, Daybreak, Fuji and Jonagolds. Stop by the market for some apple cider and veggies to take home, too, including tomatoes, okra, beans and kale. Drive time:Â 50 minutes. 15604 Sugarland Road, Poolesville, Maryland
Mackintosh Fruit Farm
No reservations are necessary to pick Fuji, Pink Lady and Evercrisp apples at this farm, where you can also pick Asian pears, eggplant and herbs. Plan on some adults-only time in the Cider Room, which serves local hard ciders, wines, craft beers and appetizers (think charcuterie boards and pretzel bites). For a setting that’s more kid-friendly, the Mackintosh Farm Café has quiche, chicken pot pie, and pumpkin and apple cider doughnuts. In fact, this farm is the first stop on the 302-mile Virginia apple cider doughnut trail. Drive time: 1 hour, 30 minutes. 1608 Russell Road, Berryville
Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market
This farm’s ownership dates back three generations to 1908. This year’s yield was affected by the late spring freeze, so some apple varieties may be limited or available only in the farm store. Presently visitors can pick Yatika, Fuji and Golden Delicious, although operators caution that these crops could be picked out quickly. There is plenty of other fall fun to be had here, including a large playground with a climbing wall, tractor, wagon and castle. Let the kids run while you visit the farm market bakery for apple cider doughnuts and fresh veggies. Drive time: 1 hour, 30 minutes. 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester
Larriland Farm
Crimson Crisp and Autumn Crisp apples are ripe and ready, but be sure to check the website in advance to confirm availability, as Larriland’s apple harvest is a little lighter this year. Operators say the picking options will be unpredictable this year, with some tree varieties producing plenty of apples, while others have only a few. Other fall festivities are in full swing on weekends, with homemade apple fritters, live music, mazes and the boo barn and hayrides for kids. The hayride takes a 20-minute jaunt around the property for $4, passing through a stream and woods decorated with handcrafted storybook characters. Head to the Red Barn Farm Market for peaches, sweet corn, exotic mushrooms and local cheeses and honeys. Drive time: 1 hour. 2415 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, Maryland
Stribling Orchard
This fall, the sixth generation of Stribling owners welcomes visitors Wednesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to pick Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Gala and McIntosh apples. Bring a picnic or buy lunch at the Harvest House and Bakery on weekends, where you can grab a cup of fresh apple cider and honey, jams, jellies and hot sauce. Want to stock your meat freezer with grass-fed Angus beef? Order ahead on the website to pick up a quarter, half or whole cow when you visit. Drive time: 1 hour. 11587 Poverty Hollow Lane, Markham, Virginia
Hartland Orchard
Apple picking started Labor Day weekend and continues through October at this family-owned working farm. They are open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Gala and Golden Delicious apples were ready for picking in mid-September, with more varieties to come soon. Apples are $20 for a half bushel. Apple cider is coming soon. Drive time: 1 hour. 3064 Hartland Lane, Markham, Virginia