Fall activities are back, and that includes autumnal festivals and fruit picking. For the second year in a row, a spring frost wiped out a lot of the apple blossoms in the D.C. area, so be sure to check what’s available before heading out. Our list is much shorter this year (Butler’s Orchard and Stribling Orchard have no apple picking). While many local farms were hit, there are still plenty of appealing options. Here’s the in-cider scoop (see what we did there?) 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. The owners estimate that about 60% of the apple crop survived the April frost, so visit soon before they sell out. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., apple picking is while supplies last and only available in September. A ticket provides access to the orchard, fall corn maze and 15-acre play area. Apples are sold separately by the pound. Check the “now picking” section of their website before you go to see what’s on offer. Drive time: 1 hour. 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, Virginia
Hollin Farms
The high elevation of this orchard in the Blue Ridge Mountains helps protect apples, as frost settles in the lower elevations. Hollin’s first apple of the season, Honeycrisps, became available in late August, and Pink Ladies will be the last to ripen at the end of October. Check the website to see which varieties are ready as the season’s bounty moves through Wolf River, Empire, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Idared and Shizuka apples. While you’re there, you can also dig up your own potatoes 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, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Homestead Farm charges a $4 admission fee, plus $2.49 per-pound of apples that you pick. The farm’s apple crop was devastated by the spring frost and only the Crimson Crispss survived. If the picking is sparse, you can still stop by the market for pre-picked apples from Pennsylvania, apple cider, freshly harvested veggies that Homestead grows on site (tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic) and fall mums, squash and pumpkins. Drive time:Â 50 minutes. 15604 Sugarland Road, Poolesville, Maryland
Mackintosh Fruit Farm
Apple picking is limited here this year, and the farm is offering a special on pre-picked Honeycrisps: 25 lbs for $45. However, you can also pick tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, green beans and fresh flowers. 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). The Mackintosh Farm Café serves 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 year’s yield was affected by the late spring freeze, so there is no apple picking at this farm whose ownership dates back three generations to 1908. However, visitors can select apples from bins in the orchard Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October. Apple-lovers will find additional varieties (Gala, Ginger Gold, Autumn Crisp, Sweet Mia and more) in the farm market, along with produce such as pears, cucumbers, tomatoes and corn. The farm’s sweet shop offers fresh-made fudge and hand-dipped ice cream, and there’s plenty of fall fun for kids, including a large playground with a climbing wall, tractor, wagon and castle. Drive time: 1 hour, 30 minutes. 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester
Larriland Farm
New this year, visitors must purchase a field ticket for $3 to enter Larriland’s pick-your-own fields. The proceeds will fund the purchase of frost protection equipment to safeguard crops from extreme weather in the future. Pay for the fruit you pick by the container. Apples are $8 for 1/4 peck; $15 for 1/2 peck. Be sure to check the website in advance to confirm availability. Larriland’s Fall Festival, $14, is in full swing on weekends, with live music, mazes, a boo barn and hayrides for kids. 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
Hartland Orchard
Apple picking started Labor Day weekend and continues through October at this family-owned working farm, open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. As of mid-September, the offerings included Gala, Honey Crisp and Golden Delicious apples for $25 a half bushel or $15 a peck. There are no peaches this year. The spring freeze severely reduced the size of that fruit crop and it is already sold out. Drive time: 1 hour. 3064 Hartland Lane, Markham, Virginia
