Fall is apple orchard time here in Central Virginia. Whether you choose Golden Delicious, Gala, Red Delicious, Pink Lady, Fuji apples or some of all the varieties, apples are packed with vitamins and fiber, but low in calories. Now's the time to enjoy fall family fun at one of these orchards.
Morris Orchard, located at 226 Tobacco Row Lane in Monroe, reopens for apple season on Sept. 9. Kids love the hay bale creations and farm animals at Morris Orchard. There's a great selection of apples, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch and apple cider too. In October, you can also enjoy fresh apple cider donuts. Morris Orchard is open Monday through Saturday from 9-5. Morris Orchard is open some Sundays in season.
Pick your own apples at Silver Creek & Seamans' Orchards in Tyro and Roseland or visit anytime for pre-picked apples. Market hours are Monday through Saturday from 10-4:30 and Sunday from 1-5. September PYO dates are Sept. 10-11 at Silver Creek Orchard in Tyro and Sept. 17-18 at Seamans' Orchard in Roseland. October PYO dates are Oct. 8-9 at Silver Creek Orchard. The pumpkin patch is open Oct. 1-30 for PYO pumpkins. Apple Butter Festival dates for 2016 are Oct. 1 and Oct. 15. Pink Lady Fun Day is Oct. 29.
Drumheller's Orchard, located at 1130 Drumheller Orchard Lane in Lovingston, reopens for apple season on Sept. 6. Drumheller’s is open Monday through Saturday from 9-5 and 12-5 on Sundays. Drumhellers will hold two apples festivals this fall, on Sept. 24-25 and Oct. 15-16. The festivals feature hayrides, a pumpkin patch, corn maze, games for the kids, arts and crafts, music and more. Festival weekend hours are 9-5 on Saturday and Sunday.
Johnson's Orchards, located at 2122 Sheep Creek Road in Bedford, is open daily from noon to 5 p.m. into mid-December. In addition to apples, you'll find cider, pumpkins and farm animals. There's also find a big selection of wines at Peaks of Otter Winery next door with free tastings each weekend.
Gross' Orchards, located at 6817 Wheats Valley Road in Bedford, is open year-round Monday through Saturday from 8-6. Pick your own apples or purchase pre-picked apples and enjoy wagon rides every day. There's a blacksmith on site on Saturdays. Mark your calendar for Gross' Apple Harvest Festival on Oct. 15.
Saunders Brothers Orchard and Farm Market, located at 2717 Tye Brook Highway in Piney River, is open Monday through Saturday from 9-6 through mid-November. You'll find apples and more at the orchard and market every day. Saunders Brothers celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2015. There are special events each Saturday from September through mid-December, including Product Sampling on Sept. 10, Fall Pansy Sale on Oct. 1, Farm Animals Day on Oct. 15, Apple Tasting and Children’s Halloween Costume Contest on Oct. 29, Apple Butter Making on Nov. 5, and special holiday events in late November and early December.
Carter Mountain Orchard, located at 1435 Carters Mountain Trail in Charlottesville, is open daily from 10-5 from April to June, daily from 9-6 through early November, daily from 9-5 during November and weekends from 10-5 until mid-December. During fall, enjoy hayrides, PYO apples, apple cider donuts and more. Check out the Thursday Evening Sunset Series, 6-9 PM with free admission and live music. Plan ahead for family fun with Johnny Appleseed Birthday on Sept. 17-18 and the Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 30.
