"Fall" For Apples This Autumn: Shenandoah Valley Apple Picking, Apple Related Events and Much More!

Whether its going apple picking, sipping hot apple cider, bobbing for apples or biting into a fresh caramel apple—autumn is definitely apple season! For some, being able to experience the wonders of the fall season means having to pack up the car and trek out to the countryside. Residents of Arcadia Fieldstone are fortunate to live in an urban setting with the rural countryside only a short drive away! There are a number of fall festivities at your fingertips in Shenandoah Valley, including a number of apple-themed festivals and “pick your own apple” orchards!

Apple Picking

Fresh picked apples are an autumn staple; no fall season would be complete with them!

The apple picking experience is unparalleled—you get to see how the apples you pick are grown, work as a team to collect the best apples you can find, and at the end of the day create memories that will last a lifetime.

Apples from “pick your own” orchards are usually natural and organic—a much healthier option when compared to most store-bought apples. Almost all apple orchards offer a variety of types of apples—you can find red apples, green apples, sweet or tart apples, and so much more! One of the best perks to pick your own apple orchards—most farmers will let you sample the apples. By buying locally you not only know where your apples are coming from, but you are also supporting local businesses!

If you have not had the chance to pick an apple right off a free and take a bite out of it, I would highly suggest that you visit an apple orchard this fall season. Shenandoah Valley is home to a number of “pick your own apple” orchards worth checking out. Enjoy the wonderful autumn sweater weather and take a day to go apple picking!

Apple Picking Tips

Apple picking is a lot of fun, but can also be a little tricky. Be sure to follow these tips to find the best apples this fall.

1. The apples you pick should be round, firm, unbruised and insect-free.

2. Apples on the outside of a tree tend to be riper, as they have had more exposure to the sun.

3. A ripe apple can be pulled off a tree with one twist and tug. If you have to tug more than that it is not ripe yet!

4. Try to keep the stem of an apple when you pull it from the tree, if the stem is pulled off the apple may rot easily in that area.

5. Each time you select the perfect apple, be sure to place it gently in your bag to avoid easy bruising.

Nearby Apple Picking Orchards

Crooked Run Orchard: Purcellville, VA

Crooked Run Orchard is Purcellville’s only “pick your own” farm free to the public. They are known for their amazing fresh-squeezed apple cider and wide variety of apples.

Hartland Orchard: Markham, VA

Hartland Orchard is a family owned working farm best known for their apples and fresh pressed cider. In addition to the pick your own apple orchard, on fall weekends Hartland offer a corn maze, fun field, pumpkin patch and a giant pumpkin cannon!

Hollin Farms: Delaplane, VA

Hollin Farms is a four-generation family farm established in the early 1950’s. Not only do they offer a pick your own apple orchard and pumpkin patch, Hollin Farm is also home to “dig your own” potato and peanut patches and a free corn maze.

Stribling Orchard: Markham, VA

Stribling Orchard has been family run and operated for over 200 years, offering visitors nearly two-dozen varieties of apples on 30 acres of land. In addition to their apple orchards, Stribling offers pumpkins, local honey and cider. Their on-site bakery sells apple butter, pumpkin butter, local cheeses, preserves, homemade breads and much more. If you’re up for an adventure into Virginia’s magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains, be sure to stop by Stribling Orchard—one of America’s oldest orchards.

Apple-Themed Festivals

Everyone loves apple picking, but no autumn would be complete without a visit to an apple festival with fresh apple cider and apple butter! Here are a few apple-related events and festivals over the next new weeks to check out.

Apple Harvest Festival (at Marker-Miller Orchard): Winchester, VA- October 11 & 12

At Marker-Miller Orchard’s Apple Harvest Festival you can enjoy a warm slice of apple cobbler, sip on an apple cider slushie or go on a wagon ride around the farm. They offer cow train rides for the kids and music to enjoy in the afternoons, along with a “pick your own apple” orchard featuring over 20 types of apples! Check out their website for more information.

Looking for inspiration for a family weekend getaway or road trip? Venture into the heart of the Shenandoah Valley for some more fun and festive fall festivals!

Apple Day: Millboro, VA- October 11

This year Millboro will be combining their annual crafts fair and Apple Day for a truly remarkable event. At Apple Day you can go on a hayride, enjoy great food and blue grass music, and much more!

Apple Butter Festival (at Wade’s Mill): Raphine, VA- October 18

The Apple Butter Festival features live music, crafts, homemade bread, maple syrup and of course—apple butter! Check out their website for more information on this exciting event.

Apple Day (at Stonewall Jackson House): Lexington, VA- October 18

Stonewall Jackson House’s annual Apple Day is a fun family event offering historic music, games, arts and crafts, free hand-cranked on-site apple cider, homemade gingersnaps and much more!

Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the best apple picking orchards and fall festivals in the United States. Be sure to take advantage of yet another perk of living at Arcadia Fieldstone. Check out our new homes today!