As summer winds down, fall fruits gain color and a new harvest season starts. Apple picking is a classic turn-of-the-season activity, and orchards around the Washington metropolitan area open their doors to visitors wanting to fill baskets and bellies.
It's been a rough year for apples in Northern Virginia, with a late freeze damaging crops. Several local orchards, including Mackintosh Fruit Farm, Stribling Orchard and Marker Miller Orchards, told Patch they've canceled or curtailed apple picking at their orchards this season, though other fruits and vegetables are available.
Address: 34355 Snickersville Tnpk,, Bluemont, VA 20135
Season dates: Through Sept. 18
Details: U-Pick apples include Golden Delicious, September Fuji, Honey Gold, Crispin, and Gala. Apples, apple cider donuts and more are available for purchase at the farm market.
Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Wagon or RTV rides to the orchards begin at 9:15 a.m. with the last ride at 4 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $14 per adult Monday through Friday, $16 on Saturday and Sunday, though tickets can be purchased at a discount in advance. Tickets include a wagon ride to the orchard.
Details: Fuji, Empire, Wolf River, Grimes Golden, Golden Delicious, Johnagold, and Shizuka. Check the website to confirm availability. Fall vegetables and sunflowers are also available to pick or purchase.
Hours of operation: Hours can vary. From Sept. 9 through 11, the farm will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the last admission at 12:30 p.m. On Sept. 12 and 13 (Saturday and Sunday), the farm will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with last admission at 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 per peck of apples, with a buy three, get a fourth free this week.
Address: 3064 Hartland Ln., Markham, Virginia 22643
Season dates: August through October
Details: Apple picking is open every day. Gala, Golden Delicious and Honey Crips are currently available, though the farm recommends calling to check daily availability in advance. Cider and honey is also available for purchase.
Hours of operation: Daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Apples are $25 per half bushel, or $15 per peck. The farm accepts cash and checks only.
Because options are limited, Patch is adding orchard options slightly further afield:
Address: 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Season dates: mid-August through November
Details: The orchard has nearly a dozen types of apples to pick, though only Golden Delicious are listed as ready for picking right now. The others are available in the farm's market.
Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in the summer and early fall season
Cost: Free on most weekdays, $10 for visitors 12 and up on weekends during peak season. Prepaid baskets for u-pick apples start at $13.
Address: 22222 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876
Season dates: September and October
Details: The farm's apples were damaged by the late freeze, shortening their season. The orchard suggests calling or visiting the farm's social media to check picking conditions ahead of any visit. Apples and other produce are available from the farm market.
Hours of operation: Apple picking is on weekends only, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person for anyone over the age of two. At least one container must be purchased to pick.