D.C. residents don’t have to go far to pick apples, eat cider doughnuts, or drink cider this fall.
September is one of the best months to go apple picking in the area, but area residents may not know exactly where to go. WTOP is here to help you get your fall fix with nine spots to grab your fall fix!
1/5
Homestead Farm
15604 Sugarland Rd., Poolesville, Maryland
Visitors can grab Honeycrisp and Crimsoncrisp apples at $1.99 per pound and the farm only charges $2 for admission into the farm. They open, rain or shine, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (If you’re planning for pumpkin season, they have a selection of gourds too!) Refreshments like apple cider are sold inside the farm as well!
Of course, if you’re just looking for a serene getaway, the farm’s goats and flowers will definitely do just that.
2/5
Waters Orchard
22529 Wildcat Rd., Germantown, Maryland
This beautiful farm is available to visitors for apple picking, and, by reservation, cider!
The Doc Waters Cidery is open on the farm on weekends throughout the fall, including on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. for Trivia. This year, the farm in Montgomery County is seating guests to the cidery via there website to help stem the spread of COVID-19. You can contact the farm online or or phone for more information! The hours are: Fridays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Butler’s Orchard
22222 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown, Maryland
Opening for apple picking, including on this Labor Day, Butler’s Orchard is ready for the fall season. Visitors can visit the farm to pick apples (and more), explore the Farmer’s Porch, purchase fresh food at the farm’s market and attend events like the Pumpkin festival. All this for only $3 and no reservation required.
Starting on Monday, Sept. 6, and stretching until Dec. 23, the Orchard Farm Park will open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Farmer’s Porch will open Saturday and Sunday only from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Read More: Leaving the city? DC region traffic is backed up ahead of Labor Day weekend.
3/5
Stribling Orchard
11587 Poverty Hollow Ln., Markham, Virginia
This family farm has been settled in place for the past 200 years, and is reopening their bakery this Labor Day for visiting customers.
Apple picking is available now, with fresh cider, pumpkins and more than seven bakery options — including a limited time only peach pie! Their chart says that Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples will be ripe for the eating this month. You can buy picked apples by the pound, Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Get there fast! Pickers aren’t allowed to enter the orchard after 4:30 p.m.
Crooked Run Orchard
37883 E. Main St., Purcellville, Virginia
Located in Virginia, this orchard has FREE admission and plenty of picking options. Gala apples, peaches, and blackberries are available to pick by the pound on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mackintosh Fruit Farm
1608 Russell Rd., Berryville, Virginia
This family-owned orchard costs $2 per person to pick and visitors only pay for what they pick. You can visit Thursday through Sunday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or until the farm is picked out. (You can also get a glimpse of Mackintosh Fruit Farm stock at the Clare County Farmer’s Market in Berryville on Saturdays through Halloween.)
Hartland Orchard
3064 Hartland Ln., Markham, Virginia
Apple picking season is here at Hartland Orchard, with availability until October. Visitors should call ahead to ensure that the farm is open, available, and ripe for the picking! They are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5/5
The Marker-Miller Orchard Farm Market
3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, Virginia
If you feel like venturing towards the Shenandoah National Park, you could stop by one of Winchester’s farm markets. Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market offers a playground, wagon rides, a cow train and options for apple picking throughout the season. This orchard is also pet friendly, outside of the market!
Plan ahead if you’re heading out to Winchester — apple pickers won’t be allowed in 30 minutes before close.
Great Country Farms
18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemon, Virginia
Get ready to pick at the recently opened apple orchard at $1.99 per pound!
Visitors to the farm can pay anywhere from $10 to $16 per visit, or fans of the park can grab a season pass for $249. (If you’re a constant apple picker, the pass offers unlimited visits for up to six household members, two free guest passes, unlimited farm play and a 10% discount on parties, pickings, and in-store produce.)
The farm is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and extends hours until 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. More information is available on their website.
