Get those apple pie recipes ready: September is the biggest month for fall’s signature fruit.
Interested in picking your own — and throwing back a few apple cider doughnuts in the process? There are plenty of places in the D.C. area where you can do just that.
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Great Country Farms
18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, Virginia
Every weekend in September, Great Country Farms — a 400-acre family-run operation — hosts its Apple Gala and Fresh Cider Festival, complete with live music, marshmallow roasting, cider-pressing demos and, of course, apple picking. Weekend and weekday admission to the farm includes a wagon ride to the field and access to the kid-friendly play area.
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Mackintosh Fruit Farm
1608 Russell Rd., Berryville, Virginia
Nestled in Clarke County, Virginia, is Mackintosh Fruit Farm — a family-owned orchard. There is no admission charge; visitors only pay for what they pick.
Hollin Farms
1584 Snowden Rd., Delaplane, Virginia
This Fauquier County farm specializes in pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, plus Angus cattle and pasture-raised natural beef. In addition to picking apples, visitors can also dig their own potatoes and harvest a variety of vegetables.
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Butler’s Orchard
22222 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown, Maryland
Apple picking is in full swing at Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, Maryland. If you are not in the mood to pick your own, head to the farm’s market for already picked fruits and vegetables, plus apple cider doughnuts, fresh baked breads, pies and more.
Homestead Farm
15604 Sugarland Rd., Poolesville, Maryland
Just past Potomac, Maryland, is Homestead Farm, which is home to apple orchards, a petting zoo and a fresh fruit and vegetable stand. Admission to the farm is $2 per person and pick-your-own produce is sold by the pound.
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Marker-Miller Orchards
3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, Virginia
There are plenty of apples to pick and plenty of fun for little ones at Marker-Miller Orchards. Check out the on-site bakery, playground, cow train and picnic area. The annual Apple Harvest Festival takes place Oct. 12 and 13.
Crooked Run Orchard
37883 E Main St, Purcellville, VA
This small family farm in Loudoun County, Virginia, grows everything from peaches to pumpkins — and yes, apples. There is no admission fee.
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Milburn Orchards
1495 Appleton Rd., Elkton, Maryland
If you’re taking toddlers on an apple-picking adventure, Milburn Orchards makes the experience a little easier on your arms (and nerves). The Elkton, Maryland, farm has dwarf trees, meaning there’s no need for ladders since the fruit is reachable from the ground. The farm’s fall festival weekends run Sept. 14 through Oct. 27.
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Catoctin Mountain Orchard
15036 N Franklinville Rd., Thurmont, Maryland
Pick your own apples, cut your own flowers and pick out your own homemade pies and preserves at Catoctin Mountain Orchard, just north of Frederick, Maryland.
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Rock Hill Orchard
28600 Ridge Rd., Mt. Airy, Maryland
At Rock Hill Orchard, visitors can load up on fresh fruits and veggies in the farm’s pick-your-own fields, followed by a scoop (or two) of fresh made ice cream from the orchard’s on-site Woodbourne Creamery.
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Larriland Farm
2415 Woodbine Rd., Woodbine, Maryland
Larriland Farm grows a number of different types of pick-your-own apples. Plus, there’s a barn store that sells everything you need to can and preserve your haul.
