Four Of The Best Apple Orchards To Visit In Virginia

by Esme Addison

It was late in the season when I got a hankering for freshly picked apples. In the central region of North Carolina apple picking is basically over by the end of September. But not in Virginia! They’re apple picking goes clear through October and thanks goodness for it. After a little research, I was able to find a few places to go in mid-October. And they’re some of my favorites.

While Virginia is bursting with apple orchards. There are many to choose from but these are some of the best in state!

Dickie Brothers Orchard Roseland, Virginia

Always interested in history, I was intrigued when I read that Dickie Brothers was established when King George II of England sold three tracts of land to the current owner’s great, great, great, great Grandfather James Dickie in 1752, 1758 and 1760. I love a place with history, and this orchard has been a family-owned business for a very, very long time.

Tommy and John Bruguiere, brothers and 7th generation owners manage Dickie Bros. Orchard while Michael, who is 8th generation manages the 151 Farm Market in Afton.  For all of you late comers, they have Pink Lady through the first week in November!

Tip: Pack a lunch and picnic with a gorgeous view.

Drumheller’s Orchard Lovington, Virginia

Drumheller’s Orchard is a 5th generation family owned and operated farm located in Lovingston, VA and established in 1937, when Everette (E.O.) and Eva Drumheller purchased the property from the Horsley Family. Once an unattended farm with abandoned fruit trees, the land was cultivated and new orchards were started, including peach and apple trees.

Like most orchards in the foothills of Virginia, Drumheller’s offers an amazing view.

Tip: Plan to spend the entire day just taking in the view and enjoying nature. Snack on cider donuts and cider while you’re there. They’re great!

Vintage Virginia Apples North Garden, Virginia

Vintage Virginia Apples was founded in 2000 by the Shelton family. They specialize in interesting, exotic varieties of apples in case you’re looking for something special. This orchard also makes their own cider, and have a tasting room where you can try their many varieties of cider along with small plates.

Vintage has lots of events throughout the season, including live music. So make sure you check their website to make sure you don’t miss something fun.

Tip: Go for the apples, stay for the cider.

Fruit Hill Orchard Palmyra, Virginia

The orchard started in 1929 in Winchester, VA, but in 2000, the current owner’s grandfather, Robert Solenberger, asked if he could plant “a few” apple trees in the front yard here so the grandkids could learn about the family business. He showed up with 900 apple trees… They now have over 2,000 fruit trees and annually plant thousands of other vegetables.

In addition to u-pick, they have an “apple trail” on the weekend where visitors can walk a trail across the property selecting picked apples in large bins while learning about the varieties, or you can run the Apple Dash Obstacle Course. Bring a picnic, enjoy the day and play a little corn hole, bean bag toss, and checkers.

Tip: Visit the small museum on the property to learn about the history of the orchard.