Where To Go Apple Picking Around DC
Lifestyle
It’s official: Between the shortening days and falling temperatures, autumn is about to arrive once again. Even if you’re still mourning the end of summer, we’ve got great news — fall is one of the best times to be in DC. Our advice? Pack your schedule to the brim with festive activities now before the winter rolls around.
Not sure where to start? Keep reading for the best places to go apple picking around DC this season.
#1 Butler’s Orchard: Set over a sprawling 300 acres, Butler’s Orchard offers pick-your-own apples during September and October. Reserve a time on their website and get your fill of apple/vegetable hunting, fresh-based fruit pies, seasonal produce, local cheeses, and festive fall decor at the orchard’s market. For more fun, plan your trip to coincide with the pumpkin festival, which runs from September 23 to October 29 and features hayrides, corn hole, live music, and pony rides.
#2 Larriland Farm: Take a scenic drive through Western Howard County to Larriland Farm, where you’ll find nearly two dozen varieties of apples, including Braeburn, Golden Delicious, and Magnolia Gold from August to early November. The family-owned farm features a daily harvest page on its website so visitors know what to expect before arriving. Be sure to stop into the Red Barn Farm Market, where you can pick up local free range eggs, cheeses, Larriland honey, and Fisher’s popcorn and peanuts. Weekend hayrides, a straw maze, and Halloween decorations also make it a festive destination that’s fun for the entire family.
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#3 Crooked Run Orchard & Farm: This no-frills, family-owned farm in Western Loudoun County only accepts cash or check. Bring your own basket or use theirs to pick apples and stop by the farm stand to grab eggs, honey, and hand-made soaps before kicking back to enjoy your bounty at one of the many picnic tables onsite.
#4 Catoctin Mountain Orchard: Catoctin Mountain welcomes apple pickers every Saturday and Sunday in September and October, when guests can choose from Blondee, Cameo, Cortland, Mountain Honey, and a dozen other varieties in the pick-your-own orchard. More apples still can be found in the market through the end of January, along with fresh and frozen fruit pies, jams, pickles, apple cider donuts, and assorted snacks.
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#5 Great Country Farm: Apple season begins in late August and lasts through September at Great Country Farms, featuring Honey Crisp, Gala, Jona Free, and other varieties. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended on weekends, which includes admission to the farm play area and numerous weekend festivals. Attend the Corn Maze and Apple Harvest Festival in September, and if you miss apple season, you can still pick pumpkins and roast marshmallows at the Fall Pumpkin Farm Festival. Craving a themed beverage that packs more of a punch? Grab some peach or rose cider afterward at the adjacent Henway Hard Cider!
#6 Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market: Pick-your-own baskets at the Marker-Miller Orchards Farm come in three sizes and cost $6, $10, and $16. Bring the kids to enjoy the vast playground with wagon rides, castle, climbing wall, and a cow train. Apple picking is the main draw, but you can also plan your trip around the orchard’s October festivals. The Apple Harvest Festival runs October 7 and 8 and features food trucks, live music, and all things apple, including pies, donuts, cobbler, and cider, while the Pumpkin Festival on October 28 will offer pumpkin pies, bars, and rolls.
Do you have questions about the fall real estate market in DC? We’re happy to help! Reach out today by calling 202.280.2060 or emailing us directly at jsmira@jennsmira.com.
