Last year’s early snow didn’t bode well for this year’s apple harvest, and many farms
ran out early. But an apple a day is still important, and there are a few farms that
have enough left to keep the doctor away. Maryland’s farms appear to have fared better
than Virginia’s, but there are apples in both places for the next few weeks, so get
out there and start picking! Here’s where to head.
MARYLAND
15604 Sugarland Rd., Poolesville; 301-977-3761
Picking updates: At Homestead Farm, it’s time to think pink—Pink Lady apples, that
is. You’ll find them in abundance at Homestead.
Just for fun: Stock up on holiday necessities; pumpkins are available now, and Christmas
trees are right around the corner.
Hours: Open seven days a week from 9 to 5. Market open until 6.
22200 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown; 301-972-3299
Picking updates: Last year’s snow affects this year’s crops, and Butler’s Orchard
is seeing that firsthand. Apples are still available, but not for long, so get out
there ASAP.
Just for fun: It’d be a crime to stop at Butler’s and not chow down on one of the
17-plus pies, including apple, apple cinnamon, apple walnut, and apple brown betty.
Seriously.
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 to 5:30.
28600 Ridge Rd., Mount Airy; 301-831-7427
Picking updates: You’ll find apples on the trees at Rock Hill Orchard for at least
two more weeks, and there are plenty of varieties.
Just for fun: In addition to apples, you can let your inner herbologist out and cut
your own thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and dill, among other herbs.
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 to 6.
1015 Baugher Rd., Westminster; 410-857-0111
Picking updates: Apples are in high demand here, and supply is starting to dwindle.
This could be the final weekend of the apple-picking season, so call ahead to make
sure.
Just for fun: The farm includes a fresh cider mill, which was built in 1986.
Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday from 8 to 6.
2415 Woodbine Rd., Woodbine; 301-854-2605
Picking updates: You can find Magnolia Gold, Braeburn, Stayman, and Fuji, but availability
varies from week to week, so if you have your heart set on a certain type, it’s good
to check ahead.
Just for fun: Larriland offers hayrides on the weekends, and you can have your pick
of future jack-o’-lanterns from the pumpkin patch.
Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 5 and Tuesday through Friday from 9 to 6.
1495 Appleton Rd., Elkton; 410-398-1349
Picking updates: You know the drill by now—as with other orchards, the ripening season
was a bit advanced. As we move into the end of October, Fuji apples are the name of
the game over at Milburn.
Just for fun: The Orchard View Ice Cream and Lunch Deck—exactly what it sounds like—will
be closing come November, so head there soon to enjoy some homemade Kilby cream ice
cream with the view.
Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 5.
VIRGINIA
11587 Poverty Hollow La., Markham; 540-364-3040
Picking updates: Granny Smiths and the ubiquitous Fujis are nearing the end of their
run at Stribling, but a number of other varieties are still making a strong showing
and should for a few weeks.
Just for fun: On the weekends, the bakery is open for business, with pumpkin pie,
different breads, and a cornucopia of jellies and jams.
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 to 5.
37883 East Main St., Purcellville; 540-338-6642
Picking updates: You’ll find a large variety of apples, including Suncrisp, York,
Cameo, and Braeburn. These change weekly; check the website for updates.
Just for fun: During autumn, Crooked Run is offering leaf-color-tour hayrides to show
off the farm and fall’s rainbow of reds, yellows, and oranges.
Hours: The schedule varies; check website.
1608 Russell Rd., Berryville; 540-955-2161 or e-mail billandlorim@aol.com
Picking updates: Ginger Gold apples are done for the season, but Pink Lady, Fuji,
and Golden Delicious remain, alongside a plethora of pumpkins.
Just for fun: Keep an eye out for tutorials such as how to make apple butter, or get
spooked in the haunted corn maze.
Hours: Open daily from 8 to 6.
3064 Hartland La., Markham; 540-364-2316
Picking updates: Apple season is finishing up at Hartland, but there are a few left.
The owners suggest calling before heading over there.
Just for fun: Hartland is located in hills near the Blue Ridge Mountains, meaning
the views are spectacular.
Hours: Open daily from 8 to 6.
