(Sarah Cole gets her pumpkin fix, while I get my apple fix!)
Family fun was never better than it is at Carter Orchard in Charlottesville, VA. The scenic drive is worth the trip up I64 (or take a more leisurely route up 250W or 33W). Once you arrive, you’ll be transported to another world atop the mountains! Food, hayrides, music, wine tasting, apples, country store, apple pie, apple butter, apple cider, and more apples! (No kids – this is not about your Apple iPod, Apple iTouch, Apple iPhone…….)
Hayrides
Lunch from our Mountain Grill
Wine Tastings
Fresh-Pressed Cider~Apple Butter~Pumpkins
Famous Apple Cider Donuts
A few tips will make your trip more enjoyable:
- Arrive early to avoid the traffic – the drive up the mountain is fun – but more fun when it’s not bumper to bumper traffic!
- When you arrive, head for the Apple Donuts and get ‘em while they’re hot – and grab a box to take home. They are ‘out of this world’ delicious.
- Pack a lunch – sure, you can grab a hot dog or other fast-food at the orchard, but a picnic of fresh sandwiches, cold drinks and a snack will save you time and money. Dessert? Bite into a variety of juicy apples – or have another apple donut – what else!
- Wear comfortable clothing and especially shoes – you’ll be walking on hilly, rocky ground so be careful. Layers of clothes make it easy to pull off a jacket or sweater as the weather warms up.
- Pick some for now and some for later – apples are delicious and they keep well when kept cold. Bring home enough for now and later – and be sure to grab some pumpkins for Halloween too!
- Check out the wine tasting while you’re there.
Make a day of it and enjoy all they have to offer. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll have a peaceful drive back home as the kids doze in the back seat.
The short trek to Carter Mountain Orchard is an annual tradition for many Richmonders – check it out and you’ll see why. (Did I mention Apple Donuts????)
This review is my own opinion – Carter Mountain Orchard did not pay me to eat one single Apple Donut.
