The New River Valley, Virginia area, and its surrounding Blue Ridge region are a hidden gem for anyone seeking the charm of apple orchards and the fresh bounty of local farm stores. As autumn arrives, families can look forward to crisp mountain air, picturesque orchard landscapes, and the unforgettable experience of apple picking together. From classic u-pick farms just outside the area to bustling markets brimming with local apples, cider, and homemade treats, this area offers a wealth of opportunities for making family memories and stocking up on the best flavors of the season. Whether searching for the perfect weekend outing with kids or simply craving honest, farm-fresh food, this guide will help you discover the very best apple orchards and farm stores near New River Valley.
🍏 Doe Creek Farm, 412 Doe Creek Farm Road, Pembroke, VA
This family-owned apple orchard and cattle farm is located in eastern Giles County near Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. Apples have been grown on the property for more than 100 years, and the former commercial orchard now operates as a retail pick-your-own orchard during the fall. Doe Creek's dwarf apple trees make picking easier for visitors of different sizes, but the farm is also very clear that particular varieties and quantities are never guaranteed. Weather and the number of people picking each weekend can change what remains available. Dogs are no longer permitted in the orchard.
As of the orchard's current September 2026 update, Doe Creek is open Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from 9 am-5 pm.
🍎 Levering Orchard, 163 Levering Lane, Ararat, VA
Levering Orchard was founded in 1908 and is celebrating its 118th year in 2026. The orchard reported that this year's freeze wiped out its cherry crop, but apples survived. Apple sales and pick-your-own apple picking began September 7.
For fall apple season, the orchard lists hours of Monday-Saturday from 8:30 am-4 pm and Sunday from 1-5 pm. The orchard specifically asks visitors to call ahead for availability. Payment is cash or check only.
🍏 Ayers Orchard, 6178 Wards Gap Road, Cana, VA
Cana is another well-known Southwest Virginia apple-growing area and makes a beautiful fall drive, particularly from Floyd and the southern NRV. Fresh-picked and picked-to-order fruit are also offered. Because crops ripen at different times, the orchard recommends calling before visiting.
🍎Windy Hill Orchard, 176 Windy Hill Lane, Ararat, Va
The Noonkester family has operated the orchard for more than 100 years. The orchard also presses apples into fresh cider during the fall and sells products including cider, apple butter, applesauce, jams, and dried apples. Current published hours are Thursday from 10 am-5 pm, Friday from 1-5 pm, and Saturday from 10 am-5 pm.
🍏 Williams Orchard, 5175 West Lee Highway, Wytheville VA
A longtime family-owned orchard and farm market, offering seasonal produce from July through October, including apples, corn, pumpkins, and gourds. Current hours are listed as Monday-Saturday from 10 am-5 pm and closed Sunday.
🍎 Johnson's Orchards, Bedford, VA,
I've been visiting since before I had kids. They are a family owned farm in Bedford, VA with plenty of photo opportunities, including a LOVE sign. Kids love apple picking and the farm animals. Moms and Dads love the photo opportunities, including a growth chart and, let's face it, the wine! Johnson's produces dozens of fruit wines and provides an enjoyable tasting during your visit. Learn more here.
2026 UPDATE: Unfortunately, Mother Nature was not kind to Johnson's this year. The orchard reports that a late-April freeze wiped out nearly its entire fruit crop. Limited U-pick apples were available earlier in the season, but as of September 2026, those apples are gone and there is currently NO U-pick apple picking available.
There is still plenty of reason to stop by. The Country Store is making fresh apple cider donuts, families can visit and feed the farm animals, and wine tastings are available. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are also welcome, and you can bring your own picnic. Current hours are Monday-Friday from noon-5 pm, Saturday from 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday from 11 am-5 pm.
🍏 Gross' Orchard, 6817 Wheat's Valley Rd, Bedford, VA.
Offers a full farm market and fruit picking, along with a few seasonal events.
Apple season begins around September 1, with different varieties ripening throughout the fall. Pick-your-own apples are available from 9 am-5 pm ; visitors purchase a picking bag at the store before heading into the orchard. The Country Store is open Monday-Saturday from 8 am-6 pm and the orchard is closed on Sundays.
Gross Orchard also hosts its annual Apple Harvest Festival on the third Saturday in October, and wagon rides are available Monday-Friday by appointment. Check their apple schedule before your visit if you are looking for a particular variety.
Check out their Apple Schedule.
🍎 Drumheller's Orchard, 1130 Drumheller Orchard Lane Lovingston, VA
A fifth-generation family-owned farm offering a wide variety of apples along with fresh fruit, baked goods, cider, and other seasonal favorites.
2026 hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 9 am-5 pm and Sunday from noon-5 pm; the orchard is closed Mondays.
If you love a good fall festival, Drumheller's has two Harvest Festival weekends planned for 2026: September 26-27 and October 17-18. Expect live music, local vendors, food, fresh hot donuts, cider, apples, and plenty of fall atmosphere.
🍏 Morris Orchard, 226 Tobacco Row Lane in Monroe, VA
Offering a variety of apples through late October. We hear they also have goats and donkeys to feed, supporting the local humane society. Even better, apple cider and and apple cider donuts!
As of September 15, 2026, Gala and Ginger Gold apples are available at the orchard, but pick-your-own apples are NOT currently available. Morris Orchard says it will announce U-pick dates once additional apples are ready. U-pick is offered only on select weekends and not every apple variety is available for picking.
Fresh apple cider generally begins in mid-September and continues through Christmas, pumpkins and gourds arrive in late September, and cider doughnuts are offered on weekends in October. Current hours are Monday-Saturday from 8 am-4 pm.
🍎 Carter Mountain Orchard, 1435 Carters Mountain Trail Charlottesville, VA
This orchard offers a beautiful day trip close to Monticello and Michie Tavern with beautiful views. From picking your own apples to test testing the famous apple cider donuts and bakery items to a wine tasting for lunch at the Mountain Grille there is fun to be had for the whole family. Seasonal hours change so be sure to check their site for all the details before planning your trip.
For fall 2026, Carter Mountain is open daily from 9 am-6 pm through October 31. One important change to know before you go: weekend admission tickets are required for guests ages 12 and older from September 12 through November 15. Pick-your-own apple availability changes throughout the season, so check the orchard's current picking information before making the drive.
Farm Markets and More Apple Adventures
There’s something special about fall at the farmers market—the smell of fresh-baked bread, the crunch of just-picked apples, the sound of local musicians filling the air, and neighbors catching up over baskets of colorful produce. If you’re looking for the best places to shop local, support farmers, and enjoy a day out with the family, here’s your guide to the New River Valley’s farmers markets open this fall, plus a few nearby worth the short drive.
🧑🌾 Blacksburg Farmers Market - Downtown Market Square Park - Saturdays 8 AM – 2 PM & Wednesdays 2 – 6 PM
If you'd rather stay close to home and let someone else do the picking, the Blacksburg Farmers Market is one of the best local places to check. The market is a year-round producer-only market, and vendors are located within approximately 50 miles. Even better for apple season, Ayers Orchard is currently listed as a produce vendor at the Blacksburg Farmers Market.
Vendor attendance and what's being harvested can change from week to week, so I would still check the market's current vendor updates if apples are your main reason for going.
🧑🌾 Christiansburg Farmers Market - Huckleberry Park - Thursdays 3 – 7 PM (through October 29)
This weekday market is the perfect stop after school or work. You’ll find fresh vegetables, seasonal fruit, baked treats, plants, and crafts. Many weeks include special vendor days or live music, making it a fun evening outing.
🧑🌾 Radford Farmers Market - Downtown Radford, - Saturdays 9 AM – 1 PM (April -October)
Radford’s market has a little of everything: homegrown produce, meats, baked goods, jams, handmade crafts, and even food trucks. It’s a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning, supporting local families while stocking up for the week.
🧑🌾 Floyd Farmers Market - Downtown Floyd, - Saturdays 9 AM – 1 PM (April -November)
Another great local stop with vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, baked goods, meats, and other local foods. One fun bonus for families: the market's Kids Kash program provides a limited number of children ages 6-9 with a $5 voucher that can be used for fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, or food-producing plants.
🧑🌾 Pulaski Farmers Market - The Marketplace Pulaski Train Depot - Tuesdays 4 – 7 PM (May through October)
Pulaski offers a unique mid-week market. Along with produce and baked goods, you’ll often find live music, food vendors, and a community block-party feel that makes Tuesday evenings a local tradition.
🧑🌾 Narrows Farmers Market - Downtown Narrows - Saturdays 9am-1pm
A convenient option for families in Giles County. The town also publishes weekly vendor schedules, which is the best place to check what's actually being sold that weekend.
🧑🌾 Draper Village Heritage Market - Draper Village - First Saturday of the month, 8 AM – 1 PM (April through December)
More than just a farmers market, the Heritage Market blends local food with arts, crafts, live music, and hands-on demonstrations. Each month has a different theme, so no two markets are the same.
🧑🌾 Wytheville Farmers Market - 210 W Spring Street - Saturdays 8 AM – 12 PM (May through October)
This market celebrates farmers, artisans, and bakers. Beyond fresh produce, you’ll find handcrafted goods and specialty foods. Their holiday artisan markets extend the season well into winter, perfect for gift shopping.
🧑🌾Roanoke Historic City Market - Downtown Roanoke - 7 days a week, year-round, 8:00am - 5:00pm. Many vendors use Sunday - Tuesday for planting, picking, and preparing items for sale. In growing season, many vendors are on the Market around 7:00am - 3:00pm. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Seasonal harvests—fall staples like apples, pears, grapes—and a rotating “what’s-in-season” calendar help you know exactly what to expect each visit and you will also find Apple Cider Donuts on most Saturdays.
One last reminder before you grab the kids and head out: apple picking is agriculture, not an amusement park attraction. Weather, ripening times, crowds, and the size of this year's crop can change availability quickly. That is especially true after Virginia's damaging 2026 spring freezes. Check directly with the orchard before making a special trip, particularly if your kids have their hearts set on picking apples from the trees.
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