Winter offers snow, spring gives flowers, and the summer makes for a really great day at the beach but fall really might just be the best time of year.
The leaves take on gorgeous hues, pumpkins pop up, and happy trick-or-treating slowly leads to Thanksgiving pie, Christmas cookies, and New Year’s festivities with family and friends. Since fall is the cool, soft, sweater-weather welcome to so many cheery days ahead, we’re thrilled that it’s almost here again.
If you and your family are looking for just the right pumpkins to carve (or turn into pie!), wanting to pick the apples you eat right off of the trees they grew on, or are thinking a silly or spooky hayride sounds like an awesome autumnal activity, be sure to check out one (or all) of these special farms in Fauquier County:
At Hollin Farm, you can pick, dig up, and cut your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers! Operating since the 1950s, this farm has been lovingly run by four generations of family. Visit them for fresh fruits and vegetables (from apples, plums, and okra to peanuts and potatoes), natural beef, ice cream, and more! The pick-your-own fruit and veggie selections can change weekly, so be sure to check their schedule before you visit.
Heading over to Hartland Orchard is a must while you’re in town as you’re really visiting three places in one: Hartland Orchard, Harland Farm, and Green Truck Farm. Among these, you can find just about anything you’re looking for: Christmas trees and wreaths, egg ornaments for gifting, “legendary” apple donuts and cider slushies, sweet local corn to go with dinner, honeys and jams and salsas for later, pumpkins for the porch steps, caramel apples for the kids… this list could go on and on. Their cherries are delectably sweet and you can even pick your own berries, depending on the time of year.
Valley View Farm has been serving the area for five generations now, and in addition to offering honey-tasting, wine-tasting, fresh ciders and pick-your-own fruits, they also feature the Orchard Brand Collection, some of the “finest available Virginia wine country art and furniture, handcrafted by local artisans from repurposed barrels.” Their farm market generally opens in early May, and you can learn more about their lovely origin story here.
The Stribling Orchard family has been growing fruit for two hundred years now, and with fall right around the corner, their apple lineup will feature golden delicious, red delicious, gala, Macintosh, and more. Their orchard also has a bakery on-site, and their Harvest House offers everything from jellies and farm fresh eggs to cookbooks and hot sauce. You can see the Blue Ridge Mountains right there from the orchard, so bring a pretty wicker basket to do your shopping with and a blanket to enjoy your picnic on after!
A few more: We love Messicks Farm Market for two reasons: one, it’s open year-round, and two, they serve up the BEST homemade custard ice cream there! Buckland Farm Market is open year round too, offers organic products, AND they have ice cream and a bakery on-site with homemade pies, breads, and loafs. Take a look at their menu and we’re sure you’ll see something (or five somethings) you love.
For more fall fun over one incredible autumn day, be sure to check out Fauquier’s Annual Fall Farm Tour! This special event is happening on October 14, 2023, and offers a taste of a real working farm (and because these farms aren’t usually open to the public, we’d highly recommend putting this special day on your calendar now!). Go to www.fauquierag.com for a full list of farms on this years tour.
