Why Marker-Miller Orchards in Winchester, VA is a must-visit this fall!

Living in Virginia nearly all my life, I’m kind of ashamed that I’ve never gone apple picking. The Fall season here is epic (because of the weather and the available activities) but somehow apple picking never made it on my list of ‘things to do’, so it just never happened. Until this year! Last weekend the family and I hit up Marker-Miller Orchards and had a blast! The scenery was beautiful, the apples were delicious and the kids were entertained for hours – what’s not to love?!

About an hour and half from D.C., Marker-Miller Orchards provides an array of pick your own (PYO) options from an assortment of apples and raspberries, to tomatoes, it all depends on the season. They have roughly over 300 acres of apples so there’s plenty of rows to leaf through and pick. The orchards are well-kept and the fruit is juicy and delicious. The PYO stand is where you can buy bags (1/2 peck, 1 peck, 1 bushel). After you finish picking, they have someone mark off your bag before you leave.

They also have a pretty decent market with tons of fresh produce from the garden, warm baked goods, ice cream and slushies! Additionally, they sell locally made jams and sauces, freshly made apple cider and so much more. The farm serves BBQ onsite too which we enjoyed in their (covered) picnic area. The best part, by far, are their apple cider donuts! We ended up taking a dozen home, along with a small container of donut holes! Seriously, so delicious – the kids and I are still disappointed we went through them so quickly.

I couldn’t recommend Marker-Miller Orchards enough, especially if you have kids. It’s definitely a place you can easily spend all day at between the orchards, the market, the picnic area and playground for kids!

A Few Notes:

• If you’re interested in visiting Marker-Miller Orchards this Fall, be aware that PYO stops half an hour before closing time.
• They don’t allow you to bring in your own baskets into the PYO area. Only their bags/containers are allowed.
• Visit their online fruit availability chart if you have a preference in what you’re picking. The chart breaks down when apples, peaches, and plums are available. It also let’s you know the assortment of apples available for picking.