Hollin Farms is a 70+ year-old fourth-generation family farm founded in the early 1950s by the late Robert C. Davenport (who received Virginia Cattleman of the Year award), named after the award-winning Hollin Hills modern housing community he developed in Fairfax County, and now operating 40 acres of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables with spectacular Blue Ridge Mountain views overlooking Crooked Run Valley approximately one hour from Washington, DC. Open late May through October (currently Monday-Friday 9am-2pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-3pm), this authentic Virginia u-pick farm offers free admission (only pay for what you pick) with seasonal pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, sour cherries, peaches ($15/bag or $1.50/lb), nectarines, Japanese plums, Asian pears, and an exceptional variety of 12+ apple varieties beginning late August including Honeycrisp, Winecrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Albemarle Pippin, Arkansas Black, and Gold Rush ($25-30/peck, bulk discounts available), plus fall pumpkins ($0.90/lb), unique dig-your-own potatoes and peanuts ($1.50/lb potatoes, picks and cartons provided), cut-your-own sunflowers ($2/bloom, sometimes offered free at season's end), and fall greens ($8/lb). With a 96% recommendation rate on Facebook (940 reviews) and 8.3/10 rating on Foursquare, customers rave about "the most freshest, most juiciest, and most sweetest strawberries," spectacular mountain views, friendly knowledgeable staff, and high-quality produce, though some note premium pricing and that the farm is authentic with no playground structures or commercial entertainment features, focusing instead on genuine agricultural education and farm experiences. The farm sells weekend apple cider donuts ($8.99/6), fresh apple cider, homemade apple butter, honey, jams, and continues the founder's cattle legacy by offering grass-fed natural Angus beef and pork, while also welcoming leashed dogs (except in vegetable areas) and providing farm animals to visit including ducks, chickens, and goats. Visitors should note the farm is located on a steep hillside accessed by a narrow winding dirt road (comfortable shoes and 4-wheel drive recommended), uses Integrated Pest Management practices with pesticides as last resort, accepts Visa/Mastercard (with 4% electronic fee), and is best visited midweek or early in season for optimal selection, making it ideal for families seeking a stunning scenic setting next to Sky Meadows State Park, exceptional produce quality, and authentic family farm agritourism near numerous Delaplane wineries.
Green Truck Farm is a 5th-generation family u-pick farm that's been welcoming visitors since the late 1960s/early 1970s (50+ years), founded by patriarch Henry Green who was born in 1921 in Hartland's main house, celebrated his 101st birthday in 2022, served in WWII, and started the pick-your-own operation after taking over the farm in 1950, with the 443-acre property now protected by a Virginia Outdoors Foundation conservation easement (established 2003) and operated by his sons Brian and Georgi Green alongside brother Bill's Hartland Orchard and brother Hank's Hartland Farm. Located at the entrance to Hartland Orchard at 3015 Hartland Lane in Markham (50 minutes from DC in the Blue Ridge Mountains), this authentic working family farm specializes in u-pick berries including blueberries, black raspberries, blackberries, and red raspberries (July-October), plus strawberries (May-June), asparagus, peaches, tomatoes, apples, pumpkins, sunflowers, and fall vegetables, with exceptionally affordable pricing at just $4 per pint (every 6th pint free) and no admission fees. With a stellar 94% recommendation rate on Facebook (494 reviews) and 4.7-star Yelp rating (9 reviews), customers consistently praise the "extremely flavorful" berries with "much more floral taste" than store-bought, friendly staff who provide field updates, reasonable prices, and the beautiful mountain setting, noting the farm offers a genuine agricultural experience rather than commercialized entertainment. The connected Hartland family operations provide additional fall activities including a corn maze, pig races, giant jumping pillow, apple cannon, hayrides, sand and corn boxes, cow train rides ($5), and the farm market selling famous apple cider donuts "hot straight from the stove," caramel apples, kettle corn, fresh pies, and locally buzzed honey from their own beehives. Hours are typically 9am-2pm daily but vary by season and crop availability (always call ahead), and the farm also offers year-round products including grass-fed beef from their cattle, cut-your-own Fraser fir Christmas trees, and hosts school field trips, making it an ideal destination for families seeking an authentic, multigenerational Virginia farm experience with exceptional produce quality and Blue Ridge Mountain views.
Stribling Orchard has been around for 206 years. Let that sink in. Dr. Robert Stribling bought the property in 1819 and it's now run by the 6th generation of Striblings as a designated Virginia Century Farm. They've got roughly 2,500 apple trees across 10+ varieties (McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, Stayman-Winesap among them) at just $1.50/lb whether you pick or they do. Mid-July through mid-August you can pick peaches and nectarines, and pumpkin patches open in September. One thing that's genuinely cool: you drive through the orchard and pick your own spot using their color-coded maps. Hours are Wed-Sun 9am-5pm, closed Monday and Tuesday, July through November. The numbers speak for themselves, 98% Facebook recommend (830 reviews) and 8.1/10 on Foursquare. People love the family farm feel and the historic buildings dating to the 1700s and 1800s, including the Mountain View house and stone outbuildings that Civil War armies actually used. Their bakery pumps out upward of 2,000 donuts daily (I watched them fly off the counter faster than they could bag them) and the Apple Raisin Swirl Bread made from Grandma Mildred's recipe gets raves. Weekends bring the Snack Shack grilling burgers and hot dogs to order, live oldies music, vendors with ice cream and kettle corn, farm animals for the kids, and scenic picnic areas with Blue Ridge Mountain views just 12 miles from Skyline Drive. They sell locally-raised beef too. Some families have been visiting for 60+ years now, which... says everything really. If you want an authentic historic Shenandoah Valley farm experience without the manufactured Instagram backdrop vibe, this is the spot.
Great Country Farms is a 400-acre working farm at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains founded in 1993 by Mark and Kate Zurschmeide, building on the family's farming legacy in Loudoun County since the early 1970s, and now operated as a thriving third-generation business with 19 millennial and Gen Z cousins in leadership roles, earning Loudoun County Agribusiness of the Year awards in both 1996 and 2007. This premier Virginia u-pick farm and agritourism destination offers seasonal pick-your-own strawberries, cherries, peaches, blackberries, apples, and pumpkins (though apple picking is severely limited in 2025 due to April freeze damage), with admission ranging from $10-$14 weekdays and $14-$18 weekends (children 2 and under free, advance online tickets save money), which includes access to a massive 12-15 acre farm play area featuring the unique Farm Ninja obstacle course, 80-foot triple threat slides, 2,800 sq ft jumping pillow, four permanent mazes including a 1.5-acre corn maze, catch-and-release fishing, pedal carts, cow pie putt putt, and friendly farm animals. With an impressive 96% recommendation rate on Facebook (2,469 reviews), 4.6-star Google rating (1,379 reviews), and 94% recommend on Yelp (265 reviews), visitors rave about the award-winning apple cider donuts, exceptional produce quality, and full-day entertainment value, with the farm welcoming leashed dogs throughout the property and frequently called "the Disneyland of NOVA" by enthusiastic guests. The farm operates March through December with seasonal festivals including the Strawberry Festival, Peach Festival, Apple Cider Fest with Oinkintucky Derby pig races and antique cider press demonstrations from 1865, and Pumpkin Harvest Festival (September 19-October 31) featuring pumpkin cannons, marshmallow roasting, and the Pumpkin Princess character, though some note premium pricing (pumpkins $0.59/lb, apples $30/peck) and weekend crowds. Military families receive free weekday admission for up to 6 guests, Farm Club memberships offer unlimited access ($40-$100/month), and visitors can combine their farm experience with 10% discounts at sister properties Bluemont Vineyard, Dirt Farm Brewing, and Henway Hard Cider for a complete family farm day trip just 20 minutes west of Leesburg.
Richard's Fruit Market represents 147 years of farming heritage (established 1878) and over 70 years as Frederick County's "oldest country classic open-air farmers market" (since 1953), operated by fifth-generation owner Eddie Richard and his daughter Kayla in a building constructed by original founders James Richard Sr. and Mary Richard that remains in use today (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm, seasonal operations July-fall). This family farm Virginia offers u-pick apples in fall across 8 varieties (Red Delicious, Jonathan, Grimes Golden, Golden Delicious, York, Stayman, Idared, Rome) and pick-your-own flowers, plus fresh-picked peaches from their orchard in 6 varieties (Harbelle, Red Haven, Sun High, Loring, Blake, Bisco) available late July through Labor Day, with pricing not publicly listed but described as moderate (call for current rates). The market's "seed to sale" commitment distinguishes this pick your own destination, with everything grown from seed on their 60-acre farm (placed under Virginia Outdoors Foundation easement in 2018) including vegetables, fruits, and their farm-raised beef, chicken, pork, plus Kayla's from-scratch baked goods including butter tarts, edible cookie dough, apple chips, and cheesecake. Customer loyalty is evidenced by 37 Nextdoor Faves and Neighborhood Favorite awards in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023, with visitors describing staff who "make you feel like family." The agritourism offerings include a petting zoo, picnic areas, personal farm tours with Eddie explaining the complete growing process from seed to harvest, educational experiences about agriculture, a gift shop, and seasonal festivals including the August Peach Festival and October Apple Festival with grilled hamburgers from their own beef and farm-grown pizza toppings, plus an extensive selection of products from 25+ local vendors including artisan cheeses, wines, hard ciders, ice cream, and handcrafted items. This authentic apple picking Virginia and pumpkin patch destination emphasizes transparency about food sources, old-fashioned customer service, and multi-generational family values for creating memorable farm experiences.
The Pumpkin Patch at Hill High Farm is a Virginia Century Farm that's been in the same family for over 100 years, operating as a working dairy, apple orchard, and beef cattle operation in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, opening to the public approximately 18 years ago and now welcoming visitors every Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm (plus Friday/Saturday nights and Columbus Day) from September 20-November 1, 2025. Owned by Vernon (famous for riding horseback in authentic cowboy attire during hayrides), this authentic family farm offers free admission with paid activities including a $6-8 corn maze (described as the "largest in the area" at over 3 miles/8 acres), $6-8 hayrides that include apple picking and a small pumpkin from the patch, plus free attractions like the petting zoo with goats, sheep, llamas, baby calves, donkey, pony, chickens; straw maze, round bale maze, popular pirate ship jungle gym, and sunflower field. The farm offers u-pick apples including Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Rome, Granny Smith, York, Virginia Gold, and Stayman varieties (all same price), plus pick-your-own pumpkins in various sizes, with The Packing Shed selling fresh apple cider, hot baked pies, apple dumplings, apple butter smoothies, funnel cakes, and pumpkin pie fudge made from orchard apples. With an impressive 96% recommendation rate on Facebook (414 reviews) and 4.6-star rating on Zaubee (83 reviews), visitors praise the "low-key" atmosphere with "perfect amount of activities," Vernon's personal educational farm tours, authentic working farm experience, reasonable pricing, and the "best haunted house in the valley" (Haunted Nightmares, 4,000 sq ft, approximately $15-17) available on night events, plus creative escape rooms ($9-10) that families with teens particularly enjoy. Reviews consistently note this is "great for smaller children," offers excellent value since basic entry is free, features well-organized parking, and provides a genuine Shenandoah Valley agritourism experience perfect for families seeking education and entertainment without overwhelming commercialization, located just 15 minutes from downtown Winchester with weekday private group tours available (minimum 10 people) for school field trips, birthday parties, and corporate events.
Mackintosh Fruit Farm has been growing fruit in the Northern Shenandoah Valley since 1988, making this third-generation family operation 37 years strong, and honestly their u-pick selection is one of Virginia's best. You can pick strawberries (starting May), sweet cherries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines, pawpaws (yes, actual pawpaws), purple asparagus, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, pumpkins, and sunflowers from May through October. I still remember the smell of warm apple cider donuts drifting from their kitchen on a crisp Saturday morning. They're open Thu-Sat 8am-6pm and Sun 10am-6pm but closed Mon-Wed, with PYO ending at 5pm. Entrance and parking are free, though you'll pay $2 per person for field access and around $2.99/lb for apples (the Honeycrisp gets raved about constantly). Reviews tell the story: 65 on Yelp, a solid 7.1/10 on Foursquare, and plenty of Google praise for tree-ripened fruit and those famous cider donuts that locals argue are among the area's finest. The farming here uses dwarf trees and beneficial insects, which you don't see everywhere. Beyond picking there's a rustic Farmer's Market with farm honey from their apiary, preserves, jams, grass-fed meats, free-range eggs, and local artisan products. The Kitchen serves fresh burgers, sandwiches, salads, basil lemonade, and homemade desserts with covered outdoor seating. Want a drink? The Cider Room pours local hard cider, wine slushies, and craft beer, plus there's live music every Friday from 5pm-8pm with dinner specials and occasional farm-to-table dinner events. Families can let kids run around the playground and sandbox, watch ducks at the pond, spread out in the picnic areas, and even bring leashed dogs. They've got a CSA program running May through September too. Under 2 hours from DC, this pick your own fruit and apple orchard Virginia spot is perfect for a complete agritourism day trip.
Marker-Miller Orchards is a Century Farm with 117 years of family farming heritage, currently operated by the 5th and 6th generations since 1908. This u-pick apple orchard Virginia destination offers free admission and features 325 acres of apples with 22 varieties available from August through November, plus pick-your-own blackberries, red raspberries, pumpkins, and cut-your-own flowers throughout their July-October season (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm). The family-friendly farm boasts exceptional customer reviews with 96% recommend rating on Facebook (1,497 reviews) and 4.7/5 stars on WanderBoat (379 reviews), with visitors consistently praising their famous apple cider donuts as "the best" and the stunning Shenandoah Valley mountain views. Beyond fruit picking, the agritourism experience includes an elaborate "Kiddie Land" playground with climbing structures and sandbox, free cow train rides for children, weekend tractor rides, a petting area with farm animals, covered picnic pavilion, on-site bakery with fresh pies and turnovers, hand-dipped ice cream and fudge in the Sweets Shop, and BBQ vendors. The farm hosts five major seasonal festivals including Patriotic Festival (July), Peach Festival (August), Apple Harvest Festival (Columbus Day weekend), Pumpkin Festival (October), and Bakery Festival (November), making it a complete pick your own fruit Virginia destination for creating lasting family memories.
