`Tis the season for bright fall foliage, crisp autumn air, apple picking and pumpkin spice everything. Get the most out of the fleeting fall weather and beauty with a family trip to Virginia.
Apple Harvest Festival at Marker-Miller Orchard
The Marker Miller Orchards Farm Market and Bakery is located in Winchester, situated in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Bring the family to the orchard for live music, apple picking and homemade goodies. Taste homemade apple cobbler and cider slushies between varieties of activities for the whole family. Hop on the “cow train” for a wagon ride around the farm and head over to the playground with the kids.
Photo: Wakr10 | Dreamstime
Richards Apple Harvest Festival
Walk through the fruit market of Richards during the Apple Harvest Festival Oct. 14. Taste an assortment of seasonal items including Brunswick stew while perusing local produce and goods. Tour the grounds on a family wagon ride, stopping to visit and pet the local farm animals. Parents, enjoy the free event with local wine tastings while kids play on the farm.
After visiting Richards Fruit Market, make your way to the Apple Day Festival in Millboro, Va. Celebrate Appalachian heritage with traditional clogging performances, arts and crafts, live blue grass music, hayrides and various family-friendly events. Taste fresh locally prepared apple butter — among many other apple dishes for you to try at the festival. Shop locally made items including jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, pottery, candles and baskets. Purchase photography or take some of your own in this breathtaking destination in Douthat State Park.
Shenandoah National Park. Photo: Sborisov | Dreamstime
After your fair share of hayrides, caramel apples and fall celebrations, layer up and hit the hiking trails with the family. Between the incredible vistas at Shenandoah National Park and Douthat State Park’s open trails, there will be plenty of sites to see from waterfalls and changing leaves to cliffs and wildlife.
For those looking for a longer hike, head out on the trails early and hit the local festivals afterward. This way, you can get the most out of the day and not have to cut the hike short when the sun starts to set. Virginia is for lovers — of all things fall and family fun.
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