Roanoke, Virginia, 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 city 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 Roanoke.
🍎 Johnson's Orchards in 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.
*** Note for the 2025 Season from Johnson's Orchard as of 9/13/2025 --
If you haven't heard, our apple crop was severely damaged by a late April frost. The orchard does not have its usual abundance of apples you have come to expect. Yes, we are sad too. 
We have not been able to make cider so everyone's kinda grumpy without the extra antioxidants BUT, we do have apple butter, apple cider donuts, animal feed to visit the farm animals, wine and kid's slushies, 38 wines to taste and lots of country store treasures. And, we like your dogs!
OPEN Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 11am-5pm Weekdays 12-5pm
We have very limited U-Pick Apples and no cider. Donuts, slushies, and apple butter are a go! Full disclosure: you will have to hunt for them. The apples, not the donuts. If you are hoping to pick a few apples with your kids, come on over and find a few for the magic of it, and then fill up your bags in the store from our bins.
🍏 Gross' Orchard, Also in Bedford, 6817 Wheat's Valley Rd, Bedford, VA. Offers a full farm market and fruit picking, along with a few seasonal events. Check out their Apple Schedule.
🍎 Drumheller's Orchard, 1130 Drumheller Orchard Lane in Lovingston, is open Monday through Saturday from 9-5 and Sundays from 12-5. Each year, Drumheller’s Orchard offers a variety of fun, family oriented events. Check their website for updated information.
🍏 Morris Orchard, 226 Tobacco Row Lane in Monroe, offers 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! Morris Orchard is open Monday through Saturday from 8-5. Morris Orchard is also open some Sundays in season.
🍎 Carter Mountain Orchard, 1435 Carters Mountain Trail in Charlottesville 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.
🍏 Windy Hill Orchard, 176 Windy Hill Lane, Ararat. The 2024 season is by reservation only and September is already full. There may be dates available soon for October. The Stayman Winesap is a sweet aromatic apple that has a slight hint of tartness which is the variety that is available for the u-pick.
Farm Markets and More Apple Adventures
If you'd like to support farm fresh goodness, without the pickin', Roanoke is home to several great farm stores.
🧑🌾Roanoke Historic City Market - our lifelong favorite, you'll also find Apple Cider Donuts on most Saturdays.
🧑🌾 Jamison's Orchards- located in South County at 5635 Grandin Road Extenstion, Jamison's offers seasonal produce, canned items such as jams and vegetables, homebaked sourdough bread, plants, and a deli. They also have a cut your own flower farm next door, Branches and Blooms.
🧑🌾 Ikenberry Orchard and Country Store, 2557 Roanoke Road, Troutville, VA. Ikenberry's is a 5th Generation Farm and Farm Store They sell 7 varieties of apples in season, fresh from their orchard. In addition, they sell locally-sourced Angus beef and all-natural pork as well as other products like wine, apple butter, and coffee.
🧑🌾 Basil Farm Market is moving to a new location, from Boones Mill to Cave Spring. Location will be updated soon. They quickly became popular, offering local produce, meats, and artisan crafts by local makers.
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