Getting to know Virginia – Charlottesville (Orchards)

There is too much to do in the Charlottesville area to put into just one post, so I’ll organize by activity.

Carter Mountain Orchards not only have the pick-your-own apples, but they also have a little country store with yummy apple cider donuts, picnic tables overlooking a spectacular view of the city below and when you go in the fall, they have pumpkins!

They have become über successful over the years! The first time we went a few years ago, the road up the mountain was dirt and there were only a couple dozen cars in the lot. When we went a couple of weeks ago, they had a nicely paved road and flaggers directing traffic to one of three parking lots! But all the best to them, they have a nice operation and delicious apples!

They happen to grow my favorite type of apple, the Mutsu (Crispin), which is why I don’t mind waiting in line for 20 minutes to pay for 5 apples! They are green, crunchy like Granny Smith, but sweet. Not a fan of red apples and I hate the soft, mushy apples, so this is literally the best apple I’ve ever had. I can only find them here at CMO or at Wegmans (if they are in season). Just all kinds of yum!

Wow, never knew I was so passionate about apples, but well, there ya go! Anyhoo, on to the pictures!