Date:  September 26, 2014
From: DCist

Pick Your Own Apples this Fall
By DCist contributor Victoria Finkle

If you've been to a farmers' market lately, you've seen the explosion of apples — Jonagolds, Galas, Fujis, you name it. But if you’re looking to maximize the autumnal experience in the coming weeks, grab a pumpkin spice latte and head to one of the many local farms to pick your own.

Below are some top options for DIY apple harvesting in the region, all located within two hours of D.C.

Butler’s Orchard: This Germantown farm is a popular destination for the pick-your-own crowd, season-round. They’ve currently got the classic Golden Delicious available, as well as Stayman apples, though supplies are going fast. If you hurry, you can catch the remaining raspberry and tomato crops, too. Young kids (and, frankly, the young at heart) should definitely check out the potato sack slide. Apples are $1.79 per pound.
22200 Davis Mill Road Germantown, Md.

Hartland Orchard: You can find Mutsu, Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious and Fuji apples available for picking at this Virginia farm, along with a whole bushel of additional fall activities. Their “fall festival weekends” include a corn maze (maize maze?), hay rides and more. Admission is $10. Cash and check only.
3064 Hartland Lane, Markham, Va.

Hollin Farms: If you suffer from apple indecision, this could be the orchard for you. Hollin currently has Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Empire, Grimes Golden, Shizuka, Idared, Autumn Gala and Mutsu Crispin apples all on offer for harvesting, as well as an abundance of vegetables and seasonal gourds. $15 a peck.
1436 Snowden Road, Delaplane, Va.

Homestead Farms: This Poolesville orchard, which has been owned by the Allnutt family since 1763, has Enterprise, Suncrisp, Cameo, Jonagold and Sun Fuji apples for picking. When you’re done, you can take a load off with a hayride for $3. Apples $1.79 per pound.
15604 Sugarland Road, Poolesville, Md.

Larriland Farm: The options are pretty good right now at Larriland, where you can grab Empire, Magnolia Gold, Red Delicious and Autumn Gala apples. Make a full salad with the addition of some tomatoes, beets and kale, which are also available.
2415 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, Md.

Marker-Miller Orchards: Fuel up with one of this farm’s popular apple cider donuts before you head out for apple picking, where you can find Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Ida Red, Crispin, and Yatika Fuji varieties.
3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, Va.

Stribling Orchard: This six-generation farm has Jonathan, Grimes Golden, Red Delicious, McIntosh, Golden Delicious and Rome apples available, along with an even wider variety of already-picked apples. If that’s not enough to cure your apple fix, there’s also a bakery, where you can buy apple cider, apple cake, apple pie and apple-cinnamon-raisin bread. Apples $1 to $1.50 per pound depending on the amount picked.
11587 Poverty Hollow Lane, Markham, Va.