Virginia is well-known for its beautiful landscapes and delicious peaches. The peach season in Virginia typically runs from mid-June to September, making it an ideal time to visit the state’s best peach-picking farms.
The farm suggestions in this article are based on Google reviews, starting with the farms that have equally high numbers of reviews and high review scores.
However, the sequence of this blog post does not indicate which one is better than the other.
In each farm recommendation, you can expect information about why the farm is great for picking peaches, which month the farm opens, what else you can do in the farm, the location of the farm, and links for you to contact them before going there.
Always check their websites or Facebook pages for current availability, prices, and hours, as it may change due to weather, commercial picking, and fruit availability!
Chiles Peach Orchard
Why we like this farm?
Chiles Peach Orchard is a local favorite with a Google rating of 4.6 stars and nearly 800 reviews. This farm is perfect for peach picking.
Chiles Family Orchards grow three species of peaches, Donut Peaches, White Peaches, and Yellow Peaches.
Donut peaches are low-acidity with a candy-like sweetness, and are harvested in July and August. White peaches have a delicate, floral sweetness, and are also harvested in July and August. Yellow peaches are very juicy, with a sweet, slightly tart bite, and are harvested from mid-June to September.
All three species of peaches are good tasting fresh, but white and yellow peaches are particularly good for baking.
A bit of History
Chiles Family Orchards has a long history dating back to the early 1900s when they started planting peach trees for commercial production. This led to the founding of Crown Orchard Company, which supplies orchard-grown fruit to grocery chains and military commissaries along the East Coast.
Their “Pick Your Own” offerings became a hit among the public in the mid-1970s, and they have since expanded their offerings to include various fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Educational school field trips are also offered at both Carter Mountain Orchard and Chiles Peach Orchard.
Chiles Family Orchards is committed to expanding their offerings and adapting to new technologies, evident by their recent expansion of the Farm Market and the installation of a solar array.
Their dedication to sustainability and education has helped them stay relevant and successful over the years. The Chiles family’s contributions to the local community have made them a beloved agribusiness and a popular destination for visitors.
What else can you do other than peach picking?
Other activities available during your visit include enjoying their delicious peach ice cream (highly recommended!) and exploring the farm’s other offerings such as vegetables and sunflowers.
Their peach cider donuts are also heavenly! The farm is easy to get to and offers a family-friendly atmosphere with other fruits, veggies, and sunflowers to pick as well at a reasonable price
- Picking Season: Mid-June to September
- Location: 1351 Greenwood Rd, Crozet, VA 22932
- Contact: Facebook Page, Instagram Page, Phone: (434) 823-1583, Website
Carter Mountain Orchard
Why we like this farm?
Google displays an impressive 4.6-star rating with almost 3,700 reviews, this is a really popular farm. It offer very similar species as Chiles Peach Orchard.
What makes this different is its scenic spot with breathtaking views, including vineyards, groves, and winding inclines. The farm offers a perfect venue for a beautiful sunset, and visitors can enjoy the panoramic views from several decks, structures, and the picnic area.
This is why we love this, peach picking and an amazing view, make this perfect for couple dating and family chilling together too!
There are also plenty of food and drink options, including Bold Rock hard cider, apple pie, apple fritters, and wine, you won’t leave hungry.
The general store is filled with decor, gifts, and food items, and the friendly staff is always accommodating. Pick your own apples in the orchard or purchase pre-picked bags to enjoy later.
A bit of History
The Chiles family has been harvesting on Carter Mountain Orchard, a location rich in Virginia history.
The land has changed hands many times over the past 200 years, and the orchard was officially purchased by the family in 1985.
The history of the land dates back to 1729 when John Carter obtained the area by grant. Thomas Jefferson even received some of the land in exchange for legal services in 1771, which is now owned by Monticello and adjacent to the orchard.
What else can you do other than peach picking?
The farm offers a range of delectable treats to indulge in, starting with their famous apple cider donuts that are a must-try.
The donuts are the perfect balance of sweet and savory and are sure to leave you craving more. After treating your taste buds to the donuts, take your pick from the multiple flight options of wine and embark on a tasting journey ranging from dry to sweet.
And if you’re in the mood for some juicy peaches, you have the option of either picking your own or purchasing freshly picked ones from the stand. Prices are reasonable, and you’re sure to have a peaceful afternoon with a great experience.
- Picking Season: Mid Jun to September
- Location: 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Contact: Facebook Page, Instagram Page, Phone: (434) 977-1833, Website
Mackintosh Fruit Farm
Why we like this farm?
Mackintosh Fruit Farm boasts a Google rating of 4.5 stars and nearly 300 reviews. This farm provides fruit pickers so you can reach high-up fruit, and offers carts and containers for your convenience.
The market features local jams, spreads, honey, syrups, baked goods, dairy, and meat products. Don’t forget to try their hot cider for a delightful fall treat.
A bit of History
Mackintosh Fruit Farm is a family-owned pick-your-own farm located in the Northern Shenandoah Valley in Clarke County, Virginia. The farm was started in 1988 with apple and peach trees and has since expanded to include a wide variety of fruit trees, berries, and vegetables.
They offer early, mid, and late season varieties of fruit to extend their customers’ picking season. Mackintosh Fruit Farm is committed to producing amazing flavor and texture in their fruit by growing them on dwarf trees that can be easily picked from the ground.
They have also prioritized building a nutrient-rich living soil through a combination of organic matter, green grass crops, leaf compost, and grass compost.
The farm encourages families to come and experience the taste of truly tree-ripe fruit during its peak of maturity, while also learning about where their food comes from.
What else can you do other than peach picking?
Other than visiting the market mentioned above, n addition to peaches, Mackintosh Fruit Farm offers a variety of other fruits and vegetables for picking, such as flowers, grapes, tomatoes, blackberries, cherries, and more depending on the season.
- Picking Season: Varies, check website for details
- Location: 1608 Russell Rd, Berryville, VA 22611
- Contact: Facebook Page, Instagram Page, Phone: (540) 955-6225, Website
Stribling Orchard
Why we like this farm?
Stribling Orchard, with a Google rating of 4.5 stars and over 300 reviews, is a historic farm that has been in the Stribling family for six generations.
Their peaches are available from mid-July through mid-August. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, visit historic buildings, and interact with farm animals. The Harvest House offers cider, honey, jams, jellies, salsas, hot sauces, local cheese, local eggs, Virginia peanuts, cookbooks, fresh baked goods, and more.
If you visit in mid-August, you can also pick apples. Its close proximity to certain wineries makes it an excellent choice for a day trip.
A bit of History
The history of this farm dates back to the mid 1700s when the main house, “Mountain View,” was constructed.
The property was originally part of the 1733 Charles Burgess land grant, and the first lease was granted to William Marshall in 1765. Over the years, more land was purchased, and the original structure underwent several additions.
During the Civil War, the property was used as officer’s quarters by both the Union and Confederate armies.
After the war, the farm’s market for apples grew, and for years, apples were picked, graded, and packed for shipment at an on-site packinghouse.
However, the commercial market became highly competitive by 1950, and the Striblings began pick-your-own sales.
The orchard currently consists of approximately 2,500 apple trees and 800 peach trees.
In 1990, a sales building named “Harvest House” was opened to the public, where an assortment of products, including the farm’s famous peach pie, can be found.
What else can you do other than peach picking?
Enjoy their mouth-watering Peach Pie available at the Harvest House store from Labor Day weekend while supplies last.
It’s made fresh daily along with other tasty treats such as bread, pastries, jams, and cold drinks, the bakery only operates during weekends.
Keep in mind that the pies, breads, and pastries are freshly made each day, so availability may be limited at opening. Don’t miss out on the chance to savor their delectable Peach Pie!
- Picking Season: Mid-July to mid-August
- Location: 11587 Poverty Hollow Ln, Markham, VA 22643
- Contact: Facebook Page, Instagram Page, Phone: (540) 364-3040, Website
Marker-Miller Orchards
Why we like this farm?
Marker-Miller Orchards has a Google rating of 4.7 stars with over 600 reviews.
We love their varieties available for picking! They have several peach varieties available, including Sentry, Starfire, Early Loring/John Boy I, John Boy II, Glohaven, Contender, Loring, Cresthaven, Flaming Fury, and Redskin.
Containers for picking berries, tomatoes, peaches, and apples can be purchased beforehand.
Upon arrival, visitors are provided with a map and instructions to guide them through the picking process.
On top of that, this farm also offers a lovely experience for families, with a great playground and beautiful orchard.
The playground features a diverse range of activities including a large play set with a climbing wall, jungle gym, and slide, as well as a play set for younger children, spring rides, a ship, a tractor and wagon, a castle, a climbing dome, and a helicopter.
This is great for any family would like to bring their kids together with them for peach picking.
A bit of History
Marker-Miller Orchards is a family farm that has been operating for over three generations. Amos Marker, the great-grandfather of the current owners, purchased the land in 1908.
The farm started with apple orchards in the 1930s and expanded with peaches, plums, pears, and apricots in the 1940s and 1950s.
After his father’s death, John Marker-Miller and his aunt continued managing the farm and diversified its offerings by adding vegetables.
They started selling fruits to retail customers, and in 2001, they built a farm market that featured a kitchen and allowed them to sell fresh-baked pies and apple cider donuts.
They further expanded their market in 2004 to increase retail and kitchen areas and add an ice cream/fudge room.
The family wants to provide not just a farm experience but also a family experience to their customers.
What else can you do other than peach picking?
In addition to our fun-filled playground, they also offer a variety of hard-to-find fruits such as damsons and apricots. During the summer season, plums are also offered from July through Labor Day.
- Picking Season: July to August
- Location: 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, VA 22602
- Contact: Facebook Page, Instagram Page, Phone: (540) 662-1391, Website
Other Great Farm but do not offer peach picking
- Ikenberry Orchards – they do not offer you pick experience. They do offer great peach varieties for purchase, including Bellaire, Red Haven, Jersey Dawn, White Lady, Loring, Cresthaven, and O’Henry. The knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect peach variety to suit your taste and needs.
Visiting these top-rated peach-picking farms in Virginia is sure to create lasting memories and give you the opportunity to enjoy some of the freshest, most delicious peaches around. Happy peach picking!