ISO suggestions for drive to pick pumpkins and apples, then have lunch -- just me and DH

[Anonymous]

We're looking for a place within an hour and a half drive. Would prefer a drive involving skyline for the scenery. We'd like to go pick out some pumpkins and maybe apples, but since we won't have any kids with us we don't necessarily need somewhere like Cox Farm. Any suggestions? Also looking for somewhere to have a good lunch on the way. Might even do a short hike. Any suggestions for a route where we could find all of these things?

[Anonymous]

I don't know, as most of the places I've been are overrun with kids, but I think most of this area is past apple-picking season.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Figure we might miss the boat with the apples but that is no biggie...and it's okay if where ever we go is overrun with kids. We would love a scenic drive, though, and a nice spot for lunch. Any recs for lunch spots south or west of here? Out towards Leesburg, or toward Skyline drive? Thanks a lot.

[Anonymous]

If you're willing to drive nearly to Skyline Drive, there are plenty of roadside fruit stands especially as you get closer to the park entrance off 211 (right past Sperryville; there are many stands on the way there as well).

Lunch options don't really abound but many wineries are open for tastings on Saturdays and you might enjoy that.

This is a great reference for pick-your-own places in VA:
http://www.pickyourown.org/VA.htm

[Anonymous]

Lee's Orchard - pick your own apples
65 Orchard Lane, Washington, VA. Phone: [phone] and 540-675-3178. Directions: Take Route 66 west to Route 29 south toward Warrenton; take Route 211 west 22 miles to the orchard, on the right. Open: daily 9 to 6 through the end of October. 14 acres of pick-your-own apples, and honey, fall produce and cider made on the orchard.

then lunch http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/restaurants/ashby-inn-and-restaurant,796030/critic-review.html

[Anonymous]

Crooked Run Orchard in Purcellville is great for apple picking. Went there a few weekends ago and had lots of fun and picked good apples too. They only charge for the apples you pick ($.99/lb). You could eat lunch in Leesburg which is right nearby (about 5-10 min drive).

There's also Great Country Farms in Bluemont, VA. Check out their website for all the info. I believe GCF is a bit further than Purcellville. They offer pumpkin picking in an actual pumpkin patch. You take a hayride to the patch which is fun and included as part of admission. They also have food there too in the "Roosteraunt."

have fun!!

[Anonymous]

Not south or west, but Larriland Farms is lovely. Not sure you can hike there but it's very large. They still have apples -- will reopen the apple orchard Sat Oct. 23rd. You can get lunch in town -- nice barbecue place. Near Mt. Airy MD

http://www.pickyourown.com/

map:

http://www.pickyourown.com/map.html

[Anonymous]

Homestead Farm near Poolesville/White's Ferry.

[Anonymous]

We had a quick -- just one night -- getaway to the Ashby Inn last year and loved it. Great dinner and breakfast; I would guess lunch is equally delicious. There's plenty of hiking nearby. Another option would be to hike along the towpath or at Great Falls on the Maryland side, then have lunch at the Old Anglers Inn. Enjoy . . . wish we could get away now.

[Anonymous]

Here's another one that has wine tasting as well! http://www.markermillerorchards.com/index_2008.htm

We've done Crooked Run and it is a nice place but can get really crowded.