Visit Carter Mountain Orchard

Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, Carter Mountain Orchard overlooks dramatic vistas and acres of fruit trees and grapevines. Mere minutes from downtown Charlottesville and just down the road from Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home, the orchard welcomes visitors year-round. Our hours and offerings vary seasonally, and pets are not permitted at any time. Please plan your visit accordingly!


Service dogs only permitted

Trained Service Dogs Only

Due to food safety regulations, all other pets and emotional support animals are not permitted. Learn more in our Visitor Guidelines.

Aerial View of Carter Mountain Country Store

Visitor Guidelines

We’re glad to welcome you to our family farm. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit!

Cider donut with mountain views in background at Carter Mountain Orchard

Donuts: Always in Season

Sweet dreams are made of these: our fresh apple cider donuts! Grab a pack from the Country Store & Bakery, head out to our deck, kick up your feet, and enjoy.

Every season, there’s a reason to visit!

In spring, apple blossoms cover the orchard—a gorgeous backdrop for unwinding with a glass of wine.

In early summer, our Country Store features sun-ripened peaches, nectarines, and local veggies, as well as fresh peach cider donuts and plenty of ice cream and cider slushies! Thursday evenings, the mountain is hopping with live music, food, wine, hard cider, and good times.

From mid-August until mid-December, you can pick your own apples or buy ready-picked apples, fresh-pressed apple cider, apple cider donuts (a runaway hit year after year), and our scrumptious apple pies.

As fall festivities approach, the orchard brims with pumpkins, gourds, and harvest decor. Topping off the day are hayrides around the orchard—all in all, a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful Virginia countryside.

2024 Seasonal Hours for Carter Mountain Orchard

January 12–March 21

Weekends, Friday–Sunday, 11 AM–5 PM

OPEN Presidents’ Day, Monday 2/19


March 22–May 12

Daily, 10 AM–5 PM

CLOSED Easter, Sunday 3/31


May 13–November 2

Daily, 9 AM–6 PM

Open until 9 PM for Thursday Evening Sunset Series ticketholders April 18– September 26

Admission tickets required on peak fall weekends September 14–November 10


November 3–December 1

Daily, 9 AM–5 PM

CLOSED Thanksgiving 11/28


December 2–29

Daily, 10 AM–5 PM

Open until 8 PM on December 5, 12, & 19 for Thursday Evening Holiday Series

CLOSED Christmas Eve & Day 12/24-25
CLOSED 12/30/2024–1/9/2025