Archives for :

Fun Local Spaces with Live Music in Charlottesville

Posted by :Alex Griffith On : July 2, 2024
0

Category:

Charlottesville is a little town with a big appetite for music and arts! Whether we’re cheering for world-touring artists at the John Paul Jones Arena, or just feeling the mellow vibes of a local group, there’s always someone playing something in C’ville. The Visit Charlottesville website has a “Concerts & Live Music” page which keeps track of new and exciting events and acts coming to town.

That said, there are so many opportunities to enjoy smaller performers all around this area any day of the week. Often, they’re playing at fun, casual venues that can combine music with food, drinks, or outdoor ambiance. Here are some of our favorite places to enjoy live music in Charlottesville!

Carter Mountain Orchard

There’s no denying we’re partial to our own venue! Carter Mountain’s Thursday Evening Sunset Series is a Charlottesville tradition, and visitors are welcome every Thursday from April to September to savor the sunset from above town. Grab a spot at a table, spread out a blanket, or dance the dusk away, it’ll be a good time regardless!

There’s a new band every week, a variety of food trucks, delicious Carter Mountain Wine, Bold Rock Hard Cider, and the best view you can find at any music venue we’ve heard of. So it’s worth making the trip up the mountain multiple times while you have the chance! We even have season passes available if you want to make it a weekly habit.

The Downtown Mall

Charlottesville's downtown mall at evening.
Photo from Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau

The pedestrian mall is a great space to hang out, shop, or grab a bite, and it’s also a prime source of nightly live music in Charlottesville. The Whiskey Jar features live music almost every night, with regulars like Betty Jo’s Boogie Band on Mondays. Wednesdays and Thursdays have live samba, rumba, and Latin guitar at The Bebedero, while Miller’s has jazz on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. For more of a concert venue feel, The Jefferson regularly hosts big acts and dance parties. The Southern, by contrast, has a more intimate, indie stage feel.

Lots of restaurants and bars have one-off or impromptu performances, so if you have time beforehand, it might be worth taking a stroll and seeing what’s playing! For a more detailed list of smaller performances, check the Cville Scene.

Local Wineries

Chiswell Winery visitors enjoying live music in lawn chairs.

For a more relaxed live music venue, wineries offer comfortable spaces out in nature—and wine, of course! If your ideal live music experience includes chatting with friends and enjoying a drink or two, Charlottesville-area wineries might be perfect for you. The Monticello Wine Trail boasts beautiful mountain sunsets, crisp Virginia breezes, and wineries that are as well known for enjoyable atmospheres as for their award-winning wine.

Just south of town, Eastwood Farm and Winery has regular performances in their Barn venue, including dancing on Saturday nights. The historic Jefferson Vineyards features acoustic performances Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Keswick Vineyards features live music every Saturday, as well as their Wine Down Wednesday series. And near Crozet, all summer long our sister venue Chiswell Farm & Winery features both their Summer Sundown series on Friday evenings and afternoon performances on Sippin’ Sunday. If you’re coming to a Chiswell performance, we recommend packing a picnic to go with your wine!

College and University Concerts

The Charlottesville Symphony performing at UVA's Old Cabell Hall.
Photo from the Department of Music, University of Virginia

Every school year, Charlottesville’s population grows by a lot, and there’s a good amount of world-class musicians among those students and faculty! UVA’s Department of Music features over a hundred concerts every year from dozens of local and visiting ensembles. These concerts are perfect ways to show visiting relatives live music in Charlottesville while touring the University’s gorgeous Grounds. It’s not just classical music either, with jazz, choral, and even a computer ensemble performing throughout the year.

Neighboring Piedmont Virginia Community College also boasts a full-featured performance season, including dance and folk music. While both schools have more traditional sit-down music venues for quieter performances, their beautiful outdoor spaces and convenient locations mean they’re a relaxing way to spend an evening with friends and family.

The Ting Pavilion

The Ting Pavilion in downtown Charlottesville.
Photo from Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau

Located at the east end of the Downtown Mall, the Ting Pavilion is an iconic Charlottesville landmark that frequently hosts out-of-town bands and local acts. Its unique blend of covered seats and lawn viewing combines the best of open-air and interior concerts. Best of all, being on the Downtown Mall means you can count on dinner and a show!

Fridays After Five is a free concert series that runs all summer, starting at 5:30 PM. The musical acts are local artists, and concessions benefit local non-profits, which is why Fridays after Five has a well-deserved decades-long reputation as a Charlottesville institution.

Crozet Breweries and Orchards

Visitors at Chiles Peach Orchard during an evening concert.

Grown from a rural farming community, the small town of Crozet is a unique cultural destination just west of Charlottesville. The famous breweries and orchards that pepper Crozet’s lovely Blue Ridge foothills also regularly host local and out-of-town musicians. Whether you call Crozet home, or you’re planning an impromptu evening out from Charlottesville, it’s a music-lover’s place to be!

When it comes to brewery gigs, the Main Taproom Stage at Pro Re Nata is a well-loved, exciting evening venue on Fridays and Saturdays. Starr Hill Brewery enjoys weekend music as well, plus regular Sunday afternoon performances. If you’re looking for more of a family vibe, Henley’s Orchard features semi-regular live performances, especially during HenleyFest in fall. Chiles Peach Orchard has live performances from 1–4 PM, May–October, every Saturday and Sunday.

An orchard is an especially fun place to enjoy live music near Charlottesville, because there’s so much to do! Spaces without concert ticketing like Chiles Peach Orchard have a drop-in, drop-out atmosphere perfect for grabbing a snack, playing an outdoor game, or even picking your own fruit before, during, or after the performance. An afternoon visit to a Crozet brewery or orchard could easily turn into an all-day adventure!

Charlottesville might be a quiet city most of the time, but we get loud when we want to! So make a plan to see some live music this week by check out our calendar. There are all sorts of events being planned at Carter Mountain and other Chiles Family Orchards that might catch your fancy. We hope to see you soon!

The Ultimate Charlottesville Bucket List

Posted by :Ivy Group Developer On : March 30, 2023
0

Category:

Are you visiting Charlottesville and not sure how to make the most of it? Or have you been living in town for a while, and you’re finally ready to explore what our area has to offer? Either way, we’ve got you covered with must-include entries for the ultimate Charlottesville bucket list.

Monticello

Photo credit: monticello.org

Thomas Jefferson’s life is intertwined with Charlottesville, from his birth in Albemarle County through his founding of the University of Virginia. Just two miles outside of town and next door to Carter Mountain Orchard, the home and estate he spent much of his life designing is open to the visitors.

Thanks to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation’s careful curation, you can experience the rich and complicated history of one of America’s founding fathers. The historic home, beautiful gardens, exquisitely presented exhibits, and activities for all ages are just a few of the reasons half a million visitors come to see Monticello each year!

Monticello Wine Trail

Image credit: monticellowinetrail.com

The area surrounding Charlottesville is home to over 40 Monticello Wine Trail wineries. This association of viticulturists work to fulfill Thomas Jefferson’s vision of Virginia wines taking their place among the greatest wines in the world. Most of the venues are open year-round. All provide a sumptuous experience of Central Virginia’s wine country, with its rolling hills and wines of national and international acclaim.

We encourage you to wander this trail at your leisure, and of course to make our sister venue, Chiswell Farm & Winery, one of your stops!

Downtown Mall

Photo credit: visitcharlottesville.org

When Charlottesville converted eight blocks of its downtown into a pedestrian mall in the 1970s, few could imagine how it would reshape the city for generations to come. The Mall is the place to be. It gives locals and tourists alike a chance to walk, socialize, and share a meal or drink, all in a space designed for that decidedly old-fashioned and charming way of getting around: with our own two feet!

Whether you come to dine, shop, or people watch, there are endless chances to enjoy yourself. It’s impossible to picture Charlottesville without the mall—and no visitor should miss it.

Fridays After Five

Photo credit: tingpavilion.com

The Downtown Mall also hosts one of Charlottesville’s premiere community events. The Fridays After Five concert series takes place each Friday, from mid-April through early September. Gather by the stage under the pavilion’s soaring white cover, take a seat in the grass, or just let the sound come to you from a spot halfway down the mall. There’s no wrong way to enjoy music or to mingle with the community that turns out. Oh, did we mention the shows are free?

Of course, if live outdoor music is your jam, you can also come to Carter Mountain Orchard for our Thursday Evening Sunset Series!

The Paramount or The Jefferson

Photo credit: jeffersontheater.com & theparamount.net

When you want to soak up a little culture in Charlottesville, you don’t have to look far. Between the Paramount and Jefferson theaters, you’re spoiled for choice. The Jefferson boasts “the best live music in Charlottesville,” and the Paramount offers all things arts: plays, book events, stand-up comedy, classic movies, talks, concerts, and more.

No visit to artsy Cville is complete without a show at one of these historic venues!

Charlottesville City Market

Photo credit: charlottesville.gov

For a friendly bustle and a basketful of local food, look no further than the Charlottesville City Market. Hosted right beside the Downtown Mall on Saturday mornings from April through December, this farmer’s market has something for everyone. Fresh produce? Check. Local crafts, tacos, treats, and a generous helping of live music and impromptu conversations? Yup. From newborns in slings to octogenarian grandparents, you can find everyone mingling between its stalls.

You can find us there, too, offering your favorite in-season orchard fruits, plus pies, apple cider donuts, and more!

Riverview Park

Photo credit: charlottesville.gov & rivannarivercompany.com

While amazing hikes and natural spaces surround town (like the iconic Humpback Rocks,) Charlottesville boasts wonderful in-town options, too. Among the best is Riverview Park. With miles of tree-lined paved trails on one side of the river, and an unpaved trail on the other, this park is fantastic for a walk, a bike ride, a bit of bird or turtle watching, or a playground visit with the kids. If you visit during the summer, you can also rent a kayak or tube from Rivanna River Co. for a lazy river float!

Ix Art Park

Photo credit: ixartpark.org & visitcharlottesville.org

The Foundation behind Ix Art Park dubs its indoor exhibit, The Looking Glass, a “permanent immersive art experience,” and we think that’s a pretty good way to capture the entirety of this fascinating Charlottesville fixture. Nestled among restaurants, a brewery, and a sake distillery, Ix Art Park provides an expansive public space festooned with thought-provoking art installations.

You can come any time to enjoy a picnic and a stroll among the art. You can also buy a ticket for The Looking Glass or attend one of the park’s many free scheduled events. There’s a Saturday farmers market, a Thursday Sunset Market for local crafts and food, the chance to make your own art with free supplies provided Thursdays through Sundays, plus plenty of other chances to explore the world of creativity. 

The Rotunda

Photo credit: rotunda.virginia.edu

As the most striking building on UVA’s beautiful grounds, the Rotunda is well worth your time. Designed by Thomas Jefferson in 1821, the building offers several unique architectural spaces, including the famous and spectacular ‘dome room’. There’s plenty to see when visiting UVA. Just be sure to save time on your Charlottesville bucket list for an exploration of this one-of-a-kind building as it enters its third century as a local and national icon.

Carter Mountain Orchard

We started our list of things to do at Monticello, and we’re ending right next door! Carter Mountain Orchard is open year-round for family fun, and we’re pleased to offer you many special events and activities: seasonal celebrations, summer evenings filled to the brim with good music and wine, and of course the chance to pick your own apples and peaches when they’re in season.

Prefer a more relaxed outing? Just stop in the County Store & Bakery for some ready-picked fruit, Carter Mountain Wine, and bakery treats. You’re always welcome to spread out a blanket and enjoy the best view of Charlottesville. (With a side of our famous apple cider donuts!)

There you have it—our top picks for your Charlottesville bucket list. We’re grateful to be part of a community with so many memorable things to do!

How to Have a Friendsgiving You’ll Never Forget

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : November 1, 2021
0

Category:

Friendsgiving is an opportunity to gather together and celebrate those who hold a special place in your heart. It’s a special blend of old traditions and new.

Whether you are hosting or attending a celebration this year, follow these creative ideas, desserts, and activities for a Friendsgiving you’ll never forget!

Divvy Up the Duties

These days, we could all use a little stress reduction. What better way to lift the weight off your shoulders than to share the Friendsgiving responsibilities? Everyone can pitch in: hosting, decorating, bringing dessert, contributing wine, and preparing side dishes. Nothing beats a good potluck!

To really make Friendsgiving preparations a breeze, send your friends a digital signup sheet before the big event. Google Docs is a helpful resource, as everyone can collaborate to ensure every base is covered. Otherwise, your Friendsgiving may end up looking more like a dessert bar than a meal!

Save Time With Tried and True Goodies

You’ll have plenty of time to stand over a hot stove on Thanksgiving Day, so save time by stocking up on prepared items. Plus, if you do decide to cook, those ready-made treats will serve as a backup in the event of a kitchen disaster (we’ve all been there). 

Cozy fall desserts are a Thanksgiving staple. If you’re looking for the same curl up next to the fireplace feeling at your Friendsgiving, pre-order a Carter Mountain apple pie by November 21.

Fresh-baked apple pie

Prepare Homemade Dishes in Advance

If possible, start preparing your Friendsgiving contributions in advance. Nothing is worse than planning to make a stellar side dish, only to have forgotten about a doctor’s appointment and finding yourself out of time to cook. 

To take the semi-homemade route in dessert preparations, use apple cider donuts to make cider donut bread pudding!

Carter Mountain's homemade cider donut bread pudding

One important thing to consider when preparing in advance is how exactly you’re going to reheat the food for dinnertime. Consider choosing something that doesn’t have to be reheated, like roasted pumpkin seeds, cranberry sauce, or deviled eggs (remember: oven space is limited). Need the inspiration to get started on your Friendsgiving dish? We’ve got plenty of holiday cooking ideas to help you out!

Set the Scene

Harvest decor, of course, is an integral part of any Friendsgiving feast. If you’re the artistic friend in the group, here are a few ideas to kick off your decorating!

Use mini pumpkins as name cards. Write each of your pal’s names on a small pumpkin to leave at their place setting. It’s an adorably thoughtful and really easy addition to the decor.  

Get crafty with a leaf bouquet. Homemade bouquets are a cost-effective way to level up your harvest decor, all you’ll need are leaves!

Turn colorful gourds into a centerpiece. Miniature gourds come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. Stack them in a glass vase or carefully place them in a tray for a unique and festive centerpiece!

Carter Mountain gourds in basket

Make a playlist. Music can set the scene just as well as any decorations! Do you want the evening to be relaxed or more upbeat? If you’re looking to get everyone smiling and dancing, your group’s all-time favorite throw-back jams should suffice.

Set a theme. Maybe your pals want to have a pajama party theme or dress up in ugly sweaters for the upcoming holidays. It’s your party, so go ahead and make it your own!

Relax the Rules

Usually, Friendsgiving is more casual than a traditional Thanksgiving gathering, so you can make it your own. Dress down the event by wearing cozy sweatpants. Or, deviate from a typical Thanksgiving menu with a more time-friendly course than a full-sized turkey. Nobody wants to fuss about cooking a whole ginormous bird twice in one year!

If you’re experimenting with a new appetizer or side course at your big Thanksgiving dinner, test the waters with your pals! One thing’s for sure: they’ll give you honest feedback. The most important thing is the time you share together, food flops and all.

Plan Activities to Bring Everyone Together

Friendsgiving is more than a meal; it’s a time to pause and celebrate your close-knit community. It’s the perfect opportunity to do something interactive where everyone can focus on what’s important: gathering together. 

Artistic activities are always enjoyable for crafty friend groups. To put a creative twist on pumpkin decorating, consider painting pumpkins together. Not only is pumpkin painting a fun activity to share with one another, but it’s also a good way to take the joy of the event home with you! 

Carter Mountain checkers board
It’s apples versus donuts in our Logo Checker Board!

If your pals aren’t artistic, no worries; there are plenty more ways to savor your time together.  Our personal favorites are working on a challenging puzzle, playing flag football, and volunteering at the local food bank or animal shelter.

Capture the Moment

Commemorative photos are the key to making sure that your Friendsgiving is unforgettable. Taking plenty of photos throughout the meal helps savor the small moments, from a funny joke shared to taste-testing the pie selection. 

To take the photography up another notch, stage a group photo that becomes a tradition every year. Try frolicking in piles of leaves, or better yet, posing with the beautiful food that you brought for the meal! Setting up a “photo booth” with a camera, silly props, and a festive background is another wonderful way to get some fun shots!

When you’re ready to prep for this year’s Friendsgiving, visit our Country Store & Bakery in-person or shop online for all of your fall favorites!

There are plenty of different ways to celebrate your chosen family around the holidays, and that’s what makes Friendsgiving so special. 

In our many years of welcoming visitors to the orchard, we’ve witnessed the magic of families and friends gathering together to celebrate the seasons. Here’s to many more years of tradition, both old and new!

  • Friends posing with apple cutout
    @classyseoul
  • Friends posing with pumpkins
    @mnrepasky14
  • @perfectlyridiculous
  • Friends pretending to eat an apple
    @RickyDiaz
  • Apple of their eyes
    @rosemarygirard
  • Friends with matching hats
    @samanthabroughman

Fall Food Trucks Available Daily on the Mountain

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : September 3, 2021
0

Category:

You asked and we answered: we’ll be hosting food trucks daily for most of the 2021 fall season! C’mon out to join us for good eats, breathtaking views, and of course, apple picking!

Food Truck Lineup

Food trucks will be on the mountain from about 11 AM–3 PM on weekdays and 11 AM–5 PM on weekends.

September 5–11

Sunday, 9/5: Vision BBQ

Monday, 9/6: Raclette on the Run and Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Thursday, 9/9: Order Up and Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Friday, 9/10: Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Saturday, 9/11: Little Manila and Martin’s Grill

September 12–18

Sunday, 9/12: Vision BBQ

Thursday, 9/16: Good Waffles & Co. and Little Manila (THURSDAY EVENING ONLY)

Friday, 9/17: Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Saturday, 9/18: Little Manila

September 19–25

Sunday, 9/19: Vision BBQ

Monday, 9/20: Raclette on the Run

Tuesday, 9/21: Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Wednesday, 9/22: The Pie Guy

Thursday, 9/23: Martin’s Grill

Friday, 9/24: Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Saturday, 9/25: Little Manila (CANCELLED) and Farmacy

September 26–October 2

Sunday, 9/26: Vision BBQ and Salty Bottom Blue and Sweet Jane’s Kitchen

Monday, 9/27: Little Manila

Tuesday, 9/28: The Pie Guy

Wednesday, 9/29: Good Waffles & Co.

Thursday, 9/30: Martin’s Grill

Friday, 10/1: Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Saturday, 10/2: Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill and Little Manila

October 3–9

Sunday, 10/3: Vision BBQ and Raclette on the Run and Sweet Jane’s Kitchen

Monday, 10/4: Raclette on the Run

Tuesday, 10/5: The Pie Guy

Wednesday, 10/6: Good Waffles & Co.

Thursday, 10/7: Martin’s Grill

Friday, 10/8: Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Saturday, 10/9: Little Manila and Salty Bottom Blue and Vision BBQ

October 10–16

Sunday, 10/10: Vision BBQ and Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill and Sweet Jane’s Kitchen

Monday, 10/11: Raclette on the Run

Tuesday, 10/12: The Pie Guy

Wednesday, 10/13: The Pie Guy

Thursday, 10/14: Martin’s Grill

Friday, 10/15: Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Saturday, 10/16: Little Manila and Martin’s Grill

October 17–23

Sunday, 10/17: Vision BBQ and Raclette on the Run and Sweet Jane’s Kitchen

Monday, 10/18: Raclette on the Run

Tuesday, 10/19: The Pie Guy

Wednesday, 10/20: Good Waffles & Co.

Thursday, 10/21: Martin’s Grill

Friday, 10/22: Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Saturday, 10/23: Vision BBQ and Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

October 24–30

Sunday, 10/24: Vision BBQ and Sweet Jane’s Kitchen and Salty Bottom Blue

Monday, 10/25: Raclette on the Run

Tuesday, 10/26: The Pie Guy

Wednesday, 10/27: Farmacy

Thursday, 10/28: Martin’s Grill

Friday, 10/29: Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Saturday, 10/30: Vision BBQ and Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill and Salty Bottom Blue

October 31–November 6

Sunday, 10/31: Vision BBQ and Raclette on the Run

Monday, 11/1: Raclette on the Run

Tuesday, 11/2: The Pie Guy

Wednesday, 11/3: Good Waffles & Co.

Thursday, 11/4: Martin’s Grill

Friday, 11/5: Farmacy

Saturday, 11/6: Vision BBQ and Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

November 7–14

Sunday, 11/7: Vision BBQ and Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Friday, 11/12: Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Saturday, 11/13: Vision BBQ and Martin’s Grill

Sunday, 11/14: Vision BBQ and Two Brother’s Southwestern Grill

Carter Mountain Orchard Open Every Day

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : March 26, 2021
0

Category:

The sweet smell of spring is in the air! C’mon out to breathe it in and enjoy panoramic views of Charlottesville growing greener, we’re now open daily 10 AM–5 PM.

Carter Mountain wine being bottled

Cheers Are in Order

Keep a glass ready, we’re preparing to release our new Carter Mountain wine! We can’t wait to share the fruits of our labor with you later this year.

Display of Easter merchandise at Carter Mountain Orchard

Have an Eggcellent Easter

Hop up the mountain to snag some truly adorable bunnies, kid-friendly crafts, and spring fling cookie cutters from the Country Store.

We won’t be hosting an egg hunt this year, though we can’t wait to get back to it in 2022!

Sunset at Carter Mountain Orchard

On the Horizon

The sun just loves showing off and we are here for it!

Thursday Evening Sunset Series kicks off on May 7, keep an eye out for the musical lineup and ticking info on our calendar and Facebook page.

Cider donut with mountain views in background at Carter Mountain Orchard

Wednesday is the New Friday

You can find us now at the Local Food Hub Wednesday Drive-Thru Market @ Seminole Square (instead of Friday).

We’re keeping our Ivy Road Pop-up through 2021 on Thursdays– Saturdays.

Carter Mountain Orchard's recipe for apple cider donut bread pudding

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

If you thought you loved our apple cider donuts before, wait until you try our cider donut bread pudding.

Grab it fresh from the Country Store or whip up a batch yourself with our recipe.

Bottle of Bold Rock Hard Cider seasonal watermelon on ice
Bold Rock Watermelon Cider blends the iconic summer refreshment of watermelon with deliciously crisp Blue Ridge apple juice.

Enjoy the View with a Seasonal Cider in Hand

The Bold Rock Tap Room at Carter Mountain Orchard has also kicked off their 2021 season. Soon you’ll be able to admire the budding peach blossoms while sipping on your favorite brew, whether it’s hard cider, seltzer, tea, or lemonade.

Get fresh orchard info, ready-picked for your inbox by subscribing to Carter Mountain Orchards today!

Apple Season Will Look a Little Different This Year

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : September 4, 2020
0

Category:

For over 40 years, the Chiles Family, along with our amazing staff, have invited people from all over to visit our orchard each fall to pick their own apples. It’s a family tradition for us, and we know for many of you as well. Our 2020 fall season must be different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to protecting our staff and our guests.

Beginning Friday, September 11, we invite you to enjoy our fresh, mountain-grown apples, famous apple cider donuts, jams and jellies, and the beautiful view and hospitality that we are known for—in a new way. 

We know that many of you may decide that 2020 is the year you will skip your visit. We will miss you, and we understand. We’ll be here when you are ready.

Some might want to enjoy our scenic view (and some cider donuts) but aren’t comfortable getting out of your car. We get it. And we can make that happen with our Scenic Drive-Thru.

Some may want to pick up donuts and apples but not the “hassle” of driving up the mountain. Here are some other ways to get a taste of the orchard.

And for those who still want to have your traditional fall experience like you always have, complete with apple picking, we can accommodate you through our ticketed entry.

So, please read the options carefully—planning ahead will make for the best apple season experience!

Chiles Family Orchards Now at the Charlottesville City Market

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : August 31, 2019
0

Category:

Recyclable apple peck bags from Carter Mountain Orchard at Charlottesville City Market

As of August, your favorite Chiles Family Orchards produce is available at the Charlottesville City Market on Saturday mornings. Swing by our farmers market booth for seasonal fruit and, of course, our famous apple cider donuts.

“It’s been a very warm reception,” says Cynthia Chiles, 4th generation Chiles family farmer. “We’re excited to offer the Charlottesville community easy access to our fruit during peak season. We want the locals to know that you don’t have to come up the mountain, you can get your favorite apples right here in downtown.”

Pick up apples at the farmers market or c’mon out to Chiles Peach Orchard and Carter Mountain Orchard for the full orchard experience complete with apple picking, hayrides, fresh-pressed apple cider, scenic views, and more fall fun.

Cynthia Chiles and Chiles Family Orchards at Charlottesville City Market

Chiles Family Orchards apples and donuts at Charlottesville City Market

Show us your farmers market bounty with #cvillecitymarket!

As newcomers to the market we don’t have a regular booth location yet, so be sure to keep an eye out for us each week. We look forward to seeing you there!

Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Charlottesville

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : April 17, 2019
0

Category:

The last five generations of the Chiles family have been born and raised right here in Central Virginia. Throughout the years, we’ve perfected the art of entertaining the whole family! Here are our picks for the best family-friendly activities in Charlottesville. Bonus: most of these businesses are family-owned and operated!

Breakfast and lunch at Bodos Bagels

Dare we say that a trip to Charlottesville wouldn’t be complete without stopping for a New York-style bagel from Bodos Bagels? Locally owned and operated since 1988, Bodos is a Charlottesville institution.

More breakfast and lunch picks:

Dinner and fun with trains at Chew Chew Town

Chew Chew Town is a train-themed restaurant where the Mexican-style food is delivered to your barstool by a choo choo train (get it?). “Junior Conductors” and adults alike will enjoy the delicious food and family-fun atmosphere.

The same Charlottesville family that owns and operates Chew Chew Town serves up Peruvian-style charcoal-roasted chicken, overflowing cemitas, and flavorful tacos right next door at Al Carbon. Offering family-style dinners, Al Carbon has been named one of the best restaurants in Charlottesville by the Charlottesville 29.

More family-friendly dinner picks:

Snacks and Local Products at the Charlottesville City Market

If your family loves fresh veggies, crafts, and a glorious assortment of breakfast and lunch food, the Saturday morning Charlottesville City Market is for you. Kid-friendly favorites include specialty popsicles, colorful flower bouquets, and handmade children’s clothing. The market can get crowded, so plan to get there early for the best selection and stroller-friendly walking.

More specialty shop picks:

Fridays After Five free concert event in Charlottesville
Photo by go4travelblog.com

Live Music at Fridays After Five

Start the weekend off right with live music, family fun, and a rockin’ atmosphere at Fridays After Five, Charlottesville’s free summer concert series. Music performances from local artists and concessions that benefit non-profits create community fun on Charlottesville’s bustling pedestrian Downtown Mall.

More family-friendly live music picks:

Explorative learning at Virginia Discovery Museum

Virginia Discovery Museum believes in exploration through play and focuses on child-centered programs and exhibits. From art projects to STEM labs to Discovery Farms, exhibits engage children cognitively, physically, and socially. Kids learn through play and collaborative problem-solving—and have fun!

Hands-on activities at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is a beautiful World Heritage Site where history comes alive through tours and interactive exhibits. Hands-on spaces such as the Griffin Discovery Room and Mountaintop Hands-on Activity Center engage the whole family. View family-friendly activities at Monticello.

If the kids get antsy during the house tour, there are plenty of grounds to explore—or, pop right next door to Carter Mountain!

More children’s hands-on activity picks:

Kayaking with kids with Rivanna River Company

Kayak trip with Rivanna River Company

Rivanna River Company is a family business that offers guided kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or tubing trips along the scenic Rivanna River (ages 6+). They provide the equipment, shuttle, and guide—you just relax and enjoy the water.

Walking the Saunders-Monticello Trail

Surrounded by 370 acres and traveling through forest, ravines, and mountain views, you don’t want to miss the Saunders-Monticello Trail. A maximum trail grade of 5% makes the trail accessible for the whole family, whether navigating by foot, stroller, or walker. The trail system can be easily accessed near the base of Carter Mountain—come relax after your hike with fresh fruit and cider donuts.

More outdoor recreation picks:

Todd McKinney of Richmond keeps a firm grip on his 2-year-old daughter Madeline as she stands on a ladder to reach for peaches on a tree at Chiles Peach Orchard in Crozet
Photo: Mike Tripp/The News Leader

Fruit Picking at Carter Mountain Orchard

We’re a family farm, so of course, our orchards are kid-friendly. We welcome you to bring the whole family to learn about agriculture, pick delicious fresh fruit, and have fun!

There’s nothing like picking your own sun-ripened peaches and crisp apples straight from the orchard. See what’s in season to pick your own or buy pre-picked on our fruit availability calendar.

If a pick-your-own fruit isn’t in season, pick up a game and a baked good at the Country Store. We recommend bringing home a pie for your next family gathering; our apple pie is a holiday favorite.

Cultivating Curiosity kids event 2018

Country Festivals

From Hop into Spring to July 4th celebrations to the Annual Ol’ Fashioned Peach Festival at our sister orchard, we love a good festival! Orchard festival goers can enjoy games, contests, hayrides, seasonal pickins’ and delicious food.

More festival picks:

Charlottesville is a destination for all sorts of gatherings—weddings, ladies weekends, reunions, romantic couples getaways, and, of course, family vacations. For whatever brings you to town, gather together at Carter Mountain Orchard.

Carter Mountain Orchard Closed for the 2018 Season

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : December 23, 2018
0

Category:

To everyone who came out to our family of orchards this year, thank you for another wonderful season.

And what a season it was! The rain soaked the crops, making growing conditions challenging. But no amount of rainfall can dampen our enthusiasm for welcoming visitors to our family farm and serving up some darn fine cider donuts (if we do say so ourselves).

Some of 2018’s high points included

Unveiling the new pavilion and hardscaping.

Pavilion covering apple bins and picnic tables at Carter Mountain

Patio with a view!

Sharing some of our favorite recipes in our new seasonal recipe video series.

Selfie-ing to the sunsets during the Thursday Evening Sunset Series.


View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bold Rock Carter Mountain (@boldrockcartermountain) on


View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bold Rock Carter Mountain (@boldrockcartermountain) on


View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kara (@kara.robbins) on


View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cooler Heads (@instacoolerheads) on


Working with the community youth with field trips, at events like Cultivating Curiosity, and partnering with QuickStart Tennis of Central Virginia to support the Apples for Aces nutrition campaign for kindergartners.

Cultivating Curiosity kids event 2018

And we’re already hard at work preparing for next season.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the orchard, with some eco-friendly updates, when we open for the 2019 season on March 30!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carter Mountain Orchard (@cartermountain) on

Recognition Round-up

We were honored to be recognized in many publications this year, including:

2018 Awards

Peak Season Visitor Tips

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : October 18, 2018
0

Category:

We are in the thick of apple season! We have thousands of visitors in the month of October, so we’ve assembled some tips to help you navigate your visit whether you’re coming for the first time, or are a seasoned pro. Happy Fall, y’all!

Top Ten Tips for Visiting the Orchard in October

Beat the crowds by coming out during the week or in November

We are open 7 days a week, and weekdays are much less crowded. We offer apple picking, apple cider donuts, apple cider slushies, wine, and hard cider every day, and lunch is served each day except Monday.

Apple picking is typically available ’til mid-November. Get the good ‘uns by checking out our Apple Picking tips video.

Be prepared for all weather and ground conditions

Dress in layers, and have jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves available – it’s often windy. Sunscreen is recommended. To check our weather, use zip code 22902 on your favorite weather app.

Please wear sturdy, close-toed shoes. Boots are recommended if there’s been rain, as parking areas and orchards can get muddy.

There’s no shame in buying pre-picked

Apple picking involves a 5-15 minute hilly walk in each direction. We have plenty of already-picked apples if you don’t wish to pick your own.

Weekend and holiday traffic and parking information:
  1. Please arrive as early as possible (Hours of Operation) to be assured of parking. Keep in mind that apple picking ends one hour prior to closing.
  2. We contract with a professional parking and traffic control service. Please follow all directions from these attendants
  3. Be prepared for slow-moving traffic both entering and departing the orchard during peak times.
  4. Our only entrance and exit is located on Route 53 (Thomas Jefferson Parkway), a winding 2-lane road which we share with Monticello, Michie Tavern, Highland, area wineries, and local residents. October is peak season and traffic is often heavy on area roads. We have a flagman moving traffic, and we work closely with our local police department.  Many of you are making a left turn when you leave the orchard. When there are a lot of cars departing at one time, it will take time to get everyone safely down the mountain and merged into the traffic flow on Route 53. We appreciate your patience and understanding that we have no control over local traffic and other events, nor how many folks visit us at any given time.
  5. On occasion, we reach full capacity in our parking lots. There is no off-site parking. If we reach that capacity, we have to deny access to our entrance until parking spaces clear out.
  6. Follow us on Twitter for regular parking and traffic updates as you are approaching Charlottesville so you will be fully informed.
  7. Vehicles over 20 feet, unfortunately, cannot be accommodated on the weekends, as there is no parking and turnaround space. Weekday parking is not an issue.
Sorry, no dogs allowed

Update 07.22.2020: We have made the difficult decision to no longer allow dogs or other pets on our property. There are several reasons for this policy change, and we thank you for your understanding. 

Are you a Leaf Peeper?

Virginia fall foliage typically peaks in late October or early November. 2018 has been an extremely wet year and our foliage is expected to turn color later than normal.

For more information, please review our Visitor Guidelines. Have a wonderful time and thank you for supporting our family farm!

CP-family-2018-AaronWatson-122-667x300
Chiles Family Orchards ©2025
P.O. Box 229
Batesville, VA 22924
Design & Programming The Ivy Group, Ltd.