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Tips for Visiting During Peak Apple Picking Season

We are in the thick of apple picking season! Each October brings thousands of visitors up Carter Mountain to enjoy autumn’s splendor (and some delicious treats!). Whether you’re coming for the first time or a seasoned pro, we’ve assembled some tips to help you navigate your visit. Happy fall, y’all!

Beat the crowds: come out midweek or in September and November!

We are open seven 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, with food trucks available throughout the fall, including on select weekdays.

Though October is an iconic month for apples, apple picking is typically available starting in September, and lasts until December. Make sure you get the good ones by checking out our apple picking tips video.

Pick up your entry tickets in advance for weekend visits

We get a lot of visitors on weekends and holidays in the fall! Entry tickets are required to visit on weekends during peak season, generally mid-September through mid-November.

Be aware that October weekend tickets often sell out! Plan ahead early and get tickets to reserve the day and time you want. Alternately, Anytime Tickets are a great way to stay flexible and visit whenever is most convenient for you.

When tickets are available, you can reserve your spot ahead of time at the link below:

Ticketed Admissions for Fall Weekends

We require admission tickets (ages 12+) on peak fall weekends, mid-September through early November. Thank you for making us part of your fall tradition and family memories!

Ready-picked apples taste just as good!

Apple picking, though a lot of fun and very rewarding, involves a hilly 5–15 minute walk in each direction. If you’re more interested in the apples themselves, we have plenty of fresh apples available in the Apple Barn, including some varieties that are ready-picked only.

On days with ticketed entry, our fall drive-thru is a great option to get ready-picked apples and other seasonal favorites. Pick out products like apple pies, apple cider donuts, fresh-pressed apple cider from your car. We’ll bring them straight out to you — no ticket necessary!

A woman in a rain jacket and boots picking apples.

Be prepared for all weather and ground conditions

Dress in layers and have jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves available — it’s often windy up on the mountain. We also recommend sunscreen! To check the weather in our area, use zip code 22902 on your favorite weather app.

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

Are you a Leaf Peeper?

Virginia fall foliage typically peaks in late October or early November. For a yearly estimate, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation issues a fall foliage report each September that estimates when peak foliage will occur in different parts of the state.

Know before you go!

You should familiarize yourself with our visitor guidelines before your trip. Remember that no outside food, drink, or alcohol is permitted, and there is no smoking or vaping anywhere on the property, including the parking lot and all grounds.

No personal bags (including backpacks, purses, and diaper bags) or strollers are allowed in the orchards themselves.

No dogs or other pets are permitted other than ADA-qualified service dogs trained to assist with a disability. We’re also unable to accommodate vehicles over 20 feet on ticketed days.

Have a wonderful time and thank you for supporting our family farm!

A multi-generational farming family posing in a field.

8 Berry Tasty Blueberry Breakfast Recipe Ideas (Blackberries Too!)

There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a handful of fresh-picked blueberries or blackberries on a hot summer day—especially if you picked them yourself at Chiles Peach Orchard! Once you bring the basket home, though, the fun really starts. There are so many delicious ways to enjoy your berries, and we’re especially fond of starting the next morning with a homemade berry treat.

You don’t need to be a master chef to enjoy these blackberry and blueberry breakfast recipes. Take a look at some of our favorite easy ways to squeeze the most out of the berries you bring home!


Blueberry Pancakes

Blueberries especially are a mouthwatering addition to any pancake recipe. While frozen blueberries can stain your batter or add unwanted water, fresh blueberries mix in perfectly. If you haven’t tried making your pancakes with fresh-picked blueberries, you’re in for a treat! Try this recipe from King Arthur Baking.

Remember to top your pancake stack with some fresh berries, too! They’re sweet enough to dig in even without syrup—if you’re interested, though, we do have some great syrup recommendations!

A stack of blueberry pancakes.

Roasted Blackberry Breakfast Bowl

Yogurt is a healthy, reliable breakfast choice, and there are so many ways to tweak and customize it! No need to buy the flavored stuff with a bunch of added sugar: just a few seconds in the microwave can get berries juicy, gooey, and ready to stir in and flavor plain Greek yogurt.

Why not go all-out, though? Know Your Produce’s recipe combines oatmeal, cinnamon, blackberries, blueberries, and maple syrup in the oven to create a decadent and warm yogurt topper. Feel free to keep adding more stir-in favorites, your imagination’s the limit!

A roasted blackberry breakfast bowl.
Photo and recipe from Know Your Produce

Blueberry Oatmeal Bars

Let’s face it, it’s hard to find time for an elaborate breakfast during the work week. That’s why we love recipes that can last the whole week, like the blueberry oatmeal bars from Erin Clarke at Well Plated.

These bars are an easy, delicious blueberry breakfast recipe, and a healthy alternative to the storebought breakfast bars. Best of all, they last up to five days in the fridge! A quick bake on Sunday can set you up with a morning to look forward to all the way to Friday.

Blueberry oatmeal bars.
Photo and recipe from Well Plated

Blackberry Tart

If you’re looking for something special that can “wow” folks at a Sunday brunch, a blackberry tart absolutely does the trick. And if you get the chance to brag that you picked them yourselves, so much the better!

You can make the filling completely with blackberries, or your blackberries can pair nicely with other fruits. Consider this lemon and blackberry tart recipe from Lion’s Bread that combines sour lemon curd with sweet blackberry preserves and fresh topping for a beautiful and enticing contrast.

Lemon and Blackberry Tart
Photo and recipe from Lion’s Bread

Purple Blueberry and Blackberry Smoothie

Especially while it’s hot out, a smoothie is a perfect way to stay cool and savor all kinds of fruit. Any smoothie recipe is pretty straightforward: Blend your berries with milk until smooth and add protein powder or flavoring if you like. That’s it! Include as many or as few additional fruits or vegetables as you wish.

If you’re making a smoothie with fresh fruit instead of frozen, you’ll need to also add some ice to keep that cold, creamy consistency. It’s worth it! You’ll taste the difference fresh-picked berries make in a smoothie, with a sweeter, stronger flavor. If you’d like to freeze your blueberries for later, though, we have advice on our page all about blueberries.

Blueberry and blackberry smoothie.

Instant Homemade Jelly

Canning jams or preserves is a smart way to make fresh berries last. That can be a daunting hobby to get into, though, and is fairly time-consuming. Jelly, on the other hand, can be made quickly at home from fresh blueberries or blackberries in a matter of minutes! Enjoy it on a slice of toast or a biscuit and keep it in the fridge for a few days—nothing beats fresh jelly in a PB&J!

And if you want a jar of long-lasting jelly, jam, or preserves without the hassle, remember to pick one up at Chiles Peach Orchard when you visit, or find them in our online store.

Blackberry jelly

Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Blackberries

Okay, this isn’t the most traditional breakfast idea, we admit it! Blackberries go very well with cheese, especially when they’re both warm and gooey. There are a lot of ways to savor this combination, like cheesecake, salad toppings, or spreads. We personally think a simple grilled cheese, like Tiffany McCauley’s at The Gracious Pantry, is the way to go.

Experiment with breads and cheeses to see what you like the most. Soft cheeses like brie are common favorites that absorb the blackberry flavor, while a sharp cheddar gives a tasty contrast (and who doesn’t love that classic grilled cheese look?).

Griller cheese sandwiches with blackberries.
Photo and recipe from The Gracious Pantry

Blueberry Muffins

How could we forget! There’s no more iconic blueberry breakfast recipe than the good old blueberry muffin. If you’ve mostly baked with the dried blueberries in pre-packaged mixes instead of ripe, fresh-picked blueberries, you’d be surprised how big of a difference they make.

The secret to a good blueberry muffin is the warm, oozy blueberries inside, regardless of how you choose to flavor your batter. Sarah Kieffer’s blueberry muffins get a little fancy with nutmeg, lemon zest, and sour cream all adding small, tasty twists. There are thousands of blueberry muffin recipes out there to try, and any of them will taste even better with fresh blueberries.

A bowl full of blueberry muffins.

Pick-Your-Own Blueberries and Blackberries

Of course, the best part of these recipes is picking the ingredients yourself! So come enjoy the fresh orchard air with us out in Crozet, VA and hand-pick a basket of blueberries or blackberries (or a bucket, now that you have a plan for them!). Check Chiles Peach Orchard’s pick-your-own fruit page for seasonal availability, guidelines, and information to plan your visit.

For even more breakfast treats, don’t forget to pick up some of our famous homemade peach cider donuts after you pick your berries! They’re only around during peach season, so get them while you can!


Add some orchard goodness to your breakfast with these specialty foods available at shop.chilesfamilyorchards.com!

Three varieties of syrup.
Triple berry jam.
Birthday pancake mix.
Fig preserves.
Wild blueberry jam.

Apple Season Will Look a Little Different This Year

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!

Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread Recipe

The secret to flavorful pumpkin bread is homemade pumpkin puree made with fresh-from-the-orchard pumpkins. Take pumpkin bread to the next level with a sweet and tangy cream cheese filling.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Bread

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup liquid-state coconut oil (canola or vegetable may be substituted)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (lite is okay; or Greek yogurt may be substituted)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch salt, optional and to taste

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 1 large egg
  • 4 ounces softened brick-style cream cheese (lite is okay)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spray one 9×5-inch loaf pan with floured cooking spray, or grease and flour the pan, and set aside.

Make the Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients for pumpkin bread include white and brown sugar, egg, coconut oil, vanilla extract, sour cream, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and ground nutmeg

In a large bowl, add both sugars, egg, coconut oil, vanilla extract, sour cream, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and ground nutmeg. Whisk to combine.

Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Fold together with a spatula or stir gently with a spoon until just combined. Do not over-mix.

Transfer about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula and pushing the batter into corners and sides as necessary. Set aside.

Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

Ingredients for the pumpkin bread filling include white sugar, cream cheese, flour, and egg

In a large bowl, add egg, cream cheese, sugar, and flour. Mix with a whisk or hand mixer to combine.

Evenly pour the cream cheese filling mixture over the pumpkin bread batter, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.

The cream cheese filling on top of the pumpkin bread batter

Top the filling with the remaining pumpkin batter, taking care not to disturb the cream cheese layer.

pumpkin bread batter

Bake, Cool, and Enjoy

Bake for about 48 minutes or until the top is domed, golden, and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter. The toothpick test is tricky for this recipe because the cream cheese does not firmly set. If you feel the tops and sides of the bread will become too browned before center cooks through, tent the pan with a sheet of foil at the 35 minute mark.

Baking times will vary based on moisture content of pumpkin, cream cheese, climate, and oven variances. Bake until done; watch your bread, not the clock.

Allow pumpkin bread to cool in pan for about 15 minutes before turning out on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Bread will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

From our family’s cookbook to yours, enjoy.

Cream cheese pumpkin bread fresh from the oven

Apple Picking Tips

Apple picking with the family is the ultimate fall activity. In addition to our visitor guidelines, here are Farmer Henry’s top tips for a successful orchard outing. Farmer Henry holding up a red apple

Avoid Underripe Apples

A variety of apples means a variety of ripeness. Once you’re in the orchard, surrounded by beautiful views and fall vibes, all the apples look delicious! Check all the apples on the branch to compare color and size. Look for even color.

Lift and Twist

When you find that perfect apple, lift and twist. The apple should come right off. If it doesn’t, it may not be ready.

Collect All Apples

If another apple falls while you’re trying to get the one you want, pick it up and put it in your bag! When an apple falls off the tree, it’s ripe and ready to eat—probably riper than the one you originally reached for.

Don’t Climb Trees

We know, it’s tempting. But climbing our trees is dangerous both for you and the plants. Broken branches mean lessened production for the following year, and your safety is even more important.

Dress for the Outdoors

It’s Mother Nature, after all! Conditions may be damp or muddy, and getting up close and personal with our apple trees isn’t always the cleanest endeavor. Follow us on Twitter (@ChilesPeachOrch or @CarterMountain) for weather updates. Farmer Henry driving a truck through the orchard

Keep an Eye Out

We are a working farm, which means trucks and tractors are on the move. Be aware of your surroundings and keep to the sides of the roads.

Check Availability

Looking for the ideal apple for your baking project? Check the availability of different varieties on our website before you visit so you know what’s in store.

Check in With Staff

Even if you’re a frequent visitor (thank you!), check in with the staff when you arrive. They’ll be able to point you to ripe fruit and answer any additional picking questions.

Peach Cobbler Scone Recipe

Sweet, juicy peaches may be the ultimate treat on a hot summer day, but these peach cobbler scones will keep you cozy when it’s cold and rainy too! Recipe serves 8. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for more recipes and ideas.

Peach Cobbler Scone ingredients

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, cold and cut into cubes (if you don’t have shortening you can certainly substitute unsalted butter)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ripe peach, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk, for brushing
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mixing bowl with dry ingredients and wooden spoon

Step 1

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in shortening and butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Use your hands to break the fat cubes into the dry ingredients. Some of the fat bits will be the size of peas while others will be the size of oat flakes.

Mixing Bowl with wet and dry ingredients

Step 2

In another bowl, combine egg, milk, and vanilla, and beat lightly with a fork. Add the liquid to the flour mixture all at once, stirring gently until it forms a soft dough.

Ball of dough on floured surface

Step 3

Turn the dough out onto a floured board and knead about 15 times. If the butter has warmed too much in the making of the dough, shape the batter into a dish, wrap in plastic wrap, and let rest in the fridge for 15 minutes. If the butter is still cool, shape the dough into a disk and, on a well-floured surface, roll dough to a little less than 1/2-inch thickness, slightly thinner than a biscuit dough that you would cut biscuits from.

Rolled out dough with peach slices

Step 4

Brush half of the rolled-out dough with buttermilk. Arrange peach slices in a single layer across the buttermilk-moistened dough. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Carefully fold the empty side of dough over the peach sliced layer, pressing together gently.

Large scone dough brushed with cinnamon sugar

Step 5

Add a bit of flour to your hands and press the edges of the dough in, creating more of a rectangle shape than a half circle shape. Using a floured knife, slice dough into eight even pieces, or bake it as one large scone!

Place the scones on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 1/2-inches of room around each scone for spread while baking. If dough has warmed and feels mushy, place in the fridge for 20 minutes to re-chill. Before baking, brush each scone top with buttermilk and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar.

Scone coming out of the oven

Step 6

Bake scones for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving. Scones are best served warm, on the day they are baked, with softened butter.

How to Grow a Family of Healthy Eaters

No matter how well-rounded your taste buds are, chances are your little ones (or maybe even the bigger ones in your family…*cough*) are picky eaters. You probably don’t need to be told twice that a balanced diet with lots of veggies is crucial to your well-being. So how do you get the kids on board?

Leave ‘Em Out

If healthy foods are the only thing available when your kids are hungry, they’ll get used to eating them for fun. Try leaving out a plate of vegetables for when your kids get home from school so it’s the first thing they see when they look for an afternoon snack. If you’re on the go, stock a cooler with carrots, celery, or other easy-to-munch veggies.
Selection of Chiles Peach Orchard veggies

Embrace Dipping

While many store-bought dressings are full of sugar and other not-so-good ingredients for your family, it’s fairly simple to put together a homemade dressing with Greek yogurt, spices, and oils. Butter is also an easy additive when cooking up veggies—it reduces the bitterness that your kids are scared of.
selection of dips

Lead by Example

Make sure you and your spouse are open about the benefits of healthy foods. Talk about how it’s fun to try new things, and how some foods just take a little while to get used to. If your kids admire any sports stars or musical artists, it doesn’t hurt to mention that vegetables are what give them the energy to perform at their best.
basket of Green Beans

Pick Your Own

Give your kids ownership of their diets. Bring them down to the Orchard and let them pick their own green beans, tomatoes, and more. If they’re old enough, have them cut or season them at home. Be sure to affirm them with your excitement to eat what they’ve selected and prepared. It’s beautiful for kids to take pride in their own healthy eating habits, and you’ll grow great memories too.
display of fresh vegetables at Chiles Peach Orchard

Stay Balanced

An apple cider donut or two never hurt anyone! Offering dessert can incentivize your kids to finish their greens, but expressly forbidding sweets can just make them more tempting (and your kids will scarf down said treats even faster when they’re offered elsewhere). Don’t be afraid to let your little ones experience the full spectrum of delicious food.
mother feeding ice cream to daughter