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The Ultimate Charlottesville Bucket List

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

Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Charlottesville

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

Chiles Family Orchard News & Winter Updates 2019

Posted by :Cynthia Chiles On : March 20, 2019
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We have been busy bees over the winter and have a lot of things to share with you!

There’s no shortage of things to do—that’s for sure! From renovations to food safety classes to picking out new products to rewriting company manuals, you name it, it all happens over the wintertime.

This year we’ve had a lot of renovations done at Chiles Peach Orchard, including the finalization of our new solar panels, a brand new pavilion for events and to add a little extra shade in the summertime, and rebuilt the barn in the vegetable patch. During this downtime we have also repainted the floors inside the market, laid new grass seed around the market, and are working on a bathroom spiff-up!

The wintertime is all about ‘beautification’ and learning.

Lisa Henson, Manager, Chiles Peach Orchard

Staff at both orchards partook in Food Safety and CPR classes, and updated our employee handbooks and training manuals. In addition, we have also rewritten our school field trip curriculums to include our newest adventure: Solar Power!

  • Solar panels being installed at Carter Mountain Orchard's Apple Barn
    Solar panel install
  • Renovated floor at Carter Mountain Orchard
    Renovated wooden floors in the Carter Mountain Country Store
  • Vegetable barn
    New vegetable barn under construction
  • New patio space at Chiles Peach Orchard
    New pavilion under construction at Chiles Peach Orchard

This year Lisa and other team members attended gift shows in Atlanta to pick out new and exciting products for our market. With these products starting to roll in, we have also remodeled the inside look of the market for cleaner, brighter displays of our goods!

Another manager at Chiles Peach Orchard, Stephanie, helps us with new and exciting products for the market as well! She spends the winter months hand-making candles in our kitchen! Each season she comes up with new and exciting scents that are completely one of a kind!

In addition to gift shows, our managers also spend time traveling to other farms across the country with similar visions to ours.

“This is the greatest tool,” Carter Mountain manager Brian Ball explains, “By having the opportunity to see how other farms are run and how they operate, it really helps us improve our systems here and gives us tons of new ideas.”

  • Apple decorations
  • Peach honeysuckle and apple strudel slushies
  • Brian making new signs

As for what’s happening in the field, Farmer Henry has plenty to say this year.

“The biggest things are planning, pruning, and replanting,” He explains, “We have to do a lot of this in the winter to stay ahead in the springtime. We have to plan out our vegetable garden at Chiles Peach Orchard, go over last year’s notes, and decide which vegetables to keep replanting and which to scale back on in order to introduce new vegetables.”

This year Farmer Henry says there will be some new veggies coming! New varieties of sweet corn, new varieties of green beans, and new varieties of semi-hot peppers! He also says to be on the lookout for new varieties of flowers in our flower garden!

The pruning is done throughout all of our orchards, and this is done to help keep trees to size and also helps with thinning later on in the season. What happens to all the branches once they’re thinned?

“We put all of our clippings into a mulcher, then distribute that into the rows of trees,” Farmer Henry explains, “That way we create our own mulch that can then later return to the soil.”

As for replanting, “We make notes throughout the season of weak, dead, or dying trees so we can go ahead and get them out and make room for new healthy plants in the spring.” He says.

Going hand-in-hand with replanting, Farmer Henry explains that we need to make sure our soil is happy and healthy.

“We take soil samples from everywhere around the orchards and send it off to Virginia Tech to be tested for us. These tests tell us which nutrients our soil might be lacking, which then tells us what kinds of supplements we need to add, and exactly where to add them.” Pretty cool, right? Who knew!

Farmer Henry along with father Huff Chiles, and grandfather Henry Chiles, partake in various fruit and vegetable conferences across the United States. These conferences attract a wide range of industry leaders that come together and share equipment and knowledge with each other in order to better farming as a whole. These conferences are full of old friends and new, younger generation farmers to help keep our industry strong and thriving.

This year, Farmer Henry and mother Judy Chiles had the exciting opportunity to visit our nation’s Capital to lobby for better government practices when it comes to regulating agriculture and farmland. Together with other farmers, we hope to make a positive difference in our industry!

  • Mom and Henry at Virginia Representatives office
  • Henry signing paperwork on a car

To wrap it all up, (like our strawberries currently are), we have had a very productive winter this year! Be on the lookout for new products, new logos, new varieties of veggies, fruits, and flowers, and most importantly: be on the lookout for an action-packed, fun-filled year with us here at Chiles Family Orchards!

We can’t wait to see you all soon!

  • Covered berries at Chiles Peach Orchard
  • cherry blossom closeup

48 Hours in Crozet

Posted by :Julia Prince On : August 30, 2017
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The Chiles family has been farming in Central Virginia for over 100 years—in Crozet, Virginia, we’re locals. Whether you’re looking for family fun, a romantic getaway, or even a solo pilgrimage, Crozet has something for everyone.

Friday Night: Meet Crozet

Get Thrifty

If you don’t want to go home empty handed, explore the many quirky shops in the area. The Green Olive Tree is a volunteer-run thrift shop, while Crozet Antiques is a charming little store filled with uncommon goods and pieces. For quaint, locally-made artisan crafts and accessories, try Crozet Artisan Depot or The Barn Swallow.

local brewery Pro Re Nata shipping container seating

There’s nothing trashy about this upcycled structure, home to Pro Re Nata Brewery. Instagram: @prorenatabrewery

Get Boozy

They say Virginia is wine country, but the local beer scene is nothing to sneeze at. Try Pro Re Nata for an industrial vibe (the new seating area is built from shipping containers) or Starr Hill for a country-rockin good time. Check their online calendars before you go—both breweries boast food trucks, live music, and other events on most nights.

Saturday: Eat, Exercise, Be Merry

Pancake breakfast with OJ and sausage at Chiles Peach Orchard

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all.

C’mon Out to Chiles Peach Orchard

What better way to kick off your Saturday than with all-you-can-eat pancakes? Top them off with local fruit and you’re basically in heaven. If you can’t get enough of the pretty orchard views, stay to pick your own fruit or relax with a tasting in the Bold Rock hard cider and Prince Michel wine tasting rooms. Our farm market is stocked with gourmet goodies to take on the road, and our calendar is filled with events for the whole family. Cool off with soft-serve ice cream or fresh-pressed cider—what more could you need? Oh yeah, cider donuts.

scenic mint valley springs

Mint Valley Springs is one of several gorgeous running spots. Instagram: @lynnprice1776

Run It Off

Crozet is home to some of the finest running trails in Virginia. Whether you’re a seasoned runner who can’t go without your morning jog, or someone who’s been trying to get into running and maybe just needs the gorgeous Blue Ridge backdrop for that final push, visit Crozet Running for high quality athletic ware and tips on where to run.

Shop Til You Drop

No trip to Crozet would be complete without a visit to Piedmont Place, the “heartbeat and activity hub” of the town. Sign up for a class with Santosha Yoga, stock up on beer for the evening with Blue Ridge Bottle Shop (especially if you regret not buying a case or two at last night’s brewer…) or buy a book to keep you company at Over the Moon. There are also plenty of shops for smoothies, ice cream, and other snacks.

rooftop bar at piedmont place

Piedmont Place is filled from top to bottom with fun and food. Instagram: @piedmontplacecrozet

Wine and Dine

End the day at one of Crozet’s signature restaurants, like Crozet Pizza, which has regular customers from all over due to National Geographic calling it the “Best in the World,” among other raving reviews. Order a house-favorite pizza and pair it with a boozy Crozet Lemonade for a true Crozet experience. If you want something upscale (literally), try the rooftop restaurant over Smoked Kitchen and Tap.

Sunday Morning: Say Goodbye

Brunch it Up

For brunch, nothing beats Fardowners, named for the Irish immigrants who constructed tunnels through the Blue Ridge Mountains and put Crozet on the map. Except maybe second breakfast at Chiles Peach Orchard.

interior of mudhouse coffee shop

End the weekend on a sweet note with Mudhouse Coffee. Instagram: @mudhousecoffeeroasters

Hit the Road

We all feel that post-brunch nap urge, but chances are you’ve got to get back home and wrap up your getaway. Beat the sleepies with the 2017 Roaster of the Year, Mudhouse Coffee. Their thoughtfully-sourced pour-overs are sure to hit the spot when you hit the road.

Of course, don’t feel pressured to fit everything in one weekend. Crozet is a wonderfully cozy and romantic getaway from the hustle and bustle of Charlottesville—you’ll want to come back again and again!

Ladies Weekend in Charlottesville, VA

Posted by :Julia Prince On : August 23, 2017
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The Chiles family has been farming in Central Virginia for over 100 years—you could say that we know a thing or two about what to do in Charlottesville, Virginia. Read on for our inside guide on to how to spend the perfect ladies weekend in Charlottesville. Leave the kids and hubby at home—Momma needs some time with her girlfriends!

Friday Night: Out on the Town

charlottesville downtown mall

From cute boutiques to entertainment venues, the Downtown Mall has it all.

Indulge in Retail Therapy

First stop: Charlottesville’s downtown pedestrian mall. Sneak in some retail therapy at the mall’s charming boutiques stocked full of gifts, accessories, and decor that you might not need but will absolutely want. We love Roxie Daisy for home décor, O’Suzannah for candles, lotions, books, and other odds n ends, and Rock Paper Scissors for the cutest stationary you’ve ever seen.

Relax with Dinner and a (Free!) Show

Anyone can appreciate the price of the next stop: free. Soak in the sun while getting your groove on at Fridays after Five, a free concert series on Charlottesville’s downtown pedestrian mall that takes place, you guessed it, every Friday after 5 PM.

For music lovers looking to start their “Cville” weekend early, visit the mountain for the Thursday Evening Sunset Series, a free event featuring live music, dinner, and wine and hard cider tastings.

After the concert, dinner on the mall is a must. For an upscale vibe with fancy food and fantastic views, opt for Commonwealth Sky Bar. If the ladies love sushi, there’s nowhere better than Ten. Looking for something more casual? Venture off the tourist path with margaritas and Texas-style tacos at Brazos Tacos in the industrial IX Art Park, located a few blocks from the downtown mall.

Saturday: Eat, Drink, Repeat

veggies at the charlottesville city market

Fresh veggies are a favorite find at the Charlottesville City Market. Instagram: @CvilleCityMarkets

Start the Morning Bright and Early at the Charlottesville City Market.

It may be 8 AM but it’s never too early for tacos, especially not the authentic Mexican tacos the Charlottesville City Market dishes out. Farmer’s market purists will appreciate the locally-roasted coffee, locally-raised meats, and locally-grown flowers (sensing a theme?). But don’t fill up too early—the tastiest part of the day is still to come.

C’mon Up to Carter Mountain

Drive up the mountain for pick-your-own seasonal fruit (see our fruit availability calendar for details). Come early to beat the crowds and don’t forget your camera—the best view in town and rows of fruit trees are highly Instagram-able. After you’ve picked your fill, visit the Country Store for fresh cider donuts, sugar coma-inducing desserts, and apple cider. Claim a picnic table for the group, spread out the goodies, and dig in.

Wine lovers don’t have to go far to taste Virginia’s favorite libation; Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery has a tasting room right here on Carter Mountain. Prince Michel has been using Carter Mountain grapes to create their award-winning wines for years—talk about #drinklocal! Hard cider fans can enjoy a flight, pint, or growler of cider, fresh from the tap at Bold Rock Hard Cider Cellar.

Pouring rose at Prince Michel Carter Mountain

Explore Charlottesville’s many wineries or stay up on the mountain for sweet views with your booze.

Wine and Dine

If Central Virginia had a middle name, it’d be “Incredible Wineries.” For a winery map and guide, check out the Monticello Wine Trail. Some highlights include Jefferson Vineyards, Blenheim Vineyards, and Pippin Hill—all within a 20-minute drive from the orchard. In all our years, we’ve never grown tired of the booze and views Cville offers.

If you’re not completely stuffed by the end of the day, venture into quaint downtown Belmont for dinner. The cluster of restaurants hidden within one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods lay claim to some of the best eats in town. Go family-style with sangria and tapas at Mas (consistently voted best restaurant in Cville), share an intimate rustic Italian dinner at Tavola, or go local with Virginia eats at The Local.

Sunday Morning: Walk it Off

UVA Rotunda Grounds

UVA’s historic Rotunda

Get Outside for Fresh Air and Exercise

Grab a latte from local favorite Shenandoah Joe’s coffee roasters and then take an early-morning stroll through UVA’s grounds. Enjoy the Jeffersonian architecture and channel your inner founding father (no judgment if you feel the urge to break into a Hamilton number). If your hiking boots are burning a hole in your knapsack, trek out to Monticello Trail—bonus, it’s only minutes from Carter Mountain, making it easy to pop up for a Sunday morning donut and extra cider to bring home.

Brunch ‘til You Drop

Then, if there’s still room after Saturday, it’s time for what is arguably the most important component of a ladies’ weekend: brunch. In our biased opinion, the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at our sister orchard Chiles Peach Orchard in nearby Crozet is the best brunch option. Pancakes piled high with seasonal fruit topping is the ultimate comfort food, and when you pair them with a fresh breeze and view of the fruit trees in the valley, it’ll be hard to head home and leave ladies weekend behind.

You Love Us! Orchards Earn 2016 TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : June 6, 2016
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For the 5th year in a row Carter Mountain Orchard has earned a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence. This is the first year that Chiles Peach Orchard has been eligible for the recognition and they too received a Certificate of Excellence.

Sounds like the pick-your-own fruit, fresh cider donuts, views, and memories were universal hits!

Some of Our Favorite Recent Carter Mountain Orchard Reviews

“I have a moody teen boy and even he enjoyed the walk around the orchard looking for the perfect apple to pick. Great family outing…will do this again.”

“The apples are incredibly crunchy and juicy….definitely better than store bought ones…”

“The view is insane, the sunsets are mind blowing, the donuts are jaw jiving, the Bold Rock cider is liquid gold, and the apples will punch your taste buds with splendid favors you could of only dreamed of. Don’t pass this up. Make a trip and be sure to try a little bit of everything as its got a lot to offer.”

“For the past 9 years my family has visited Carter Mountain with our children and grandchildren. It is a wonderful day trip with plenty for the whole family to do…Make sure to get there early as the mountain gets crowded, and prepare to have loads of FUN!”

“You just have to do it. Fall isn’t complete without an orchard visit!…Make this a family (or friend!) tradition for the Fall…Remember your camera for panoramic views of the Blue Ridge!”

Come visit us on the mountain and leave your own review!

And Our Favorites for Chiles Peach Orchard

“The smell of peaches and fresh baked donuts welcomes you into the farmstand/market.”

“My gosh they can grow peaches! They are huge and so good when fresh! Pancake breakfast on weekends is good for young children. BUT go for the peach milkshakes!!!! That is the whole purpose of the review. Get a large milkshake!”

“Chiles is one of our favorite places to be. Beautiful area and the best peaches that you’ll ever have. Lots of other wonderful fruit options through the seasons as well. The people that run Chiles are wonderful.”

Try the milkshake for yourself and let everyone know what you think!

About the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

“With the Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor honors hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travelers,” said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor. “This recognition helps travelers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travelers feel more confident in their booking decisions.” The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor® is the world’s largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and book the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers advice from millions of travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools that check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 340 million unique monthly visitors, and 350 million reviews and opinions covering 6.5 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 48 markets worldwide.

7 Reasons to Visit Carter Mountain over Easter Weekend

Posted by :Julia Prince On : March 17, 2016
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Whether you are celebrating the holiday with young children or a house full of grownups, Easter Saturday on the mountain has something for everyone.

1. Join Kids Easter Egg Hunts

Decorate your own Easter egg bag and then the hunt is on! Hard candy and surprise prizes are waiting to be found inside each egg, thousands of which are hidden throughout the orchard. Several egg hunts are scheduled throughout the day for different age groups, including a hunt for special needs children of all ages.

2. Be a Kid Again with Egg Hunt for Adults

Why should kids have all the egg-hunting fun? For those of us big kids who have watched kids Easter egg hunts with a jealous eye, our time is finally here; introducing the “Never Grow Up” Easter Egg Hunt for adults! Hunt for eggs stuffed with local-crafted chocolates, SWAG, wine coupons, gift cards, and #BeBold Member Cards. It wouldn’t be an adult hunt without an adult beverage treat! One lucky big kid will find the extra-large Bold Rock Honeydew Green Egg, which introduces Bold Rock Hard Cider’s new Seasonal Honeydew Cider.

3. Visit with the Easter Bunny

Santa’s fluffy friend will be on the mountain all day to pose for pictures and spread Easter cheer. Over-sized ears, gleaming white fur, fluffy cotton tail—who doesn’t love this human-sized hare?

4. Get Hands-on with Spring Crafts

Kids of all ages can enjoy making tissue paper flowers, coloring, stickers, and more. Did we mention that the crafts are free of charge?

5. Relax with a Hayrides

If you’ve been craving a ride in the open air, rolling down the windows in the car just won’t cut it. Settle onto the hay bales and let our tractor do the work while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning mountain views. Hayrides will run from 11AM-4PM (weather and crowd dependent).

6. Savor Fresh Cider Donuts

Forget marshmallow peeps, we propose a new Easter dessert—donuts! Carter Mountain’s famous cider donuts are packed with cidery goodness and sprinkled with sugar. The long winter left a donut-shaped hole in our stomachs that only Carter Mountain cider donuts can fill.

7. Enjoy Seasonal Adult Beverages

It’s a holiday weekend, relax a little! Both the Prince Michel Wine Shop and Bold Rock Hard Cider Cellar will be open from 11AM-5PM to serve your favorite local adult beverages. As a special treat, Bold Rock will introduce its new honeydew cider.

For more event details, visit the Easter Eggstravaganza events page.

Carter Mountain Orchard featured in Blue Ridge Outdoors “Top Towns”

Posted by :Cynthia Chiles On : August 18, 2015
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Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine visited us last week to video a segment on their Top Towns Contest, sponsored by Bold Rock Hard Cider

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Past “In the News”

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : June 10, 2015
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January 2015
Virginia Agriculture Magazine features Carter Mountain Orchard in their article about Virginia Apples!

September 2013
Southern Living Magazine features Carter Mountain Orchard in their article about Virginia’s Apple Country!

January 2013
Growing Magazine featured Carter Mountain Orchard!

September 2011
Women’s Day Magazine names Carter Mountain Orchard as one of America’s Top 10 Places to Pick Apples!

May 15, 2011
The Examiner says that Carter Mountain makes a great day trip!

November 16, 2008
Daily Progress article: Carter offers trip that’s in very good taste.

October 5, 2008
Charlottesville Newsplex article: Carter Mountain Orchard is Celebrating Healthy Crop.

July 30, 2008
Daily Progress article: Albemarle Fair honors agricultural achievers.

October 3, 2006
Cavalier Daily article: How Do You Like Them Apples? – Carter Mountain Orchard offers a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of daily University life.

September 16, 2006
Daily Progress article: Seeds of Change – Apple growers adapt to survive.

Featured photo by Andrea Forcum from the 2011 Examiner article.

Chiles Family Orchards ©2025
P.O. Box 229
Batesville, VA 22924
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