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Three apple-country outings to plan this October
A Winchester festival, a Nelson County orchard and an Ararat call-ahead option offer different ways into Virginia’s apple season.
An apple outing does not have to mean the same experience every time. One trip might center on a festival; another on a farm-market stop or the chance to ask what is ready to pick.
These three options span the northern Shenandoah Valley, Nelson County and the Blue Ridge foothills. The selection emphasizes geographic variety and practical planning information. Crop conditions and event schedules deserve a fresh check before a long drive.
Winchester area: Marker-Miller Orchards
Marker-Miller’s Apple Harvest Festival is scheduled October 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and October 11 from noon to 5 p.m. The orchard’s festival calendar lists apples, baked goods and activities, making it an option for a day built around more than shopping.
The farm is at 3035 Cedar Creek Grade in Frederick County. Call 540-662-1391 to check picking conditions and activity details. Festival hours differ from ordinary market hours; use the event schedule when planning that weekend.
Lovingston: Drumheller’s Orchard
Drumheller’s has an October 17–18 Harvest Festival on its events calendar, with food, crafts, music and orchard products. Its address is 1130 Drumheller Orchard Lane, Lovingston, in Nelson County.
This is a useful option for readers who want a festival and farm-market visit. The listing does not establish pick-your-own availability, so do not plan on that without asking. Contact 434-263-5036 for current hours and program details.
Ararat: Levering Orchard
Levering’s 2026 season notice says apple sales and pick-your-own were planned to begin September 7 after a spring freeze ended its cherry season. That notice alone does not confirm what remains available in October.
Treat this as a call-ahead orchard stop: check the orchard’s current information and fruit hotline, 276-755-2224, before driving to 163 Levering Lane, Ararat. The orchard lists cash and checks rather than card payments.
Details checked October 3, 2026. Confirm crop availability, hours and any activity charges directly. More seasonal plans: Best of Virginia and Travel & Lifestyle.
