Fall is the season of harvest, and what better way to celebrate than with a road trip through Patrick County, Virginia. Home to orchards, farmers’ markets, and our annual Apple Dumpling Festival, there is no better place to experience fall.
Celebrating 50 Years
Tucked into the hill of Woolwine is a small roadside market that holds a special place in its community. Wade’s Orchard has been supplying Patrick County with fresh, Virginia apples since 1975. Located just off Route 8, Wade’s is the perfect addition to any fall road trip. Wade’s Orchard is hosting a 50th Anniversary Celebration on September 27th for 10am-4pm. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy live music, apple butter, fresh apples, and more.
Apple Dumpling Festival
Spend the day in Downtown Stuart for the annual Apple Dumpling Festival and 5k. Spend the morning running along the Mayo River Rail Trail before grabbing fresh apple dumplings later in the day. Enjoy live music throughout the day. Outstanding artisans, jewelry, jellies, preserves, housewares and more….of course, delicious foods. Stock up on fresh, local apples for your own fall desserts. The Apple Dumping 5k starts at 8am and the Apple Dumpling Festival starts at 10am.
Windy Hill Orchard
Windy Hill Orchard has been in the Noonkester family for over 100 years.
Every Thursday, September – November, you are invited to come watch as the apples are pressed into apple cider. Don’t forget to leave with a fresh jug! They also sell apple cider vinegar, apple sauce, apple butter, jams, and dried apples.
Levering Orchard
Visitors to Levering Orchard are treated to pick-your-own cherries, peaches, pears, and apples in a gorgeous mountain setting.
Fall apple season at Levering lasts from September through mid-November. They provide you with buckets and ladders and send you into their expansive orchard to experience picking the fruit right off of the tree yourself.
More to Explore
Don’t forget to visit one of our many country stores, markets, and farm stands while you’re exploring the county. Spend a Friday morning at the Stuart Farmers’ Market, visit Clay and Twig in Critz, or swing by Trent Farms. With hundreds of miles to explore, Patrick County is the perfect destination for your next fall adventure.