Prime picking time…cherries and peaches at local orchards

Summer isn’t summer until you’ve picked your own fruit. No need to buy a bushel shipped from South America. Nope, just head out into the Central Virginia countryside. Cherries, peaches, nectarines…all of these are available right in our backyard.

Peaches are ripe for picking at Chile’s Peach Orchard. Yellow, white and donut peaches as well as nectarines, cherries and local veggies are all available. They’ve also got an ice cream parlor with an awesome peach milkshake. Feel free to enjoy the orchard with your own picnic and bottle of wine.

And on August 2 - 3, stop by the orchard for the annual Peach Ice Cream Days. Homemade peach ice cream will be sold by the Albemarle Charlottesville Pilot Club (a worldwide service organization). This is their major fundraiser and one of the most popular weekends on the orchard.

The best spot for cherries is Spring Valley Orchard (also part of the Chile family) out on Afton Mountain. Still abundant, cherries should be available for another two weeks. 

Or head out to Carter Mountain Orchard.  The view is beautiful and the baked goods are delightful. They too have peaches, cherries and nectarines.

Check out these orchards for fabulous summer fruit. Make a day of it by fitting in some nearby vineyards and antique stores. and check out their websites for some pretty tasty sounding recipes. I plan on picking up some peaches this weekend and trying my hand at the Creamy Peach Pie!

If you’ve been to other orchards, please leave me a comment so I can get working on an orchard guide!

Cvillain has more info here on eating organic and local in Charlottesville.

DIRECTIONS.

To Chile’s Peach Orchard. Route 250 West towards Crozet, bear right onto Route 240 (following signs to Crozet), at the 4-way stop in Crozet, turn left, under the railroad tracks. Go 1/4 mile, turn right onto Jarman Gap Road (Route 691). Go 2.7 miles, Chiles Peach Orchard is on the left.

To Spring Valley Orchard. 29 South for 9 miles, right turn on Route 692 (Plank Road) for 5 miles to Batesville. Turn left on Route 635 (Craig’s Store Road) and follow for 4 miles. Turn left on Route 634 (Spring Valley Road), follow 1 mile and watch for signs. 

To Carter Mountain Orchard. I-64 East to Exit 121A, go ½ mile on Route 20 South, turn left onto VA-53, go ¾ mile, turn right at the Carter Mountain Orchard sign.