Carters Mountain Orchard 2017
Here is why you want to go. It's a beautiful view. There's apple picking, but if you aren't into that then you can pick your apples from the bins outside. The country store has jams, sauces, and other trinkets to purchase. But what brings the large crowds is the apple cider donuts, served hot and fresh on site. You can also buy them prepackaged at the country store. There's nothing like a warm apple cider donut with hot apple cider to wash it down.
Here is what you need to know to survive. The hours say 9-6 but in October I get their even earlier, like 8:30. By 10am the parking is impossible. Go to the stand across the store and grab a bag. Look at the map and walk to your location for what type of apples you want to pick. Wear boots or tough shoes as the orchard is muddy and slick. Porta potties are out front but there is a real bathroom beside the pumpkin patch.
My favorite apples to snack on are Fuji and Jonagold. Then for baking I like to add in Granny Smith and Winesap, the latter being lower in sugar.
At the store I buy the Carter Orchard apple cider vinaigrette and strawberry preserves. I also get a jug of apple cider and a half dozen apple cider donuts. The dogs go crazy for them. Yes, the Orchard is pet friendly, and people love to pet the dogs. While they like the attention, the reason they jump out of the car is for the apple cider donuts.
We normally end the day with a picnic in a location with a beautiful view and pet friendly. Ranking locations:
1) King Family Vineyard
2) Pippin Hill - but you can't bring your own food, however the outdoor restaurant is nice
3) Afton Mountain Vineyard
And no, you don't have to drink the wine. It's worth going just for the view. We chose King Family and it was beautiful. That place has really grown since we first visited in 2005. It's at least quadrupled in size and families from all around the area come to enjoy a picnic, watch the polo games, and play in the grass.
Here is what you need to know to survive. The hours say 9-6 but in October I get their even earlier, like 8:30. By 10am the parking is impossible. Go to the stand across the store and grab a bag. Look at the map and walk to your location for what type of apples you want to pick. Wear boots or tough shoes as the orchard is muddy and slick. Porta potties are out front but there is a real bathroom beside the pumpkin patch.
My favorite apples to snack on are Fuji and Jonagold. Then for baking I like to add in Granny Smith and Winesap, the latter being lower in sugar.
At the store I buy the Carter Orchard apple cider vinaigrette and strawberry preserves. I also get a jug of apple cider and a half dozen apple cider donuts. The dogs go crazy for them. Yes, the Orchard is pet friendly, and people love to pet the dogs. While they like the attention, the reason they jump out of the car is for the apple cider donuts.
We normally end the day with a picnic in a location with a beautiful view and pet friendly. Ranking locations:
1) King Family Vineyard
2) Pippin Hill - but you can't bring your own food, however the outdoor restaurant is nice
3) Afton Mountain Vineyard
And no, you don't have to drink the wine. It's worth going just for the view. We chose King Family and it was beautiful. That place has really grown since we first visited in 2005. It's at least quadrupled in size and families from all around the area come to enjoy a picnic, watch the polo games, and play in the grass.
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