High above the city of Charlottesville, Virginia, sits Carter Mountain Orchard, a destination that combines sweeping mountain views with the sweet aroma of fresh apple cider. The breathtaking views (especially in fall) are only half the reason to visit. The Orchard is known for its pick-your-own fruit experiences, country store and bakery, and its famous apple cider donuts.
A Family Legacy
The story of Carter Mountain is deeply tied to the Chiles family, who began planting peach trees in Crozet, Virginia, back in 1912. What started as a small orchard grew into Crown Orchard Company, a thriving wholesale business that now supplies fruit to grocery stores and military commissaries across the East Coast.
The family took over Carter Mountain in 1970 and purchased the land outright in 1985. Since then, the orchard has evolved into one of Virginia’s most beloved seasonal destinations, drawing both locals and travelers year-round.
A Pick-Your-Own Experience
One of the biggest draws to Carter Mountain is its pick-your-own experiences. Spring brings ripe strawberries, while summer is filled with juicy peaches, and fall offers apples and pumpkins. They even have a fruit availability chart, so you can plan your trip accordingly.
If fruit picking isn’t really your thing, they also sell freshly-harvested produce like peaches, cherries, blueberries, tomatoes, and asparagus. And their shelves are stocked with jams, butters, salsas, and other provisions
The Orchard’s country store is a trove of Virginia-made crafts, seasonal apparel, home decor, toys, and puzzles. All that shopping will really work up an appetite, so make sure to head to their bakery, where the star of the show is the apple cider donut. Baked fresh daily, these warm, spiced, cake-like treats practically melt in your mouth. For an extra indulgence, pair them with soft-serve ice cream for a donut sundae…