September doesn’t just mean back to school; it also means apple picking season is in full swing! If you love apples, nothing beats freshly picked ones right from the tree. Check out the list of some of our favorite pick-your-own farms below and go grab a basketful for snacks, smoothies, pies, and all of your other favorite apple recipes!
Remember that social distancing is in effect at all of the farms so take along a face mask and stay six feet apart from others outside of your group. It’s also a good idea to call ahead or check the farm’s social media pages for the most up to date information on hours and if there are any fruits left to pick for the day. Happy picking!!
Distillary Lane Ciderworks
https://distillerylaneciderworks.com/
Located in neighboring Burkittsville, this beautiful orchard is just minutes from Middletown Valley. Although they usually do not offer pick-your-own, you can purchase farm fresh apples and enjoy the grounds. You are free to explore the orchard and experience a self-guided tour among 40 different varieties of apple trees. Keep an eye out for the Kingston, the friendly orchard dog! Cider tasting is offered for adults, but be sure to make reservations for larger parties.
Baugher’s Farm
With a petting zoo, two farm markets, a bakery, a country style restaurant, and a pick-your-own orchard, there’s fun for everyone at Baugher’s! This 600 acre farm is a family operated business serving Westminster and the surrounding areas for over 100 years. Their homemade pies have been a favorite since the early 1930s and are offered in twenty different varieties, so be sure to grab a slice or two at their country style restaurant. Whole pies are also sold at the farm market. Not in the mood for pie, there are eight other pastries to choose from. Their pick-your-own farm is open from strawberry season in May to pumpkin season in October.
Catoctin Mountain Orchard
http://www.catoctinmountainorchard.com/
Take a trip to Catoctin Mountain Orchard if you want to taste what an apple grown by the Apple Grower of the Year for 2020 is like. Be sure to say hello to the winner and co-owner, Robert Black, if you run into him. Their Autumn Galas are famous among growers. You’ll know it when you bite into one and hear the crunch! The farm also offers other pick-your-own fruits and vegetables throughout the year, along with half an acre of flowers in over 25 varieties. The market is open daily for those not in the mood to pick.
Gaver Farm
The history of Gaver Farm dates back to the early 1800s, when the home on the farm was built. Fomer owners, who now rest in the cemetary on the farm, fought in some of the biggest battles in the Civil War, including Antietam and Gettysburg. You are welcome to visit the cemetary located in the festival area. Aside from the rich Frederick County history, you’ll also enjoy pick-your-own orchards and sunflowers, farm animals, free hayrides, and their famous apple cider slushees!