Apple Picking at Carter Mountain

I had heard so many rave reviews of Carter Mountain Orchards that I was afraid it wouldn't live up to my expectations once I got finally there.  Thankfully that was definitely not the case, not one bit!   We made the trek to Charlottesville today, which proved to be hardly a trek at all.  The drive, which was only a little over an hour, flew by because of the fall foliage peaking all around us.  It was one of those quintessential fall days that makes you just want to stop the clock, savor the crisp clean air and autumnal hues, and find a crew regatta to watch.  Unfortunately you can't mess with the clock because you literally just pushed it an hour ahead.  Fall back, spring forward, right?

First off, the location of the mountaintop is downright stunning, adjacent to the legendary Monticello no less.  Standing there you could see all of C-ville (or is it Who-ville?) spread out below and even make out the roof of the beloved Rotunda.  Not a bad start at all.  As we entered the orchard, there was a cheerful red barn awaiting us with apples of all kinds for sale in bins country style.  We had some phenomenal apple cider and eyed some delicious-looking apple cider donuts which we managed to resist.  There were lots of picnic tables scattered about as well as other food to buy -- apple butter, vinegars, pre-made pie mixes, and even Carter Mountain wine.

Next we went on a hay ride, Sam's first!  He loved every minute of it, as did his mommy and daddy.  Man, the next time you're feeling depressed, skip the Prozac and hop on a tractor ride at Carter Mountain.  Riding around the orchard was just beautiful in the most wholesome of ways.  By the end, I finally understood Gwyneth Paltrow's reasoning in naming her daughter Apple.  I wonder if she had previously visited Carter Mountain...

Under Sam's dubious leadership we set out to pick apples but soon decided that buying them up front was just fine with us.  And they sure did taste mighty fine!  Sam ate one as we walked out to the parking lot and then fell asleep by the time we were back on the main road.  For once we had timed it juuuuuuust right, especially since he didn't wake up until we were back on Midlothian T-pike around the corner from home.  Like I said, the trip to Carter Mountain exceeded all of my expectations.  It was a good fall day, and we have so many apples to thank.  Thank you, Fuji, Rome, Macintosh, Pink Lady, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and of course Granny Smith for making this all possible!

LibbY

PS Check out www.CarterMountainOrchard.com so you can plan your own field trip!