Hello Fall!
by Krista Beck
Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash
Believe it or don’t believe it, the season of pumpkins, apple cider, sweaters and cooler days is here! I’ve been almost startled seeing candy corn and Halloween costumes on display. It hardly feels real!
As we all continue to learn how to navigate in our new and very strange normal, it’s good to know that many of our beloved fall activities are outdoors with opportunities to remain socially distant. Here are 5 excellent places to visit this fall! Please note that Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland require masks in all establishments.
First up…
Photo of Corn Maze by Great Country Farms
GCF is a Loudoun favorite with animals, games, corn maze, pick-your-own and so much more. It also helps to have Henway Cider, Dirt Farm Brewing and Bluemont Vineyards in the same complex- cheers! Here’s the lowdown if you decide to visit:
Visiting during the weekday (9am-5pm) is your better bet in avoiding crowds.
Tickets ARE REQUIRED for Saturday and Sunday (9am-6pm) visitors in order to keep crowds limited to Virginia’s COVID capacity limits.
$10 admission gives you access to the grounds and includes a wagon ride to the You-Pick-Fields.
Apples are available for picking late August-mid October. Pumpkins are the last week of September through October.
EAT THE CIDER DONUTS!
Photo of Pumpkins at Temple Hall Farm
Temple Hall Farm is a historic farm estate located just a few minutes from Potomac Overlook Farms. Visitors can learn about the national and local figures who lived and visited the farm over the past 200 years. This is what you need to know:
They’ll be offering You-Pick pumpkins daily October 1-31 from 9am-5pm.
Admission is $10 per person and includes your pumpkin!
They have restrooms, playgrounds, slides and a jumping pillow.
Pick Your Own Apples by Homestead Farm
Enjoy a scenic ride across the river to Maryland (maybe you take White’s Ferry!) where you can visit Homestead Farm in Poolesville.
They are open daily from 9am-5pm.
$2 admission.
Select apples and pumpkins for You-Pick.
Farm store, animals, refreshment stand and plenty of room to spread out and perhaps enjoy a picnic!
Heirloom Pumpkins/Squash by Wegmeyer Farm
If you want beautiful, out of the ordinary, heirloom pumpkin varieties, you MUST visit Wegmeyer Farm in Hamilton, VA. We also recommend you include a pit stop at Zephaniah Farm Vineyard & Winery for their amazing, award-winning vino to warm your soul.
Reservations are required.
Reservation cost ($25 for your family) is applied towards your first $25 worth of pumpkins.
Open beginning September 19, Thursdays-Mondays from 10am-6pm.
Photo by Summers Farm
For the ULTIMATE fun, fall family experience, head to Frederick, MD to visit the 100 acre Summers Farm. Not only can you pick your own pumpkins and solve a corn maze, there are endless activities from renting a campfire site, sipping on apple cider slushies, watching a magic show, catching the rubber ducky race and SO much more. Here’s what you need to know:
Monday-Thursday open 1p-7p (Friday until 9:30), Saturday open 10a-9:30pm and Sunday open from 10a-7pm.
Admissions range from $10.50-$15.50. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
COVID-19 safety measures are thorough and in place.
Have fun y’all, and let us know where you go!