Marker-Miller Orchards

We started a beloved autumn tradition 10 years ago when we lived in Canada . . . going to the apple orchard to pick our own apples, buy fresh apple cider, play with our dear friends on the playgrounds, pet the farm animals, and enjoy the crisp autumn air. Thankfully, we have been able to continue our family tradition here in Virginia. This year we went out to a farm we had not visited before and it was a lovely experience.

Marker-Miller Orchards is located in scenic Winchester, Virginia. We took the drive out last Saturday for part of Maya's birthday celebration and it also happened to be the farm's annual fall festival. We were thrilled to see that we were not the only ones out enjoying the beautiful weather and this wonderful farm. 

 The beautiful stone house on the farm dates back to 1811 and the land has been in the family since 1908. I have said before that I enjoy supporting family-run businesses, and this is no exception. The Markers have been farming the land for five generations, with Mr. Marker's father planting the first apple orchards in the 1930's. And I am no farmer or expert in any way, but I have visited quite a few orchards over the years and these, by far, are the most beautiful and healthy-looking apple trees I have ever seen.

We thoroughly enjoyed the festivities of the fall festival and I have already been asked if we can plan to go again next year! My answer: Absolutely!

Yes, those are apple cider doughnuts you see! Oh my! We also enjoyed their delicious apple cider.

I just want to say a huge thank you to the Marker Family for not charging an admission fee to the farm. (I have been so surprised and quite appalled by local farms charging anywhere from $8-$12 per person just to enter the farm. For this family of seven, that is next to impossible. If I am going to your farm, it's not to just hang out and then leave. I will pick apples or whatever produce is in season and probably take part in other activities or buy other products sold in your store. I go there as a customer and to tack on another $70, give or take, is absurd.) So, thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Marker for offering your farm free of charge! We will be back soon.

Here are their upcoming events:


Apple Harvest Festival: Saturday, October 12th (9am-5pm) and Sunday, October 13th (10am-5pm)Everything apples!!!!!!!!!!! 20 varieties of apples to choose from, with pick your own available. Apple cobbler and apple cider slushees can be enjoyed while sitting on the front porch or listening to the music each day from 1-3 P.M. For the kids we have the cow train, a playground and room to run. A variety of food will be available at the food building. Wagon rides around the farm scheduled throughout the day.

Pumpkin Festival: Saturday, October 26th (9am-5pm)
Come find the "great pumpkin." Choose from ones already picked or pick your own. Enjoy pumpkin pie, pumpkin rolls, pumpkin bars and pumpkin donuts from our bakery.  A variety of food will be available at the food building.

Bakery Festival: Saturday, November 9th (9am-4pm)
Grab a plate and help us celebrate the Bakery Festival!  Enjoy a free sampling of some of our baked goods. We will be taking orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas.


Market Hours:

June – October 
Monday – Friday: 9:00-6:00
Saturday: 9:00-5:00
**Open Sundays in September & October: 12:00-5:00**

November:

Monday-Friday: 9:00 – 5:00

Saturday: 9:00 – 4:00

December: 

Friday: 9:00 – 5:00

Saturday: 9:00 – 4:00

3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, VA 22602
(540) 662-1980 

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Disclaimer: This post represents my own thoughts and opinions. No compensation was received. I just want my friends to know about this great family orchard!