October typically means two things for our family, lots of Halloween candy and apples. Every October we make an annual trip, and this past weekend we loaded all the kids up in the car and headed off to Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville. It was an absolutely beautiful weekend. Perfect time to enjoy the breath taking views and sit back and just enjoy some quality family time. Something about my boys’ smiles as fresh apple juices run down their chins and those sweet, sticky fingers just melts my heart. I love seeing them so care-free as they run through the rows and rows of trees with reckless abandon in search of the most perfect of apples to claim as their own. I savor the whole day. The beautiful scenery, the smells, the sounds, and of course the sweet taste of biting into my own freshly picked, crisp apple. By the end of the day everybody had a tote full of fall ‘treasures’. After a picnic lunch, and of course sampling and loading up on our favorite apple-y treats, we headed home. Before I move on, I’ve just got to say that there’s nothing quite like an apple cider slushy, fresh, hot apple cider doughnuts, or homemade sweet/spicy apple salsa. If you haven’t tried it, add it to your bucket list!
Of course, once we get home and unload our two bushels of apples that’s when I get busy. I’ve got apples coming out of my ears, but I’m not complaining. My house is gently perfumed by the sweet scents of Crispin, Jonah Gold, and Golden Delicious. It doesn’t get any better than when you walk in the door after a long day and feel like you’re walking back into the apple orchard. Bonus: The kids have an apple a day for quite some time, and I get to make some of our favorite fall treats, and try out some new apple-inspired dishes and desserts. That being said…you can expect quite a few apple-based recipes in the next few weeks.
My primary pickers in action. I’ve learned that some of the best bonding occurs when savoring that sweet, crispy morsel in your mouth.
Always plenty to do & see at the orchard. Stumbling onto the old truck was pretty cool and the boys couldn’t believe we’d never found it before.
See you again next year, Carter Mountain!
If you’re thinking about visiting Carter Mountain and want to make a full day of it, there’s plenty to do in the immediate vicinity for both a family oriented day or for an adult get away. Check out historic Michies Tavern next door to the mountain, or Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello. There are also several fantastic local vineyards to tour. Skyline Drive is just a hop, skip, and a jump away with its breath-taking scenic views and trails. The changing leaves make it almost irresistible side-trip!
4 Sons 'R' Us 