Fall finale: A day at the orchard

By Jane Dunlap Norris
Media General News Service

Published: November 21, 2008

If you’re going:
-WHAT: Carter Mountain Orchard
-WHERE: 1435 Carters Mountain Trail
On Virginia 53, off Virginia 20 just south of Charlottesville
-HOURS: Through Nov. 30: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closed on Thanksgiving Day. Carter Mountain Wine Shop and Tasting Room open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. December hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
If you want to pick your own apples, be sure to arrive an hour before closing time. (Plastic bags will be available, and it’s fine to bring your own bags.)
-INFO: Visit http://www.cartermountainorchard.com or calll (434) 977-1833

Want to make some wholesome autumn memories with the ones you love? Just say those three little words: Apple cider doughnuts.

The way the folks at Carter Mountain Bakery make them, the deep tan rings are just right with a cup of fresh apple cider, either hot or cold. Not overbearingly sweet, with gently crisped edges and a touch of granulated sugar on top, they’re even tastier after an afternoon of strolling, picking apples and playing outdoors at Carter Mountain Orchard.

The orchard nestles into land that once belonged to John Carter, who was secretary of the colony of Virginia in 1729. His son, Edward, represented Albemarle County in both the House of Burgesses and the House of Delegates. These days, the Chiles family keeps the apples rolling in and the welcome mat rolling out for visitors.

The orchard’s entrance is tucked into a woody hillside on Virginia 53, just south of Charlottesville and three-quarters of a mile from Virginia 20 as one heads up the hill toward Monticello and Ash Lawn-Highland. If you reach the Michie Tavern entrance, you’ve gone too far, so keep an eye out for the Carter Mountain Orchard signs on your right. On a recent Sunday afternoon, a sandwich board in the driveway helped make the turn an easy one.

Four orchards were open that day, giving folks the choice of picking their own apples from the trees or making selections from ones picked ahead of time. Quite a few pumpkins remained near the gathering point for hayrides, forming a wide orange stripe that proved to be a toddler magnet.

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, because even if you don’t pick your own apples, you won’t be able to resist hiking around the orchards and taking in the panoramic views of Charlottesville and Albemarle and Fluvanna counties from the mountain. The wind can whip up in a hurry, so dress in layers and keep a jacket, and maybe a hat, within reach in the car.

An observation deck makes it easy for amateurs to take calendar-worthy photos of fall color.

There’s a refreshing hilly walk at the orchard. And if getting your family to make healthier food choices has been a struggle, a stroll among the trees might help make a game out of literally picking more wholesome snacks.

Extensive apple choices offer the opportunity to try different kinds. If only your favorite variety will do, Carter Mountain’s Web site, http://www.cartermountainorchard.com, has an availability guide to help you decide when to go.

On a recent afternoon, the pick-your-own varieties included Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Fuji and Winesap, and there were 11 pre-picked varieties to choose from — including plenty of Albemarle pippins for folks who’d like to try a snack with a rich local history.

If you’re planning to bake pies or other holiday treats with your apples, glance over your favorite recipes before you head out to find out which varieties will do. The Web site also offers plenty of recipes, which can be found under the “In the Kitchen” tab. If flour power isn’t your thing and you’d rather serve the orchard bakery’s own apple pies at your Thanksgiving feast, place your orders by Nov. 23.

And while you’re loading apples in your trunk, save a little room. Before you head out, you’ll want to pick up some more doughnuts to serve with tomorrow morning’s coffee.