Carter Mountain Orchard and Country Store

Isaac Replogle (American Consumer)

2023-11

My wife and I recently made our second trip to Carter Mountain Orchard, and it was every bit as delightful as the first. The orchard, which has been nurtured by the Chiles Family for over a century, is a testament to their dedication and hard work. Our experience was filled with the crispness of freshly picked apples, the sweetness of on-the-spot made donuts, and the creaminess of the ice cream. The apple pie we tasted was the perfect blend of crisp and sweet.Walking away with a bounty of a gallon and a half of apple cider, a bottle of wine, a medium bag of apples, and a dozen donuts, we felt content knowing we had some delicious treats to share with our friends and family.The orchard itself is a haven of beauty, offering breathtaking views that had us immersed for over 4 hours, splitting our time between apple-picking, indulging in the treats, and simply soaking in the picturesque vistas.While there's much to praise, it's worth noting that the lines can be quite long and the prices on the higher side. However, given the exceptional quality and freshness of their produce, it's understandable why so many people are drawn to Carter Mountain. The prices are a reflection of the premium quality, and the lines? Well, they're indicative of its popularity.In conclusion, Carter Mountain Orchard is a gem of a place, steeped in history and tradition, where one can not only relish fresh produce but also create lasting memories. Despite the crowds and costs, it's undeniably worth the visit. We're already looking forward to our next trip!

Brandon Crawford

2023-11

What a great place! The staff is super nice and the views are stunning. It wasn't that busy on a Thursday afternoon, and the apple donuts are to die for. I also got an apple spice slushy and ghost peppers salsa! There is a bold rock cider bar under the apple farm store, which is really nice.

Sara O

2023-12

Just a short drive from Charlottesville, you'll find this lovely orchard with a huge country store. Depending on the time/day/season it can get very busy here so expect crowds during peak times. Unfortunately I did not do the pick your own during my visit, but I'm sure you could get a great haul from here.The store portion has a huge selection of pantry items, decor/gifts, baked goods, and pre-picked items. I loved the variety in apple butters they offered here and the donuts are fantastic! They also offered samples of the apples available so you could try them out before buying. You can get a meal here, drinks, and finish your trip off with ice cream while you sit outside and enjoy the views.Parking is free but can be a bit tight during busier times. Be mindful of children running around and go slow.

Steve Young

2023-11

I went to the apple orchard to pickup some apples to make apple sauce. It reminded me that we used to go out there on a regular basis with my daughter who is now 48 years old. I'm guessing we've been going out there for close to 50 years. Not sure how long it's been around but it's been around a long time and we've enjoyed it every time we've gone out. Back in the old days, It wasn't nearly as fancy as it is now, but it was still a great family outing. It's worth the effort to go there.

Pinky Garcia

2024-01

Beautiful cool place to get apples and take pictures! The only thing I didn't like is that it's not baby friendly 😫 since they have no baby changing station.

Denise McQueen Brown

2023-12

My first time there. Very beautiful location! You can see the hilly lands in every direction for miles. And the food there is absolutely delicious 😋! I especially love the apple pies and apple cider cookies. Will definitely come back next year and bring more of my friends and family 😁.

Daniel Salisbury

2023-11

My wife and I came here for the first time last weekend and for the most part, we enjoyed our experience. The apple picking was fun, the donuts were great, the wine was delicious, and the view was incredible. However, it did kind of dampen our experience when one of the managers (Stephanie maybe?) gave my wife and I a 5 minute lecture about parking before letting us in. It was very rude & unnecessary. The truck at the beginning of the line was completely stopped & talking to the person directing traffic, so cars ahead of us were pulling to the side and parking in the lot right there because they were tired of waiting. We just followed along & went where they were going. (Again, it was our first time here. How are we supposed to know?) So, I hope she pulled aside every other person to lecture them, too. Also, we had to wait 30 minutes just to get a half dozen donuts.. We had a 9am ticket (which is when they open).. you’d think they’d prepare and have donuts available for when people start arriving. Waiting that long for donuts is ridiculous.. it cut into our 3 hour time window we had there, which was not cool. Luckily, my wife and I made the most of things and still had a good time. I will say, it is definitely a cool place to go.

B.D. Olsen

2023-10

We’ve made the trip to this orchard a few times; picking your own apples is only a part of the experience. They offer plenty of space for kids to run and play while the adults can try some wine or draft Bold Rock Cider - I didn’t know there were so many varieties. The apple cider donuts seem to get better every time too.

Ann Marie Bailey

2023-11

Carter Mountain was absolutely beautiful! So much to do there for all ages..apple picking, Bold Rock cider tasting, Carter Mountain wine tasting, shopping, ice cream and small eatery, cornhole, and so much more! It is beautifully designed and laid out very well. The stunning views are just the icing on the cake. Fantastic and beautiful way to spend the day!

David Peterson

2024-04

Friendly helpful staff. Be very careful of the wind though, it was very strong when we were there last weekend. Be extra cautious when opening your car door, especially if you park next to someone else.

Paru Paro

2023-07

We had a wonderful time!! Our first time here. We loved the sample of the apples! Nice platform area where you can take pictures. They had plenty of items to buy, nice local items to support the community and farmers. Have some $$ on you bc the prices are a little high. We liked the ice cream. As for the apple cider donut I have had better at another orchard. Everyone was friendly. They let you sample local wines. Great place for the family! We would definitely recommend!

Brandon Jacobs

2023-12

We visited in September and had an amazing time! This was our first time visiting and will 100% be coming back for future events. The Apple cider donuts 10/10 if you decide to visit you MUST try them. Would highly recommend coming here for dates and family days. They have a lot of fun activities other then just apple picking.

Lukas G.

2023-11

Visually stunning, amazing doughnuts, great cider. We went on a surprisingly hot day and suffered some heat exhaustion going to some of the further apples, and didn't quiiiite need a lift but staff did check in with anyone in danger of passing out. 10-15 degrees cooler would have been so perfect, but they can't control the weather, just take care of yourself and have water ready!I made it to all of the available orchards, it was a good bit of work for me (don't exercise much) but I had a good time and I had some lovely doughnuts at the end. Again, can't stress how good those are. Very crispy outside, soft inside, perfect.

Frank Dzupinka

2023-11

We love Carter Mountain! Great fun for the family every year. We drive all the way from Virginia Beach (6 hours round trip) to pick apples and eat doughnuts. The prices have stayed consistent throughout the years. There's lots of space to run around and get the sugar out before the drive home. The wife and I love the Bold Rock cider house on site. We picked Fuji and Winesap this year.NOTES: This year they were pretty strict on the no bag policy. It looked like they were allowing smaller bags in but definitely no big bags, backpacks, diaper bags; basically nothing you can smuggle lots of apples in. It makes sense. I'm sure inflation has hit them like everyone else and they are just trying to stay in business.Pay attention to the signs they post: The Winesap orchard said to "Go to the end of the row". The kids inevitably picked them as soon as we started down the row, and they were pretty sour. Once we went to the row, the apples were sweet and juicy, and low hanging. Which brings me to my last note,Bring a fruit picker pole: for the Winesap it didn't matter much, but the Fuji had been pretty picked through. You can get a pole on Amazon for about $30. It's worth the better apples up high.If you plan your trip enough, stop at Michie Tavern for lunch.Have a blast!

Karina Montalvo

2023-07

The place was beautiful. We were able to try the cherries they had out and they were amazing. We got an apple and peach pie, turned out amazing. The peaches also amazing. Everyone was very friendly and loved the outdoor spaces. Definitely going to try the apple picking next time.

Tamoya Diggs-Davis

2023-11

This was our third year going to Carter’s Mountain. We decided that we will make it one of our family traditions. Each time we been it has been a wonderful experience. The staff has always been helpful. This particular trip one of the staff member gave us some insight on the apples which was very knowledgeable. We learned a lot about the apples. The apple cider donuts are always one of our favorite. The views are absolutely beautiful. We definitely have enjoyed Carter’s Mountain each visit.

Sean Ryan

2023-10

Carter Mountain Orchard is a gem in the beautiful mountains of Charlottesville! Pick your apples, get some fresh apple cider donuts and enjoy the scenic views! Highly recommend coming on a weekday to avoid the crowds. We came for the afternoon and had tickets to there sunset event where we got BBQ from Vision BBQ which was amazing! Some of the best BBQ around, the pulled pork sandwich and brisket philly cheese sandwich was absolutely mind blowing. A lot of people especially local students come to the events as you can tell by the photos of before and after!

Melissa H

2024-01

Whew I did not know what I was getting myself into, wanting to see mountains and be on the mountain top, took more spiritual strength than anything, I had to drive by myself up the mountain to see the mountains, trusting God and knowing he was with me and that this spirit of fear was nothing more, I continued my drive up and by Gods grace I was able to see just a snippet of his beautiful creations, it was worth it-Thank you Jesus!

Bailey Williams

2023-11

Yet another 5 star Carter mountain experience! The views offered from these orchards are perfect snapshots of Virginia’s god-given landscapes. Autumn in VA is such a beautiful and unique atmosphere, and Carter Mountain is the best place in the world to enjoy the season

Michael Wisniewski

2023-11

Pay to get in pay to Apple pick. 40 min lines for each be prepared to just wait. For whatever reason they have only 2 places open to buy the apple picking pass. There are currently 200+ people in line. Parking staff is rude. The Apple picking is fun but not worth it waiting in line. Picture is half way through the line. It stretches past the entrance. For whatever reason you have to buy a bag and pay for it ahead of time. A few years back you paid to get in then paid by weight at the end. It seems like they are changing it all to get more money from you.Final wait times arrival time 9:15 amCheck in: 9 min (10$)Line time for a bag to put apples in: 45 min (12$ small bag, 21$ medium bag, 35$ large box, 55$ bushel)

Lauren Jones

2023-08

Such a lovely area no matter what time of year! I visited mid winter and they still had plenty of apples a available, although mostly cooking apples rather than the ones you'd eat raw.Plenty of shopping for apple-based products and other tchotchkes. Fresh apple cider donuts with their wine tasting is one of the best ways to spend your cash while here 😉Friendly and happy staff, I will definitely be back with friends

Cherry Mates

2023-11

Apple cider donut can’t be missed to try. the perfect weekend treat! These delectable delights are the epitome of fall flavor. 🍎🍩🍂 video taken from last oct 7, 2023

Jessica S

2023-10

We were on vacation and our server at a local restaurant suggested we stop here. What a beautiful place with a great shop and friendly staff.The wine is good, the apples delicious, and all the staff were professional, fun and kind. So glad we stopped here. Perfect way to end our vacation!

Steve Dillon (MtLifeIsBetter)

2023-11

We love visiting Carter Mountain annually for their apples, apple cider donuts, apple pie, apple cookies and all the beautiful views. The drive up is now fully paved until you get to the parking lot.

Dorrie L

2023-05

This is a nice little getaway for a few hours. A Breathtaking view, very nice and friendly atmosphere while wine tasting. We enjoyed sampling the different types of peaches, and trying the famous apple cider donuts, bread pudding, and ice cream. If you would like to sample wine, you can sample flights as there were multiple flight options to choose from, ranging from dry to sweet. You can pick your own peaches, or purchase fresh peaches already picked at the stand. Prices were reasonable on all purchases we made, and overall it was just a great experience, a peaceful afternoon.

Michael Kirven

2024-04

Not usually one to post negative reviews but the rude witch who found the need to treat a friend and myself like children definitely convinced me to never think about recommending or returning to this place. Post signage to make potential visitors aware of protocol is my suggestion. Never thought enjoying a view for afew minutes would prompt the treatment we received.Edit for owner: Apparently there was a private event (no signs at all that I saw and probably 50-100+ parking spots open). We were looking for a place to take a picture and decompress for tops 10 minutes when a lady approaches probably less then 5 minutes of us pulling in, being extremely rude raising her voice at us telling us we are trespassing this and that and we need to leave NOW. Again not one sign that I saw. Of course we had no problem doing that in the first place and planned on it anyway. We had talked about possibly returning when we had more time on the drive up but this changed our mind 100%. All the lady needed to do was ask us politely to vacate not treat us like some malicious criminals.

Nicole Yull

2023-10

We went over the weekend while we were in Charlottesville for the weekend. It was super rainy but we had a blast. Great set up, delicious apple cider and doughnuts. Cute shop with lots of fun items. I highly recommend!

Daminick1980

2023-05

Went to pick apples. They have a few varieties. The terrain can be steep. Wear descent shoes. The staff was nice and information. They had a nice variety of apple foods and drink. The donuts were AMAZING! reasonably priced. The views themselve are worth the drive up!

Joan Keiser

2023-11

We spent about 2 hours there. Yummy cider, donuts and bold rock cider. Apple stuff plus more ar the store. Beautiful view and it was a wonderful autumn day.

Amy Rhoderick

2023-05

We had to buy entry tickets ahead as this is their busy season but just consider it parking fee. The views are beautiful and we had a good time. If you have mobility issues, plan to buy and not pick your own. The walk for the orchard is daunting and steep in places. Lots of buying options and wine shop was cool!