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12 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • October 2016 Carter Mountain Orchard, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is family owned and operated and is open seasonally from April through November. Owner Cynthia Chiles is proud of Carter Mountain's repu- tation. "We're well known for our popular school field trips and host an average of 10,000 people each year with our educa- tional programs," she says. Its unique and gorgeously scenic mountaintop location has also made it a family destination for decades. It is the perfect day trip for fami- lies in Fredericksburg for apple picking, not only for all that the orchard offers, but due to its close proximity to historic Monticello and Michie Tavern – and even the drive there is stunning. White fences and serene farm animals line the peaceful excursion, and driving up Carter Mountain itself is a fun delight for children. The apple orchard at the summit is plentiful and families are able to "pick their own" out of more than a dozen varieties of apples. WRITTEN BY DEBRA CAFFREY Family Friendly Farms for the Season After a hot and humid summer, it is finally fall. For families, that means it's prime time for visiting farms and harvesting the bountiful autumnal produce that exemplifies what it means to embrace the season. The choices for "pick-your-own" farms are plentiful in the area, and many offer more than produce. For families looking for all-inclusive day trips for apple and pumpkin picking that includes educational opportunities, rustic scenery, homemade treats, and fun events, Carter Mountain Orchard and Braehead Farm are the ideal locales for establishing fall family traditions. The autumn season also features hayrides, a small pumpkin patch, and gourds for purchase, as well as a country store and bakery. "We have apple pies, apple caramel cookies, soft serve ice cream and apple cider," Chiles says. Carter Mountain Orchard is also very well-known for their famous apple cider donuts, which have continued to be a long-standing tradition for patrons year after year. Above all, the mountaintop offers spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a perfect and unmatched backdrop for unforgettable family photos and memories. For more information, visit http://chilesfamilyorchards.com/ Carter Mountain Orchard: For the Apple Lover