2024 central Virginia, Charlottesville, etc. Pumpkin U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pumpkin U-Pick Orchards in central Virginia, Charlottesville, etc. in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for pumpkins that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have pumpkins farms that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Albemarle County

• Chiles Peach Orchard and Farm Market - apples, cherries, peaches, pumpkins, strawberries, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours
  1351 Greenwood Road, Crozet, VA 22932. Phone: 434-823-1583. Email: Info@ChilesPeachOrchard.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Alternate Phone: 434-977-0619Fax: 434-823-1593 Strawberries May 10 to June 20, Sweet Cherries June 10 to July 15, Peaches June 15 to September 1, Apples September 25 to November 15, Pumpkins September 25 to November 1Newly expanded farm market with fresh picked fruit, local vegetables, ciders, jams and jellies, local crafts, and gifts. Ice Cream Parlor serves up frozen yogurt, soft serve ice cream, sundaes, shakes, and baked goodies. Fudge kitchen features fresh fudge in lots of flavors! Homemade Peach Ice Cream Days, 1st weekend in August each year.
  Comments from a visitor on September 04, 2012: "We visited Chiles in the Fall of 2011 to pick apples and our own pumpkins! What a fabulous experience. We arrived on a Saturday morning, there was a nice flow of folks but not too overwhelmingly populated. They had a shop full of goodies (fresh cider, honey, handmade baskets etc), as well as ice cream! Yum! The peach flavor was delicious! The apples were ABUNDANT, the pumpkins were as well. The setting was so serene, the fields nestled in the mountains with views from every angle. Breathtaking. We had a fantastic day and look forward to another trip this Fall. "

Amherst County

• Morris Orchard - pumpkins, pick your own apples, apple cider, and Christmas Trees
  226 Tobacco Row Lane, Monroe, VA 24574. Phone: 434-929-2401. Email: info@MorrisOrchard.com. Open: blueberry season is usually mid June to early July, Blackberries are early July into August; Fall season after mid-September 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday;from 1 pm to 5 pm Sunday. Directions: From Lynchburg, Route 29 north to Monroe. Left on South Five Forks Road \(Route 671\) almost 1 mile. Left on High Peak Road \(Route 636\) for 3.5 miles. Left on Ambrose Rucker Road \(Route 653\) one half mile. Right on Tobacco Road Lane to end -- one quarter mile. Relaxed country atmosphere, farm animals for the kids to watch, hay decorations in the fall. Select-your-own apples from mid-summer until . Click here for a map and directions. ; Fax: 434-929-1419 blueberry season is usually mid June to early July, Blackberries are early July into August; Fall season (after mid-September) 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday;from 1 pm to 5 pm SundayFrom Lynchburg, Route 29 north to Monroe. Left on South Five Forks Road (Route 671) almost 1 mile. Left on High Peak Road (Route 636) for 3.5 miles. Left on Ambrose Rucker Road (Route 653) one half mile. Right on Tobacco Road Lane to end -- one quarter mile. Relaxed country atmosphere, farm animals for the kids to watch, hay decorations in the fall. Select-your-own apples from mid-summer until Christmas. Pick-your-own pumpkins in the fall. Cut-your-own Christmas trees (limited). Call for season availability. We will be pressing our Fresh Apple Cider every week during the season. We will be making our famous Apple Doughnuts every weekend in October. We will have a great selection of apples available in the store through Christmas. Our varieties: Fuji, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Rome, Granny Smith, Razor Russet, York, Empire, Winesap, Stayman, Braeburn, Jonagold, Arkansas Black, Albemarle Pippin. A visitor writes on September 19, 2010: "Had a very nice visit today. Highlights include apple cider slushies (delicious!) and feeding the goats and donkey. Donations for feed go to the local humane society, so it is fun AND a worthy cause. Only two varieties of apples were available to pick your own, but there were LOTS of apples. We took picnic blankets and had a lovely picnic. There is a hay bale maze. Home make doughnuts are available in October during pumpkin picking season

Nelson County

• Critzer Family Farm - Uses natural growing practices, apples, blackberries, nectarines, peaches, plums, pumpkins, strawberries, Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), restrooms
  9388 Critzer Shop Road, Route 151, Afton, VA . Phone: (540) 241-3305. Email: critzerfamilyfarm@gmail.com. Open: May through October; Call or see their website for current hours. Directions: 250 west 16 miles to foot of Afton Mountain. Left on Route 151, 1 mile on right. From Waynesboro, 250 east, 7 miles to foot of Afton Mountain. Right on Route 151, 1 mile on right. From Wintergreen, 10 miles north on 151. From Charlottesville: 64 West to Exit 107; West on Rt. 250 for 4.5 miles: South on Rt. 151 for 1.3 miles; look for our sign on the right.Also pre-picked berries and other vegetables. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Critzer Family Farm Facebook page. Click here for their Facebook page. In the farm shop, they have Peach cobbler, peach smoothies, peach lemonade, peach salsa, peach jam. So many reasons to get yourself some peaches. White, yellow and donut varieties are ready for the pick. (UPDATED: April 19, 2021)
  Comments from a visitor on May 12, 2009: "Strawberries are $1.50 per pound including their container. You can bring your own containers, but they need to be weighed beforehand. Cash or Check only. Very neat and clean farm"
  Comments from a visitor on August 18, 2008: "Loved it!"
• Dickie Bros. Orchard - apples, nectarines, peaches, pumpkins, U-pick and already picked, farm market, restrooms, picnic area
  2552 Dickie Road, Roseland, VA 22967. Phone: 434-277-5516. Open: see website. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. From Richmond, take I-64 west to Charlottesville. Take Route 29 south past Lovingston to Colleen, turn right on Route 56 west. Go 2 miles; turn right on Route 655 towards Roseland. Go 4 miles; turn left on 151 and cross Tye River and turn immediately right on 56 west \(Crabtree Falls Hwy.\). Go 2 miles; take left on Dickie Road and follow signs 3 miles up on left. From Lynchburg, take Route 29 north, turn left on Route 56 west and follow signs. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Dickie Bros. Orchard Facebook page. dickiebros@ceva, net From Richmond, take I-64 west to Charlottesville. Take Route 29 south past Lovingston to Colleen, turn right on Route 56 west. Go 2 miles; turn right on Route 655 towards Roseland. Go 4 miles; turn left on 151 and cross Tye River and turn immediately right on 56 west (Crabtree Falls Hwy.). Go 2 miles; take left on Dickie Road and follow signs 3 miles up on left. From Lynchburg, take Route 29 north, turn left on Route 56 west and follow signs. 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, November 1-August 31; 8 am to 5 pm, Monday-Sunday, September 1-October 31. A Virginia Century Farmis one of Virginia's oldest farms continuously owned by the same family. Orchard is located at the foot of Little de Priest Mountain near National Forest, Blue Ridge Parkway, Crabtree Falls and Wintergreen Resort. Pick-Your-Own Fuji Apples at ! We've set out the picnic tables and can't wait to see everyone. Picked Apple varieties: Paulared, Gala, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Liberty, Red and Golden Delicious, Empire, Jonagold, Winesap, Stayman, Rome, Granny Smith, Fuji, Pink Lady. Pick-your-own offered for most varieties, especially Fuji,. Apple butter and fresh cider also available
  Comments from a visitor on October 14, 2009: "I have been to this place 3 times already this season. The brothers that run the place are wonderful and were also really helpful when my handicapped father went there also. The apples are great and you cannot beat the price, 50¢ per lb. Why go to the tourist farm near Michie Tavern and pay more than twice that for apples. Going back tomorrow for the Fuji and then later in the season for the Pink Ladies."
• Seamans' Orchard - apples, cherries, blueberries, strawberries, pumpkins, U-pick and already picked
  415 Dark Hollow Rd, Roseland, VA 22967. Phone: 434-277-8130. Email: anneskidd@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Friday 8 am to 7 pm; Saturday 8 am to 4 pm and Sunday 12:30 pm to 5 pm; For updated picking information, availability and to reserve your pre-pricked berries. Directions: From Amherst: 29N to 56W, go one mile, turn right onto Roseland Road. Watch for signs. From Lovingston: 29S to 56W, go one mile, turn right onto Roseland Road. Watch for signs. Strawberries: Pick-your-Own or Prepicked May to June; Apples: Pick-your-Own Only third weekend in September. Payment: Cash, Check. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Seamans' Orchard Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 434-277-5824Fax: 434-277-8128Apples: Open third weekend in September; Saturday 9am to 4pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm(UPDATED: May 2, 2019, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on June 08, 2009: "You have this farm listed as apples only - they also do pick your own strawberries. We were just there a couple of weeks ago, so I know they are still doing it. We go there every year - our favorite for strawberries."

Orange County

• Liberty Mills Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, corn (sweet), cucumbers, herbs or spices, peas, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (black), winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, Honey from hives on the farm, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours, group reservations
  9166 Liberty Mills Road, Somerset, VA 22972. Phone: 434-882-6293. Email: info@libertymillsfarm.com. Open: Visit our website for PYO hours, which vary by crop. Directions: From Charlottesville, VA Take Route 29 north to Ruckersville, then take a right onto Route 33 east. At Barboursville, take a left onto Route 20 north toward Orange. At the Somerset Store, take a left onto 231. Turn right onto Liberty Mills Road, 641. Liberty Mills Farm will be on your right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Liberty Mills Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 434-882-MAZE Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesStrawberries: May to June; Contact for hours and days. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Check our website and Facebook pages often for specials, events, coupons and more!Click here for our Facebook page. No pets, smoking or alcohol allowed on the farm at any time. Strawberries: May to June; Contact for hours and days. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsNo pets, smoking or alcohol allowed on the farm at any time. Located in Central Virginia, just 30 minutes northeast of Charlottesville, would LOVE for you to have an A-Maze-ing Adventure. Wind your way through our 33 acre Fall Corn Maze, pick Flowers, attend our Sunflower Festival, pick Strawberries or Pumpkins, explore our Farm Market and view our antique tractor collection. No pets, smoking or alcohol permitted on the farm.(UPDATED: October 14, 2019, JBS)

 

Pumpkin

Pumpkin Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Do you want it for a party, decoration or eating?

For a wedding or party:

See this page: Finding pumpkins for weddings

Decoration to paint or carve:

OK, Then you need only look for any pumpkin that is

• visually appealing, evenly a deep orange. The shape is just whatever appeals to you. If it grew on its side and has a flat spot, you can either make that the make or use it as part of your design!
• free from cuts, soft spots, bruises. The flesh should feel hard, and not give easily. Infections can invade easily and cause rot
• Make sure the stem is attached.

Store it carefully, especially if you pick it from the vine yourself. Cure a fresh-picked pumpkin by keeping it in a dry place. Don't handle or disturb it. Curing toughens the rind, making it less prone to rot. Pumpkins will keep for months in a cool (50 F to 65F dry, low humidity environment; such as a cool, dry basement.

Tip: If you like roasted or baked pumpkin seeds, you can save the seeds from any pumpkin!

To make a pumpkin pie!

Then you need a small, sweet type of pumpkin that has been developed for eating. They are smaller, typically about 8" to 10" diameter. The meat is much less stringy and smoother than a decorative pumpkin variety. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and potassium. One-half cup of cooked pumpkin provides more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains only 81 calories. It's low in fat and sodium! Usually you can get these at the grocery store, and some of the pumpkin patches and farm stands have them. Be sure to tell them that you intend to use it for a pumpkin pie. Again, look for firm, no soft spots, or signs of any rot. See this page for easy, illustrated directions to make a pumpkin pie from a fresh pumpkin!

Varieties of Pumpkins

• Sugar - Excellent for baking
• Jack O'Lantern - most common for carving
• White Lumina - unusual, medium-sized white pumpkin
• Mini - Great for decoration
• Gourds - Many varieties, used for decorations

For a very complete, detailed list of many varieties of pumpkins and where to get the seeds, see this page!

Want to Grow Your Own Pumpkins?

Then see this page!

Pumpkin recipes

• How to prepare cooked pumpkin from a fresh pumpkin (for use in all the recipes)
• Illustrated instructions to make a pumpkin pie from a fresh pumpkin - the best pumpkin pie you will ever taste! (metric version for the UK, Europe, Australia, Japan, etc.)
• How to home-can pumpkin (in a cooked, cubed form) and why you shouldn't home-can the pureed forms.
• Traditional Pumpkin Pie
• Chocolate pumpkin pie
• Pumpkin Spice Muffins
• Pumpkin muffins
• Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Butter!
• Pumpkin cheesecake - INCREDIBLE!!! You have to try this one!
• Pumpkin Cookies
• Pumpkin soup - even if you normally aren't a soup lover; you will love this one.
• Butternut-Chestnut Panchetta-Bacon Soup - Pumpkin or Butternut squash combines with chestnuts and bacon, ham or panchetta in this great soup
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
• No Sugar Pumpkin Pie
• Apple Cider Doughnut Recipe (with maple glaze or sugar glaze)

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers