 Apples and Front Royal, VA The fertile soils of the Shenandoah Valley have been farmland since the distant days of Native American settlements. Today, the Shenandoah Valley is still an area that produces plentiful delicious food. Earlier in the year we highlighted some locally produced Front Royal summer treats. But in this amazing area, nature’s bounty keeps on coming right through the fall. Today, we’re beginning a tour of Front Royal’s fall fare, and we’re starting with a classic fall fruit that everybody likes. This fruit…
Front Royal Apples  Pick Your Own Virginia is the sixth highest apple-producing state in the U.S. With its location in the northern Shenandoah Valley, Front Royal sits squarely in Virginia apple country. It’s also one of the most conveniently located apple country towns for residents of the D.C. metro area. You’ll find loads of delicious apples in Front Royal’s orchards, where you can purchase pre-picked apples, or enjoy a family apple picking outing. Stribling Orchard is one of our top picks for its secluded location and stunning mountain views. This historic farm has been producing fruit for 200 hundred years. Check out the farm store for local products and baked goods. Plan your visit for a weekend to find several of Front Royal’s favorite local vendors on site. For another fantastic apple orchard experience, head to Valley View Farm’s pick your own orchard, or visit the locavore farm market on site to purchase local foods and apple products such as butters, jellies, and more. Hollin Farms and Hartland Orchard are two other popular local apple picking options, both conveniently located near Interstate 66. Front Royal Apple Cider  Ciders and more Wherever apples are growing, you’ll find apple cider brewing, and Front Royal is no exception. You’ll want to make sure you enjoy a glass (or two!) of this delicious, locally produced beverage on your visit to Front Royal. Of course, sweet cider is a favorite for kids, while hard cider is a great option for adults. Naturally gluten free, apple cider is a great alternative for those who can’t tolerate the gluten in beer. If you’re on an apple cider hunt in Front Royal, Valley View Farm is a great place to start. Enjoy tasting their oak aged ciders made with 100% locally sourced apples. The tasting area is gorgeous, and it’s a great way to relax after some apple-picking.  For a full day’s adventure, head to Cobbler Mountain Cider, where you can explore the beautiful 90 acre property with hiking trails, creekside fun, fire pits, and more. Enjoy a huge variety of flavored ciders while you’re there. You’ll need to make plenty of visits before you discover your favorite! Or if you’re looking for cider without heading out into the countryside, try stopping by PaveMint Taphouse in Front Royal. You’ll find a small selection of craft ciders at this fantastic micro-brewery. Apples Every Way at Front Royal’s Apple House  The Apple House Famous Donuts From butters to jellies, pies, and more, there’s loads you can do with Virginia apples as an ingredient. A Front Royal top stop for apple-themed goods of all kinds is The Apple House. It’s conveniently located right off I-66, and it’s a great place to enjoy honest country fare. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and check out the gift shop for more Virginia products. Don’t miss the famous Apple Butter Cinnamon Donuts. You’ll want to enjoy one on the spot, and bring some with you for the road!
It’s wisely been said: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. With numerous health benefits and delicious flavor, apples are yet another gift that Mother Nature has to offer residents and visitors of Front Royal. Whether you plan a full day of apple fun with picking and cider tasting, or make a quick stop off I-66 to pick up donuts at The Apple House, make sure you find a way to enjoy Front Royal apples this fall.  Front Royal/Warren County Visitors Center The town of Front Royal may be small, but it’s anything but sleepy! With a full calendar of fantastic events, there’s always something exciting to do. Mark your calendar and make your plans to attend a fun-filled event in Front Royal this fall, starting this weekend! There’s something for everyone, from relaxing at a vineyard to throwing axes and stargazing. Check out Front Royal’s events calendar and see what’s in store for the glorious season of fall. September 2022 in Front Royal: Cars, Music, Axes, and History Front Royal’s fall events get started this weekend, with a jam-packed schedule of fun, education, music, and more.  Nations Capital Model T Ford Facebook Club First up, and lasting the whole weekend, the NCMTFC Tour is planned for the Front Royal area. If you happen to own an antique car, you’ll want to jump right in on this one. Imagine exploring the stunning Front Royal countryside by road, and taking your vehicle on the iconic Skyline Drive. With stops planned at fantastic Front Royal restaurants you’ll get to enjoy so much of what our town has to offer. This event is a great one for all car enthusiasts. If you’re not driving, check the itinerary and figure out where you can enjoy watching a parade of antique cars pass by!  Bel Air House - Home of Lucy Buck On the afternoon of September 24, history lovers should head to Bel Air house at 2 p.m.. Enjoy a tour of this local historic home, along with readings from the diary of Civil War era resident, Lucy Buck.  John Jackson Piedmont Blues Festival In honor of Public Lands Day, National Parks are offering free admission on Saturday, September 24. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Take a hike, pack a picnic, go for a drive, and enjoy the day! Find out more details here.  Skyline Drive - Shenandoah National Park If Blues Music is your jam, make sure to be in the Front Royal area on September 24th. You can head to nearby Woodville and explore the John Jackson Piedmont Blues Music Festival. Spend the whole afternoon/evening relaxing with live music, book signings, food trucks, and more.  SVAXECO Grand Reopening September 24th is also the date of the Shenandoah Valley Axe Company’s grand opening celebration. Axe throwing is a fresh new entertainment trend that we’re so excited to see in Front Royal. Help Shenandoah Valley Axe Company celebrate making a fresh beginning in a new Front Royal location. There’ll be live music, mud trucks, a knife throwing demonstration, and more. And, of course, you can try your own hand at axe throwing.  Fox Meadow Winery Wine lovers won’t want to miss with Sunset in the Vineyard event at Fox Meadow Winery on September 24th. Sip on into the evening until 9 pm at this gorgeous vineyard, and enjoy live music.  Revitalize or Die - Civic Pride Workshop September is truly going out with a bang in Front Royal this year. After a weekend of fun, Front Royal residents should mark their calendars for the Civic Pride Workshop on September 27th. Noted speaker Jeff Siegler will help residents learn how to give the local community a boost. October 2022 in Front Royal October is a month when the crowds head to Front Royal to see the leaves change. Whether you live in Front Royal or are one of many planning a fall Front Royal trip this October, check out our events calendar to get the most from your time in Front Royal.  Homesteaders Conference 2022 - Warren County Fairgrounds The annual Homesteaders of America Conference takes place at Warren County Fairgrouds October 7 and 8. Noted homesteading speakers such as Joel Salatin, Justin Rhodes, and Shawn and Beth Dougherty will teach attendees how to take more steps to raise, preserve, and prepare their own food. Homesteading is a fast growing movement, and you’ll find plenty to interest you whether your efforts at food production are confined to your kitchen or include a few acres and some livestock.  Wings and Wheels - Front Royal Warren County Airport For thrills and fun, head to the Warren County airport for the Wings and Wheels event on the morning of October 8th. With planes, skydiving, cars, and more the Wings and Wheels event is a fun one for the whole family. Call 540-635-3570 for more information.  50th Anniversary of the Festival of Leaves - Front Royal, VA Front Royal has plenty of small-town festival fun in store this October, too. Head our way October 14th and 15th for the fiftieth annual Festival of Leaves. The excitement kicks off with a Friday night block party in Front Royal’s historic downtown. Come back any time on Saturday for fall festival fun, with craft vendors, live music, food drink, and family friendly activities.  Hometown Halloween - Front Royal Round your October out Front Royal’s Hometown Halloween celebration on October 29th. Enjoy an afternoon and evening of Halloween fun, with pumpkin painting, costumes, and more. Head back to Fox Meadow Winery in the evening for another Sunset in the Vineyard event.
With changing leaves, glorious fall colors, and fun events, fall is an exciting season in Front Royal. Mark your calendar so you don’t miss a moment in our favorite Shenandoah Valley small town!  Pick your own with the kiddos! Heading out to a farm and picking your own produce is a great summer activity with kids. They’ll love the chance to pick (and eat!) their favorite fruits and vegetables, and they’ll learn a bit about where their food comes from in the process. Plus it’s a great chance to get everybody outside and enjoying the summer weather. Read on for our top five tips on making your pick-your-own experience a success, plus recommendations of pick your own farms to love in the Front Royal area. 1. Pick What You’ll Eat  Start picking! This one might seem obvious, but when you’re faced with a field full of delicious looking fruit, it’s easy to get carried away. Focus on planning your outing around fruit you know you’ll still enjoy when you get it home. Your kids will probably enjoy the outing more if they’re picking a favorite food too. As well as picking what you like, it’s also a good idea to keep in mind how much you’ll be able to eat when you get it home. It’s easy to pick a lot in the field and feel overwhelmed when it’s in your kitchen. We have some more tips below on using up excess, but it’s good to plan ahead too to minimize waste. 2. Call or Check Social Media before Heading Out  Plan ahead Farming (and public fruit picking!) are not completely predictable, and supply at a pick-your-own farm varies from day to day. It’s a good idea to call the farm before you get there to make sure they have fruit available for picking. Many pick your own farms will also post updates on their social media pages so you can make sure there’s fruit available and avoid disappointment. The good news is that there are so many pick your own farms in Front Royal you should be able to find another one if your first choice is picked out. 3. Pack a Picnic  Picnic paradise Farms are beautiful places, especially around Front Royal, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains all around. Plan for being able to take it slow and enjoy your surroundings when you get there. Most pick-your-own farms welcome visitors to bring picnics and enjoy their time in the fields. Bring foods that’ll tasted good with whatever you’re picking for maximum picnic success! Pair whipped cream and shortcake cookies with strawberries or peaches, or bring cheese and crackers on your apple picking expedition. 4. Be Prepared for the Heat  Remember to hydrate! It’s hard for kids to remember to take care of themselves when they’re outdoors in the sun and busy having fun. But summer’s heat in Virginia is something to take seriously. There’s nothing fun about starting to feel sick in the middle of an outing. To help prevent heat-related problems, make sure everyone wears hats. Be sure to pack water bottles or electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade or coconut water and hydrate frequently. 4. Get Creative with Your Haul  Jams and jellies, oh my! Even if you limit yourself when you’re out picking, it’s still likely you’ll get home and find that what you’ve brought looks like a lot more on your kitchen table than it did in the field. Don’t give in to overwhelm and let it go bad before you can eat it. Having surplus fruit can be a great learning experience for everyone. Trying baking up a fruit dessert together. Cobblers and crisps are classic favorites that are both simple and healthy. You can even eat the leftovers with yogurt for a yummy and nutritious breakfast. Or take the chance to teach kids about fruit preservation (and enjoy your pickings for much longer!) You can preserve fruit by making jams and jellies and canning them, or for a super easy solution freeze your haul and save it for smoothies and more! Where to Pick Your Own in Front Royal  Hartland Orchard - Markham, VA If you’re ready to get started picking your own produce, Front Royal is a great place to be! Hartland Orchard is a popular option that’s easy to access (and find!) from I-66, although it can be crowded. Hollins Farm is a slightly further drive, but it’s great option with lots of variety, including pick your own veggies as well as fruits, and even dig-your-own peanuts! And Valley View Farm is a great place to spend a whole day with opportunities for farm tours, local cider and wine tasting, and more! For peaches and apples in a scenic setting that’s a bit more removed from the hustle and bustle, try Stribling Orchard. It’s a beautiful place to pick your own and enjoy a picnic.  Valley View Farm - Delaplane, VA Flowers aren’t (usually) edible, but they’re still fun to pick. Head to Clover Hill Farm to enjoy pick your own a different way, with gorgeous blooms available to pick spring through fall. Sign up for a kids class too, and you can pick flowers and learn more about gardening all at the same time.
Picking your own fruit and flowers is a great activity for kids and adults in the warmer weather. If you’re around the Front Royal area, you’re in a great place to take the family out and pick, with loads of options to find the farm that’s perfect for you. Follow our tips and head on out there for a day of delicious, educational fun!  Find the best local produce in Front Royal As gas prices continue to climb this summer, it’s a great time to appreciate all we have close at hand. Those in the Front Royal area have plenty of fun to enjoy without travelling too far, and in the summer there’s also lots of food being produced close to home. No need to buy in food from far away and pay for the costs of transporting it! Here at Discover Front Royal, we’re providing a guide to some of the fantastic local food that’s produced right in our area. Today, we’ve rounded up three local favorites that all begin with a “P”: peaches, peanuts, and . . . pies! Read on to learn more about these classic local foods, and how to enjoy them in the Front Royal area. Pick your Own Peaches in Front Royal  Pick your own peaches Biting into a delicious, juicy peach is one of the pleasures of summertime, and if you have a freshly picked, local peach in hand, it’s going to taste all the better. Virginia has a great climate for peach production, and has ranked as the fourteenth largest peach producer in the United States. In a rural area like Front Royal, it’s not too hard to find orchards with delicious fresh peaches ready to pick and eat! Peach season runs through July, August, and sometimes into early September, so most of the summer is a great time to eat fresh, local peaches. To pick your own peaches, head to one of Front Royal’s nearby fruit farms. Hartland Orchard is a popular option, and conveniently close to I-66. To get a bit more off the beaten path, try Valley View Farm. After peach picking, you can enjoy wine and cider tasting as well as exploring the extensive “locavore farm market" filled with local products. Hollin Farms is another great peach-picking option, where you can also pick in-season fresh vegetables. Stock up on summer garden classics like corn, tomatoes, beans, zucchini, peppers, and more, including some you may never have heard of. To ensure availability, always call ahead before heading out on a pick you own expedition. Front Royal’s Virginia Peanuts  Virginia peanuts, yum! From peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to roasted peanuts and peanut butter cups, it’s safe to say peanuts are a favorite staple of the American diet. But did you know that Front Royal’s own state of Virginia was the first known U.S. location where peanuts were planted, and remains one of the nation’s top producers of peanuts? First arriving in Virginia in the early 1900s, peanut plants thrived in Virginia’s warm summers and sandy, loamy soil. Today, Virginia’s peanuts are an exciting and delicious local product.  If you’re thinking of peanuts as a nut growing on a tree, think again. Despite their nutty name, peanuts are actually legumes that grow beneath the soil. In the Front Royal area, you can enjoy a close encounter with a peanut plant at Hollin Farms, where dig-your-own peanuts are typically available in September and October. Bring the kids for a fun and unique outing, and make some homemade peanut butter when you get home! To find Virginia Peanuts that you don’t have to dig up in Front Royal, check out the gift shop at the Apple House, where you’ll find shelves full of local products, including peanuts and lots more. Or explore Dusty’s Country Store where you’ll find delicious, small-batch made peanut butter made with peanuts from the great state of Virginia. Enjoy a Local Pie in Front Royal  Fresh baked pies at Down Home Comfort Bakery “As American as Apple Pie” is how the saying goes, and it’s true that pies are a classic favorite American dessert. During the summer and fall, using in-season fruit for a pie is a great way to make an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, and give a fresh, local touch to your table. To make pie-making a snap, try this easy “no-roll” pie crust recipe. Make the crust right in your pie dish, add your filling, and you’ll be cooking up a delicious pie before you know it. Want the pie without the work? Find delicious local-made pies in Front Royal at Down Home Comfort Bakery. Freshly made with all-natural ingredients, Down Home Comfort Bakery’s baked goods are sure to put a smile on your face and leave your guests asking for more. There’s so much delicious local bounty to enjoy around Front Royal in the summer. Explore the “P’s” of local produce this summer and celebrate all that the great state of Virginia has to offer.
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November 2022
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