Mountains of Apples

The original plan was to meet up with my friend at Carter’s mountain on Saturday, since it was supposed to be sunny and in the 60s. It turns out that a good portion of Charlottesville had the same idea. In the end, the trip happened on an overcast, windy, October day. Basically a guarantee that there would not be any lines. After a 15 minute drive up the curvy narrow two lane road, vineyards came into view.  Following the view of the vineyards, I was hit with my surroundings. The differing colors of leaves, the rolling hills, the hospital and the University of Virginia in the distance add up to a pretty incredible scene. Even the dreariness of the day could not take away its beauty.

The hype surrounding the apple cider doughnuts is accurate. Coated in raw sugar with a hint of apple, it was something even a non-doughnut lover like me could enjoy. My only wish was that they would have been warmed. The apple cider was the kind that does not burn your throat when swallowed. It’s super sweet without any added sugar.

With two of our goals accomplished, it was time to pick apples.  Luckily for me, my friend had been up to Carter’s mountain plenty of times, so she knew how it all worked. The “barn” is set up like an open building with bins of apples in the front in case apple picking is not your thing. After asking for a bag, we viewed the board by the cash register that lists apple types. We then got a map of where the different varieties of apples are located. Both of us decided to go with jonagolds.

The rows between the apple trees are paved with red dirt and hay so don’t wear those adorable fall boots you just bought. Upon entering the jonagold section, all of the apples are just out of reach. Perfect specimens of apples hung in the boughs mocking us. I do not recommend trying to climb the trees or shake the branches. Instead, keep walking down and there are plenty of apples within arms reach for easy picking. Apples are my favorite fruit, and honey crisp is by far my favorite kind. Jonagolds have never been on my favorite list. My logic has been forever changed because that was one of the best apples I have ever tasted. It was crispy, sweet, cold, and fresh off the tree. At only $1.59 per pound, it is affordable comparative to the two, three, or four dollar prices in supermarkets.

After taking pictures of the view and hauling my bag of apples back to be paid for, I knew that I would be coming back, hopefully on a day without bumper-to-bumper traffic.