Just the thought of colorful scenery, warm ciders, and the beginning of scarf season have us dreaming about a pumpkin adventure. The Charlottesville area has a wide variety of gardens, farms, and orchards that not only have loads of gourds to choose from, it also has stunning fall views, mouth-watering food and drink, and activities for folks of all ages.

Whether you're looking to visit a pumpkin patch or the chance to select the perfect locally-grown pre-picked gourd, here's everything you need to plan your visit.

1. Carter Mountain Orchard

First on the list is Charlottesville’s ever-popular Carter Mountain Orchard. The orchard is located along Route 53, a quick 5-10 minutes south of the historic Downtown Mall and just minutes from Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Visitors and locals alike come together on the mountain to pick apples, experience stunning views, and indulge in fresh, hot apple cider donuts. The Carter Mountain farm store is also an excellent place to peruse pre-picked pumpkins to take home with you at the end of your perfect fall day.

No matter where you stand on the mountain, you will have incredible views including the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city of Charlottesville, fruit trees, and grapevines. Sip on a glass of wine from the Carter Mountain tasting room or drink a cider in the Bold Rock Hard Cider Cellar. Or take the kids for a hayride, pick some apples, and of course, get busy selecting that perfect pumpkin!

Falls are quite busy on the mountain and weekend reservations are required.

2. Chiles Peach Orchard

If you are committed to the full "pick your own pumpkin" experience, this is the spot for you. The short drive out to the charming town of Crozet is well worth it to soak up the stunning views at Chiles Peach Orchard, Carter Mountain's sister orchard.

You’re welcomed by seemingly endless acres of pumpkins and trees overflowing with apples that are just waiting for you to pick them. Chiles has a full range of carving pumpkins and pie pumpkins, as well as decorative pumpkins, gourds, and squash in many colors and sizes. Weekends get busy, so tickets are required for visiting the orchard on Saturdays and Sundays, but no ticket is needed to enjoy their Farm Market & Bakery or Ice Cream & Wine Shop! Note that Children 12 and under do not need a ticket for weekend visits.

3. Greenwood Grocery

If you're looking for a locally-owned store that carries a wide variety of heirloom pumpkins, look no further than Greenwood Grocery. Located in the charming town of Crozet, Greenwood is conveniently located right off U.S. Route 250.

Greenwood Grocery is also an excellent place to stop for a gourmet sandwich, local produce, and other fare. It's just down the road from Misty Mountain Campground and Septenary Winery At Seven Oaks Farm.

4. Liberty Mills Farm

Liberty Mills Farm isn’t just known for Virginia’s Largest Corn Maze; it's also known for the pumpkins! A quick and scenic 30-minute drive to the northeast of Charlottesville will bring you to this farm with beautiful views of the Blue Ridge and surrounding countryside. This is definitely not just a 10-minute pit stop, because if you are feeling adventurous and enter the most difficult level of the 25-acre maze of maize, it might take you 2-3 hours to find your way out! But your prize? An 8-acre patch full of vividly orange pumpkins!

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