Fall Fun in Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia is a great place to be in the fall! The weather is cooling off, the leaves are changing color, and there are so many fun activities to do. Here are some of our favorites – and we think you’ll love them too!

The Best Northern Virginia Day Trips for Fall

One of the best things about fall in Northern Virginia is that you can experience the beauty of the Shenandoah Mountains in the Shenandoah National Park. This is a great trip to take from Northern Virginia. Go leaf-peeping on Skyline Drive and take in all the stunning colors. This is the only public road through the park so it’s hard to miss. You could also go for a hike and explore one of the many trails – maybe even find a waterfall or two!

No fall would be complete without taking a trip to see the changing leaves in Washington DC. The monuments and historical buildings are even more beautiful when they’re surrounded by fall foliage. Plus, there are so many great photo ops. If you get tired you can always pop into any of the Smithsonian Museums free of charge

Two historical sites that are great to visit on day trips, or overnight adventures from the DMV include Mount Vernon and Williamsburg.  George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate is a beautiful place to take a stroll and learn about our country’s history. There are also some great shopping and dining options in the Mount Vernon area.

Monticello in Charlottesville is the home of Thomas Jefferson and is a great choice for a fall day trip. When you’re here, be sure to check out the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center, which is newly renovated and you can get additional insight for your visit.

Williamsburg is another great area to explore during the fall. Busch Gardens Williamsburg has its annual Howl-O-Scream event going on which features Halloween-themed attractions, shows, and rides. This is a great place to take the family for some fall fun! If your family isn’t into this, Colonial Williamsburg is a  great place to just walk around and explore. Costumed site interpreters bring the settlement to life against the backdrop of the changing season.

If you’re looking for something that is packed with fall fun, northern Virginia has you covered there too. There are tons of great places to go apple picking or pumpkin picking.

Pumpkin Patches in Northern Virginia

Cox Farms

This is a must-visit! They have an amazing pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn mazes, and so much more. Trust us, your kids will love it!

Reston Farm Market in Reston

This is a great place to pick your own pumpkins and apples. They also have a farm market where you can get local produce, honey,

Temple Hall Fall Pumpkin Patch in Leesburg

This is a working farm so you can also see how the animals are cared for. They have a corn maze, hayrides, and of course, a pumpkin patch!

Apple Orchards in Northern Virginia

There are also some great places to go apple picking in the area. Not all of these are directly in northern Virginia and might require a hop over to Maryland.

Butler’s Orchard in Germantown

This is a great place to pick your own apples and pumpkins. They also have a farm market where you can get local produce, honey,  and other fall favorites. They also have daytime campfire sites which is a fun addition to your day – pack a picnic and enjoy!

Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville

This is a great place to go apple picking. Keep in mind they do have timed entry so you will need to get tickets and reserve your time in advance.

Hollin Farms in Delaplane

This is a great place to go for fresh, local produce. Not only can you pick your own apples but you can dig your own potatoes and pick any number of other fruits and vegetables. Their website is updated weekly with what to expect.

Fall Fairs and Events in Northern Virginia

There are several fall fairs that happen in the area for you to choose from.

The Prince William Hot Air Balloon Festival is always a favorite fall event in northern Virginia. This year it’s being held from October 15 and 16th at Prince William County Fairgrounds. In addition to tethered balloon rides, there are also kids’ activities, food, and a grand finale show with the balloons at lasers after 8pm on the last evening.

Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park

In addition to pumpkin picking, this is a great spot for families with younger kids as many of their activities are geared toward little ones. It is open from September 24th until November 1st. You can go any day of the week but there are additional activities (and crowds) on weekends.

Fall Harvest Festival at Mount Vernon

This is a great event for the entire family. It runs from October 8-10th and features 18th-century games, hands-on activities, and demonstrations. You can also learn about the fall harvest season at Mount Vernon and how it was celebrated in George Washington’s time.

So whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, northern Virginia has plenty to offer in the fall! Drop me a comment and let me know what your favorite fall activity is, whether you’re in Virginia or elsewhere in the world!