Taste The Difference of Family-Owned Orchards and Farms
There’s a big difference between buying your produce from the grocery store and buying it from a family-owned farm. A Big difference.
Not only is it a difference you can see and taste; the whole philosophy toward running a farm is different. The minute you step foot on a family-owned farm here in the Afton and surrounding area, you know why the produce tastes so good.These farmers care about their farms and their product. Heck, it’s practically in their blood. Everywhere you look, you can tell that the land and the produce have been tended with loving care. Friendly faces abound because these families love what they do! So, who are these family farms and where can you find them?
Here’s a quick look at each of the four farms and why residents and tourists love them.
Dickie Brothers is one of the oldest same family farms in the United States. Originally started in 1750, their commitment to the land and their customers is reflected in everything they do. The farm grows 20 different varieties of apples. They also grow juicy peaches, nectarines, blackberries, plums, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and more. Right now, it's picking your own apples and you’ve got plenty varieties to choose from on this 500-acre farm.Dickie Brothers Orchard is also community-minded. 
They make their apples available to churches, rescue squads and other civic organizations for fundraising events.
Seamans’ Orchard started in 1933 by the Lea Brothers. Now, 81 years later, it’s still a Seamans’ family farm. In addition to apples, Seamans’ grows pumpkins, blueberries, strawberries, and cherries. They also have beef and pork. Stop in and pick your own apples. Tis the season!
Drumheller’s Orchard is a fifth-generation farm. They grow peaches, blackberries, raspberries, and apples. Drumheller’s also kicks off fall with a festival! Surrounded by beautiful scenery, you can enjoy apples, cider, and many family activities. Click here to get the dates.
Saunders Brothers Farm Market has a wide variety of vegetables as well as fruit. Choose from corn, tomatoes, watermelons, cucumbers, yellow squash and much more. From the orchard, you’ll find Laurol yellow peaches, Snow Giant white peaches, Gala, Ginger Gold, and Honeycrisp apples, and wonderful Hosui Asian pears! Saunders also has flowering shrubs, annuals, and perennials.
Each of these farms has their own distinct personality, but there are two common threads that run through all of them.
- They are surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just walking the land of these farms brings you closer to nature. And, it makes you feel happy! (You won’t find that with conventional farming).
- These farmers are deeply connected to their land. Farming is personal to them. Nothing brings greater pleasure than to produce quality fruits, vegetables, and beef for families.
It’s easy to understand why both tourists and locals alike love these farms. These families adhere to strict standards of excellence. And you can taste that excellence in every bite!
Come stay at the Afton Mountain Bed and Breakfast. Then visit these hard-working farms and experience the beauty of nature while picking your own apples!
