Hollin Farms sparked my curiosity as we had never been to pick strawberries. We ended up going in the spring and fall, mostly because my nephew is from Ireland and they don’t have pumpkins.
I wanted to show him and my daughter the experience of picking pumpkins right from the vine.
They have dig-your-own peanuts. Have you ever heard of such a thing?
Plus, Hollin Farms is one of few farms that welcome dogs on a leash. This couldn’t be a more perfect place for a bunch of city slickers!
The Farm
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains overlooking the Crooked Run Valley, Hollin Farms is a fourth generation-family run business offering a vast range of pick-your-own produce.
In addition to fruit and vegetables, they sell grass-fed natural beef and pork and hay for horses.
The farm is located high on a hill and the path suits the name of Crooked Run.
It is best if you are an experienced driver and that you have a four wheel drive vehicle as it is very cumbersome to maneuver up the narrow dirt road. Along the way you may be lucky to spot buffalo, sheep and cows from neighboring farms.
Once you are directed to park along the grass, you are greeted with a spectacular view of the mountains. Due to the elevation, wear layers as it can be chilly if you visit during the fall.
Children will love seeing the farm animals: ducks, chickens and goats, along with baby goats.
Pick Your Own at Hollin Farms
The staff at Hollin Farms are so friendly and helpful which is rare in today’s day and age.
Everything at the farm is centrally located which makes picking items easier.
The Pumpkin Patch
When visiting in the fall, you’ll find the pumpkin patch is littered with gorgeous shades of orange.
With the patch and the mountains as backdrops, this is a popular place for pictures.
Wagons are provided to cart your pumpkin load.
And yes, dogs are allowed on all parts of the farm. Keep that in mind when you are selecting food items.
Dig Your Own Peanuts
Stop by the yellow shed to ask for assistance in the peanut field. They provide you with cartons and picks.
The staff will demonstrate how easy it is to dig for the nuts.
My daughter got the biggest kick out of selecting prime peanuts for her father.
Pick Your Own Vegetables
Grab a plastic bag from the yellow shed to pick fall greens. Choose from:
- Beets
- Bok choi
- Kale
- Mustard greens
- Lettuce
- Arugula
- Radishes
- Turnips
Pick Your Own Fruits
I love to visit in the spring and bring the kids out to pick their own strawberries. They are so red and delicious, it’s hard to wait until you get back home to eat them!
In the fall, they also have a variety of apples to pick including: Macintosh, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples.
The apples are on a sloping hill that does have some rocks so keep that in mind if you plan on bringing small children.
Pick Your Own Fruits & Vegetables By Month
Here’s an overview of what Hollin Farms has available by month. Keep in mind the exact dates will change every year as it all depends on mother nature!
May – June
Strawberries and spring vegetables
Late June – early July
Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, sour cherries, spring and summer vegetables
July – August
Berries, peaches, Japanese plums, Asian pears, cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, beans, okra, eggplant, squash, dig-your-own potatoes, cut flowers, and other summer vegetables
September – October
The pumpkin patch, apples, fall greens, dig-your-own peanuts and potatoes
We didn’t enter the five acre corn maze because it was too breezy on the day of our visit. However, we did stop by the food shed where we sampled homemade apple pie with apples made on the farm by the owner.
Good to Know Before You Go
- There are port-a-potties available with foot/pedal activated sinks
- Always check the website and / or Facebook to make sure hours haven’t changed or if fruits / vegetables are unavailable
- You can also call 540-623-8854 or visit their website to know crops availability, opening days and times, and the weather
- Leashed dogs are welcome
- They also sell Nathan’s all beef hot dogs, potato chips, Rice Krispie treats, apple dumplings, canned sodas, bottled water and hot apple cider
Hours & When to Go
The pick-your-own season at Hollin Farms is open from May to October. from Wednesday to Sunday 9 am to 5 pm and admission is free.
They are usually open Wednesdays through Sundays, but sometimes they change days and hours so it’s always best to check with the management what are the business hours during picking season.
Getting There
The best address to plug into the GPS is 1524 Snowden Road, Delaplane, VA 20144.
Directions to Hollins Farm
From Route 50
Take Route 50 to Paris. Turn south on Route 17. Go 2 miles. Turn right on Route 688 (Leeds Manor Road). Go 1 mile. Turn right on Snowden Road (Rt. 711). Go 1/4 mile or until you see the signs on the left directing you to the orchards and gardens.
From I-66
Exit Route 66 at Exit 23 (Route 17 north to Delaplane). About 2 miles after exiting, you will cross Goose Creek and the railroad tracks at Delaplane. Continue on Route 17 for about 5 miles. Turn left on Route 688 (Leeds Manor Road). Go 1 mile.Turn right on Snowden Road (Rt. 711). Go 1/4 mile or until you see the signs on the left directing you to the orchards and gardens.
They are the second orchard on Leeds Manor Road, exactly one mile from Route 17. Below is the photo of their entrance.