Not only is the sprawling countryside surrounding L’Auberge Provençale beautiful to look at, but it is also home to wonderful family farms that embody the true charm, history, and agricultural richness of Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
Immerse yourself in local farm life by visiting our nearby growers and bustling farmers’ markets. Whether you are looking to browse a diverse array of fresh, organically grown produce, sip a craft beverage overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, or enjoy a hands-on “pick-your-own” fruit harvesting experience straight from the branches, our region offers an unforgettable taste of countryside elegance.
A Quick Guide to Your Farm Adventure
On the go? Here is a quick overview of the local farms featured in this guide, all located just a short drive from our White Post, VA inn:
- Mackintosh Fruit Farm (Berryville, VA): 15 miles away. Best for picking over 20 varieties of peaches, berries, and apples, plus a wonderful farm kitchen.
- Marker-Miller Orchards (Winchester, VA): 19 miles away. A historic 1930s orchard famous for apples, peaches, and legendary apple cider donuts.
- Great Country Farms (Bluemont, VA): 21 miles away. An expansive family farm paired perfectly with adjacent vineyard and brewery stops.
- Green Truck Farms (Markham, VA): 20 miles away. Ideal for spring strawberries, summer tomatoes, and a classic photo-op with their namesake green truck.
- Hollin Farms (Delaplane, VA): 14 miles away. A seasonal pick-your-own destination with 40 acres of fruits and vegetables, plus scenic hills where free-range Natural Angus cattle graze.
Top Pick-Your-Own Farms Near White Post, VA
Mackintosh Fruit Farm
Established in 1988 in the heart of Clarke County, this beautiful family-run farm was first home to peach and apple trees. Today, it has grown into a diverse fruit oasis, offering a continuous harvest from spring through late autumn. What L’Auberge doesn’t grow in our own on-site gardens, we frequently source from trusted local networks like Mackintosh to ensure our restaurant guests enjoy peak-season flavors.
- Distance from the inn: ~15 miles (approx. 20 minutes via Route 340 North)
- What to Pick: Over 20 varieties of peaches, sweet strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, pluots, apples, and crisp fall vegetables.
- Unique On-Site Attractions:
- The Farm Kitchen: Enjoy authentic patio dining featuring seasonal lunches, local cider, and homemade baked goods.
- The Cider Room: Sample craft hard ciders fermented directly from the fruit grown on-site.
- What to Expect (FAQ):
- Q: Do I need to bring my own containers?
A: No, the farm provides specific picking containers upon arrival. - Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome in designated outdoor seating areas, but not directly in the fruit-picking rows for food safety reasons
- Q: Do I need to bring my own containers?
Marker-Miller Orchards
As one of the oldest and most storied orchards in the region, Marker-Miller Orchards has been a staple of the Winchester agricultural community since the 1930s. Still proudly family-owned and operated today, this expansive farm offers a nostalgic glimpse into Virginia’s rich apple-growing history.
- Distance from the inn: ~19 miles (approx. 25 minutes via I-81 North & Route 7)
- What to Pick: A massive selection of apples (Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and more), peaches, plums, and pumpkins.
- Unique On-Site Attractions:
- The Bakery & Market: You cannot leave without trying their famous warm apple cider donuts! The market also sells local honey, jams, and cheeses.
- Mountain View Porch & Picnic Pavilion: Grab a fresh country ham sandwich from the food building and head outside to relax. The property features a spacious porch lined with rocking chairs and a large open-air pavilion, offering stunning, unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and rows of apricot trees.
- What to Expect (FAQ):
- Q: Is it walking-intensive?
A: The orchards are vast, but the farm frequently operates wagon rides to transport guests out to the best picking spots on weekends. - Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: While summer brings peaches, late September through October is prime time for the full autumn apple harvest festival experience.
- Q: Is it walking-intensive?
Great Country Farms
What started out in 1993 as a humble Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program has blossomed into a sweeping, 400-acre agritourism destination located just along the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Loudoun County.
- Distance from the inn: ~21 miles (approx. 30 minutes via Route 7 East over Snickers Gap)
- What to Pick: Strawberries, black raspberries, cherries, peaches, potatoes, and pumpkins.
- Unique On-Site Attractions:
- The Ultimate Adult Playground: Great Country Farms is directly affiliated with its sister properties located just up the mountain: Bluemont Vineyard and Dirt Farm Brewing. You can pick a pint of berries, then head up the hill for a glass of local wine or a farm-plucked beer with panoramic valley views.
- Farm Market: Features seasonal produce, fresh-baked pies, and unique artisan goods.
- What to Expect (FAQ):
- Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Yes, Great Country Farms charges a general admission fee which grants access to the picking fields, play areas, and seasonal festivals. - Q: Is it crowded?
A: Weekends during peak strawberry or pumpkin seasons can be very lively. We recommend a weekday morning visit for a more serene experience.
- Q: Is there an admission fee?
Green Truck Farms
Nestled in scenic Fauquier County right off the highway, this charming farm offers a beautifully curated pick-your-own experience from early spring strawberries to autumn squash.
- Distance from the inn: ~20 miles (approx. 22 minutes via Route 50 East & I-66 East)
- What to Pick: Vibrant strawberries, juicy summer raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and massive heirloom garden tomatoes.
- Unique On-Site Attractions:
- The Namesake “Green Truck”: A beautifully preserved, vintage green pickup truck sits on the property, providing the quintessential backdrop for a countryside vacation photo.
- What to Expect (FAQ):
- Q: How do I know what’s available?
A: Crop availability changes fast! Green Truck Farms updates their social media and website daily depending on weather and ripening conditions, so check before you drive. - Q: Are there pre-picked options?
A: Yes, if you prefer not to venture into the fields, they offer pre-picked pints at their farm stand.
Hollin Farms
Set among the rolling hills of Delaplane, Hollin Farms offers a classic Virginia farm experience where guests can spend the day gathering fresh produce while taking in sweeping countryside views. With 40 acres devoted to seasonal fruits and vegetables, this family-run farm invites visitors to enjoy the rhythms of each harvest season while also sharing the landscape with their free-range Natural Angus cattle.
- Distance from the inn: ~14 miles (approx. 18 minutes)
- What to Pick: Depending on the season, guests may find strawberries, cherries, peaches, blackberries, tomatoes, sweet corn, pumpkins, and a wide variety of fresh vegetables.
- Unique On-Site Attractions:
- Free-Range Angus Cattle: Beyond the orchards and fields, Hollin Farms is also home to free-range Natural Angus beef cattle grazing across the surrounding hills, adding to the authentic farm setting and scenic landscape.
- What to Expect (FAQ):
- Q: How do I know what’s available?
A: Harvests vary throughout the season, so it’s always best to check their Seasonal Picking Guide before visiting for current picking conditions and crop availability. - Q: Are there pre-picked options?
A: Not necessarily. Depending on the season, guests may also find freshly harvested produce and farm products available for purchase without entering the fields.
Our Farm-to-Table Philosophy at L’Auberge Provençale
At L’Auberge Provençale, farm-to-table isn’t just a trendy buzzword—it is the foundational philosophy of our culinary identity. Our heirloom gardens right here at the inn supply our kitchen with fresh herbs, edible flowers, and specialty garnishes. However, to bring the true bounty of the Shenandoah Valley to your plate, we rely heavily on an interconnected network of passionate local producers.
We are proud to partner with exceptional area farms, including:
- Chilly Hollow Vegetable Farm (Berryville, VA): Sourcing vibrant, sustainably grown seasonal greens and root vegetables.
- Baker’s Farm (Mt. Jackson, VA): Providing premium, ethically raised pork products that anchor our savory dinner menus.
- Whiffletree Farm (Warrenton, VA): Supplying pasture-raised, non-GMO poultry and eggs that elevate our dishes.
To round out our menus, our culinary team makes weekly excursions to regional farmers’ markets, gathering seasonal extras and inspiring nightly specials based entirely on what was harvested from Virginia soil that very morning.
Cultivate the Perfect Stay
Return to the inn after incredible day of exploring and extend your epicurean journey.
Retreat to your luxurious, European-inspired guest room to enjoy a bottle of local Virginia wine or other indulgence, or elevate your evening by visiting our Bistro Bar & Lounge before your dinner reservation. It is the perfect, sophisticated spot to gather for a pre-dinner toast, offering an ambient space to savor artisanal craft cocktails, refreshing beer on tap, and selections from our award-winning wine list alongside a menu of casual bites. Follow your drinks with an unforgettable meal at our acclaimed La Table Provençale restaurant, where the very local ingredients you discovered during the day are masterfully transformed into elegant, French-inspired cuisine.
The foodie adventure continues the next morning with our signature, multi-course breakfast—fully included with your stay. From house-baked pastries to elegant entrees featuring fresh eggs from Whiffletree Farm and fruit notes reminiscent of the orchards you just toured, it is the perfect final taste of countryside hospitality.
Book your getaway today and savor the true flavors of the Shenandoah Valley!
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