The Homeschool Resource

Summer

White Oak Lavendar Farm is a newly opened family-owned farm located near Harrisonburg on Weyer’s Cave Road.   They offer U-Pick times during the summer and fall blooming seasons, along with their Farm store and “petting zoo” area. 

Autumn

Lohr’s U-Pick Pumpnkins & Playland, located just off I-81 at the Mauzy/ Broadway exit, about 20 minutes north of Harrisongburg, has lots of fun things to do – corn mazes, pedal cars, tumble tubes, weekend hayrides, petting zoo and lots of pumpkins for you to pick yourself!   HOURS:Mon-Fri 4-6, Sat 9-6, Sun 1-6.  The playland costs $6 per adult and $4 for kids 3-12

Hess Corn Maze & Family Fun has a Big Corn Maze with an all new about Our Town Design – it is tough but fun! Ride the Cow Train, slide down the Big slide, slings hots, pig races and Flashlight Mazes on saturday nights! HOURS: Sat 10-10, Sun 12-6;  Cost: $8.50 for adults $6 for kids 2-12.  If you’re traveling the interstate, take I 81 exit 245 west or Port Republic Road.  Cross S. Main Street and turn right on Rt. 42 North (Virginia Ave.) Travel four miles – turn left on Willow Run Road and follow the signs!

Maize Quest at Bridgemont Farm, Exit 269, Shenandoah Caverns exit, is a serious maze for school-age children.  You’ll need Maize-o-vision decoders to navigate this puzzle. Open August 30 – November 9, Friday thru Sunday.

Cestari-Chester Farms in Churchville is a wool mill and farm that offers tours.  Pumpkin Fests held in October 17/18 and 24/25 with mini fests on Oct. 3/ 10/ and 31 are free events with wagon rides to pick-your-own pumpkins, petting zoo, haunted barn, pony rides and contests and children’s games.

Wenger Grape Farms in  Waynesboro (4094 Stuarts Draft Hwy.) is a pick your own Concord and Niagara grape farm open September thru early October. 540-943-4956.

Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville, next to Monticello (about an hour from Harrisonburg), is open from July to Thanksgiving.  Pick your own peaches, nectarines and summer apples in summer and then beginning in September, pick your own of dozens of varieties of apples!  You can also purchase pre-picked apples and lots of other goodies like apple cider doughnuts – their specialty, apple pies, cider, and apple caramel cookies (to name a few).  All this with spectacular views included!