Graves Mountain Orchard

Graves Mountain Orchard. Syria, Virginia. 

We went to Graves Mountain Orchard in Syria, Virginia with a homeschool group. It is very beautiful and quiet there. Before the hay ride and tour began we explored some of the animals on the farm.

Then, we joined the group for a lesson on seeds and seed sorting. 

Sorting seeds at Graves Mountain with Daddy.

The seeds are sorted. 

Next, we went on a hayride out into the orchard to pick our own apples. During the ride, we saw 2 bear in the corn field next to the orchard! Our guide explained that they plant the corn field on the outside edges of the orchard and pumpkin patch to help deter the animals. Usually the animals eat the corn and leave the orchard and pumpkin patch alone. They left when they heard the tractor that was pulling our wagon and I didn't get a picture. 

Kaylee on the hayride right before seeing the bear. 

When we got to the orchard, the guide presented a lesson on the life cycle of an apple tree. Kaylee volunteered to help. 

Kaylee holding a picture from the life cycle of an apple tree. She loves to volunteer to help. 

Finally, we could go into the orchard to each pick 5 apples to take home. It was the beginning of the season and there were many apples to choose from! 

Walking through the tall grass to find the perfect apple.

Picking her own apples!

Kaylee holding her bag of 5 huge apples! 

Before we got on the hay ride for a scenic ride back to the farm, Kaylee weighed each bag of apples and then weighed all 3 of our bags together. 

Weighing all 3 bags of apples we picked from the orchard.

We ate our packed lunch sitting at the picnic tables near some of the animals. Afterwards, we finished exploring the other animals around the farm, bought some apple butter, and traveled home. It was a great day. Such a great learning experience. 

See you next fall, Graves Mountain!