Fall harvest season is upon us, so the September 2009 issue of Travel + Leisure pays tribute to the American pastime of apple-picking. In a round-up of the best apple-picking farms in the U.S., the magazine highlights the Piedmont’s very own Stribling Orchard in Markham:

Owned and tended by the same family for nearly 200 years, Stribling was one of the first PYO orchards in the Shenandoah Valley. Its striking historical buildings—including a main house that dates to the 1700s—and lush 270-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains have earned it a long and loyal following.

What to Pick: Jonagold, Fuji, Rome, and Stayman Winesap—whose tartness makes it perfect for pies—are just a few of the orchard’s many varieties.

Most Unusual Offering: Several picnic areas, including one hilltop option with spectacular valley views, are scattered around the property. If you forgot your picnic basket, there’s an on-site shop selling honey, jams and jellies, and pies and breads baked on the premises.

Bells & Whistles: A Columbus Day weekend fest with live music and local crafts; an animal menagerie including horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, and pigs.