May I bring my Dog?

Leashed pups who are friendly and well-mannered with people and other animals are welcome.  Pets are not permitted close to the fruit trees and must remain outside of the market.

What time should I arrive if I want to pick my own fruit?

You must arrive one hour prior to closing if you want to pick your own fruit.

Are there picnic tables available?

Yes! We have plenty of picnic tables and Adirondack chairs with beautiful views of the mountains. We sell local cheeses, honey, and other snacks in our market for you to enjoy. . . and feel free to bring your own bottle of wine. Please clean up after yourself and throw away or recycle all trash.

Should i wash my apple before i eat it?

Like any fruit or vegetable that you get anywhere, you should always wash it before you eat it. We have a sink in the market so you can enjoy your apples and peaches at the orchard!  

Is F. T. VALLEY’S fruit organically grown?

While we do use some organic-approved products, our fruit is not organic. We rely on a mix of conventional and organic-friendly farming practices to support healthy crops and consistent yields. This includes the careful use of synthetic fertilizers and pest control methods that comply with all relevant agricultural regulations and safety standards.

Our goal is to grow fruit as safely and responsibly as possible. In fact, many of the pest management tools we use today are safer for people, pets, pollinators, and the environment than some traditional organic materials. These include innovative, low-risk techniques like mating disruption and fermentation-based products—some of which are in the same EPA safety category as everyday items like beer or table salt.

It’s also worth noting that not all organic options are inherently safer. For example, some plant-based insecticides approved for organic farming can unintentionally harm beneficial insects that help protect crops naturally.

Our orchard manager, Brett Elford, works closely with the Virginia Cooperative Extension and experienced advisors like Bill Mackintosh of Mackintosh Fruit Farm to ensure we’re using the most effective, science-based, and environmentally mindful practices.

Contact us with any other questions.