Celebrate Fall Flavor In Virginia With The Graves Mountain Apple Festival

Every autumn, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Graves Mountain Apple Festival transforms the quiet town of Syria, Virginia into a bustling celebration of harvest season.

This beloved family-friendly event draws thousands of visitors from across the region to experience the vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and rich traditions of Virginia apple country.

Festival Origins & History

Back in 1970, the Graves family decided to share their bountiful apple harvest by inviting neighbors to pick apples and enjoy homemade apple butter.

What began as a simple community gathering quickly blossomed into a regional attraction.

By the mid-1980s, the festival had expanded to include craft vendors, live music, and food stalls, while maintaining its authentic farm charm.

The Graves family, stewards of this land since the 1850s, have preserved the festival’s agricultural roots throughout its evolution.

Spectacular Mountain Setting

Tucked against the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the festival grounds offer breathtaking panoramic views that become even more magical during peak fall foliage.

The crisp mountain air carries the sweet scent of apples and cinnamon throughout the venue.

Festival-goers can wander through sprawling orchards where sunlight filters through red and golden leaves.

This picturesque setting, with Graves Mountain Lodge as its centerpiece, provides the perfect backdrop for family photos and creating lasting autumn memories.

Apple Picking Adventures

Grab a basket and head into the orchards where rows of trees hang heavy with ripe varieties like Stayman, York, Fuji, and Granny Smith.

Children squeal with delight as parents hoist them onto shoulders to reach the perfect apple.

Festival staff offer helpful tips on selecting the ripest fruit and explain the unique characteristics of each variety.

Many families make this hands-on experience an annual tradition, returning home with bushels of fresh-picked apples to enjoy for weeks afterward.

Mouthwatering Apple Treats

The heavenly aroma of freshly baked apple pies wafts through the air, drawing hungry visitors to food stands scattered throughout the grounds.

Warm apple cider donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar disappear almost as quickly as they’re made.

Don’t miss the legendary apple butter, still prepared in giant copper kettles over open flames.

Volunteers take turns stirring the bubbling mixture with wooden paddles, following recipes passed down through generations.

Other apple delicacies include fritters, dumplings, and caramel-dipped apples on sticks.

Hayrides & Family Activities

Tractor-pulled wagons piled high with sweet-smelling hay offer joyful rides around the property.

Families snuggle together as the driver points out landmarks and shares stories about the farm’s rich history.

Children beam with excitement at the petting zoo where they can interact with friendly farm animals.

Other family-friendly activities include pony rides, face painting, and a challenging corn maze that changes design each year.

These simple country pleasures create the perfect atmosphere for unplugging and connecting with loved ones.

Live Bluegrass & Country Music

The festival’s soundtrack features authentic Appalachian music that echoes through the valley.

Local bluegrass bands perform on rustic wooden stages, their banjos, fiddles, and harmonies creating the perfect atmosphere for this mountain celebration.

Visitors tap their feet on hay bales arranged as seating, while some couples spontaneously break into dance.

The music schedule rotates throughout the day, featuring both beloved regional favorites and up-and-coming artists.

This celebration of Virginia’s musical heritage adds another layer of cultural richness to the festival experience.