4 Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Patches Near Washington, DC for a Fall Day Trip
Archie at Marker-Miller Orchards, one of four dog-friendly farms we visited on our fall day trip from Alexandria.
Fall in Virginia brings plenty of reasons to head out for a day trip — changing leaves, country drives, apple picking and, of course, pumpkin farms. There’s something special about driving out to the country and choosing a pumpkin at the farm where it was grown. Add apple cider doughnuts, scenic views and some time wandering around the farm, and it makes for a pretty perfect fall day.
And if Archie and Saydie can come along, even better. So the three of us headed west from Alexandria to visit four dog-friendly farms in Northern Virginia: Mackintosh Fruit Farm, Marker-Miller Orchards, West Oaks Farm Market and Great Country Farms.
Each farm has its own rules about where dogs are allowed. Archie and Saydie could come inside some of the farm markets with me, while at Marker-Miller they were welcome on the property but not inside the market. For anyone visiting alone with a dog, that can make a real difference in how you plan your stop.
If you’re looking for a longer fall getaway, I also put together a 3-day dog-friendly road trip through Staunton, Natural Bridge and Lexington with some of my favorite stops along the way.
The Four Farms on This Trip
Mackintosh Fruit Farm — Berryville: Smaller farm feel, orchard, farm stand and beautiful countryside.
Marker-Miller Orchards — Winchester: Pumpkin displays, a large market and Blue Ridge Mountain views.
West Oaks Farm Market — Winchester: Pumpkin picking, farm market and plenty of family activities.
Great Country Farms — Bluemont: Spacious grounds, walking paths and lots of activities for a longer visit.
Mackintosh Fruit Farm
Mackintosh Fruit Farm was our first stop, and right away it had that classic country-farm feel — apple trees, open farmland and a welcoming farm stand. The setting was beautiful, with wide views of the surrounding countryside.
Archie was ready to explore as soon as we got out of the car, heading straight toward the rows of apple trees. We took some time to wander around the orchard before making our way toward the farm stand.
Archie and Saydie exploring the orchard at Mackintosh Fruit Farm.
We passed chickens on the way, and there were a few other dogs around, including two little Yorkies and a hound. Archie and Saydie needed a little time to adjust to having unfamiliar dogs nearby, but eventually settled in.
The farm store had its doors and windows open, and Archie and Saydie were welcome to come inside with me. Large bins were filled with pumpkins and squash, and inside were baked goods, local cheeses and other farm and local products. Compared with some of the larger markets we visited later in the day, Mackintosh had more of a small farm-stand feel.
Inside the farm store at Mackintosh Fruit Farm, with pumpkins, squash and baked goods.
There were tables outside where you could sit with something from the store and take in the surroundings. I bought an apple cider doughnut and chose a pumpkin from one of the large bins at the market.
Outdoor seating at Mackintosh Fruit Farm, with the orchard just beyond.
Marker-Miller Orchards
From Mackintosh, we continued west toward Winchester and Marker-Miller Orchards. The drive took us through more open farmland, with the Blue Ridge Mountains visible in the distance. A large apple sculpture on the front lawn was a fun welcome to the orchard.
Farmland and Blue Ridge Mountain views at Marker-Miller Orchards.
Large displays of pumpkins and gourds lined the front of the market, along with mums and other fall plants. Archie immediately headed over to sniff around the pumpkins. There was plenty of outdoor space to walk around with the dogs and take in the views.
Archie heading over to check out the pumpkin display at Marker-Miller Orchards.
Dogs are welcome on the property at Marker-Miller as long as they are leashed, but they aren't allowed inside the farm market. A sign at the entrance explained that the restriction is because food is sold inside. Since I was traveling alone, Archie and Saydie had to wait in the car while I went inside.
Archie and Saydie waiting in the car while I went inside the Marker-Miller farm market.
The market itself is quite large, with baked goods, fudge, jams, breads, gifts and plenty of other things to browse. It was much bigger than the farm stand at Mackintosh.
When I came back outside, Archie and Saydie were very happy to see me. Between the pumpkins, open farmland and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance, Marker-Miller had some of the best views of the day.
West Oaks Farm Market
From Marker-Miller, we headed to West Oaks Farm Market only about 15 minutes away. A long driveway led up toward the market, and this was probably the largest farm-market building we had seen so far that day.
On the way in, I could see the pumpkin-picking area and corn maze off to the left. Once we parked, Archie and Saydie headed with me toward the market, stopping first to sniff around a small display of pumpkins and mums on the grass.
Archie checking out the pumpkins outside West Oaks Farm Market.
Archie and Saydie outside West Oaks Farm Market before heading inside with me.
Dogs were welcome inside the market, so Archie and Saydie could come in with me. The market was large, with a substantial fresh-produce section, cheeses, packaged foods and plenty of other things to browse. There was also an ice cream counter, which seemed to be a popular stop while we were there.
Saydie with the fall displays outside West Oaks Farm Market.
Outside, there were tables and chairs with umbrellas and a large play area for kids, including an oversized chessboard. Between the pumpkin patch, corn maze and play area, there was quite a bit to do beyond shopping at the market.
Before getting back in the car, Archie and Saydie had some water, and then we headed toward our final stop of the day, Great Country Farms.
Great Country Farms
Great Country Farms had much more space to explore, with gardens, walking paths, picnic areas and plenty of open ground. Like West Oaks, there was more here than just the farm market, with a large play area and activities spread throughout the property. It felt like a place where a family could easily spend a few hours.
Archie heading toward Great Country Farms in Bluemont.
The enormous cow statue outside the market was hard to miss. Archie and Saydie came inside with me while I looked around. There was ice cream, wine and hard cider, jars of preserves and other foods, along with the Knead It bakery. I picked up a loaf of sourdough bread and some apple cider doughnuts.
Archie heading through the entrance to explore more of Great Country Farms.
A tractor pulling passenger wagons was making its way around the farm while we were there. We spent some time walking through the gardens and along the paths, and at one point spotted a large bird of prey overhead.
A tractor pulls passenger wagons through Great Country Farms.
By then, Archie and Saydie were ready for another water break, and I was ready to head home. After four farms, we got back in the car and headed back to Alexandria.
One last water break before Archie and Saydie headed home.
What I Bring for a Pumpkin Farm Day With My Dogs
For a day with several farm stops, I keep a few basics in the car for Archie and Saydie:
Collapsible water bowl + water from home — especially useful when you're making several stops in one day.
Regular 5- to 6-foot leashes — easier around markets, other dogs and busy farm areas than a long line.
Waterproof backseat cover — helpful when dogs are getting in and out of the car all day with potentially muddy paws.
Dog wipes — worth keeping in the car for paws before heading home.
A day with several farm stops also means a lot of time in the car. If your dog has trouble settling during the drive, I’ve written more about why dogs pant in the car and what I watch for with Archie and Saydie.
Final Thoughts
After visiting all four, Mackintosh Fruit Farm was my personal favorite. I loved the smaller size and beautiful setting, but what really stood out was how welcoming it felt. Everyone was friendly and helpful, and the whole place had a relaxed feel that made me want to stay awhile. Being able to bring Archie and Saydie into the farm stand made it even easier to enjoy.
But I can see why someone might choose a different farm. Marker-Miller had beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a much larger market, while West Oaks and Great Country Farms offered more activities and space for families who want to spend several hours at the farm.
I was surprised by how different four pumpkin farms in the same general area could be. Depending on whether you're looking for a quiet farm stop, mountain views, a big market or a full afternoon of activities, you can have a very different kind of fall day.
For me, getting out into the Virginia countryside with Archie and Saydie — and coming home with a pumpkin, fresh sourdough and a few apple cider doughnuts — was a pretty perfect way to spend a fall day.
Archie and Saydie back in the car after our fall farm day.
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