Crisp mountain air, spectacular fall foliage, artisan and craft demonstrations come together at Douthat State Park for Apple Day on Saturday, October 10, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's a perfect October Saturday all for the $5 per car parking fee. 

Spectacular fall foliage, CCC heritage and Appalachian culture at Douthat's Apple Day

The Simmons family begins making old-fashioned apple butter at 8 a.m. They will spend the entire day cooking up delicious homemade apple butter. Learn how to milk a cow, churn cream into butter, press cider from apples, shell corn, and tan a hide.  

Apples cooking down to make apple butter

Demonstrations and the arts and crafts fair begin at 10 a.m. and last until 5 p.m. each day. Visit traditional artisans and crafters specializing in apple farming, basket weaving, blacksmithing, soap making, quilting and knitting. Arts and crafts booths will offer handmade items for sale and many demonstrators will also offer their wares for purchase. It is easy to see why Apple Day is a signature fall festival for Virginia State Parks.

Traditional Appalachian Artisans demonstrate their skills

Ride a hay wagon through Lakeside Campground as your guide shares the history of Douthat. Hay rides, which depart from the lower beach parking area, are $3 per person and take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music and clogging. Play the games children enjoyed years before TV and video games.

Blacksmithing is another traditional art featured at Apple Day

Apple treats cooked over an open flame will be available at the Campfire Cookery program where you can learn the secrets of Dutch oven cooking. A small serving is $1, and a large serving in a souvenir mug is $5.

The park will provide concessions during the weekend. Guests may purchase souvenirs and food, including a pig roast dinner, Brunswick Stew, country ham biscuits and don’t miss traditional fall festival foods like candy apples, popped corn, funnel cakes, warm apple cider and hot chocolate. 

Contact the park at 540-862-8100 for more information.