Apples are in their peak harvest in the Shenandoah Valley, and guests can celebrate for the entire month of September at Skyland in Shenandoah National Park, located on mile 41.7 on Skyline Drive.
Skyland will have apple themed specials in the Pollock dining room and Executive Chef Jeff Wasnesky has created some delectable selections. Breakfast features Cinnamon Apple Studded Pancakes with Cinnamon Apples, Apple Butter Whipped Cream and a Caramel Drizzle. For lunch try the Apple Harvest Burger with Granny Smith Apple Slaw, Apple Butter Spread, Pretzel Bun and Cheddar Cheese.
Dinner you can enjoy an Apple Cider Brined Stuffed Pork Chop with Apple Sage Stuffing, Apple Cranberry Chutney, and Apple Butter Caramel Demi Glace. Housemade Apple Pie a la Mode is a featured dessert.
On Friday, September 9th, Skyland will host the next in a series from the Shenandoah Seasonings Hard Cider dinners featuring local Old Hill Hard Cider from neighboring Showalter’s Orchard. Menu items include an Apple Brie Walnut Board, Roasted Breast of Duck with Apple Butter and Sweet Potato Cake, and Stuffed Gala Apple Flambè.
All menu items will be paired with crisp, refreshing Old Hill Hard Ciders. An overnight package includes Friday night lodging, dinner for two, etched Shenandoah cider glasses, and breakfast for two. Saturday, September 17 will be the official day to celebrate all things Apple Butter with the Annual Apple Butter Celebration. For an interactive experience, the Skyland staff will set up copper kettles while visitors can watch the process, give the kettle a stir, take a delectable bite, and even take home some freshly made jars of apple butter.
The event will feature local craft vendors, pony rides, children’s crafts and face painting, live entertainment and lots of fun to be had by all. The entertainment roster includes the Shenandoah Valley Cloggers and Mountain Heritage Cloggers as well as musical entertainment by Nikki Dovel, Somewhere Tonight, and Ace $trings Band.
Chef Jeff has created a mouthwatering menu for the event including Pulled Pork with an Apple Cider BBQ Sauce, Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Bacon Apple BBQ Sauce, Granny Apple Cole Slaw, Scalloped Apples, Apple Cobbler, Apple Strudel, and Gala Apple Wedges with a Warm Caramel Sauce. Food items can be complimented with Hot & Cold Spiced Apple Cider, or try an array of Virginia Wine.
“We are really excited for the return of the locals favorite Apple Butter Celebration,” says Wasnesky. “A delicious apple menu and day filled with family fun is the perfect way to kick off the fall season.”
While enjoying the scenic drive to Shenandoah, there are several stops along three Apple Trails that include beautiful farms with the choice of pick-your-own apples or already harvested fruit. The September harvest will boast a mix of varietals and include popular Ginger Gold, Gala or Honeycrisp that these orchards grow. A special Apple B&B lodging package is available at Skyland during September.
Book online at goshenandoah.com/specials/getaways or call 877-247-9261 and use promo code APPLETIME when booking.
Additional lodging promotions, events and activities for planning your Shenandoah getaway are also available.
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