Fall is for sweaters, pumpkin patches, and apple cider. Luckily for all of us, apple cider comes in all kinds of various treats. Whether you want your apple cider in the form of a classic doughnut, thick milkshake, or refreshing slushie, you can find it in Northern Virginia.
The Apple House
You can find apple cider doughnuts almost anywhere, but if you want some of the most famous doughnuts in the region, head to Linden. There you’ll find its famous apple butter doughnuts, which are made fresh daily and attract diners from across the state. 4675 John Marshall Hwy., Linden
Bilstad’s Beignets
Can’t get enough apple cider doughnuts? Instead of picking up another dozen, try the apple cider beignets at Bilstad’s. Available through October 15, the fried dough is topped with the classic sugar and cinnamon coating to recreate that classic taste. 20937 Ashburn Rd., Ste. 150, Ashburn
Belvedere Plantation
True apple cider aficionados need to try the creations at Belvedere Plantation. This year, the Fredericksburg farm is serving up an apple cider shake and two versions of its apple cider slushies, in addition to the classic doughnuts. Plus,, there are plenty of other baked goods and mouth-watering sandwiches to try. 1410 Belvedere Dr., Fredericksburg; $17.95–$25.95 for fall festival admission

Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats
Just because it’s no longer summer doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an ice cream treat. Those in need of a festival fall dessert should grab the Apple Cider Custardwich in Alexandria. The sweet creation is made with vanilla bean custard sandwiched between an apple cider doughnut and drizzled with caramel. 200 Commerce St., Alexandria
Marker-MIller Orchards Farm Market
Go to pick applies and pumpkins, but stay for the apple cider donut bread pudding. The bakery is full of seasonal delicacies, including apple cider and pumpkin doughnuts, apple turnovers, apple dumplings, and pumpkin bars. You might even find a few apple cider doughnut ice cream sandwiches in the freezer. 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester
Photo of apple butter doughnuts courtesy The Apple House
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