Last year, while playing at the Cox Farms’ fall festival, I picked up an apple crumble pie from their market on my way out. I didn’t think much of it. Looked good. I was hungry.
After dinner that night, we warmed the pie and had our desert. The second the first bite hit my tongue, I knew that this was no ordinary pie. Holy moly! I think it was quite possibly one of the best apple pies I had ever tasted. I would even go so far as to say it rivaled the famous Jullian pie. We must have this pie for Thanksgiving! It was better than my mom’s.
I dug up the label. Wait. It was Mom’s…Mom’s Apple Pie Company! I immediately consulted the Google. Articles warned of the early morning line that formed to obtain such a pie, noting that only walk-ins were allowed leading up to a holiday. Online orders are shut off two weeks before. Not to worry. I would get up at whatever hour it would take to obtain this glorious pie that would be the talk of our Thanksgiving meal.
Plan Ahead:
Wednesday morning, the day before Thanksgiving, I drove in darkness to Leesburg to complete my mission. I would pick up the pie when they opened and then head in to work, allowing myself 30 minutes if there was already a line. Hmmm. Did I think this through enough? It was REALLY cold out. Did I bring a heavy enough jacket for the wait? Oh, it won’t be that bad.
Or would it? I turned right onto Loudoun St from the 15/King St and was immediately greeted by two glaring problems…
1.) Where do I park? and 2.) Is that really the line to the building? Surely, it isn’t all the way back here. This line must be at least ¼ of a mile long! I drove past the line to confirm and face my fear. I was going to miss my window of opportunity.
But hey, now I know (and now you know) and this year, I am prepared. I purchased my pies in advance and froze them. I’m sure that nothing beats fresh, but I’ve got to admit, this was the sanest approach, and tasted just as delicious.
While it’s too late now to order online for the holiday season, you can still take your chances with a walk-in. Believe me, it’s worth the wait! Mom’s Apple Pie Company has locations in Leesburg, Round Hill, and Occoquan. Visit their website to learn more. Happy Holidays!
*As with any activity or event, confirm all details with the organization before attending and check for up to date public health and safety information.
Christina Chee is a lifestyle and real estate consultant who loves to share insights that help others to live happy and empowered lives in Northern Virginia. Learn more about how you can make your Northern Virginia experience a great adventure — whether you’re new to the region or a life-long resident. Contact her here or visit www.virginialifestyles.com.
