Originally published in Heart of Texas Magazine
Many Texans wait all year for peach season. There are few things as intoxicating as the smell and taste of a sun-ripened peach, freshly picked off a peach tree. All by itself, added to a pie, or served with ice cream, it’s almost impossible to mess-up a peach. While some might prefer the ease of the grocery store or a street-vendor, those dedicated to the fresh taste and aroma of a just-picked peach know there’s no comparison.
There’s also something wonderfully organic about picking produce from its source and taking a bite. Those who enjoy making jams and jellies delight in choosing their own fresh selection and creating preserves to enjoy throughout the year. The Hill Country offers a wide variety of places to take part first-hand in the selection and eating of peaches and produce of all kinds.
Photo: pixabay.com
Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas offer the best selection of options for peach-picking, but we’ve selected several cities with orchards open to the public. Choose one you’d like to visit, or make it a road trip and hit all of them! Take note of the gift shops and restaurants that accompany many of these orchards. These provide a nice place to relax, cool off, and refuel after a morning or afternoon of picking.
Marburger Orchard-
Marburger Orchard has prided itself on fresh produce for over 40 years. Not only can you pick peaches, but also strawberries and blackberries. With any produce, quantities depend of the weather. Marburger updates their webpage regularly to let the public know when their supply is low or abundant. You can pick as much as you want to pay for. You can find their website here: www.marburgerorchard.com
Vogel Orchard-
Another great orchard in Fredericksburg is Vogel Orchard. Vogel Orchard was established in 1953 by George and Nelda Vogel, who maintained the farm for years and are still involved. Over time, their children have stepped into the business, and while it has grown, that same small-business model charm shines through. In addition to picking peaches, you can also take a look at their other selections like peach butter and fig preserves. Check them out here: www.vogelorchard.com
Photo: www.vogelorchard.com
Gold Orchard-
Tucked away in Stonewall, Texas, is quaint Gold Orchard. Established in 1940, the orchard touts four generations of family contributions to the business. They also offer plums, nectarines, and produce. Best of all, perhaps, is their indoor ice cream room, where visitors can enjoy peach ice cream and award-winning peach pie! Better yet, have a little of each!
Photo: Facebook/Gold Orchards, Inc.
Love Creek Orchards-
Open Tuesday through Saturday in the picking season, this farm has no fee beyond what you pick and take with you. Located in Medina, just outside of San Antonio, this orchard offers a variety of fruits in season. Enjoy blackberries in May and June, and peaches in June and July. Late in the year enjoy apples, figs, and persimmons. You can pack a lunch to bring along or enjoy their on-site restaurant, voted one of the best small town restaurants by Texas Monthly Magazine! Check them out here: www.lovecreekorchards.com/love-creek-orchard/pick-your-own/
