I love pick your own farms. Something about connecting with the actual season, understanding that peaches are truly only available a few months of the year, seeing a tree produce an abundance of fruit that it almost feels overwhelming, just captures me. And I love taking my kids. (I won’t speak for them as to if they love it or not, but they never complain about going, so that’s something.) Oh, and of course I love eating the fruit we get because it is SO MUCH BETTER than grocery store fruit.
So, naturally, we were off to peach pick this summer! The outing did not disappoint in any way.
This area seems so fertile and abundant (especially as compared to the beachy landscape we moved from to be here). Noticing how easily things grow – provided the deer don’t get to them – is remarkable.
There are three different varietals available for picking at Carter Mountain (and lots of peaches available for pre-picked purchase as they bring fruit from their sister orchard, Chiles). I could eat donut peaches all.the.time. Those little squashed-circle, fuzzy things are entrancing. So lovely.
Peach picking happens when the sun is high, the weather hot, and a sweet peach is the perfect taste. But even better at Carter Mountain is the peach ice cream that tastes like a gift from the heavens. So be sure to stick around after picking to enjoy some of that necessary love! (We’ve been known in the summertime to head to Carter Mountain just to get ice cream and enjoy the view, without picking.)
Unlike its sister event, apple picking at Carter Mountain Orchard in the fall, peach picking is less popular and is much easier to access, plan for, and get the family to. When we went, there wasn’t a pre-ticketed/pre-paid entry requirement. And there were very little people when we visited. It was peaceful and delightful in all ways.
We walked through the orchard, with sunscreen on our necks and faces (wish we had brought hats) and bug spray in our pockets just in case. The peaches dangled off the trees and in no time at all we had filled our bushels.
This outing is friendly for kids and people of all ages. There is a bit of walking to do to get to the peaches, so a carrier would be best for little ones, but do plan to make it a family outing.
And one of the best things about Carter Mountain is the view! There are concessions available to purchase, hard cider to taste, and a country store full of tasty treats.
Give yourself time post-picking to sit at one of those picnic tables, slowly enjoy that peach ice cream cone, and revel in the great big, wide, outdoors full of the gifts of donut peaches.
More on Peach Picking at Carter Mountain Orchard:
- Pick you own peaches are usually available June – September.
- Official website for Carter Mountain
- More on peach picking.
Raising Charlottesville is a website dedicated to highlighting fun & local activities for families living in the Charlottesville, VA area.