Now that the weather is cooling down, families are looking to spend more and more time outdoors. A great way to soak up the season? Picking your own produce–much of which is organic–at one of these Arizona farms or orchards.
Not only is Apple Annie’s Orchard in Willcox a fun spot to visit during the fall for its annual pumpkin festival, but guests are also invited to pick a variety of apples, pears, peaches, bell peppers, cucumbers, sweet corn, squash and many other varieties of fresh fruit and veggies. While much of Apple Annie’s produce is currently in season, be sure to check the orchard’s Web site to view the harvest calendar. October hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. www.appleannies.com.
In addition to its popular pumpkin and chili fest, Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek hosts Organic U-Pick Gardens and Orchards. The spot has seven acres of pesticide-free gardens, and guests pay only $1.50 per pound (pick up a basket at the Country Store & Bakery). The fall U-Pick season opens Nov. 1 and will include kale, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, squashes, lettuces and much more. www.schnepffarms.com.
Tolmachoff Farms in Glendale hosts a farm stand that is open seasonally where guests are invited to gather the likes of vine-ripe field tomatoes, sweet corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, okra and much more. (Availability of produce varies by season.) This month, stop by to pick pumpkins, enjoy a six-acre family corn maze and much more. www.tolmachoff-farms.com.
Vertuccio Farms in Gilbert welcomes Peaches n’ Play next year (dates to be announced soon). Guests should bring their own baskets to pick peaches for $1.50 per pound. You don’t have to pay farm admission just to pick peaches, and remember that farm activities are only open on weekends. www.vertucciofarms.com.
From 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, guests are invited to Date Creek Ranch in Wickenburg for U-Pick organic apples. Boxes, wheel barrows and picking tools are supplied. Admission is free, and apple-picking season is September and October. www.datecreekranch.com.
Best Spots to Pick Produce in Arizona
