Chiles Peach Orchard is a great way to have some family fun
When the kids go back to school, I really feel as if we have to make the weekends count. I love the town we live in, but sometimes we just have to get out of town for some good, clean fun. We met up with some college friends and their kids at the Chile’s Peach Orchard near Crozet to pick peaches. We love coming here at the end of the summer season to get some ripe, juicy peaches.
There’s just something about going through the orchard and picking them yourself that makes them that much better and you have the memories to go with the taste. It’s a great combo!
Chile’s Peach Orchard Farm Stand
The farm stand is the first thing you will see. You drive a couple back country roads to get there. Inside, you will find so many things you’ll have a hard time leaving without buying a little something. They have fruits already picked and many other items.
As you can see, there are handmade candles, syrups and honey. They also fry their own doughnuts, make pies, sell fudge and sell t-shirts in case you need a souvenir. It really amazes me how much merchandise they have. There is still so much more I couldn’t fit in the picture.
Go out in the fields to pick peaches
If you decide you want to pick peaches (yes you do!) check in at the counter and get a bag and pay for the size. They will then direct you to the part of the orchard that has the ripe fruit. There are these cute little peach signs you follow until you find your peaches.
As you can see, the trees are loaded! There are some instructions on how to choose your peaches, and you have several rows to investigate. This is the best part with kids (and trickiest!) because they want to find the perfect fruit so they look at all of them and ask so many questions.
Keep an eye on the kids while you pick peaches
However, the younger kids just want to pick and might get some that aren’t quite done yet, but again, it’s part of the fun. The orchard has a beautiful view of the mountains to enjoy while you are out there doing your thing.
Pick your own flowers
Across the street, they have a couple of fields of flowers we were allowed to pick, but we have sunflowers at home and we just decided to look instead. While we were looking at the flowers, we spotted a bald eagle circling around, past the field, closer to the mountains. It was the idyllic setting for the afternoon.
Buy some of the food at Chile’s Peach Orchard
Before you leave, you have to try a treat. I’ve heard the doughnuts are some of the best in the area, but we typically go for the ice cream because it’s usually hot and we love their peach ice cream. There are tons of picnic tables under shelter around the corner and seats in the shade.
I highly recommend a visit to Chile’s Peach Orchard with your family! They do many events with live music and food trucks so you can just hang out and enjoy the beauty. Check the website for what fruits are available. Chile’s Peach Orchard events are frequent throughout the summer. This orchard would be a perfect stop if you are on your way to Richmond for a couple of days.
Have you ever gone to a pick your own fruit orchard? What makes it special to you?