Americans love a good orchard.
The very first orchard was planted by Europeans in New England back in 1665. Unsurprisingly, it was an apple orchard—a common sighting across the US almost four hundred years later.
Farther south, however, the focus has historically been on peach-picking.
Georgia, for example, is well-known for its peach production. Even to the extent that locals call themselves ‘peaches’ and the state symbol is (however informally) a peach.
But Georgia isn’t the only southern state to obsess over these fuzzy fruits. In nearby Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina, locals also maintain dozens of peach orchards. While most are focused are large-scale production, that’s not the case across the board.
Americans don’t just love planting orchards and reaping their fruits. We like picking them fresh ourselves.
These pick-your-own peach orchards dot the south—and some have been around for well over a century. Let’s take a closer look at the US’s longest-running peach orchards from down south.
Dickey Farms est. 1936
Musella, Georgia
Welcome to Georgia’s oldest continually running peach packinghouse. The packinghouse, which is still standing on the grounds, was constructed back in 1936 to pack the orchard’s produce.
Over a century later, Robert L. Dickey’s descendants are still running the operation.
Over the years, they’ve innovated quite a few parts of the peach growing, picking, and packaging process. For example, Dickey Farms pioneered a hydro-cooling system for its picked peaches, slowing the ripening process.
Today, Dickey Farms offers farm tours, strawberry picking, retail, and more.
Lane Southern Orchards est. 1908
Fort Valley, Georgia
Enter one of Georgia’s oldest and most prolific orchards. For well over a century, Lane Southern Orchards has been churning out peaches. Today, its farmlands are spread over 11,000 acres, which also includes pecan fields.
The size of the farm should clue you into this orchard-picking experience: it’s larger-than-life.
Rather than a rustic, old-school experience, you can expect added amenities like apple picking, pumpkin patches, and a corn maze in the autumn. You can even order their products online.
Fishers Orchard est. 1930
Greer, South Carolina
Aren’t convinced that Georgia is the end-all authority on peaches? That’s fair enough.
If you’re in South Carolina, you’ll have plenty of options in terms of peach-picking. One classic choice has been around for decades: Fishers Orchard.
Not only do they offer a massive pick-your-own orchard, but you’ll be able to sample multiple kinds of peaches. 21 distinct types, to be exact. And thanks to a handy guide on their website, you can easily target whichever type of peach tickles your fancy.
Stribling Orchard est. 1765
Farrowsville, Virginia
The original apple orchard on the current Stribling property was planted all the way back in 1765—but we’re talking about peaches, and we’re talking ongoing orchards.
Still, I’ve left the date because this pick-your-own orchard is located in the exact same spot as the original.
The original orchard fell into disrepair centuries ago. It was reworked and replanted in the late 1800s thanks to an increase in demand for apples and, later down the line, peaches. The first peach trees were planted in the 1930s.
Today, Stribling Orchard reflects this long and diverse history. In addition to picking apples and peaches, you can also pick pumpkins in fall, shop around the bakery for sweet treats, and even sample locally-grown beef from Stribling’s Markham location.
Pearson Farm est. 1885
Fort Valley, Georgia
At Person Farm, you’ll experience the culmination of five generations of peach and pecan-growing.
It doesn’t get any more Americana than this—the Pearson Farm website says its success falls back to ‘good soil, hard work, honest dealings, family, and faith’.
You can visit the orchard—or order your peaches straight from the farm. I’ve never seen this on offer before, and it’s caught my intrigue: pay around $50 for a box of fresh, hand-selected peaches straight from Pearson. No visits needed.