The Georgia peach crop is having a terrible year so far due to storms and weather, and experts have determined that the state's world-famous peach crop may be down as much as 80 percent as a result.
While the crop decline is crushing for the farmers and upsetting to fresh peach devotees, don't give up on the idea of tasting the perfect Georgia peach this summer.
With a little extra effort and realistic expectations, you can still find fresh peaches in the nearby or just a day trip away.
Just keep in mind that you'll probably pay a premium and that availability will be limited, though it might build through late July and August as the Freestone peach harvest begins. And for goodness sake, call before you drive to any of these established Georgia peach farms or markets looking for luscious local and regional fruit.
Here are some great spots to try:
Mercier Orchards
8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge. 706-632-3411.
www.mercier-orchards.com
Open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. most of the year though peach availability is not guaranteed.
Though their peaches are still more scarce than in years past and drawing a premium price, Mercier Orchards didn't have as much storm damage as some other peach growers. Combine a day trip to the orchard, which is about 80 miles from Atlanta, with a visit to its bakery and cafe. Primarily an apple orchard, Mercier sells hardpressed beverages year-round. Mercier has some peaches for sale already, and the amounts will pick up after Fourth of July, with more Freestone than Clingstone peaches after that time and through the summer. The orchard may even offer a U-pick peach week later in the summer: Check for updates by calling or visiting the website.
Dickey Farms
3440 Musella Road, Musella. 478-836-4362.
Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays.
www.gapeaches.com/product/fresh-georgia-peaches
While Dickey's has suspended online fresh peach orders this season, it will still have a roadside market with fresh peaches at the Georgia farm's market store through peach season's end, usually the end of August. Time your visit to this old-style peach packing house to coincide with the June 18 "Papa's Peach Classic 5K" if it strikes your fancy, or for the Fourth of July celebration on June 30 that includes live music and face painting. And fear not: even if you don't want to make the 93-mile trek to the market and store at the farm, you can still order a taste of regional peaches with Dickey's online peach butters and preserves.
Market in Commerce: 706-335-0999.
Farm and market in Alto: 770-869-3999.
http://www.jaemorfarms.com/georgia-peaches
Jaemor Farms has family fun and a limited amount of fresh peaches on a daily basis. Have fun checking out the farm, bakery and produce market, and maybe taking a tractor ride while you're there! Since the peach crop is still uncertain, Jaemor has only tentatively set the date for its Georgia Belle Peach Festival as August 5. Check the website regularly for updates.
Gardner Farm
3192 Highway 42 S, Locust Grove. 770-957-4912.
http://gardner-farm.com
This rustic landmark about 40 minutes from Atlanta in south Henry County sells peaches and swell peach ice cream, so plan to have a nice outing! The peaches, some from other growers, are available from late May through early August; hours vary and are based on supply. They have more limited availability than usual due to the weather, but make up for it with fresh-picked blueberries, yellow squash, sweet corn and other summer produce for sale as they become available.
Berry Good Farms
930 William Gibbs Road, Tifton. 229-821-0746.
http://yourberrygoodfarms.com
Open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This family-friendly farm and pesticide-free fruit powerhouse has some peaches starting in mid-June and running through late August, depending on the crop. The farm doesn't do U-pick for the peaches and requests a call about availability before you head over. Plan a picnic and make a day of it: The drive is about 3 hours.
Pearson Farm
5575 Zenith Mill Road, Fort Valley. 478-827-0750.
Celebrate a special occasion or take the kids for a day trip to Pearson Farm, about 3 hours from Atlanta. During peach season, from mid-May through mid-August, walk-in customers are welcome at the packing house of this traditional peach farm. The farm also sells peach ice cream so good it's been praised in Southern Living magazine. The farm also ships year-round for phone and web orders. Pearson's pecan crop is available from late October each year, and the staff will create custom gifts for almost any occasion.
Some of Pearson Farm's peaches will also make their way to farmer's markets in the area as available. Keep up with the farmer's market schedule or order by mail.
Georgia Peach World and Eulonia Country Store
2081 GA Highway 57, Townsend. 912-832-3270.
http://www.georgiapeachworld.com/online-store.html
Not a trip you take on a whim, since it's four hours from Atlanta down I-85, but Peach World makes for a great stop on your way to or from Jackson, St. Simon's or Jekyll Island. You may be able to score peaches at the country store if you time it right, but you can always find homemade peach ice cream and other old-fashioned favorites whenever you are there.
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