Hi Dolls,
I have taken the long ride to Atlanta and back more times than I can remember and on the way back to Florida, I have always noticed the billboards directing traffic toLane Southern Orchard, where one could find the best peaches and pecans around. Though I love a juicy peach and fresh pecans, the invitation to the orchard usually got ignored in an attempt to hurry home. This particular day we decided what the hey, let's go see what this place is all about and I'm glad we did because our short and unexpected excursion ended up being just peachy! I instantly fell in love with the rocking chairs in front of the store entrance. It screamed southern charm!
The Lane Southern Orchard, located in Peach County, Fort Valley, Ga. has been growing some of the sweetest peaches and pecans around for over 100 years.
This is a family operated farm with thousands of acres for growing peaches, pecans, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, kiwi, apples, muscadines and scuppernongs, which are grapes for those who don't know.
In June and July, they do tours of the pecan and peach orchards on this replica of the first Blue Bird Bus Company bus. During the tour, you receive a wealth of knowledge about the peach farming business.
During the months of April and May they provide "Agriculture in the Classroom" classes about strawberries and how they're grown. This would be the tour for me next time around because I absolutely love strawberries and during this class you get to pick a pound of strawberries and indulge in a fresh cup of ice cream, strawberry I suppose!
In October, they offer a corn maze tour. The maze is loaded with opportunities to win prizes and I imagine this to be some awesome fun to be had with friends!![]()
On a side note, I've never rode in a tractor so imagine my enthusiasm to mount up on one. I'm not quite sure if that was allowed but us bloggers know we'll do almost anything for a photo op right?!?!
The roadside market was a delight! As soon as you walk in, not only are you greeted by the friendly staff, but by a beautiful array of Georgia peaches, of course, directly from their farm! There are tons of other fresh produce to admire as well.
As expected they had a variety of peach items including:
Peaches in Mason Jars...
peach preserves, jams, jellies, butters, and salsas...
and my favorite, peach wine!
They were also willing to open a wine for you to sample. I appreciated that being that we were driving to Florida and wouldn't be able to return if the wine wasn't to our liking. Needless to say, the peach wine was delicious!
It was so good, my mom and I both bought a few bottles to take back home with us.
 Besides other produce, the market sold a lot of other goodies like fudge and sweet treats! |
 There is also the PeachTree Cafe and Bakery located inside of the market, serving up all of your southern favorites from smoked pulled pork and catfish to peach cobbler and pecan pies! We had already had lunch so we didn't indulge but please believe me when I tell you, the next time I take a trip to Georgia, I'll be stopping back in for some good ole' country cuisine! We even cracked open a few pecans while we were there! |
My family loves pecans! It's our favorite kind of nut so this last treat was right up our alley.
This old time nut cracker, opened the shell up perfectly leaving the pecan whole for a perfect bite.
This was one unplanned stop that was totally worth my while. There's something so special about discovering new things! I honestly never would have known Lane Southern Orchard existed if I never decided to take that exit. Through this I've learned a little bit about the harvesting of their produce, tours, and history.
Furthermore, I learned that Jacksonville's very own, Freshfield Farms, carries their peaches! They also have an online store so I guess I don't have to travel so far after all for the wonderful goodies I encountered while there! I'm telling you, if you love sweet juicy peaches and pecans, you have to take a trip up to Lane Southern Orchard! You'll be glad you did!
As always thanks so much for stopping by!
XOXO
As always thanks so much for stopping by!
XOXO