Stop for Desert Farm Treats in Arizona
When most people think of Arizona, they think hot, dry desert. But after a romp through some of the state’s most beautiful and bountiful farms and orchards, you’ll have a whole different picture of the state that’s home to the Grand Canyon.
Here’s a smattering of the crops that Arizona has to offer.
Arizona Produce
Check out Folded Hills Orchard in Cornville where you can pick up a wide variety of fruit – depending of course on the season. Among the options: an assortment of apple kinds, blackberries, peaches and tomatoes.
Schnepf Farms is famous for its peaches, but be sure to stop by the petting zoo, play yard and giant slide. Get a fresh-baked snack such as a cinnamon roll, muffin or pie.
Apple Annie’s Orchard, in Willcox, features a bounty of fruit including apples (of course), peaches and Asian pears. Their pies and fudge are quite delicious as well!
Also in Willcox you’ll find Stout’s Cider Mill. Be sure to sample the cider, apple pies and fruit preserves.
South of Tucson you’ll find the Agua Linda Farm where you can pick your own produce. Afterward, swing by the farm store for their fresh, raw honey, grass-pastured beef and other local flavors.
Dairy Farms in Arizona
Located east of Snowflake, Black Mountain Ranch, makers of prize-winning goat cheeses, have plenty of samples to go around. Snap a few pics of the kiddos meeting the farm animals. If you visit during November and December, make sure to try the tasty holiday candies like goat’s milk fudge.
Take a tour of Shamrock Farms dairy farm and you’ll have a chance to see a farmer milk a cow. Little visitors will enjoy petting a baby calf. Don’t miss the premium ice cream at Roxie’s Ice Cream Parlor.
Olives from Phoenix
The Queen Creek Olive Mill on the southeastern edge of Greater Phoenix is a must-stop spot. The mill’s restaurant, del Piero, earned a spot on the Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate series. Of course you must take the 30-minute mill tour and enjoy the taste of their oils and stuffed olives.