Grocery store produce just can’t compare to fresh fruit you’ve picked. So make a morning or afternoon out of getting some from the berry and stone fruit-growing areas within a couple of hours of Boise.
A lot of these orchards and farms are family-run, so especially if you’re going the U-pick route, be respectful and patient! Harvest season is no joke, and they might not always be able to update their websites or Facebook pages.
Cabalo’s Orchard and Gardens
This is all about fruit, but if you want to get fruit and vegetables, this Kuna farm would be a good place to start. They’ve got berries and some early apples at their farm stand, open Thursday - Sunday.
The Orchard at Lake Lowell
Most of the apricots have come and gone, but peaches and plums should be ready soon — keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.
Cherry Hill Farms
You can pick your own fruit, pre-order, or go to the Cherry Hill farm stand Wednesday through Saturday. Plus, they have a Peach Day Picnic on Aug. 26!
Tyler’s Rocky Point Orchard
This orchard in Emmett is now appointment-only for the rest of the season, with U-pick apricots, pluots, and picked cherries available.
Grandma Jo’s Plaza Farm Store
Another Emmett spot with peaches and berries going. It seems like it’s a banner year for blackberries!
Kelley’s Canyon Orchard
This is one of the fruit-growing havens tucked into the Snake River Canyon in the Magic Valley. They’re sold out of cherries, but will have peaches starting on Thursday, Aug. 10. A drive to Hagerman or into the canyon near Filer or Wendell will get you close to a few options for fruit.
Kelley Orchards
Don’t let the similar names fool you — this orchard is in the opposite direction. This farm, based in Weiser, is stocked up right now, with peaches and massive blackberries ready to go.
Happy picking and eating!
