There’s nothing quite like fresh fruit right from the farm. As a kid growing up in the agricultural-rich Sacramento Valley, roadside produce stands were the norm so you can imagine my delight and excitement to discover Ham Orchards. Clocking in at about one hour east of Dallas, the family-owned farm is an awesome day trip idea for families and folks of all ages during peach season, which runs from mid-may to August.
Dale Ham has been growing fresh peaches since 1980. From the original 23 to the now 100 acres of land, different varieties of peaches are sold throughout the season. It gets busier as summer moves along, and the weekend are totally packed. During our visit, the line for BBQ was around the corner by 11:15 am, and it was a Friday! Whether you want to get out of the city, or if you’ve got a craving for delicious food and adventure, Ham Orchards needs to be on your summer bucket list.
The Market
When you arrive, head for the air-conditioned market store that offers amazing gourmet goodies: homemade sauces, dips, snacks, cobblers and pies, fudge, fresh veggies and the legendary homemade soft serve peach ice cream. It’s totally cool (and encouraged!) to sample some of the foods sold, like the corn dip, seasoned party crackers, Italian bread dipping mix, 16 different flavors of fudge (the rocky road and dark Mexican chocolate are amazing!), and spiced nuts.
The peaches, of course, hold center stage. There’s a peach of the day (don’t forget to sample a fresh slice!), and you can choose between small bags at about $7 each, or a larger bag at $12 each. There is also a wide variety of jellies, jams, preserves, salad dressings and other canned goods made right on-site. Don’t forget to be on the lookout for Mr. Ham himself. He’s still an active businessman who loves kids (he handed out gourmet lollipops to my crew!).
The BBQ and Pavilion
Just past the market is the giant outdoor (and covered) Pavilion, where hungry visitors can sample the awesome BBQ. Order from the window, wait for your name, and then load up on the homemade pickles (the sweet pickles were my fave!), peppers and BBQ sauce. The pulled pork, chicken salad sandwich and hot dogs for the kiddos were sampled during our visit and every plate was practically licked clean. Music plays the whole time, and there are old-fashioned rocking chairs for relaxing, a nearby railroad with trains that roll along from time to time and an open field perfect for running and playing.
Blackberry Picking
A newer addition to the fun at Ham Orchards, the pick your own Blackberry Patch, is located just behind Ham’s Farm Market Store and open from the end of May through the end of June. The patch wasn’t open when we went (those June rainstorms!) but it is now open and waiting for little hands! You can get the latest updates from Ham Orchards Facebook page.
Where to Find Ham Orchards
11939 County Road 309
Terrell, Texas 75161
Phone: 972-524-2028
Online: hamorchard.com
Have you made a trip to Ham Orchards? Tell us all about it in a Comment.
All images by Gabby Cullen
