Discovering Peach Season in the Texas Hill Country
When most people think of peaches, Georgia often springs to mind as the peach capital of the United States. However, those in the know celebrate another peach haven: the Texas Hill Country. This picturesque region that we're proud to call home is renowned for its exceptionally sweet and flavorful peaches. As peach season arrives, from May to September, the Hill Country transforms into a vibrant celebration of this beloved fruit, drawing visitors eager to experience its unique charm and agricultural bounty. When you stay with us at Hotel Giles this summer, head to our Hill Country orchards for a taste of our famously sweet peaches.
The tradition of peach growing in the Texas Hill Country dates back to the 19th century when German immigrants recognized the region’s potential for agriculture. These settlers planted orchards that have flourished over the decades, laying the foundation for a thriving industry. Today, the Hill Country’s warm days, cool nights and fertile soil create the ideal conditions for cultivating a variety of peach cultivars such as June Gold, Redskin and Loring, each bringing its own burst of flavor and ripening at different times throughout the season.
Visiting the Texas Hill Country during peach season offers a unique agritourism experience. Many local orchards open their gates to the public, inviting guests to participate in pick-your-own activities. Two of them are Jenschke Orchards and Wahl Peaches. Strolling through rows of trees laden with ripe, juicy peaches, visitors can handpick their own baskets of fruit, relishing the fresh aroma and the satisfaction of harvesting their own produce.
Other orchards in nearby Fredericksburg and Stonewall have markets and roadside stands that are bustling with fresh peaches during the season. These markets are not only great places to buy fruit but also hubs for discovering homemade peach products like jams, jellies and salsas. Some markets are more extravagant, like Das Peach Haus with its beautiful views of orchards and a pond, light bites and bakery items, cooking classes, wine tastings, and seasonal live music when the weather permits. Or stop at more modest yet equally delicious farm stores like Harvest Hill, Vogel Orchard, Studebaker Farms and Burg's Corner, to name a few.
If you truly want to celebrate Hill Country peaches, then don't miss the annual Stonewall Peach JAMboree and Rodeo. The 63rd annual event is slated for June 21-22, 2024. The two-day event on the grounds of the Stonewall Chamber begins with a rodeo and dance on Friday night and ends with a rodeo and dance on Saturday night. As you might guess, the festival features plenty of peach-themed activities such as a peach-eating contest, a parade and baking competitions. Plus, there's live music and plenty of peachy deliciousness — from peach ice cream to peach cobbler, plus barbecue and carnival fare.
Peach season in the Texas Hill Country is a time of joyous celebration, honoring the region’s agricultural heritage and vibrant community spirit. Whether you’re picking peaches straight from the orchard, enjoying a lively festival or indulging in a homemade peach dessert, this season offers a unique and delicious taste of Texas. Plan your visit to Hotel Giles in the heart of the Hill Country and experience the sweet, flavorful magic of peach season for yourself.
