It’s fall and now is the time to load up on fresh, just-picked-from-the-tree fruit. Load the family into the SUV and head out to the Fresno Fruit Trail to experience a day of family fun and great deals on fresh, healthy fruit.
The best part of driving the Fresno Fruit Trail is the people you meet along the way. Most of these farm stands have been run by the same family for generations. It truly is a celebration of family fun. This is a great way to buy fruit directly from the farmers and support family farming.
The Fresno Fruit Trail
The Fresno County Fruit Trail, which is really the Fresno County Fruit and Vegetable Trail, is a self-guided tour through California’s agriculture heartland. The Fruit Trail celebrates the beauty, flavor and culture of this region. Enjoy orchards full of ripe fruit bursting with the flavors of California-grown fruit from the leading agricultural county in the world. The farm stands usually offer numerous fresh vegetables as well during this time of year.
Don’t miss attractions
Simonian Farms, a 1901 fruit stand run by the Simonian family for four generations. Its massive red barn encloses a model Western town complete with saloon, church, barber shop and schoolhouse. Wander through the collection of vintage tractors, restored gasoline pumps and antique balloon-tire bikes.
Hillcrest Farm offers a miniature steam train ride around the farm’s peach and plum orchards. The owners design and build their own fanciful locomotives, train cars and track.
Where to stop
Simonian Farms
2629 S. Clovis Ave., Fresno
This farm stand offers fruits and vegetables, as well as one of the largest selections of dried fruit and nuts in the valley. It also offers family fun with Fresno’s newest attraction, Simonian Farms Old Town, a Western-themed town in a 5,000-square-foot barn that includes an Old West wine-tasting saloon, a Route 66 shooting gallery and general store. It showcases antiques and memorabilia. Great food, historic charm, ample parking and clean public restrooms make this a favorite stop for locals and tourists from around the world.
Hillcrest Farm
6943 S. Reed, Reedley
Info www.hillcrestreedley.com
This is the season to visit the pumpkin patch. Open weekends now through Oct. 27 you can ride the steam train around the farm or take a hay ride. Hot food, snow cones, nature trail and play house areas are available. During the winter months, the farm is also a Christmas Tree farm.
Hudson Farms Fruit Stand
4300 S. Academy Ave., Sanger
Info www.hudsonfarmssanger.com
This family farm features tree-ripened, fresh-picked peaches, plums and nectarines as well as vine-ripened tomatoes, Armenian cucumbers, seasonal vegetables and ornamental cut flowers. This on-farm stand also offers recipes and educational information about Fresno County agriculture.
Circle K Ranch
8640 E. Manning Ave., Selma
Info www.circlekranch.com
See tree fruit orchards of peaches, plums, nectarines and grape vineyards, along with a packing house. The Country Store offers fresh fruit with a large selection of gift baskets and trays of California-grown jumbo raisins, almonds, walnuts, pistachios and dried fruit. Free tasting daily. Shade trees, picnic tables and beverages are also available.
Berry Lady Farm Store
39771 Road 28, Kingsburg
This family berry farm offers freshly picked blueberries, blackberries and Ruby boysenberries, as well as homemade jams, baked goods and gift items.
Friesen Family Farms
15496 E. Saginaw Ave., Kingsburg
Info www.friesenfamilyfarms.com
Enjoy the freshest fruit available on this small family farm with a packing shed and fruit stand on site. They feature peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots. Fruit is picked and packed daily. The farm has been featured on the television program “Road Trip with Huell Howser,” episode 151.
Blossom Trail Fruit Stand
Highway 180 and Reed Avenue, Sanger
Info www.prima.com
The Blossom Trail Fruit Stand sells locally grown produce from Gerawan Farms. Enjoy farm fresh peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, dried fruit and nuts.
Wawona’s Peach Tree Fruit Stand
1265 N. Minnewawa Ave., Clovis
Info www.wawona.com
The Peach Tree Fruit Stand sells fresh, locally grown fruit; specializing in peaches and peach products. Owned and operated by the Smittcamp Family for more than 60 years, the Peach Tree is a local favorite. Samples of all items are always available.
To view a map of the Fresno Fruit Trail: www.gofruittrail.com/FruitTrailMapView.htm
For information on the Fresno Fruit Trail: www.gofruittrail.com
