May is Peach Festival time in Arizona. Queen Creek, Arizona, just south of Phoenix, is a destination for foodies and anyone who would enjoy a day in a rural setting.
Peach Festival
For two weekends in May, Schnepf Farms goes all out for a big Peach Festival in a small-town country way. We enjoyed the festival and sampled tons of peachy delights.
This free festival (free parking too) is great family fun. Enjoy their small train, treat the pre-schoolers to pony rides and ride the tractor-drawn hay ride out into the orchard to pick your own peaches.
Arrive in the morning for a sumptuous Peach pancake breakfast cooked over an open fire grill Listen to live music as you relax at a shaded picnic table. Shop in the country store and bakery for peach pies and amazing
peach cinnamon rolls.
We especially enjoyed the tasting tent and sampled the latest in peach salsas, peach spreads and apricot butter. You’ll leave with at least a jar or two. We did!
Schnepf Farms History
Ray and Thora Schnepf moved to the desert community of what was then, Rittenhouse and cleared the desert in hopes of planting row crops. It was an agricultural area then. When they planted corn, visitors would stop by and ask if they could pick a few ears. In the 1990’s over 200 acres were opened for u-pick activities and the family sold produce at a road-side stand.
A 4-H Festival was held on the farm and the festival business grew. The Schnepf’s kept adding attractions and buildings for guests and Schnepf Farms became a destination in the south valley of Phoenix. Now Schnepf Farms is a very welcome sight in this growing suburban area.
Schnepf Farms is Fun Any Time
It’s quieter at Schnepf Farms on non-festival days. The farm and shop is open Wednesdays through Sundays 8 am to 4 pm. The bakery has a nice outdoor eating area for items purchased at the store.
Watch the farm website for times when you can pick peaches and apricots. They even offer a u-pick organic garden. Periodically, special events are offered.
No matter when you visit the farm, be sure and print out the directions from their website. This growing suburban area has re-routed some of the previously country roads.
When You Go
Schnepf Farms
Address: 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek
Open: September through June Only
Website
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose
