By Gail Tansill Lambert
I know, I know. Georgia is the Peach State and South Carolina has that colossal peach water tower beside I-85 in Gaffney, but peaches grown in the mountains of southwest Virginia are just coming in and the harvest is “monstrous,” according to a local peach farmer. Stung by drought and spring frosts the past few years, this year’s crop received just the right amount of sunshine and rainfall to produce a sensational banner crop.
The Star City celebrates this stellar gift of Mother Nature Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1, at Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke. On the menu are peach cobbler, peach milkshakes and peach shortcakes with live music performing on the amphitheatre stage. Proceeds benefit the Northwest Child Development Center.
At the peak of this bountiful peach season, you’ll want to carry home a sack of peaches from the Historic Roanoke City Market, the oldest continuously operating outdoor farmer’s market in Virginia, just a short walk from Elmwood Park.
You may also head to Daleville in Botetourt County just north of Roanoke on 220 to Layman Orchard & Produce at 50 Layman Brothers Lane. More peaches are available beside the post office in Daleville. Peaks of Otter Winery in Bedford has nectarines this last week in July with peaches expected to ripen the first week in August. These higher altitude peaches have a slightly later season than the valley orchards, but you can always buy a bottle of peach wine!
For more Peach Festival information call Downtown Roanoke Inc. at (540) 342-0233.