Lots of Tucsonans make the trip to Willcox each fall to visit Apple Annie's for apple-picking, but did you know that the orchard produces peaches each summer? Peach Mania is in full swing right now, and will continue through August 19th.
My family made the trip to Apple Annie's last weekend. While we weren't early enough to enjoy the all-you-can-eat peach pancakes (Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 to 10:30 AM), we did manage to get our hands on some of the freshest, most juicy peaches this side of Georgia. After picking up our bucket, we boarded the free wagon ride and headed out to pasture, er orchard. During our visit, there was no shortage of peaches ripe for the picking; even our five-year-old could reach fruit on the trees. We carefully chose about 8 pounds of fruit and gladly paid $1.59 per pound.
Concerned that all that peach pickin' might work up an appetite? Not to worry; Apple Annie's serves apple-smoked hamburger, veggie burgers, and chicken sandwiches from 11:30am until 3:00pm. An adult meal including burger, cowboy beans, chips, and a beverage is just $7.99. You can also enjoy a slice of peach pie a la mode if you're so inclined.
Before heading home, we stopped at Apple Annie's Produce and Pumpkins for a dozen ears of fresh sweet corn. The artisan honey for sale tempted us and we bought a jar of that, too. Also available were: green bell peppers, chili peppers, eggplant, summer squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, and tomatoes.
If you're looking for something to do this weekend, I highly recommend a visit to Apple Annie's for Peach Mania. If the juicy peaches aren't reason enough to go, maybe the cooler temperatures of Willcox are. In describing our experience at Apple Annie's, my five-year-old son said it best when he said, "This was a great day!"
