Today the family farm spreads out over 1,000 acres of peaches, 90 acres of strawberries, 90 acres of cantaloupes, and 34 acres of blackberries, nectarines, plums and Asian pears.
Travel Journal-
A southern tradition.... just the name "Strawberry Hill" conjures up thoughts of yummy goodness. There is something for everybody, year round, to be experienced here! In the summer eating a great big drippy ice cream cone, while sitting in the rockers outside the cafe; or in the fall navigating your way through the corn maze, Strawberry Hill has a way of taking you back to the country.
The quick drive up Hwy 11 seems to take you back in time to a slower paced life. While there, one must know how to properly greet another, with a "Hey ya'll", and a handshake, a good southern grin, and a clap on the back. Where food items are usually found in a canning jar, reminiscent of what "Nanny" used to make- relishes, pickles, chow chow, and enough "butters" to make Paula Dean swoon! There is just that feel of All American goodness on this family owned farm.
We were able to catch the First Annual Peach Festival on our pitstop to Strawberry Hill. I was first impressed with the way everything seemed very family oriented, and not commercialized. We walked through the parking lot and took in all of the activites surrounding us. One could grab a peach to sample as you walked through the gates. The homespun look of the sign encouraging you to dive right in. That first bite is always the best, as the juice trickles down your elbows, the literal taste of sunshine explodes in your mouth. There is just something special about eating fresh-grown local produce that tops the cellophane wrapped offerings at the grocery store. Looking out over the fields of rows and rows of trees knowing this was grown right here gives you some sort of satisfaction that you are part of your community.
There was live music playing on a stage, rides for the kiddos (honestly priced), and vendors with their crafts for sale. We browsed through and I took notes, as I am a crafter, so I was making my own plans for what I would make. The atmosphere felt welcoming, and the lure of the icecream shop called our names! The easy part was navigating our way to the cafe, the hard part was making our selections. So many flavors to choose from, yet I decided to keep it simple-- Homemade Peach. Heck, we were AT a peach orchard, this would surely be the BEST flavor! I was not disappointed! Huge chunks of ripe peaches amidst a creamy vanilla ice cream, piled high on an old-fashioned cone was my idea of summer heaven! We sat outside and enjoyed watching people as they passed, talking to some as they came and went, watching the tractors in the fields, and eyeing the produce stand across the street. I could not wait to get over there to see what yummy stuff they had for sale, and to take some photos with the quaint decor.
We made our way to the stand, where I found an adirondack chair in the shade. I didn't make it past that invitation to "sit for a spell". I eased my way down into the seat, relaxing as I settled in. My family browsed around the shop and I simply enjoyed waiting. After my rest and relaxation, I strolled through the open air stand and took in all that was offered there. I watched others to get a feel for what everyone was thinking. I came away with one conclusion.... This event, and more importantly this pitstop was a fan favorite. Strawberry Hill was one of those places where you were surrounded by "friends" that you have just met, in a time that once was... I made my purchases, took half a dozen or more pictures, and truly left with more than what was in my bag. We had an awesome day on the farm, and was already planning our return in the fall.
