Best fruit stands Near Chelan, Leavenworth, and Wenatchee

Where to pick fresh fruit, produce, and specialty foods

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Mid-spring through summer make Wenatchee area famous for its bounty of fresh fruit and vegetables. What better way to experience the sweet flavors of summer, than straight from a local fruit stand - usually owned by their on-site growers? Wenatchee has plenty, so I will divide them up by direction of travel.

Driving towards Chelan, on the east side of the river containing Rocky Reach Dam Visitor Center and Entiat (Highway 97-A): Stemilt fruit is one of Wenatchee's largest fruit groups, and you can visit them just north of town in the packing warehouse district - a storefront attached ensures the best fruits can be procured here. Homestead Fruit Stand is about a ten minute drive from Wenatchee towards Chelan - it is near a beautiful orchard overlooking the Columbia River. Of course in town Chelan has dozens of different fruit stands and co-operatives from Apple Country U-Pick to Manson Growers co-op and warehouse.

Driving towards Chelan, on the west side of the river containing Lincoln Rock State Park and Daroga State Park: Estes fruit stand is about ten minutes north of East Wenatchee along the highway. First fruits is fairly new and farmer owned - they also offer prepared foods, shakes, etc. Auvil Fruit company has an actual storefront in downtown Wenatchee at Pybus Public Market, but you will see their orchards and packing house across from Daroga State park. B&B; Fruit stand between Lincoln Rock State Park and Wenatchee. Orondo cider works is a big red building with a barn appearance, selling premium pressed apples as sweet and hard ciders - they also offer food and tours.

Driving towards Leavenworth, on highway 97 and highway 2: Eagle Rock Fruit stand is a family favorite of ours, between Wenatchee and Cashmere - they have freshly delicious local food in stock as it is in season. Midway from Wenatchee and Leavenworth, Smallwood's farm is a full day visit in itself, offering local produce, canned goods, boxed and prepared food, dairy products and much more with a petting zoo, rides and activities. Prey's fruit barn just a few minutes before Leavenworth and has a picnic area to enjoy juicy fruits on the spot. Miller Orchards, Smithson Ranch, and Mill Creek are a few at the base of Blewett pass all with a little something different.

Driving towards Quincy, on highway 28: White Trail Produce just before Quincy - a large barn style building offers wine and shakes in addition to fresh, sustainable agriculture based produce. Another market just before you connect with I-90 towards Spokane is called Sage - an artisan specialty shop with great corn and asparagus; across from the Midway Mini-Mart and gas station.

These are just a few ideas to get you started - Wenatchee has as many lovely fruit stands as it has varieties of fruit. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled next time you drive into town.

Marshall Tramp, CHA, HOST - General Manager