Get Peachy! Calhoun County Peaches Are Ready
Peach cobbler, peach tart, peach tea, peach ice cream, peach jam whatever the craving, the juiciest peaches to eat are Calhoun County’s.
Calhoun County is famous for its tree-ripened peaches and once you take a nice juicy bite you will understand.
Odelehr’s Peaches
Calhoun County is situated between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, creating a micro climate that helps peach trees thrive. During the summer there are many vendors and farmers that offer roadside peaches or market peaches.
The Alton Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market provides a spot for farmers to sell their delicious peaches on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings on Alton's riverfront. Peach season is relatively brief and runs from July to early September, so get them while you can!
Odelehr’s has been practicing safety measures to help keep the spread of germs down by asking for everyone to wear masks and to not touch the produce. Right now, they have homemade ice cream fresh from their newly picked peaches.
“The rolling hills, dirt, and how close we are to the river makes our peaches so much more delicious than any average peach,” said Sandy Odeleher. Now you can put it to the test.
Hagen’s Peach Ice Cream And Sorbet
Right by Brussels is Jacob’s Orchard and Farm where you can stop by and get a variety of peaches and jams made fresh from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Just three miles from the Brussels free ferry is the Hagen Family Orchard which is a family owned farm that has been in business for over 80 years. They have perfected their harvesting skills and can assure that their peaches are spectacular.
Eckert’s Country Store And Farm
Don't miss the popular Eckert’s Country Store and Farm in Grafton and Belleville. Eckert’s is a great place to experience a very interesting and fun way to buy and pick your own peaches. Visit their website for information on selecting, buying and storing your peaches.
Pearson’s Produce
Another vender offering mouth-watering peaches from Calhoun County is Godfrey’s Pearson’s Produce. Pearson’s has a large amount of fresh produce but they just recently, within the past few years, started selling Calhoun peaches. They are located right off of interstate 255 which could be an easy drive for anyone craving those specially grown peaches.
There are many different spots that offer these delicious peaches and once you try one of Calhoun County’s peaches you will never go back. So get out, buy some and be sure to enjoy that first juicy bite of a famous Calhoun County peach!
Calhoun County Peach Growers And Sellers
Eckert’s Country Store & Farms
The quaint comfort of picking a ripe peach off a limb on a warm, breezy summer day isn't distinct to Georgia -- that experience can be had right here in Grafton!
Eckert's Country Store & Farms, high up on the bluffs along the Mississippi River in Jersey County, specializes in hand-picked peaches and blackberries in the summer, and apples and pumpkins when the fall air turns crisp. The Grafton Country Store offers guest favorites, including Eckert’s fresh produce, apple cider, apple and pumpkin butter, honey, Amish salsas, jams and jellies and limited bakery treats from their Belleville bakery department.
During late September and October, entertainment is offered during the weekends and includes carnival rides, pony and camel rides, the Golden Goat Bridge, a petting farm and miniature golf. Special fall activities include: Teacher Appreciation Weekend, Applefest every weekend in September, and Pumpkin Jamboree every weekend in October. There is no admission charge to enter the farm.
Hagen Family Orchard
Experience one of sweetest destinations in Calhoun County, Illinois, since 1937. Just 3 miles from the Brussels Free Ferry, Hagen's Orchard offers peaches, apples and pumpkins. Open from July 1 through October 31, this family-owned venture takes pride in the seasonal deliciousness of its fruits.
In September and October at the orchard, the u-pick pumpkins and apples are popular with locals and visitors alike. Pre-picked pumpkins and apples are also available for purchase. On Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy homemade peach (in season) or apple (in season) dumplings with ice cream.
Find the best in homemade fruit pies with homemade crust at Hagen's. Order your favorites ahead by calling 618-883-2385 and then picking up your order at the orchard.
Krueger’s Orchard
Bountiful seasonal delights await at Krueger's. Delicious produce, fruits and even Christmas trees are available in season. Spring is the time for fresh asparagus. Mid-July through October 31 brings juicy peaches, melons, tomatoes, sweet corn and other garden goodies. Pumpkins, gourds and autumn decorations are ready in fall.
This orchard also welcomes students, teachers and staff for school field trips. Call 618-466-3576 for details.
After Thanksgiving, U-cut Christmas trees usher in the holidays.
Odelehr’s Roadside Market
Open year round, Odelehr's offers fresh strawberries and blueberries; red, black and yellow raspberries; peaches, apples and tomatoes in season; and garden produce in summer.
In fall, find more than 100 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash from which to choose, as well as apple cider, mums, Indian corn. With over 30 acres of pumpkins, discover white, yellow and even blue pumpkins along with the traditional orange.
Pick up flowering bedding plants and hanging baskets to add summer color accents for home decor. Enjoy summer's bounty anytime with homemade peach, pineapple, apple and tomato salsas. Be sure to get some homemade beer horseradish mustard, which makes a great gift, too. And check out the large selection of jarred and canned foods.
Pearson’s Produce and Ice Cream
Summer and fall vegetables, as well as peaches, melons, tomatoes, sweet corn and pumpkins can be found at Pearson's Produce!
About the Author
Cailyn Tegel