U-Pick Farms and Farmer's Markets in Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon is home to Harry and David, one of the country's premiere companies for gourmet produce. During the tour, families can visit the local pear orchards, sample fruit, and see the production floors where produce is packaged (as well as gift baskets and truffles). My kids love the samples at the country market. Nearby, several other fruit stands offer local produce, and on Thursdays, the Medford Farmer's Market is adjacent.

Located in the countryside outside of Medford, OR, Sugar Plum Acres is one of our favorites for local peaches. In the later fall months, they also have other local produce from their own and neighboring farms. Call ahead for current hours; this is a home as well as a business, which is part of its charm.

We love picking apples and peaches at Valley View, situated above the town of Ashland in the beautiful Rogue Valley. The picking season starts at the beginning of August; for the best pick, ask to be on their email list for in-the-season updates.

For blackberry picking, Vaughn's can't be beat (unless you just scope out your own roadside spot!). Berries can be picked by mid-August until well into the fall. They're only $1 per quart, and after you've done the hard part, pears are only 25 cents/pound...and much easier to pick!

Seven Oaks is a full farmer's fruit and produce market with local fare, and in the later fall, it hosts a great fall festival on the weekends. In the early fall, pick up apples, pears, and peaches, as well as many locally made jams and jellies.