| Did you know that within the Phoenix area there are over 20 Farmer's Markets to buy fresh produce throughout the year? My friend, Elizabeth, is the demonstrating Market Chef for the market in Downtown Phoenix. She makes fantastic culinary creations with the produce offered at the market and offers samples to shoppers. Stop by and say Hi! Click here to locate markets in your area: http://www.foodconnect .org/farmers_markets/i ndex.asp |
| If you and your family are interested in taking a weekend trip to cultivate your gardening an cooking interests, check out Apple Annie's Orchard in Wilcox, Arizona. It is about a 3 hour trip from Phoenix, but there is so much to do there if you plan it right. Throughout the year, they host many festivals including a Peach Mania Festival in July and August, The Apple Harvest Celebration over Labor Day Weekend in September, and The Fall Pumpkin Celebration in September and October. They even have a Grandparents Weekend and Antique Tractor Show in September as well. They have a fantastic website so click on the picture above and it will take you directly to their site. Don't forget to check out their Harvest Calendar to plan a trip to pick your favorite fruits or vegetables. Apple Annie's Orchards, 2081 W. Hardy Rd., Wilcox, Arizona, 85643 |
| I had the privilege of finding out about Farmer Greg through a mutual friend. He has a passion, similar to mine, and that is teaching people how to grow stuff! He is even growing stuff in his own 1/3 of an acre lot in the heart of Phoenix. The pictures to the side were taken when I visited his farm during one of his tours this summer. He is growing many things at his farm, but my favorites were the grapevines, apple and peach trees, various herbs, lots of different flowers, and baby tomatoes. He even has a chicken coup in his backyard that is located not too far from his own outdoor shower. What kid wouldn't love to have a shower outside, which by the way is located next to his outdoor kitchen sink and stove. He has workshops and classes all throughout the year and offers tours to see his own farm. In the fall he will be holding several classes on how to buy and grow trees in Arizona. (I will be there!) You can take a look at his website at: www.urbarnfarms.org to learn more about Farmer Greg. |
| Last May, I took the opportunity to take my little niece, Katie, to Schnepf's Farms. She (and I) got to be Farmers for a Day. This was a fantastic program designed to teach children how food grows and to help them understand the rewards of growing your own fruits and vegetables. I must say I had sooo much fun! We planted squash and picked beets, lettuce, carrots, and onions- just to name a few. Farmer Mark, owner of the farm, gave us his devoted attention and let us "be him" for a few hours. He even taught us how to irrigate the gardens and introduced us to all his farm animal friends. Katie loves to share the story on how she got to hold the baby chick. Throughout the year, they have many activities going on, such as a Pumpkin and Chili Party in October, The Farmer for a Day progam in May and November, and they are having the Grand Opening of their new restaurant, "Fresh From the Farm" in September. Call them to find out when you can come by and pick your own produce. Schnepf's Farms 24810 S. Rittenhouse Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85242 480-987-3100 |
| To find out when you can visit them and buy or pick your own fruits and vegetables, click on their logo to the side and it will take you there. |