First Stop on the Fruit Highway: Pettingill's

I am a bit late in the season, but I wanted to share a stop I have been making this summer.

Not far north of Ogden on Highway 89, is a local fruit stand- Pettingill's Fruit Farm. It is the first fruit stand on the "Fruit Highway". The orchards surround the stand and you can often see farm hands out picking the peaches, apples, or plums. Must of the time there is a trailer completely full with bushels for you to pick from. From now until the end of their season (Halloween) you can pick from pumpkins, apples, and probably a few other items.

I mostly pick up fruit from Pettingill's even though they also have some veggies. I got a half flat of raspberries early in the season. I ate as many as I froze. Also their peaches and apples taste like you are eating them straight from the tree. Most people have bushels of fruit in the carts, however by the pound is also available. One thing that I pretty sure on due to the quality of their fruit is that they spray the fruit. That would mean that although local, there is a lack of organic.
There are also some fruits like limes and lemons that you can pick up there, just note they are not from the orchards next to the stand.

Parking can be a bit tight at Pettingill's because it truly is right off the road. It can be tricky to also get back on the road. However there is usually at least 1 spot you can find.

Pettingill's also has a Shake Shop within the stand. It is currently closed for the season, but during its time provides multiple fresh favors of shakes and tables to enjoy them at. They use Farr's Ice Cream as the base. I haven't even eaten a shake, but envied those eating them on my mid-day stops. The Shake Shop is something unique to Pettingill's. I believe I remember seeing hot dogs on the menu when it was open.

Not only is there farm fresh fruit, but you can find local Utah honey. This honey can be found in many favors and sizes. Also Pettingill's has their own section of canned items. I can't tell you what exactly you will find there but I am sure it is some good stuff.

You can find Pettingill's Fruit Farm at 8815 S Hwy 89, Willard, UT. If you would like to know what will be in season when you visit, Like them on Facebook. Visit Pettingill's until Halloween this 2011 season. 


(Note on photos: used my iPhone and I didn't ask staff for permission:). )  

Middle of Ogden Fruit Stand: Carlo's Produce

I haven't been getting Bountiful baskets, due to my schedule, site being full, or just wanting to get exactly what I need (not what I end up with). After Memorial Day weekend our fridge was empty and in major need of some fruits and veggies. I stopped by Carlo's Produce in Ogden. It is conveniently close to downtown (Washington and 30th street) unlike other fruit stands which are a bit farther out of town. (Closer to the fields)
When you first walk into Carlo's it feels like a farmer's market. The fruits and vegetables are set up in a neat order, usually within categories that makes sense. However don't let this fool you into thinking that everything is local. I have noticed that more is from the USA compare to a grocery store, but in no way is it all local. When local produce is in season, it is clearly marked as a Utah product.
 
The prices are similar to the grocery store, some items might be a bit more but some a bit less. For example, I bought an extremely large cucumber for 50 cents, at Smith's I saw them for 48 cents. I bought green grapes at Carlo's for $1.98 a pound (from Mexico), which were about a dollar more in the store. Navel oranges were half the price. ($.48 at Carlo's compare to $.99 at Smith's). At Carlo's there are a few items, not usually found in other stores. Need any Cactus, Yucca, or chayote squash? Carlo's has it. One down side may be the lack of an organic section at Carlo's.  I am sure there is not the demand for organic, but more a demand for more reasonable prices.

I have only been to Carlo's a handful of times. Each time the staff is friendly and more than willing to answer any of questions. They probably won't approach to ask you if you need help, but are around and great when asked.
Each time I have been very pleased with my produce. Things are fresh and ripe but not over ripe. Also when stored correctly my veggies and fruits last until I need them.
One silly side note is that my dog enjoys waiting in the car at Carlo's because he can watch me shop the majority of the time. It makes me smile to look over and see him sitting in the front seat watching me.

I recommend Carlo's Produce when you need a lot of fruit or vegetables or even just a couple of items. I am looking forward to scoring some local corn at a great price when the season comes.

(Note on photos: used my iPhone and I didn't ask staff for permission:). )

Modern Day Milk Man Delivery-Winder Farms

Winder Farms is a grocery deliver service that promises "100% Quality Guaranteed". They also call themselves "Your Farmer's Market on Wheels".

I have heard of them often during my months in Utah. They have advertisements in coupon mailings, a booth at the farmer's market, and also sales on the side of the road. Winder Farms milks are also available in some grocery stores. It was not until a LivingSocial deal of $55 of groceries for $20, did I commit. When I went to place my order frustration began. All I saw where fees: New Customer Setup Fee, Delivery Fee, Start-up Fee, Cooler Fee. But it wasn't until I had gone through a lot of products, that I discovered the Terms and Conditions. Where yet another fee awaited me. If you cancel before 24 deliveries there is a fee, if I remember it was about $35. That was when I just closed the browser window and went about my day.

I had pretty much forgotten about, figured I lost my $20 bucks. Then a few days later I received a phone call from Winder Farms customer service. The nicest lady wanted to help me complete my order. I explained my concern, and she assured me that I had purchased the deal that was a trial offer, in which many of the fees were included and I would not be charged if I only did the one trial deliver. I call her back a few days later to set up my account (I still received a $15 New Customer Setup Fee plus some amount for the cooler). She was just a helpful as before and gave me many ideas of what to try.

My deliver day came and everything is guaranteed to be delivered before 8am. I found the cooler on my door step, Hayden was curious what was out there (look in the window). Inside was each item that I selected from the website.

I ordered many dairy products, because Winder Farms was originally Winder Dairy. The milk is fresh and tastes a bit richer than regular store bought. I also got chocolate milk, strawberry milk, butter, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. I was a bit disappointed that the meat and pasta were frozen. The bread is from Paradise Bakery. My favorite thing I ordered was the strawberry lemonade. I also ordered some orange juice and eggs.

Overall the products are fresh and good. I didn't get produce simply because I didn't need any at the time I placed my order. I think that Winder Farms would be a good solution from something that can't make it to the grocery store. Perhaps if you are having a baby or a surgery that would keep you home, with limited help. Just be aware of the fees, some that you might not even notice at first. If you want to give the service a try, keep a look out for coupons, as they seems to pop up all around. Winder Farms truly was a modern day milk man.