2024 Lexington and north-central Kentucky Pear U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pear U-Pick orchards in Lexington and north-central Kentucky in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards for pears that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have pears orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Owen County

• Ayres Family Orchard - apples, blackberries, grapes, pears, peaches, persimmons, plums, Other fruit or veg, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  525 Wilson Lane, Moterey, KY 40359. Phone: 502-514-1594. Email: ayresapples@att.net. Open: Monday to Friday 8 am to 8, Saturday 8 am to 8, Closed Sunday. Directions: 18 Miles North of Frankfort Ky on US 127. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, WIC Vouchers. . Alternate Phone: 402-484-5236. .

Scott County

• Evans Orchard and Cider Mill - apples, strawberries, blueberries, flowers, pears, pumpkins, U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  180 Stone Road, Georgetown, KY 40324. Phone: 502-863-2255. Email: info@evansorchard.com. Open: Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30am to 6 pm, Sundays from 12 pm to 6 pm; If you are coming out for a particular variety, please call ahead to see if they are ripe. Directions: From Lexington: Take Newtown Pike \(922\) North eight miles from the I-75 overpass. Take a right on Stone Road. Evans Orchard is the third drive on the left \(approximately 1,000 feet\). From Georgetown or I-75 North: take Exit 126 and turn right off of exit. Go to US 460 and turn Left going East on US 460. Travel 3 miles and turn right onto Newtown Pike \(Route 922\) at the caution lights. Go one mile and turn Left onto Stone Road Evans Orchard is the third drive on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . . From Lexington: Take Newtown Pike (922) North eight miles from the I-75 overpass. Take a right on Stone Road. Evans Orchard is the third drive on the left (approximately 1,000 feet). From Georgetown or I-75 North: take Exit 126 and turn right off of exit. Go to US 460 and turn Left going East on US 460. Travel 3 miles and turn right onto Newtown Pike (Route 922) at the caution lights. Go one mile and turn Left onto Stone Road Evans Orchard is the third drive on the left. Pick-Your-Own Apples, Pears, Strawberries and Blueberries. At Evans Orchard, we grow over 20 different varieties of gourmet apples along with several varieties of delicious pears and blueberries. Fresh vegetables all spring and summer, peaches, apples and pumpkins in the fall, Bushels of Family Fun all year long in our playland and petting zoo! Festivals include: Sweet Corn Festival third Saturday in July, Apple picking usually starts second weekend in September and Harvest Festival beginning the third weekend in September and continuing through the end of October. Come explore all we have to offer at Evans Orchard!. (UPDATED: June 28, 2012, by a visitor)

Washington County

Woodford County

• Eckert's Versailles Orchard (Formerly Boyd Orchards) - apples, blackberries, grapes, pears, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, black), U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  1396 Pinckard Pike, Versailles, KY 40383. Phone: 859-873-3097. Email: boydorchards@hotmail.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Eckert's Versailles Orchard (Formerly Boyd Orchards) Facebook page. . . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Strawberries usually begion around Mid- May. Please feel free to check back on the website or call the Orchard for more information. Offers pick-your-own crops including strawberries, peaches, apples, and pumpkins that are available May through late October. Versailles Orchard Bonfire Sites & Haunted Hayrides are a fun evening with your group! The perfect outing for church groups, sports teams, friends and family gatherings. Enjoy pig races, a corn maze, haunted hayrides and more at Eckert's Versailles Farm. Discover a full list of fun things to do at Eckert's. We offer school tours and field trips during apple picking and pumpkin picking seasons at our Eckert's Country Store & Farms in Versailles, Kentucky. Book your school field trip today. Our Country Store is simple and offers the kind of homemade goodies that make your mouth water. Yes, we have fresh-baked pies in apple, pumpkin and other flavors. You can also find jams, jellies, salsa and a variety of treats to enjoy with family and friends. And don't forget about our famous apple cider donuts! s! U-Pick Apples and Pumpkins available!. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, WIC Vouchers. Unforgettable Playgrounds and Slides. NEW for 2011: TREE HOUSE!. (UPDATED: September 25, 2019, JBS)
• Wildside Winery - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blackberries, blueberries, table grapes (with seeds), wine grapes, Asian pears, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, group reservations
  5500 Troy Pike, Versailles, KY 40383. Phone: (859) 879-3982. Email: elishaannholt@gmail.com. Open: Tuesday to Saturday from 12 pm to 7 pm Sunday 1 pm to 5 OM; Additional hours for events. Directions: 5 miles south of Versailles on highway 33. From Lexington, take Versailles Road \(60\) west, exit right onto the Bluegrass Parkway, take the first exit#68 which is highway 33, take it left \(south\)3.5 miles. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, PayPal, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Wildside Winery Facebook page. . . 5 miles south of Versailles on highway 33. From Lexington, take Versailles Road (60) west, exit right onto the Bluegrass Parkway, take the first exit#68 which is highway 33, take it left (south)3.5 miles. Blueberries in June, Blackberries in July, Apples, pears, grapes in Aug-October Call;. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. (UPDATED: July 20, 2020)

 

pear Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

pears, also known as serviceberries or Juneberries, are delicious and nutritious berries native to North America, mostly in the western Canada and northwestern U.S. . These small blue-purple berries grow on shrubs or small trees and have a unique flavor that is often described as a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and almonds. Here's what you need to know about pears, how to use them, when to harvest them, and how to do it:

Flavor and Uses:

pears have a pleasantly sweet and slightly tart taste, making them a versatile ingredient in various culinary creations. They can be enjoyed fresh, added to fruit salads, used in baked goods such as pies, muffins, and tarts, or even incorporated into jams, jellies, and sauces. pear berries also freeze well. They can be substituted for blueberries in recipes.

If you're looking for great, easy to follow recipes to make jam, jelly, freeze or make pear pie from Saksatoons / Juneberries, see these pages:

• How to make pear jam
• How to freeze pears
• World's best and easiest pear pie
• How to Can pears
• How to make pear jelly
• How to make and can pear syrup
• How to make home-canned pear pie filling to use later
• pear buckle coffee cake: illustrated directions for this great crumb-topping pear coffee cake

Harvesting Season:

The exact timing of pear berry harvest can vary depending on your location and climate, but it generally occurs in the summer months. In most regions, you can expect to start harvesting pears from late June to early August. Keep an eye on the berries as they ripen to determine the best time for harvesting.

Determining Ripeness:

Ripe pear berries are plump, firm, and have a deep purple-blue color. They should come off the plant easily when gently pulled or twisted. Look for berries that have a uniform color and avoid those that are still green or red. Taste a few berries to ensure they have reached the desired sweetness before harvesting the entire crop.

How to pick or harvest:

To harvest pear berries, simply hold the branch beneath the cluster of ripe berries and gently pluck them off with your fingers. It's best to place a container or basket beneath the branch to catch the berries as they fall.

The easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them with your fingers.  The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.

Be careful not to squeeze or crush the berries while harvesting to maintain their shape and quality.

Handling and Storage:

Handle pear berries with care as they are delicate and can bruise easily. After harvesting, sort through the berries and remove any damaged or overripe ones. Store the freshly picked berries in a shallow container, preferably in a single layer, to prevent crushing and allow for proper airflow. Refrigerate the berries and consume them within a few days for optimal freshness. If you have an abundant harvest, consider freezing the berries for longer-term storage.

• Once picked, don't place the berries, still warm from the sun, in a closed bag or container. Leave the container open so moisture doesn't form in the container.
• Don't wash berries until just before using, to prevent berries from becoming mushy.
• Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life. Store your fresh pears in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked pears will keep 10 to 14 days.
• Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep the skins from toughening.  Place berries one layer deep. Freeze, then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed pears freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries in cold water.

 

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers