Nothing says summer in South Carolina quite like a perfectly ripe, juicy peach. Show your “ap(peach)iation” on National Eat a Peach Day! Celebrated on August 27, this fun food holiday is the perfect excuse to enjoy one of the Palmetto State’s most beloved fruits—and to seek out fresh peaches grown right here in the Lake Murray Country region.
South Carolina is one of the nation’s top peach-producing states, and the fertile Ridge region around Saluda, Lexington and Edgefield counties is home to several family-owned peach farms. Whether you’re looking for fresh peaches to eat straight from the basket, ingredients for a homemade cobbler or salsa, or a sweet peach treat to enjoy on a summer day, there are plenty of ways to get your peach fix.
Celebrate National Eat a Peach Day With a South Carolina Peach
National Eat a Peach Day falls on Thursday, August 27, 2026, making it the perfect time to celebrate South Carolina’s peach-growing heritage.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with eating a fresh peach right over the kitchen sink. But if you’re looking to get creative, peaches are incredibly versatile. Try them in a homemade pie, cobbler, jam, salad or salsa, or blend them into a refreshing smoothie.
For a fresh and flavorful option, try this Fresh Peach Salsa recipe from Watsonia Farms. Looking for something cool and refreshing? Titan Farms’ Peach Smoothie recipe is another delicious way to enjoy the season.
Fun Facts About South Carolina Peaches
Think you know peaches? Here are a few fun facts to share while enjoying your next one:
South Carolina grew the world’s heaviest peach
The world’s heaviest peach weighed 1.81 pounds and was grown in South Carolina in 1989, according to Guinness World Records.
South Carolina is a major peach-growing state
South Carolina has a long history of peach production, particularly in the state’s Ridge region. The area around Ridge Spring, Monetta and Johnston is known for its peach orchards and fertile agricultural land.
Peaches are packed with nutrients
Peaches are naturally low in calories and provide nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and fiber. They also contain antioxidants, making them a tasty addition to a balanced diet.
That fuzzy skin has a name
The soft, fuzzy coating on a peach is called pubescence. Beyond giving peaches their distinctive texture, the fuzz helps protect the fruit.
Peach season is a South Carolina summer tradition
South Carolina peach season generally runs from spring into late summer, depending on the variety and growing conditions. At Titan Farms, the height of peach picking season typically falls in July and August, while Cotton Hope Farms notes a season running from early May through early September.
Where to Buy Fresh Peaches Near Lake Murray
If you’re searching for fresh peaches near Columbia, Lexington or Lake Murray, several local farms and roadside stands make it easy to take home South Carolina-grown peaches.
Watsonia Farms
3771 Hwy. 23 | Monetta, SC 29105
Pond Branch Road (I-20 Exit 44) | Gilbert, SC 29054
A fourth-generation family farm, Watsonia Farms has been growing in South Carolina for more than 100 years. The farm is known for its peaches and other fresh produce, including certified organic offerings.
Stop by Peaches n’ Such to pick up fresh peaches and other seasonal favorites. Watsonia’s peaches are great for eating fresh, baking, cooking, canning and freezing—and if you’re looking for an especially sweet treat, keep an eye out for their homemade peach ice cream.
Cotton Hope Farms
202 Farm View Road | Batesburg, SC 29006
With more than a century of family farming in South Carolina, Cotton Hope Farms specializes in peaches and grows approximately 30 varieties on 1,400 acres. The farm’s peach season typically stretches from early May through early September.
You can also find Cotton Hope peaches at several roadside stands throughout the Lake Murray Country area:
- 1757 N. Lake Drive | Lexington, SC
- 667 Highway 378 | Lexington, SC
- 3807 Augusta Highway | Gilbert, SC
The Lexington location on North Lake Drive is particularly convenient if you’re exploring the Lake Murray Dam area.
Titan Farms
5 R.W. DuBose Road | Ridge Spring, SC 29129
Located in Ridge Spring, Titan Farms is one of the largest peach growers in the Southeast, with more than 6,000 acres of farmland. The family-owned operation grows more than 60 peach varieties and reaches the height of its peach-picking season during July and August.
For visitors looking to purchase Titan Farms peaches locally, look for their Sara’s Fresh Market locations. Titan Farms also offers South Carolina peach gift boxes for those who want to send a taste of summer to friends and family.
Dixie Belle Peaches
500 East Main Street | Ridge Spring, SC 29129
Located in the heart of South Carolina’s peach-growing region, Dixie Belle Peaches is a fourth-generation family farm with orchards across Edgefield, Saluda and Orangeburg counties. The farm grows approximately 3,000 acres of peaches and also produces strawberries and other seasonal crops.
In addition to fresh peaches, Dixie Belle offers a variety of peach-inspired products, including preserves, ciders, barbecue sauces and dressings.
Make a Peach-Filled Day Trip
If you’re visiting the Lake Murray Country region during peach season, stopping at a local farm stand is an easy way to experience a taste of South Carolina agriculture.
Pair a peach stop with a day exploring Lake Murray, a drive through the countryside surrounding Lexington and Saluda counties, or a visit to one of the region’s many local restaurants and attractions. You can even pick up a basket of peaches to enjoy later during your South Carolina getaway.
Looking Ahead: Lexington County Peach Festival
If you love everything peach, add the Lexington County Peach Festival to your summer calendar.
Held annually on the Fourth of July at Gilbert Community Park, the festival celebrates South Carolina’s peach-growing heritage with peach-inspired food and treats, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
While this year’s festival has already passed, it’s never too early to start planning for next year’s celebration.
Taste Summer in Lake Murray Country
From roadside peach stands to family-owned farms, the Lake Murray Country region is a great place to experience fresh South Carolina peaches at their peak.
So, whether you prefer yours sliced over ice cream, baked into a cobbler, blended into a smoothie or eaten straight from the orchard, National Peach Day is the perfect excuse to get your peach on.
Ready to explore more of Lake Murray Country? Discover more local farms, food, outdoor recreation and things to do throughout the region.
