There is a rhythm to life in Palisade, and it beats in time with the seasons. If you’ve ever driven past our orchards, raised a glass at a local winery, or hiked Mt. Garfield, you know that the Grand Valley isn’t just a place—it’s an experience that changes with the growing seasons and warming sun. But for those who love fresh flavors, there is one season that reigns supreme: Peach Season.
Just as it heats up in summer, the air begins to fill with the sweet, sticky scent of ripening fruit. This is the time when Palisade shines, farmers work long hours, and tourists experience the best of our little valley.
The Local Produce Calendar: What’s Fresh Now?
One of the joys of visiting Palisade is knowing exactly what’s in season. Our high-desert climate allows for a unique growing cycle that produces some of the most flavorful fruits in the nation. Here is a quick guide to what you can expect to find throughout the year:
- Spring (April–May): Asparagus, radishes, spinach, kale, and early strawberries. This is also when the famous peach blossoms appear, painting the valley in soft pinks and whites.
- Early Summer (June): Cherries and apricots. The days are long, and the farmers market stalls begin to overflow.
- Peak Summer (July–August): PEACHES! Along with plums, tomatoes, corn, and beans. This is the heart of harvest season, and the flavor is unmatched.
- Fall (September–October): Apples, pumpkins, squash, and grapes. The vineyards come alive with sounds of harvest, and the temp starts to mellow.
- Winter (November–March): Root vegetables and preserved goods like jams and jellies made from the previous season’s bounty.
Farmer’s Market Favorites: A Taste of Home
Every Sunday morning, the Palisade Farmers Market becomes the town square for locals and visitors alike. It’s not just about buying produce and homemade treasures; it’s about connecting with the people who grow your food.
When peach season hits, the market transforms. You’ll see towering pyramids of golden-fleshed peaches, their skins fuzzy and fragrant. Just one sniff and you’ll understand why Palisade peaches have a cult following. Beyond peaches, you’ll find heirloom tomatoes that burst with juice, sweet corn still warm from the field, and artisanal cheeses paired perfectly with local honey.
Pro Tip: Bring cash and reusable bags! And don’t forget to taste-test before you buy. Most vendors are happy to let you sample their wares.
Peach Season Begins: The Star of the Show
Let’s talk about the main event: Palisade Peaches. Grown all over the Valley, these peaches benefit from intense sunlight and cool nights, which concentrate their sugars and create a flavor profile that you can’t find anywhere else. They are juicy, sweet, and incredibly versatile. This time of year, the freestone peaches can’t be beat in terms of portability and ease of eating.
According to Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, there are two types of peaches: freestone and clingstone. Freestone peaches are used for the fresh market, whereas clingstone peaches are typically used for canning and processing.
Whether you prefer them fresh off the tree, baked into a rustic cobbler, or blended into a smoothie, peach season is a culinary celebration. But there’s another way to experience the essence of the peach—and that’s through spirits.
Distilling the Essence of Place: Peach Street Distillers
Just minutes from The Homestead Palisade lies Peach Street Distillers, Colorado’s first craft distillery. Owned by the same Lewis family that runs The Homestead, Peach Street Distillers takes the best of our local produce and transforms it into small-batch spirits that capture the spirit of Palisade.
During peach season, the connection between the orchard and the bottle is undeniable. Their peach-infused liqueurs and vodkas are crafted using locally sourced fruit, meaning every sip tastes like summer in a glass. It’s not just alcohol; it’s liquid terroir.
Visiting the distillery is an experience in itself. You can watch the copper stills work their magic, learn about the fermentation process, and meet the passionate team behind the bottles. And because we’re all part of the same local family, we have a special treat for our guests.
Sip & Stay Special: Your Exclusive Invitation
We believe that experiencing Palisade means tasting its soul. That’s why we’ve partnered with Peach Street Distillers to offer our guests an exclusive Sip & Stay Special.
Here’s how it works:
- Book your stay at The Homestead Palisade.
- Show your booking confirmation (digital or printed) at Peach Street Distillers.
- Enjoy a complimentary flight of their craft spirits.
- Receive 10% off any bottle purchases you take home.
It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing to stay with us, and a chance for you to bring a piece of Palisade back home with you. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or a souvenir to remind you of your summer getaway, this offer makes it easy to indulge.
Click here to learn more about the Sip & Stay Special
Plan Your Peachy Getaway
Summer – and the Palisade Peach – is fleeting, but the memories you make in Palisade will last a lifetime. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the high desert morning doves, spending your afternoon browsing the farmers market for ripe peaches, and ending your evening with a chilled cocktail made with Peach Street Distillers spirits.
This is the Palisade experience. This is the taste of where we call home.
Ready to taste the season? Book your room at The Homestead Palisade today and get ready for the juiciest weeks of the year.