The Phoenix Southeast Valley has a rich history of family farms. Many of these farms now offer agritourism attractions and culinary bounty for locals and visitors alike. It’s definitely worth the drive east to check out the Fresh Foodie Trail and experience the rich bounty in your own backyard.
Running through Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek, the Fresh Foodie Trail features more than a dozen stops. You can find peach orchards, dairy farms, citrus groves, fresh bread, an olive mill and more. These are a few of our favorite stops, but you can find more appetizing stops online at VisitMesa.com/fresh-foodie.
Agritopia
Agritopia (Agritopia.com), is an “urban farm” with numerous specialty crops, all USDA organic. Find fresh produce at The Farm Stand. Get modern diner flavors at Joe’s Farm Grill. Stop in at the converted World War II Quonset hut to check out Todd and Kelly Bostock’s micro-winery, Garage East (Garage-East.com). 3000 E Ray Road, Gilbert.
Cider Corps
Arizona’s first cidery sits in the heart of Downtown Mesa. Cider Corps (CiderCorpsAZ.com) is owned and operated by brothers Jason and Josh Duren. There are at least a dozen seasonal flavors, and the fermentation process ensures peak sweetness with no added sugars. 31 S Robson, Suite 103, Mesa.
Jalapeño Bucks
How very Arizona to eat spicy barbecue while sitting in the middle of a citrus grove. Jalapeño Bucks (JalapenoBucks.com) serves up BuzzSaw brand BBQ and what it calls “New Wave Mexican Soul Food” from its outdoor eatery. You can order a burrito, pulled pork, ribs, burnt ends or beef brisket. 3434 N Val Vista Drive, Mesa.
Queen Creek Olive Mill
Queen Creek Olive Mill (QueenCreekOliveMill.com) is Arizona’s only family-owned and operated working olive mill and farm. After a tour and complimentary oil tasting, you can shop in the market for olive oils, balsamic vinegars and Arizona-based food and wine. The Olivespa skincare products are made in-house. Stop by de Piero, the mill’s Tuscan-inspired eatery with gourmet sandwiches and flatbreads, which you can enjoy in the olive grove. 25062 S Meridian Road, Queen Creek.
Schnepf Farms
While in Queen Creek, stop by family-owned Schnepf Farms (SchnepfFarms.com). Schnepf is the state’s largest organic peach grower. Enjoy peach picking, pick veggies in the garden, stop by for a festival or book a night at the Cozy Peach Glampground. 24180 S Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek.
Steadfast Farms
Steadfast Farms (Steadfast-Farm.com) is a two-acre bio-intensive market farm that grows certified organic fruits, vegetables and flowers. They also raise pastured poultry, so you can get fresh eggs all year long. Stop in next door to check out Handlebar Diner (HandlebarDiner.com). The refurbished 1940s-era Valentine Diner is home to some great classics (onion rings, burgers and loaded tots) along with a few specialties (cauliflower nuggets, Kung Pao fried chicken, and keto smothered chicken). 5111 W. Inspirian Parkway, Mesa.
True Garden Urban Farm
It is possible to produce healthy, nutritious food using no soil—and you can experience that at solar-powered, vertical True Garden Urban Farm (TrueGarden.com). Stop by for market-fresh produce along with seminars on organic growing, nutrition and wellness. 5949 E University Drive, Mesa.
