Nestled just 17 miles east of downtown Nashville in western Wilson County, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, has emerged as a premier destination for authentic farm experiences and agricultural tourism. For families, couples, and nature enthusiasts seeking an escape from urban life, the orchards of Mt. Juliet offer a perfect blend of outdoor recreation, fresh seasonal produce, and genuine Tennessee hospitality.
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, searching for family-friendly activities, or simply want to reconnect with nature while supporting local agriculture,
things to do in mt juliet tn orchards provide an abundance of memorable experiences throughout every season of the year.
Seasonal Fruit Picking Experiences
Tennessee’s harvest calendar provides visitors with different fruit-picking opportunities throughout the growing season. Understanding optimal picking times ensures you experience the highest quality produce at peak ripeness.
Summer Peach Season (June-July):
Tennessee peaches ripen throughout summer months, with prime picking occurring from mid-June through July. The orchard cultivates 10 distinct peach varieties, offering both traditional yellow peaches and sought-after white peach varieties. According to fruit specialists at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Tennessee peaches are prized for their exceptional sweetness and flavor when tree-ripened.
Pick-your-own peach experiences typically require advance reservations during peak season. Visitors can also purchase pre-picked peaches from the farm store, along with peach cider slushies that have become a signature summertime treat.
Fall Apple Harvest (August-October):
Apple picking season extends from late August through October, providing the longest harvest schedule of any fruit grown in Tennessee. Most orchard operators note that Labor Day through Halloween represents prime apple-picking time, depending on variety.
The orchard features multiple apple varieties suited to Tennessee’s growing conditions, including Gala, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith. While the orchard’s newer apple plantings continue maturing for pick-your-own availability by 2027, fresh Tennessee apples are available for purchase throughout the season.
Farm Store and Artisan Products
Beyond fresh fruit, Mt. Juliet orchards serve as gathering places offering carefully curated selections of local products and farm-fresh goods. These farm stores function as community hubs where visitors can access the best of Tennessee agriculture and artisan craftsmanship.
Fresh Produce and Local Products:
Farm stores stock seasonal vegetables, locally sourced honey, farm-fresh eggs, and preserves made from orchard fruit. Many items come directly from Tennessee farmers and producers within the region, ensuring freshness and supporting the local agricultural economy.
Scratch-Baked Goods:
The orchard’s bakery produces fresh-baked items using orchard fruit and traditional recipes. Signature offerings include fried pies (available in fruit and sugar-free varieties), apple cider donuts made fresh on weekends during fall, cinnamon rolls, and seasonal fruit-based pastries.
Tennessee-Made Gifts and Crafts:
Farm stores showcase handcrafted items from local artisans, including children’s books, toys, home goods, and seasonal decorations. These curated selections provide unique gift options while supporting Tennessee’s maker community.
Family-Friendly Farm Activities
Modern agritourism destinations have evolved beyond simple fruit picking to offer comprehensive family experiences that educate visitors about agriculture while providing outdoor recreation. Mt. Juliet orchards embrace this expanded mission through diverse programming.
Interactive Farm Experiences:
- Activity Yard with age-appropriate play areas for children
- Farm animal encounters including goats, cows, donkeys, and chickens
- Hayride adventures through orchard groves
- Seasonal pumpkin patches with decorative gourds and squash varieties
Educational Programs:
Orchard field trips provide structured learning experiences for school groups, homeschool families, and educational organizations. These programs teach children about agriculture, sustainability, plant lifecycles, and food systems while offering hands-on activities adapted to different age groups.
Weekly Storytime sessions every Friday at 10 AM welcome preschool-aged children and their families for free, engaging readings set against the orchard’s natural backdrop. These literacy-focused events foster a love of reading while introducing young children to farm environments.
Community Events and Seasonal Celebrations
Throughout the year, Mt. Juliet orchards host events that bring the community together while celebrating Tennessee’s agricultural heritage. These gatherings have become beloved traditions that draw both local residents and visitors from Nashville and surrounding areas.
Friday Night Markets:
From 4:30 to 7:30 PM on select Fridays, the orchard transforms into a vibrant marketplace featuring local farmers, artisan vendors, food trucks, and live music. These markets create opportunities to discover Tennessee-made products while enjoying entertainment under the orchard trees.
Pizza Nights:
Weekly pizza gatherings invite families and friends to enjoy fresh-baked pizzas in the open-air orchard setting. These casual community dinners embody the farm’s commitment to bringing people together around food and fellowship.
Seasonal Festivals:
Annual celebrations mark peak harvest times for peaches, apples, and pumpkins. These festivals feature craft vendors, u-pick opportunities, family entertainment, and seasonal activities that showcase the best of each harvest season.
Trunk-or-Treat:
Fall brings family-friendly Halloween celebrations where children trick-or-treat from decorated vehicle trunks while enjoying live music from local performers. These safe, community-oriented events provide alternative Halloween experiences.
Adult-Only Experiences:
Special evening events cater to adult visitors seeking refined farm experiences. Progressive tastings featuring seasonal dishes, fireside gatherings, and cocktail classes using farm ingredients create sophisticated agritourism offerings that appeal to date-night seekers and food enthusiasts.
Culinary Experiences and Farm-Fresh Dining
The farm-to-table movement has found natural expression in Mt. Juliet’s orchard community. Beyond selling fresh produce, orchards increasingly serve as dining destinations where visitors can taste the fruit of the land prepared in creative ways.
Signature Menu Items:
- Fried pies made with seasonal orchard fruit (apple, peach, blackberry varieties)
- Apple cider donuts served fresh during fall weekends
- Fruit cider slushies (peach in summer, apple in fall)
- Fresh apple cider pressed from orchard apples
- Farm-raised beef products from local producers
These culinary offerings transform simple orchard visits into full dining experiences, giving visitors reasons to linger and enjoy the property’s natural beauty.
Planning Your Orchard Visit
Successful orchard visits require some advance planning to ensure optimal experiences. Consider these practical tips when organizing your Mt. Juliet orchard adventure.
Best Times to Visit:
Summer (June-July) offers peak peach season with warm weather and vibrant farm activity. Fall (August-October) provides ideal temperatures for apple picking and autumn festivities. Weekends feature expanded hours and full activity lineups including markets, entertainment, and special events.
Operating Schedule:
Orchards typically operate seasonally with variable hours depending on harvest schedules and weather conditions. Standard operating days include Wednesday through Sunday, with Friday evening markets extending hours. Always verify current hours through the orchard’s website or social media before visiting, as agricultural operations may adjust schedules based on crop readiness and seasonal demands.
What to Bring:
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes suitable for uneven farm terrain
- Sun protection including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Reusable bags or baskets for carrying picked fruit
- Cash or cards for purchases (check payment policies in advance)
- Camera or smartphone for capturing memorable farm moments
Reservations:
Peak picking seasons often require advance reservations, particularly for popular peach-picking weekends in July. Special events, field trips, and classes may have limited capacity and registration deadlines. Check the orchard’s event calendar and booking system when planning visits during high-demand periods.
The Benefits of Agritourism and Supporting Local Farms
Visiting working farms provides benefits extending beyond simple entertainment. Agritourism strengthens rural economies, preserves agricultural land, educates communities about food systems, and creates opportunities for direct farmer-consumer relationships.
Economic Impact:
According to Tennessee’s Department of Agriculture, agritourism operations help farmers generate additional income beyond wholesale commodity sales. This supplemental revenue enables small and mid-sized farms to remain financially viable, preserving agricultural land that might otherwise face development pressure.
Educational Value:
Farm visits provide hands-on learning about where food comes from, agricultural practices, seasonal cycles, and environmental stewardship. Children who participate in farm activities develop greater appreciation for agriculture and make more informed food choices.
Community Connection:
Local orchards serve as community gathering places where neighbors meet, families create traditions, and urban residents connect with rural heritage. These farms maintain valuable green spaces near growing suburban areas while providing accessible outdoor recreation.
Quality and Freshness:
Tree-ripened fruit picked at peak maturity offers superior flavor and nutritional value compared to commercially grown produce harvested early for shipping. Supporting local farms means accessing the freshest, highest-quality seasonal produce available.
Sustainable Agriculture and Farm Stewardship
Modern Tennessee orchards increasingly embrace sustainable practices that protect soil health, conserve water, minimize chemical inputs, and support biodiversity. Many operations have implemented integrated pest management systems, cover cropping, and organic growing methods.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture provides ongoing research and technical support helping orchardists adapt to climate challenges while maintaining productive harvests. This partnership between academic institutions and working farms ensures Tennessee agriculture remains viable for future generations.
Visitors to Mt. Juliet orchards witness these sustainable practices firsthand, observing how carefully managed farms can produce abundant harvests while serving as habitat for pollinators, maintaining healthy ecosystems, and preserving rural landscapes.
Seasonal Recipe Ideas Using Orchard Fruit
Bringing home fresh-picked fruit opens opportunities for seasonal cooking and preserving. Tennessee orchardists and extension agents recommend these classic preparations:
Summer Peach Preparations:
- Fresh peach cobbler with cinnamon and brown sugar
- Peach shortcake with whipped cream
- Homemade peach ice cream
- Peach preserves and jams for year-round enjoyment
- Fresh peach salsa with jalapeños and cilantro
Fall Apple Creations:
- Classic apple pie with flaky crust
- Slow-cooked apple butter
- Apple crisp with granola topping
- Applesauce and apple juice from fresh-pressed cider
- Baked apples stuffed with oats, nuts, and honey
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture offers free canning and preserving resources through their Pick Tennessee Products website, helping home cooks safely preserve seasonal harvests.
Making the Most of Your Farm Experience
To maximize enjoyment and learning during orchard visits, consider these engagement strategies.
Ask Questions:
Farm staff and owners possess deep knowledge about varieties, growing techniques, seasonal rhythms, and agricultural heritage. Engaging in conversation enriches visits and builds appreciation for farming’s complexities.
Participate Fully:
Beyond picking fruit, explore all available activities. Visit farm animals, attend educational programs, sample fresh products, and participate in seasonal celebrations. These diverse experiences create lasting memories.
Return Throughout Seasons:
Each season brings different harvests, events, and atmospheres. Regular visitors witness the complete agricultural cycle and develop deeper connections with the land and farming community.
Share Experiences:
Social media posts, online reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations help small farms reach new audiences. Positive feedback supports agricultural businesses while guiding other visitors to quality farm experiences.
Conclusion: Embracing Tennessee’s Agricultural Heritage
The orchards of Mt. Juliet represent more than tourist destinations—they embody living connections to Tennessee’s agricultural past and sustainable visions for its rural future. These working farms welcome visitors into authentic agricultural experiences where families create traditions, children learn about food systems, and communities gather in celebration of harvest seasons.
From picking sun-ripened peaches in July to selecting crisp apples in October, from enjoying fresh-baked goods to participating in seasonal festivals, the
things to do in mt juliet tn orchards provide year-round opportunities for meaningful rural engagement just minutes from Nashville.
Whether seeking educational field trips, romantic date-night experiences, wholesome family outings, or simply the satisfaction of biting into perfectly ripe fruit still warm from the tree, Mt. Juliet’s orchards deliver authentic agritourism experiences that nourish both body and spirit.
As suburban development continues transforming Middle Tennessee’s landscape, supporting these working farms through visits and purchases helps preserve agricultural land, maintain rural character, and ensure future generations can experience the simple pleasures of walking through sun-dappled orchard rows, breathing fresh country air, and tasting the honest flavors of Tennessee-grown fruit.
Plan your visit to discover why Mt. Juliet’s orchards have become cherished destinations for those seeking authentic connections to land, food, and community. The next harvest is waiting, and the orchard gates are open
