Where Memories Grow: U-Pick Fun at McLeod Farms
Across the Olde English District, rolling fields and backroads lead to some of the sweetest stops you’ll ever make. From strawberries in the spring to peaches and blackberries in the summer, U-pick farms are part of what makes this region special. U-Pick farms are places where families gather, kids run between the rows, and fresh fruit tastes just a little better because you picked it yourself. These farms aren’t just about produce. They’re about memories, tradition, and connecting to the land. One of the most beloved of them all is McLeod Farms in McBee, where multiple generations of the same family have welcomed visitors to experience farm life firsthand since 1916.
We caught up with Rachel McCormick, fifth-generation member of the McLeod family, to learn more about what makes McLeod Farms such a special place.
Q&A with Rachel Mccormick
What makes McLeod Farms unique compared to other agritourism destinations? McLeod Farms is unique compared to other agritourism destinations because we are a true, working farm. While we invite the public to pick strawberries, flowers, and pumpkins, we are a commercial farm that produces and packages millions of pounds of produce each year. Therefore, we may not have all the “glam” of other stops, but you most likely will see harvest crews, tractors, irrigation methods and much more when visiting our farm.
What activities and attractions do you offer for visitors? We offer several attractions throughout the year. In the spring we have u-pick strawberries, in early summer we have u-pick cut flowers, and in the fall we have a corn maze and a 10 acre u-pick pumpkin patch. We also try to host a vendor craft show during the holiday season where local craftsmen can sell their handmade gift items.
Are there any guided tours or educational programs available? We offer field trips to school aged children in the fall and spring.
What products are available for purchase on the farm? We offer a variety of produce inside our market. It changes from season to season, however, we offer the most local, fresh produce around. You can find items such as strawberries, blackberries, peaches, sweet corn, squash, zucchini, okra, watermelon, cantaloupe, sweet corn, peas, grapes, onions, cabbage, broccoli, greens, and more grown all right on our farm. Inside our market, is also a bakery where we make fresh fruit breads, muffins, cakes and danishes daily. We also have an ice cream parlor.
Do you offer any on-site food or dining options? (Food trucks, farm stands, picnic areas?) There is a restaurant located right next to our market called Big’s Meats & More. They are a meat market and have the best burger and hand-cut fries in the area. They also offer a lunch special Tuesday-Friday. We have picnic tables on our side porch as well as outside so customers can bring their own lunch or enjoy their ice cream outside. During corn maze season, we have a food truck every Sunday.
What signature events does McLeod Farms host throughout the year? (Festivals, seasonal celebrations, live music?) Fall is the most popular time on our farm where we have a corn maze, u-pick flowers and u-pick pumpkins. We also offer free “yard games” right behind our market for families to enjoy. During the holiday season, we host a vendor day where local craftsmen sell their handmade gift items. It’s our annual “Very Merry Market.”
What’s your favorite part about sharing the farm with visitors? McLeod Farms has been family owned and operated since 1916. 4th generation Kemp McLeod is the owner, while his son, Spencer McLeod, 5th generation is very active in daily operations as well. The McLeod family has been growing peaches for over 100 years and are still their “signature” fruit. Every summer we pick and pack 25 million pounds of peaches and ship them across the US.
Whether you’re filling a bucket with fresh fruit, grabbing a slice of fresh peach pie from the bakery, or simply soaking in the quiet beauty of farm life, a visit to McLeod Farms is the kind of day that slows you down in the best way. It’s more than a stop along the road, it’s a tradition and a chance to experience the heart of the Olde English District. Plan your trip, bring the family, and come see why generations have made memories here. Your next favorite farm day is waiting in McBee.
