You know you’re close when the sweet scent of ripe peaches starts to fill the air. Just off Highway 160 in Fort Mill, South Carolina, The Peach Stand beckons with promises of summer’s juiciest pleasures—whether you’re after a bushel of fresh fruit, a hand-churned ice cream cone, or a perfectly marbled steak for tonight’s cookout.
This isn’t your average roadside fruit stand. The Peach Stand has been a beloved local landmark since 1980, serving as both a nostalgic slice of small-town life and a surprisingly modern gourmet stop. Here, you can browse a bounty of Carolina-grown produce, snag artisan pantry staples, and watch families linger in the sunshine, savoring peach ice cream that drips delightfully down the cone.
Whether you’re passing through on a weekend drive or looking for a destination worth the short trek from Charlotte, The Peach Stand delivers more than just peaches—it’s a feel-good community hub with Southern hospitality baked into every visit.
What We Love
Towering Peach Displays
From June through August, the centerpiece is, of course, peaches—and they don’t disappoint. You’ll see crates stacked high with fuzzy, sun-warmed fruit in every shade of blush and gold, ready for pies, jams, or just snacking straight from the bag.
Hand-Scooped Peach Ice Cream
It’s impossible not to grab a cone. Their house-made peach ice cream is creamy and fragrant, with chunks of ripe peach in every bite—a summer tradition in edible form.
The Butcher Shop
Tucked inside is a full-service butcher counter where you can pick up premium cuts of locally sourced meats. Everything from dry-aged ribeyes to fresh sausages is ready to upgrade your backyard BBQ plans.
LaWayne Bowling/Google Reviews
Specialty Southern Goods
Shelves brim with local honey, small-batch jams, and old-fashioned candies. It’s the perfect place to pick up gifts or treats you didn’t even know you needed until you spotted them.
The Produce Market
Beyond peaches, you’ll find crisp lettuces, juicy tomatoes, and sweet corn fresh from nearby fields—a one-stop shop for farm-fresh flavors.
Atmosphere & Setting
The vibe is cheerful and relaxed, with a dash of country charm. The building itself feels like a cross between a traditional general store and a quaint farm market, with rustic wood siding, wide porches, and inviting open-air displays. Inside, there’s a gentle hum of conversation as locals and travelers mingle, often with kids in tow. The air smells of ripe fruit, smoked meats, and fresh-baked pies. It’s the kind of place where you might hear soft country music playing over the speakers and where the staff greet you with genuine smiles. The setting is equal parts nostalgic and welcoming—a reminder of simpler pleasures, where browsing is as much fun as buying.
Queen City Connections/Google Reviews
Value (Is It Worth It?)
Absolutely. Prices reflect the quality—fresh, local, and artisan—but you won’t feel like you’re overpaying. Expect to spend 30 minutes to an hour if you’re just popping in, but plan longer if you stay for ice cream or linger at the butcher shop and browse the specialty goods. Best for families, couples, foodies, or anyone on a leisurely day trip, The Peach Stand delivers value both in quality and atmosphere. You can even make it a budget-friendly visit by simply enjoying the sights, scents, and free samples on offer.
Other Considerations
Parking is ample and free, but it can get busy on summer weekends—arrive early or late in the day for fewer crowds. The store is wheelchair-accessible and air-conditioned, so you can escape the Carolina heat while you shop. No reservations needed and hours are generally 9 AM to 6 PM (check before you go for seasonal changes). Bring a cooler if you plan to pick up meats or ice cream for the road. And don’t forget to check their seasonal produce calendar—early summer is peak peach time!
Whether you’re a peach devotee or simply seeking a charming local stop on your next Carolina adventure, The Peach Stand is a delightfully juicy detour. Come for the peaches, stay for the ice cream—and leave with a trunk full of Southern goodness and a smile.
The Peach Stand
📍 1325 Highway 160 W, Fort Mill, SC 29715