It’s July in the Sandhills, so the time is ripe to get your hands sticky at one of the region’s lush peach orchards. This year, the juicy fruit may be harder to come by.
Drought this year has led to a smaller-than-expected peach harvest. According to the North Carolina Crop Progress & Condition Report, 51% of the state’s peaches were in “fair” condition going into the week of July 5. Another 27% were in good condition and 22% in poor condition.
Still, North Carolina has remained focused on celebrating the local peach farmer this month. Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen have all put their own spin on the state’s annual peach week from July 18 to 26, from scavenger hunting for glass peaches to a peach-themed restaurant competition…