Burgess Orchards, located in Alpine, Utah, has gained the attention of local fall enthusiasts due to its fresh fruit, you-pick services and photogenic desserts.
Starting as a tiny fruit stand on the corner of Bateman Lane, Burgess Orchards has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1926, according to the farm's website.
“It’s hard to be a small farm in the agriculture industry,” current owner Derek Rowley said. “The industry is trending towards really, really large ten-thousand-acre farms, so you have to find different ways of supporting yourself.”
The Burgess family was one of the original families that settled in Alpine many years ago, Rowley said.
Burgess Orchards predominantly grew apples until about 40 years ago when they started harvesting peaches, Rowley said. Now, the farm provides apricots, cherries, watermelons, corn, tomatoes, peppers and anything else that’s in season.
What really got Burgess Orchards on the charts, Rowley said, was the unique desserts they served and how accessible they were to residents of Utah County.
“We started selling the peaches and apples ice cream in 2018 and it did well, but it wasn’t until COVID that it got really popular,” Rowley said. “People were looking for things to do that weren’t super far away.”
Kate Hamilton and Lily Brown have worked at Burgess Orchards for four summers. The good-feeling vibe of the farm is present no matter what, they said.
“It’s an Alpine staple,” Brown said. “Everyone knows it, loves it and talks about it”
Additionally, the farm was once knocked down but rebuilt, continuing its legacy, Hamilton said.
"My family has a few orchards so I'm used to growing things," Hamilton said. "There's lots of community here."
The love surrounding the farm is a big reason for its importance, Brown said.
“Come get yourself some shakes — but not peach shakes because we don’t have anymore," Brown said.
Burgess Orchards will have more peaches next year. Visitors can learn more about Burgess Orchards on their website or check out their Instagram page to stay informed.
