Fresh Picked Fruit and Al Fresco Lunch at Dondero Orchards

PLEASE NOTE: This post was written in 2020, and while it should still give you a good overview of the experience, it may also contain some outdated information. Please be sure to visit their website or their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information, especially about things like hours & pricing.

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2020 Post:

Every so often I get bested by my own bravado. After nearly a decade of writing this blog, I’ve become well-schooled in the rhythms of pick-your-own season. I know the order of the crops (strawberries first in June!) and what to wear (it’s hotter than you think out there in the field!) and even that websites are all well and good but what you really need to do is some serious sleuthing on the farm’s Facebook page to find out what today’s (possibly irregular) picking hours and (ever changing) crop availability will be.

A couple weeks ago I decided it was time to go peach-picking. This friend had brought home a bushel of peaches from Lyman Orchards. That friend had an enormous haul from Belltown Hill Orchards. Yes, it was late July and PYO peaches were in full swing across CT. I didn’t need no stinkin’ Facebook page to tell me that!

Oops.

It just goes to show that no matter how confident you are, it never hurts to double check. Because when we climbed out of the car at Dondero Orchards in Glastonbury ready to fill our bags with peaches, it turned out we were about 3 days too early for their crop. (Insert eye roll emoji here.)

But the wonderful thing about fruit picking, is that no matter where you go this time of year, there’s always something to pick. And so what I had imagined as a quick outing to pick a couple pounds of peaches turned into a lovely morning in the blueberry patch followed by a delicious homemade lunch right there at the orchard! (And p.s. as I write this you can now pick both blueberries and peaches there–you’re welcome!)

Dondero Orchards is located in South Glastonbury. There are actually two locations, but you want to head for the one on Woodland Street for this outing.

As I mentioned, I thought we’d be peach picking that day, but turns out we had to switch things up. Fresh picked blueberries are equally delicious though, so not much of a sacrifice.

Peaches are available too now.

Take your containers from the cart and head right out into the orchard. Just follow the relevant signs.

While we were settling our blueberry tab, we decided to try out some lunch from their surprisingly extensive menu. Order at the register and then they will call your name when it’s ready. Everything comes boxed so you can take it to go or eat it out front in their spacious (and socially distant) picnic area.

While hubby finished up the ordering, the kids and I went out front to commandeer a table.

There is a collection of play houses and toddler-friendly climbing structures out here so your little ones will be entertained while you wait for the food (or just while you enjoy a nice moment of peace and quiet and alone-ness…perhaps with a cup of coffee and a delicious homemade fritter).

Of course, my 7-year-old and 10-year-old were just as excited about this as their almost 3-year-old sister. Kids are so adaptable sometimes, right? Haha!

The kids were hungry after all that picking. Fortunately, we could enjoy a blueberry appetizer while we waited for the food to arrive 😉

Before too long, hubby returned with the meal.

As if lunch weren’t enough, Dondero also offers a pancake breakfast on Sunday mornings PLUS a variety of heat-and-eat prepared meals to take home. You can go for breakfast, and leave with lunch and dinner!

Not to mention all the delectable baked goods. Even if you’re not up for a full meal, you can enjoy some fresh fruit fritters or apple cider donuts and a cup of coffee.

A relaxing morning picking berries, a delicious picnic lunch (that I did not have to make OR clean up!) and a flat full of fresh fruit to take home. It doesn’t get more “summer” than that. We’ll definitely be back for those peaches!

Dondero Orchards

529 Woodland Street, South Glastonbury, CT 06073
(860) 659-0294

Find them on Facebook!

Hours:

Normal (non-COVID) Hours of Operation (Please call to confirm):

• Spring:  9 am – 4 pm
• Summer:  8 am –  6 pm*
• Fall:  8 am – 6 pm
• Winter:  9 am – 4 pm
• Open: April – December
• Closed: January – March

*Currently (2020) their website says they are open from 9 am – 4 pm; the farm is also currently closed on Tuesdays. Please check their Facebook page or call for details and updates.

Lunch is served daily from 11 am – 4 pm.

Pancake breakfast is served Sundays from 8:30 am to noon. Pancakes with fresh fruit toppings, bacon, sausage, omelets, breakfast sandwiches.

Details:

Stroller Friendly: YES
Coffee Mug Friendly: YES
Restroom: YES.
Baby Changing Station: NO
Parking: YES
Food for Sale: YES, fresh fruit & veggies, bakery treats, lunch, breakfast (on Sundays) and even prepared meals to take home!
Outside Food Allowed: I don’t think anyone would mind 🙂
Cash Required: NO, but there is a $20 minimum for credit cards. Cash, checks and Venmo accepted with no minimum. ATM onsite.
Age Recommendations: All Ages!
Dress Code: N/A
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES

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