The Peach Ice Cream At This South Carolina Farm Café Alone Is Worth The Drive

Nestled in the rolling hills of Chesnee, South Carolina, Strawberry Hill USA has become a destination where families and food lovers come together to celebrate farm-fresh flavors and seasonal traditions. This family-run farm café and market offers more than just a meal; it delivers an authentic taste of the Upstate with homemade peach ice cream that has earned legendary status across the region.

Whether you’re visiting during strawberry season in spring, peach harvest in summer, or pumpkin picking in fall, every trip to Strawberry Hill USA promises delicious memories and a genuine farm experience worth the drive.

1. The Legendary Peach Ice Cream That Started It All

Visitors travel from across South Carolina and beyond just to taste the famous peach ice cream at Strawberry Hill USA. Made with locally grown peaches at the peak of summer ripeness, this frozen treat captures the essence of the South in every creamy spoonful. The recipe stays true to traditional methods, using fresh fruit that gets transformed into a dessert so popular that people often buy pints to take home.

What makes this ice cream stand out is the generous chunks of real peach mixed throughout the velvety base. You can actually taste the difference between this and store-bought versions. The natural sweetness shines through without being overwhelming.

During peak season, the line at the ice cream counter stretches out the door, but regulars insist the wait is always worthwhile. Many families make it a summer tradition to stop by whenever peaches are in season. Some visitors claim they’ve driven over an hour just for a cone, and they’d gladly do it again.

2. Seasonal Produce That Changes With Every Visit

Strawberry Hill USA transforms with the seasons, offering visitors something new to discover throughout the year. Spring brings the highly anticipated strawberry harvest, when rows of red berries beckon families to pick their own. Summer shifts focus to juicy peaches that hang heavy on the trees, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.

Fall arrives with a pumpkin patch that becomes a wonderland for children and photographers alike. Each season showcases the farm’s commitment to growing quality produce using methods passed down through generations. The Cooley family takes pride in timing the harvest perfectly so visitors get the freshest possible fruit.

Beyond the main seasonal stars, the farm also grows blackberries, blueberries, and various vegetables depending on the time of year. The market shelves reflect whatever is currently thriving in the fields. This ever-changing selection keeps regular visitors coming back to see what’s new and taste the difference that comes from eating food grown just steps away from where it’s sold.

3. Farm Café Menu That Goes Beyond Ice Cream

While the peach ice cream draws crowds, the farm café serves up hearty meals that deserve equal attention. Breakfast options include fluffy biscuits made from scratch, served with country ham and other Southern favorites that fuel visitors before they head out to explore the farm. The lunch menu features sandwiches piled high with fresh ingredients, many sourced directly from the property or nearby farms.

Homemade soups rotate based on what’s in season, and the daily specials often incorporate whatever fruit or vegetables are at their peak. The café atmosphere feels welcoming and unpretentious, with families settling into wooden tables and locals catching up over coffee. Baked goods line the counter, tempting guests with fruit pies, cobblers, and cinnamon rolls that disappear quickly on weekends.

Portions are generous without being wasteful, and prices remain reasonable considering the quality and freshness. Many visitors plan their trip around mealtime just to experience the café’s cooking. The staff treats everyone like family, making first-time guests feel like regulars from the moment they walk through the door.

4. U-Pick Strawberry Fields For Hands-On Fun

Few experiences beat the simple joy of picking your own strawberries under the South Carolina sun. Strawberry Hill USA opens its fields each spring, inviting visitors to wander the rows and select the ripest berries themselves. Children get especially excited about this hands-on activity, learning where their food comes from while enjoying the outdoors.

The farm provides containers and clear instructions to ensure everyone has a successful picking experience. Staff members are always nearby to answer questions and offer tips on identifying the sweetest berries. The fields are well-maintained and accessible, making it easy for families with young kids or older adults to participate comfortably.

Many guests pick far more than they initially planned because the process becomes so enjoyable they don’t want to stop. The strawberries taste noticeably sweeter than grocery store versions since they’re picked at perfect ripeness. Taking home a basket of self-picked fruit creates lasting memories and often inspires visitors to return year after year to continue the tradition with their growing families.

5. The Cooley Family Legacy And Farm History

Understanding the Cooley family’s dedication helps explain why Strawberry Hill USA feels so authentic and welcoming. For generations, this family has worked the land in Chesnee, building their operation from modest beginnings into the beloved destination it is today. Their commitment to quality and community has never wavered, even as the farm expanded over the decades.

The family’s agricultural knowledge runs deep, with farming techniques and recipes passed down through multiple generations. They’ve adapted to changing times while maintaining the traditional values that made their farm special in the first place. Visitors often encounter family members working alongside staff, whether serving ice cream, tending plants, or greeting guests at the entrance.

This personal touch distinguishes Strawberry Hill USA from corporate attractions or impersonal roadside stops. The Cooleys genuinely care about providing memorable experiences for everyone who visits. Their pride in the farm shows in every detail, from the carefully maintained grounds to the warm hospitality extended to strangers and regulars alike. Supporting this farm means supporting a family’s lifelong dedication to agriculture and community.

6. Market Stocked With Homemade Goods And Local Treasures

Beyond fresh produce, the market at Strawberry Hill USA offers an impressive selection of homemade preserves, jams, and jellies that capture seasonal flavors in jars. Strawberry preserves made from the farm’s own berries fly off shelves, while peach butter and blackberry jam provide taste memories that last long after your visit ends. Each jar represents hours of careful preparation using recipes perfected over years.

Local honey, baked goods, and specialty items from neighboring producers fill the remaining shelves, creating a true showcase of Upstate South Carolina agriculture. The market supports other small businesses while giving visitors access to products they won’t find in regular stores. Prices stay fair, and the quality speaks for itself through repeat customers who stock up on their favorites.

Gift baskets can be assembled for special occasions, and many people buy extra jars to share with friends and family back home. The market operates on an honor system in some areas, reflecting the trust and community spirit that defines this place. Shopping here feels less like a transaction and more like participating in a tradition of supporting local food systems.

7. Fall Festival Atmosphere With Hayrides And Pumpkins

When autumn arrives, Strawberry Hill USA transforms into a fall festival destination that rivals any seasonal celebration in the region. Pumpkins of all sizes dot the fields, waiting for families to find their perfect jack-o-lantern candidates or decorative gourds. Hayrides bounce through the property, offering scenic views of the changing leaves and giving children an adventure they’ll talk about for weeks.

The farm decorates with cornstalks, scarecrows, and other harvest touches that create perfect photo opportunities around every corner. Weekend crowds grow larger during October, but the property has enough space that it never feels uncomfortably packed. Activities remain free or very affordable, making this an accessible option for families looking for budget-friendly entertainment.

The café adds seasonal treats like pumpkin bread and apple cider to complement the regular menu. Many locals consider a fall visit to Strawberry Hill USA an essential tradition, marking the change of seasons with this beloved outing. The combination of beautiful weather, festive decorations, and family-friendly activities creates an atmosphere that captures everything wonderful about autumn in the South.

8. Nearby Attractions To Complete Your Upstate Adventure

After satisfying your peach ice cream craving, the area around Chesnee offers several worthwhile stops to round out your day trip. Cowpens National Battlefield sits just a short drive away, providing a fascinating glimpse into Revolutionary War history with walking trails and an informative visitor center. History enthusiasts can spend an hour or more exploring this significant site where American forces secured a crucial victory.

Lake Blalock offers fishing, picnicking, and peaceful waterside scenery for those wanting to extend their outdoor time. The surrounding Upstate region features charming small towns worth exploring, each with local shops, restaurants, and their own unique character. Scenic drives through the countryside showcase the natural beauty that makes this part of South Carolina so appealing.

Gaffney’s Peachoid water tower, visible from Interstate 85, makes for a quirky photo stop that celebrates the region’s peach-growing heritage. Combining Strawberry Hill USA with these nearby attractions creates a full day of exploration that highlights everything special about the South Carolina Upstate, from agricultural traditions to historical significance to natural beauty.