Welcome to Draper Girls!
Hey friends, ever wanted to escape the daily grind and get a real taste of farm life? Draper Girls Country Farm, right in the midst of Hood River's Fruit Loop, is waiting for you to come explore. This isn't just another farm; it's a piece of my soul. With spectacular views of Mt. Hood in the backdrop and a variety of fruits ripe for the picking, this place is truly a slice of paradise. Step away from the supermarket fruit aisles for a day and come see where the magic really happens. Trust me, once you've tasted the fruits of our labor, you'll get why we're so passionate about what we do. See you soon!
A Legacy of Farming Excellence: The heart and soul of Draper Girls Country Farm is its owner, Theresa Draper. Having worked in her parents’ Hood River Valley orchard as a child, Theresa always harbored a dream of continuing the family farm legacy. In her early twenties, she and her then-husband took a bold step by purchasing half of her parents’ property. With a vision in mind, they transformed the orchard by removing some of the old apple and pear trees to diversify their offerings, turning the farm into a sought-after U-pick roadside attraction.
Family-Driven Passion: Today, Theresa single-handedly directs all farm operations, but she isn't alone in her endeavors. Assisting her are her three dedicated daughters, a tight-knit staff, and seasonal workers. Their collective efforts have seen the forty-acre property, located along highway 35 near Parkdale, flourish into a fruit haven. On clear days, the farm offers what feels like front row seats to the mesmerizing panorama of Mt. Hood.
Diverse Fruit Offerings: The orchards of Draper Girls are a testament to Theresa's vision of diversification. Visitors are treated to a wide array of fruits, ranging from strawberries, cherries, cane berries, blueberries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, to apples, pears, and plums. This plethora ensures that there's always something fresh and delicious to pick, no matter the season.
U-Pick: The Heart of Draper Girls: Central to the farm's allure is its U-pick offering. Every June, the gates of Draper Girls open wide, inviting visitors to wander freely and harvest a mix of fruits to their heart's content. Whether it's resting under an orchard tree, enjoying a picnic by the farm stand, or simply strolling through the fields, the experience is magical. Theresa takes immense joy in watching visitors immerse themselves in the farm's beauty, often witnessing them discover the unparalleled taste of truly fresh fruit. Many, she notes, are instantly captivated by the orchard's ripe bounty.
Connecting People to Their Food: One of Theresa's underlying missions is to educate visitors about the origins of their food. She loves seeing the spark of realization in people's eyes as they understand where their food comes from, often tasting genuinely fresh fruit for the first time. This connection between consumer and source is a beautiful journey that Draper Girls facilitates with grace.
In conclusion, while the Hood River Oregon Fruit Loop offers a journey through a paradise of flavors and sights, Draper Girls Country Farm stands out, not just for its fruits but for the passion and vision of Theresa Draper. It's not just a farm; it's an experience that embodies the beauty, warmth, and richness of the region. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit to Draper Girls is sure to leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the bounties of nature.
