The History Of This Beloved Arkansas Farm Goes Back Further Than You Think
By Carol Ann Carson|Published July 03, 2018
×
Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
If you frequent any of Northwest Arkansas’ farmers markets (after all the biggest one in the state just so happens to be in Fayetteville), then you’ve more than likely had the pleasure of tasting the flavor-packed fruits and veggies from the McGarrah Farm. This beloved family farm is a Natural State favorite but you’d be surprised to know just how long the McGarrah’s have been serving the area. Let’s find out how to many ways you can enjoy the farm’s splendor as we uncover the roots of this flourishing family tree.
You've more than likely crossed paths with the McGarrahs while visiting one of the NWA Farmers Markets.
Strawberry picking season is typically between May and June at the farm. If you missed this season's harvest, be sure to make plans to attend next years! Their strawberry field is located at 14816 Miser Rd., Pea Ridge, AR 72751.
Advertisement
Blackberries will be the next picking-fruit of the summer.
They're nearly ripe and ready for "you-pick" at the McGarrah's. Blackberries will be available for the majority of July at their Lowell location. It's at 12001 Ervin McGarrah Rd., Lowell, AR 72745.
Advertisement
It seems like years away with the current temperature but the McGarrahs also have a spectacular pumpkin patch and fall activities beginning in September.
The pick-your-own pumpkin patch is complemented by other family activities like hay rides, tall grass maze, and children's mule rides. They also have multiple food trucks so you won't get hungry with all that fall-time fun!
If you haven't realized it yet, the McGarrah Farms are a wonderful place to visit and support any time of the year. But, one of the most fascinating things about the farm is just how long it's been around.
According to the City of Fayetteville website, the George McGarrah family was the first to establish a homestead near Big Spring (the area that would eventually become Fayetteville) in 1824. The township wouldn't be officially founded until 1828.
To give that date some perspective, the latest farming technology was an iron plow with interchangeable parts.
The interchangeable plow was patented in 1820, a mere four years before the McGarrahs began farming in the area. John Deere wouldn't be around for another 13 years (1837).
There's no doubt that the McGarrahs have had time to perfect the best produce varieties that guarantee a delicious bite every time. We look forward to McGarrah fruit and veggies for the next 200 years as well!
