A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

When Jan Williams was growing up, her mother made peach ice cream every Sunday when the fruits were in season. Now, this third-generation peach farmer offers homemade peach ice cream

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

When Jan Williams was growing up, her mother made peach ice cream every Sunday when the fruits were in season. Now, this third-generation peach farmer offers homemade peach ice cream

NC Icons: Peaches

Play Icon

When Jan Williams was growing up, her mother made peach ice cream every Sunday when the fruits were in season. Now, this third-generation peach farmer offers homemade peach ice cream and other flavors — including 10 named for each of her grandchildren — at Ben’s Ice Cream at Kalawi Farm. At her produce stand next door, she sells 43 varieties of peaches, plus preserves and other produce. Williams, who was a teacher for 10 years before making the farm her full-time job, says that the business is in her blood. “It just gives me a thrill,” she says. “I love farming and growing peaches.”

Read more about North Carolina peaches — and other homegrown fruits — here.

This story was published on Jul 13, 2023

Our State Staff

Since 1933, Our State has shared stories about North Carolina with readers both in state and around the world. We celebrate the people and places that make this state great. From the mountains to the coast, we feature North Carolina travel, history, food, and beautiful scenic photography.