Three years before he died in 1960, Claude Cook planted peach trees on some land near Trenton. The project first bore the South Carolina state fruit the year of his death, and Cook’s oldest son, Raymond, continued his father’s venture by farming his trees.
In fact, the farm became a family business for the Cooks, who tended to the peach trees and sold the sunset-tinted fruits near the entrance to the orchard. However, as the peaches’ sweet reputation grew, the roadside stand needed more space. The business moved to the front of a nearby store once owned and operated by Claude.
In 1995 a large shed was built, and strawberries were added to the inventory in 2000. Vegetables later were included, and now beneath the eaves of the produce stand wafts the unmistakable fragrance of fresh tomatoes, peaches, and berries.
In 2010 the Cooks built a greenhouse and began selling plants along with their esteemed fruits and vegetables. Some argue that fresh produce is one of the best things to come out of South Carolina, and many defend that argument after stopping by Cooks Farm.
The original Cook Farm was on Highway 19 between farmhouse and Aiken … across the highway was my grandparents farm way off the highway east. Would like to know if the house is still there – the James Black Farm from the 50s. Haven’t been there since 1980. I am the grandson of James and Sally Black. My name is Gilbert F. Black, Jr. in Clinton, Ill. fblack55@gmail.com
Cook’s Always has great veggies and fruit. I ship their wonderful peaches to my relatives out of state, every year, from these nice folks!
Am hoping to ship some peaches to relatives in Chicago. If I come there, can you help? Wanting real South Carolina peaches as he and I both know they are the best! Can this be done in this difficult peach year? Please advise. Thanks for the help.
That’s awfully nice of you to send a relative these delicious peaches! We are not directly affiliated with Cooks Farm but we did find the contact number for you so you can get in touch directly with them. The number is (803)-275-2970. Hope this helps!
Can't wait to start hauling baskets of the peaches home!
Cook's has the most delicious Big Red peaches and very good prices. We'll return this fall for sweet potatoes.
Love that place, my home.