Washington state is one of the largest producers of fruits and vegetables in the country. And while you may find some of that bounty here on the westside, to fully experience and taste the diversity, you need to drive over the mountains to eastern Washington.

Start at the Yakama Nation Fruit Stand.  Clean and neat, the stand is tucked in near the Yakima River on US Highway 97.  Nearby, a flock of American white pelicans flew overhead. The birds were a surprise; the fruit stand - a wonderful display of the river basin's bounty.

"The fruit and vegetables are the freshest anywhere around here," commented Jerri Lind, the stand's manager.

In the background, Cassidy Head and Nathan Smiskin brought out boxes and boxes of fresh vegetables and neatly arranged them.

Established in the early ‘90s to showcase the produce grown by the Yakama Nation Land Enterprise, the stand showcases asparagus, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, sweet corn and other vegetables.  

"Lots of folks stop in here; they are always looking for the best," Smiskin said.

With more than 500,000 acres, 270 and more days of sun, seven to 10 inches of rain per year, and almost a century and a quarter of agricultural history, the Yakima Valley is a virtual cornucopia of agricultural splendor ready for the dinner table.

The area's irrigated, high desert volcanic soil produces both stunning scenic beauty and bountiful crops with a harvest schedule that runs from April through November.

More than 40 commercial crops are grown in the valley, so farm-fresh produce is practically a fruit stone's throw away from those of us who live on this side of the Cascade Mountains.

When you do decide to head east, what follows is a partial list of produce stands worthy of a visit.

Big Apple Country & Gift (509):  Just off I-90 at exit 109 in Ellensburg, this store offers a wide variety, from the crispest apples and freshest cherries to Native American art and jewelry.    

Thompson's Farm & Market: Open for U-pick on weekends during harvest or by appointment, this purveyor of produce is located in Naches on Highway 12.  Local produce, cider, jams and gifts greet visitors, as does an old-fashioned soda fountain.  

Precision Fruit & Antiques:  With signage that is hard to miss and located at 101 East Selah Road in Yakima, this business offers valley wines, canned fruit, jams, preserves, pickles and antiques for purchase.

All Natural U-Pick: A family-friendly fruit and veggie business located at 11901 Zier Road in Yakima, this vendor offers a wide range of delectable fruits and vegetables from now until the middle of October.  

Imperial's Garden: A bit different from most vegetable and fruit stands, this farm, located at 4817 Lateral A Road in Wapato, offers U-pick opportunities and the invitation to guests who want to spend the day playing on the farm.

The next time you seek great produce and fruits at very good prices in some of the nation's most fertile and beautiful farmlands, think about visiting the Yakima Valley.

For more information on the produce and activities in Yakima County, visit www.visityakima.com.