Orchard hill- our story

I’m Wes Carithers. My wife Stephanie and I own and operate Orchard Hill Farm & Country Store outside of Lewistown. We are open mid-July through October, when we sell apples, peaches, jams/jellies, baked goods, cider, wine, and many other products. Our Apple and Peach trees comprise 18 acres. 

Stephanie is also an Occupational Therapist and I also run a landscaping and construction company (Carithers Inc) in my "off time". We have four children; Casey- 10, Brayden- 9, Nikita- 5, and Cole- 2.

We purchased the orchard in 2016, but it was first established in 1933. We decided to buy the orchard because it’s something I've always been interested in, and I was ready for a new challenge. The way I figure it, if you are going to work most of your life, it better be at something you enjoy. I enjoyed the business I currently had, and thought this addition would be a good fit. It took a lot of discussion to convince my wife and there’s no way it would have worked without her support. 

I think it’s a little early to tell if our kids will have any interest in the business, but I'm hoping at least one or two will like part of it. My 2 year old is always wanting to be outside and help with his tools. I can't imagine myself not working outside and caring for trees and plants, it’s ingrained in my brain.