We’re fully into summer mode, and while it might look a lot different than years past, at least one thing remains the same: The warm weather and longest days of the year bring about the peak-growing season across the U.S.
Farms around the country are offering up the perfect outdoor stay-cation idea where you can take a much-needed day trip outside of your house. We’ve rounded up ten highly rated coast-to-coast farm experiences with delicious combinations of fresh, peak produce.
If you’re looking for experiences nearby, open up the Yelp app and search U-Pick Farms to find those nearest you.
Be sure to contact the farm directly before planning your adventure as hours vary widely based on seasonality, popularity and availability.
It’s hard to beat fresh-picked blueberries. Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm bursting with blueberries in a beautiful setting with Larsen Lake in the backdrop. They are open for picking on July 7 through early September, with reserved time-slots available on their website.
The Pacific Northwest is a gem for berries; blueberries, marionberries, raspberries and yellow raspberries are easy-picking at Sauvie Island Farms just outside of Portland. Bonus, you can find other fresh goodies like peaches and vegetables here! Give them a call the day before you’d like to pick to schedule your visit.
A short drive from Houston lies Froberg’s Farm, a highly-rated spot to pick various fruits nearly year round. As summer rolls along, we’re entering blackberry picking season, and Froberg’s also features a smokehouse, bakery and country store to make this a five-star experience.
Moving into the heartland, this Kansas orchard and berry farm is known as a staple at local farmers markets, and offers an idyllic U-Pick experience just outside of Kansas City. Summertime blueberry, blackberry, and peach picking are the draw at Gieringers, until the cooler days of fall lead into apple picking.
A day trip idea for Milwaukeeans and Chicagoans alike, Stade’s Farm & Market provides a classic midwestern farm experience. With fresh berries, green beans, and sugar snap peas to pick, plus a gigantic country market, you’re bound to come away with a full harvest.
Michigan is known for its midsummer bounty of tart cherries. Lehman’s Orchard is a perfect spot to add to your itinerary as you head up to the beach towns along Lake Michigan. In addition to cherries, you’ll find all kinds of berries here, as well as varieties of currants.
Summertime in Georgia = peach season. Southern Belle Farm, an hour outside of Atlanta, is a multi-generational farm that offers an abundance of goodies. Yelper Pro Tip: Pick peaches, then order peach cobbler and peach ice cream from their market!
In a town called Berryville, you know it’s going to be good. An hour’s drive from Washington D.C., Mackintosh Fruit Farm is absolutely loaded with summer produce. Aside from loads of U-Pick options, Mackintosh offers a cafe with farm-to-table options, and a market with meats, eggs, cheeses and pre-picked produce.
Ochs Orchard is a beautiful hour and a half destination from NYC, and ready to ramp up for midsummer picking. Blueberries, raspberries, garlic, snap peas are all on the July calendar. They also have homemade ice cream from the farm to complete your day trip.
Libby & Son U-Pick, about an hour’s drive from Portland, ME, is home to one of the highest rated blueberry farms in the state. Bonus, you can pick blueberries all the way into October, just in time to grab some apples (and cider doughnuts!) for the beginning of fall.
