Strawberries and Blackberries are ripe right now! Blueberries will be ready for harvest in just another week or two. Several years ago I worked at a kids' summer camp at Serenbe and I have such fond memories of blueberry picking day at Serenbe Farms. This is an activity that is great for ALL ages of kids... one-year-olds through adults just love eating a fresh, plump berry right off the bush. Read "Blueberries for Sal" with your kids before you make the trip. Here are a few suggestions, and you can find more information about harvest dates or about pick-your-own farms at www.pickyourown.org Make sure to call ahead to confirm your visit, as farms often have to change their schedules depending on the weather and harvest.
Brown's Vineyard and Berry Farm (pesticide-free, thornless blackberries, muscadines). 4853 Evans Drive, Union City. 770-964-5304. Call for availability and hours. Containers provided, picnic tables.
Strawberry picking at Harry Stacy Farms- www.harrystacyfarms.com; 623 Poplar Road, Dallas, GA 30157. Phone: 770-â€443-â€0292. Open: Monday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm, but call ahead for availability Payment: Cash, only. $12 for a 4-liter basket and $8 for a 2-liter basket .
Strawberry Picking at Washington Farms- www.washingtonfarms.net; 270 Willowwind Dr., Loganville; Just north of US 78, off Hwy 20; For many customers it is a springtime tradition with family and friends. Strawberries are grown on raised plastic beds for easy picking and clean berries.
Blueberry Picking at Berry Patch Farms: www.berrypatchfarms.net; Beginning around July 1 (depending on the crop), this lasts about a month; Monday - Saturday 8am until dark, Sunday 12pm until dark. Double check before you go. Grab a bucket and fill it with the best blueberries in Georgia! These blueberries are never sprayed with pesticides. They are totally pesticide-free, so feel free to eat them right off the bushes! Blueberries can be frozen for your blueberry muffins, pancakes and desserts all year long. Go as early as you can. It gets super hot, but the kids love it.
Blueberry Picking at Hard Labor Creek Blueberry Farm: www.sites.google.com/site/hlcblueberries; 38 Knox Chapel Road, Social Circle, GA 30025. Between Social Circle and Rutledge, GA; East of Hwy 11, north of I-â€20; WHEN: Season begins at the end of June and is best in JULY! COST: $1.50/lb. (approx. 7 lbs in one gallon). After picking your blueberries, you might want to have an amazing Southern style meal at the Blue Willow Inn in downtown Social Circle, or visit Hard Labor Creek State Park, adjacent to the blueberry farm property.
Blueberry Hill: Phone: 770-889-2131. Cherokee County. 199 Trinity Lane, Free Home, GA (between Canton and Cumming at Ga. 20 and Ga. 372). Blueberries late June to early August; Hours: 8:30amâ€6pm Tuesdays â€Sundays; $2.50/quart.
Mercier Orchards: www.mercier-orchards.com; Phone: 706-632-3411. 8660 Blue Ridge Dr. (Hwy. 5), Blue Ridge, GA. Strawberries, cherries, peaches, and apples; Hours: 7am - 8pm daily; Cherries and peaches are currently available at the market. Visit their website for events and more information!
GEORGIA HARVEST DATES:
Apples- July 25-November 21
Blackberries- June 1-July 30
Blueberries- June 15-August 15
Sweet Corn-May 15-July 1
Peaches- May 8- August 25
Pumpkins- September 15-November 15
Strawberries-April 5-June 10
Watermelons-June 25-September 1
RECIPE OF THE WEEK FROM HAL'S KITCHEN & SANDY SPRINGS FARMER'S MARKET:
Strawberry Fool's Fool - What is this? CLICK HERE to find out!
