By Heather Barrett
While driving on Vermont country roads, it is common to see a sign stating "U-Pick," meaning you can pick your own seasonal produce at that location. This time of year is perfect for blueberry picking. Here at Vermont Woods Studios, we eat, breath, and live all things Vermont 365 days a year, and we want you to experience a Vermont tradition too! We've done our research, and have picked out four farms through out Vermont where you can visit and pick your own blueberries.
The Apple Barn & Country Bake Shop located in Bennington, Vermont. This is the definition of a one-stop shop to experience Vermont agriculture. Right now you can pick your own blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Additionally, they have a Complimentary Tour of their 300 acre Apple Orchard, giving you quintessential Vermont photo opportunities. After your tour, you can stop by their bakery, to try a maple creeme (or soft serve ice cream, if you will), one of their 40 homemade treats (including cider donuts) or to grab a cup of Vermont's Green Mountain Coffee. This memory-making experience at The Apple Barn & Country Bake Shop will leave you yearning to come back in the fall to visit and pick your own apples.
Boyd Family Farm in Wilmington, Vermont. The Boyd family has been in the farming business for over 80 years, so you know they're doing it right! They focus on horticulture, and have become experts in wedding flower designs. Additionally, guests are welcome to the farm to pick your own blueberries! The Boyd Family Farm is a sponsor of the Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival (Friday, July 30- Sunday, August 8) this year, which is also located in Wilmington, Vermont.
Adam's Berry Farm at the Intervale in Burlington, Vermont. When you hear Burlington, Vermont, you think probably think of Lake Champlain and Church Street Marketplace; so you're probably thinking, "there's a farm in the city of Burlington?" Yes! The Intervale Center is a nonprofit organization that has a mission to "strengthen community food systems." They have 350 acres along the Winooski River, and Adam's Berry Farm is on that land! They have been "cultivating berries in a unique urban agricultural environment" for 10 years. Adam's Berry Farm invites you to pick your own berries from June to mid-October, the berries depending on the season. Right now is the perfect time to pick your own blueberries right in the city of Burlington! While you're there, you can also bike and hike along a variety of trails at the Intervale.
Cedar Circle Farm located in East Thetford, Vermont. This is a certified organic vegetable and berry farm and education center close to Norwich, Vermont and Lebanon New Hampshire. In their education center their mission is "to raise public awareness about the importance of local organic agriculture, increase access to quality organic produce for low-income people, and establish models for farm-appropriate alternative energy strategies, and train next-generation farmers." In addition to the education center, they also open their farm to the public for berry picking. You can pick your own certified organic blueberries this month, and head back in October to pick your own pumpkins!
A list of farms, including theses ones, who offer "U-Pick" can be found on the Vermont Agriculture website. Do you have a favorite place to pick berries? Let us know on our Facebook page!
Heather Barrett is a Marketing Assistant at Vermont Woods Studios, an online furniture gallery which showcases Vermont's finest wood furniture. Follow our blog to learn about Vermont fine furniture, Vermont happenings, our mission, and our team.
