Pick Your Own Adventure
Fresh air and fresh fruit is arguably one of the best combinations of summer. This season, many of our household traditions have been altered. One of which will not be compromised is berry picking! Chatham County and its surrounding communities are home to a plethora of pick-your-own berry patches and farms, supplying you with a dose of sunshine, a dose of fun and the major ingredient for your next homemade cobbler.
Armed with a bucket and a supply of sunscreen, head out to the open fields for an afternoon escape. Find the taste of summer in your backyard!
Busy Bee Farm:
Located at 1092 Dewitt Smith Road, Pittsboro, Busy Bee Farm is a roadside market and pick-your-own blueberry and blackberry patch. Though hours vary depending on berry availability, hours are typically 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check their Facebook page for updates regarding weekly hours. The price for pick-your-own berries is $2.50 per pound.
Available at the roadside market, bring your own jar for a taste of honey or pick up blackberries, blueberries, potatoes, tomatoes and a variety of seasonal products. This grocery trip doesn’t get any fresher!
Farrells Creek Farm:
Farm owners Karen and Paul welcome you to their slice of paradise! Inspired by berries and bees, the two started this small farm based in Apex for the community to enjoy. Both master gardeners in Chatham County, Karen is also a certified beekeeper. Their products are proof of their many years of experience!
Pick-your-own blueberries and blackberries are now available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – noon. Their Facebook page is updated daily with picking availability. For a less interactive experience, order the day before for pre-picked blackberries, blueberries and honey. Taking necessary precautions regarding COVID-19, hand sanitizer, contactless payment options and appropriately spaced picking distances will be onsite. Public restrooms will not be available.
Herndon Hills Farms:
Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Pittsboro, Herndon Hills Farms is located at 7110 Massey Chapel Road in Durham. Offering certified organic blueberries, blackberries and muscadine grapes, picking for this season is by reservation only on a first-come, first-serve basis. For appointments, email [email protected] with the number of people in your picking party and day requests.
The price for blueberries is $25 per gallon, $30 per three-quart bucket of blackberries or $38 for four quarts and muscadine grapes will be available from the end of August until October. Ten varieties of muscadine and scuppernong grapes will be onsite for picking including Darlene, Supreme, Pam, Nesbitt, Triumph and Carlos.
Before your visit, make sure to read over the safety and picking policies. Policies have been set to limit interactions on the farm by paying before picking preferably using a credit or debit card and by keeping your picking group small.
Buckwheat Farm:
Another Apex staple, Buckwheat Farm is officially open for blueberry picking season. Open from the end of June through July, the pick-your-own option is available as well as purchasing pre-picked berries. For a few tips, remember to bring your own container and visit earlier or later in the day to avoid picking in the heat. As hours may vary depending on availability, call (919) 303-0339 before your visit.
Looking to place a pre-picked order? Call (919) 244-6947 to order pre-picked blueberries, honey, jams and jellies. Online orders can also be placed through their website.
DJ’s Berry Patch:
Is any summer complete without a trip to DJ’s Berry Patch? At 1223 Salem Church Road in Apex, you’ll find fresh produce at your fingertips, literally. Though their strawberry season has come to a close, seasonal produce is available for purchase. During the summer, get your hands on fresh tomatoes, sweet corn, watermelon and cantaloupe. Use their handy farm fresh calendar to determine which produce will be in season!
From mid-April to late May, make sure to return for strawberry picking season! With each season, comes new deliciousness to look forward to!