2024 Worcester County, Massachusetts Blueberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org
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Blueberry U-Pick Orchards in Worcester County, Massachusetts in 2024, by county
Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for blueberries that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have blueberries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!
Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!
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Worcester County
Carlson Orchards,Inc. - apples, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, Cider mill 115 Oak Hill Road, Box 359, Harvard, MA . Phone: 978-456-3916. Directions: Route 2 West to the AyerGroton Exit 38B onto Route 110N, one quarter mile take ist right-Poor Farm Road, follow signs, 2. 5 miles. From Route 495 take exit 28 to Route 111 towards Harvard. one quarter mile, follow signs. Apple PYO hours are 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. Peach and Nectarines: Call, Mid-July on, 10-5pm. We supply containers. . Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: 800-286-3916. Route 2 West to the Ayer/Groton Exit 38B onto Route 110N, one quarter mile take ist right-Poor Farm Road, follow signs, 2. 5 miles. From Route 495 take exit 28 to Route 111 towards Harvard. one quarter mile, follow signs. Apple PYO hours are 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. Peach and Nectarines: Call, Mid-July on, 10-5pm. We supply containers. Carlson Orchards Facebook page. A visitor writes on September 24, 2014: (positive) "Today I went to Carlson Orchards to pick fall raspberries. I had a great time. The picking was plentiful and the staff was friendly and convivial. Would recommend this orchard to anyone looking for a fine time." Comments from a visitor on July 28, 2012: (positive) "We have found a new favorite farm! They had wonderful blueberries and nectarines and we also picked up cider and peaches (already picked). The kids had fun and they were friendly and helpful. But do watch out for the poison ivy!"
Charlton Orchards - Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, apples, pears and raspberries. 44 Old Worcester Road, Box 339, Charlton, MA . Phone: 508- 248-7820. Email: Patty@charltonorchard.com. Open: year round and sponsors tasting events throughout the year. Directions: Route 20 West 6 miles from Route 395 and Route 290, look for signs. Route 20 East, 4 miles from Mass. Pike, Sturbridge exit and Route 84. Follow signs . Click here for a map and directions. . Email info@charltonorchard.com. map and more directions. Pick your own fruit is available beginning with Strawberries in June, Blueberries and Raspberries in July and August, Peaches in August and continue with Apples and Pears in September and October. Our winery, producing the best in handcrafted fruit and grape wines, is open Offer picnic tables, wagon rides during apple season. Peach Festival in August. Harvest Festival in October and Christmas at first week in December. Strawberry Festival in June, Blueberry Festival in July. facebook page. Be sure to See comments about this farm here! Few farms in the U.S. have so many comments about them as this one.
Clearview Farm - apples, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, pumpkins, hayrides 4 Kendall Hill Road, Sterling, MA . Phone: 978-422-6442. Email: clearviewfarm@comcast.net. Open: in mid-August through September with five varieties of freestone peaches and nectarines. Directions: Take Route 12, Route 62, or Route 190 to Sterling Center, go one half mile up Maple Street, take right onto Kendall Hill Road, farm 1st on left; . Click here for a map and directions. . map and more directions. 10am to 6pm weekends w/hayrides. 11-5pm weekdays, Groups by appointment. We offer five products you can pick: apples, peaches, blueberries, pumpkins, and raspberries. We open The hayride starts to roll mid-September through Columbus Day to take you to the apple orchard to fill our half-bushel bags. We sell more than twenty varieties of apples - new and old. Our dwarf orchard is within walking distance. Fall bearing raspberries and blueberries yield until mid October. We provide pickers and pint or quart containers. October turns orange with the foliage and the pumpkin patch giving birth to all sizes and types of pumpkins: Cinderella, heirloom, Baby Pam Sugar, Ghost, Big Mac, Tom Fox and Howdens. We also sell gourds and many varieties of winter squash, We provide wagons for retrieving that perfect pumpkin. Facebook page. (UPDATED: May 1, 2015, JBS) Comments from a visitor on October 13, 2012: "I have gone to this orchard every year for six years to pick apples, but after my visit today I will not be back. The woman who was working the register (whom I am assuming is one of the owners) was completely unprofessional. We arrived and paid for our bags and were directed to the hayride. Having come here for several year we knew that empire apples, my Mom's favorite were in the side orchard not the back. So we asked if we could take the hayride to the back orchard (my children look forward to the "tractor ride")and pick some apples there and then go to the side orchard and pick some there because each spot offers different apples. The woman smirked and told us we would have to pick one, not both. I then said that we would split up and my Mom could go to the side orchard and my husband and I would go to the hayride back orchard to which she told me that we had not bought a big enough bag to get all five of us onto the hayride and if we wanted to split up I would have to purchase a bigger bag..what!?!? Finally, I took my kids on the hayride to the back orchard and my husband and Mother went to the side orchard to get empires. And when we stepped away from the counter, she laughed and said "finally I can help you" to the customers in line behind us. What should have been a great family day at the orchard turned into a disappointing day separated from one another." Comments from a visitor on September 24, 2009: "Just wanted to say how disappointed we were with our experience here. As we were going to be in the area last Sunday, I researched on your site to find a farm close by & was so glad to find this one with hayrides. When we went to purchase a bag to pick apples they asked how many we were to write the number on the bag. We are a family of five, & were told that we couldn't pick a peck with 5 people, but would have to purchase the more expensive 1/2 bushel bag. I did not see requirement posted anywhere & as we had already purchased cider, etc from them, did not have enough left to purchase the larger bag. I did mention that this was not right & the adults only wanted to watch the kids anyway & was told by what appeared to be the man in charge that these were the rules for everyone, they had to make a living & this was how all the farms operated. We are from NH & apple pick every year here, & have never heard of this at any of the places we frequent. We should have walked away, but had children who had been looking forward to this, so 2 of us had to stay behind. They had to take a hay ride to the orchard, but there was no signs or directions on what kinds of apples were available to pick. Just the driver who said 'pick here, not there.' I hope you will post this to the site, & let others know what to expect. Thank you for the great job on the site, we have used it several times, usually with success. "
Derrick Farms - Blueberries 301 Sanders Road, Oakham, MA . Phone: (508) 882-5591. Open: Call to confirm. Directions: Route 122 to Route 148, South 3 one half miles, from Spencer take Route 31 North 2 miles past St. Joseph\'s Monastery and follow signs to farm in Oakham. . Click here for a map and directions. . Route 122 to Route 148, South 3 one half miles, from Spencer take Route 31 North 2 miles past St. Joseph's Monastery and follow signs to farm in Oakham. In 2007: Tuesday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm, Sundays from 8 am to noon, Closed Mondays. We provide containers, children are welcome with adult supervision. Senior citizens and handicap accessible areas also available with chairs for everyone to sit and pick in. A visitor writes on July 21, 2013: (positive) "We visited this farm 07/20/2014 and will definitely go again! The staff is fantastic - very friendly and helpful. The grounds were so pretty with a small pond with a family of geese and rows upon rows of blueberry bushes that were just loaded down with berries. They provide you with a bucket (holds about 11 pounds of berries when filled to the top) and a chair to sit it while you pick the berries. The cost was $2.50 per pound. They have bathroom facilities on site and also provide cold water." Comments from a visitor on August 16, 2011: (positive) "I went blueberry picking for the first time at. I was totally satisfied with the whole place. I especially liked the fact that I could sit to pick and it is great that they have port-a-potties. The price was reasonable also. I ended up filling up the bucket which amounted to a little over 11 pounds. I will definitely go back. The staff are also very attentive to your needs." Comments from a visitor on July 15, 2011: (positive) "Greatly exceeded my expectations. I'd read other good reviews of but in past experiences at OTHER fruit orchards, I have left feeling scammed by exorbitant admission fees, overpriced fruit on scant trees with too many people around to enjoy myself so I was skeptical at first. Biking up the unpaved country road to this orchard, I knew I'd found a gem. It's just 3 miles away from my house, but I never knew about it until they posted the seasonal signs. I had given wild blueberry picking a shot this year but it took me an hour to get just a small handful of tiny, overly tart berries so I decided to risk paying at a pick-your-own one more time, expecting disappointment. No disappointment here. This place is awesome and SOOO worth it. The healthy rows of berry bushes are teeming with seemingly endless bunches of the largest, sweetest I've ever had-- and at $2.50ish a pound for this lightweight fruit, it's both easy and cheap to fill a bucket. I was hesitant to post at first because I plan to go back here many times and don't want too much competition :) but the owner's of this farm are doing a terrific job and deserve the business. " Comments from a visitor on August 12, 2009: (positive) "Just came back from blueberry picking at. A great experience! Great and lots of them!" Comments from a visitor on July 31, 2009: (positive) "I went picking last week and again yesterday and conditions are AMAZING! Pretty much sit at a bush and pick until you cannot pick any longer. They will move you to another bush if needed, but the but the bushes are FULL of large, sweet, delicious berries. I highly recommend for yummy and efficient picking! And they are only picking the first of 6 acres and expect good picking possibly through the end of August. Also nice that there are picnic tables in the shade. "
Doe Orchards - blueberries, apples and Christmas trees 327 Ayer Road, Route 110/111, Harvard, MA 01451. Phone: 978-772-4139. Directions: located off of Route 2 in the Nashoba Valley of central Massachusetts. We are 30 miles west of downtown Boston and just 1 mile from the Nashua River Rail Trail and the FitchburgSouth Acton line on the Commuter Rail. Please see our . Click here for a map and directions. . Berry picking begins the weekend after the 4th of July and runs at least through mid-August; Call for specific days/hours. located off of Route 2 in the Nashoba Valley of central Massachusetts. We are 30 miles west of downtown Boston and just 1 mile from the Nashua River Rail Trail and the Fitchburg/South Acton line on the Commuter Rail. Please see our map page for more detailed directions. Committed to "PICK YOUR OWN", we grow 25 acres of a wide variety of apples, 10 acres of Christmas trees and two acres of blueberries and raspberries. Apple picking begins Labor Day Weekend and runs 10 AM to 5 PM daily through late October. Children welcome, groups should call for an appointment, containers provided. Macs, Cortlands, Delicious, Empires, and Macouns as they ripen. Cider and honey. 60 acres to relax, wander and enjoy. Our own peaches are available at the stand from the middle of July until mid-September. Christmas tree cutting begins Friday after Thanksgiving and continues on weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM, until sold out. Facebook page. Comments from a visitor on August 13, 2011: (positive) "The people at are always friendly and professional. We have a large, and sometimes unruly family, and when we go apple picking it's the family and the dog out for a good time. We've always had a great time at, and the quality, and variety, of the fruit is wonderful." Comments from a visitor on July 10, 2011: (positive) "My kids and I have picked blueberries, raspberries, and apples for the past 5 years at Doe orchard. The staff is friendly and always helpful. I do wish the sales folks knew more about the various types of apples though - I've only run in to one lady who could give me hints on which are best for sauce vs pie vs canning, etc. Visitors are generally nice, watch their kids, and use the picking as time with the family as well as general lessons in manners and courtesy. (you hear parents telling their kids which apples are ripe and why you don't just shake the blueberry bushes. Good prices, nice staff, friendly "not Children First" atmosphere - two thumbs up."
Fay Mountain Farm - strawberries, raspberries, apples, pears, blueberries, restrooms, gift shop, pumpkin patch in the field, pumpkins brought in from the field, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, tours of the operation, group tours 12 Cemetary Road, Charlton, MA 01507. Phone: 508-248-7237. Email: benjaminpwilson@gmail.com. Open: Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Click here for a map and directions. . Pumpkins from September 10- October 31; Raspberries June 26-September 30, Strawberries June 5- July 4 and August 1-September, Pears September 1- October 10, Apples September 1- October 31; Blueberries June 26- August 10. (UPDATED: October 12, 2016) (UPDATED: July 14, 2016, JBS) A visitor writes on June 08, 2014: " in Charlton said they weren't doing U-pick strawberries this year. "
Flat Rock Disc Golf Club - No pesticides are used, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, restrooms, picnic area 2260 Flat Rock Road, Athol, MA 01331. Phone: 978-249-8429. Email: helen@flatrockdiscgolf.com. Open: 7 Days a week from dawn to dusk; July 5th through September or until the berries are gone. Directions: Rte. 2 to exit 17. Right at end of exit, 0.5 mile to right on Woodlawn Road Left at end on New Sherborn Road Take 3rd right on Monson Turnpike, then next right on to Flat Rock Road. Parking will be 0.25 mile on left at 2260 Flat Rock Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Picking buckets available. We do not use pesticides on the crops. Our small blueberry farm has 130 high berry bushes. It is located in the scenic North Quabbin area of central MA and is also home to an 18 hole disc golf course.
Friendship Farm - blueberries, Cell service cell phones work here 10210 Three Penny Lane, Berlin, MD
21811. Phone: (443) 235-9876. Alternate Phone: (410) 641-0886. Fax: 410-641-3197. Email:
friendshipfarmberlin@gmail.com. Open: Please check our Facebook page for dates and times that we are open.
Directions: Click here
for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, All credit cards. (ADDED: December 16, 2024)
George Hill Orchards, Inc - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, plums, pumpkins, rhubarb, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info) 582 George Hill Road, South Lancaster, MA 01561. Phone: 978-365-4331. Open: Check our website for PYO harvest conditions and hours. Directions: From Route 495, take exit 27 \(Bolton Stowe\). Take Route 117 \(west\) and drive 5.5 miles. Turn left onto Langen Road and drive 1.7 miles. Turn right onto George Hill Road. George Hill Orchards is up the hill on the left side. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Alternate Phone: 800-699-4331. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. From Route 495, take exit 27 (Bolton/ Stowe). Take Route 117 (west) and drive 5.5 miles. Turn left onto Langen Road and drive 1.7 miles. Turn right onto George Hill Road. George Hill Orchards is up the hill on the left side. Check out our website for upcoming festivals, activities and harvest dates. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. farm animals, baked pies and cider donuts, sand box play area (UPDATED: April 26, 2023, JBS) Comments from a visitor on September 02, 2011: (positive) "This is the most amazing fall family experience! They have awesome parking (not far away from everything like some orchards). You take a hayride (free) out to the orchards, and it's a really pretty ride. You get off at whatever spot you want and then just wait when you're done for a wagon to come by. We went all the way to the Fram House Grille, where there was a band playing outside and people were sitting at picnic tables. Inside, the Grille is decorated like an outdoor farm (very kid friendly). My only complaint is that it was kind of dark inside. There are nice clean indoor bathrooms there! The food is really good and cheap too! We actually were able to eat a whole meal, and my son colored at the kids table with provided pages and crayons while we chatted. The macintosh apples were right there next to the Grille, so we picked our apples and headed back on the wagon. We of course stopped at their gift shop and discovered homemade cider and hot apple cider donuts (again, really resonably priced). Every staff person was friendly and seemed happy to be there. This was our first trip to this orchard but we will be back every year now!!"
Great Oak Farm - Blueberries and raspberries. 227 Highland St, Berlin, MA . Phone: 978-838-2097. Open: Tuesday-Saturday: 8am-noon andfrom 3 pm to 7 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . Open Sundays, 10 am to 6 pm. Exit 26 off Route 495, head west on Route 62 for 1. 5 miles to center. Take right onto Carter St. to Highland St. Farm is 1. 7 miles from Route 62. Mid June to Oct.
Hammerhead Farm - apples, blueberries 56 Westcott Road, Harvard, MA . Phone: 978-456-6858. Open: Call for times and conditions. Directions: Route 495 to Route 111 West, 1st left onto Codman Road, to right onto Stow Rd & then left at fork onto Westcott Road. . Click here for a map and directions.
Harvey's Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, raspberries, prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours 120 South Street (route 135), Westborough, MA 01581. Phone: 508-366-1545. Email: harveysfarm@yahoo.com. Open: 7 Days a week, April 1st through October 31st, 10am to 6pm; Open 7 Days a week, November 1st through December 3o Thursday, 10am to 5pm; Closed December 31st through March 31st. Directions: -Route 90 East \(From Points West\) or West \(From Points East\) to Route 495 North. Route 9 West towards Worcester. Route 135 towards WESTBORO.Two Miles on Route 135 takes you to the rotary. As you approach the rotary, a Getty Gas Station and Dairy Queen will be located on your right. Once you\'re in the rotary \(at the intersection of Routes 135 and 30\), continue on Route 135 East towards Hopkinton. Route 135 East for a half mile. Left onto Maple Avenue Right into driveway. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Fax: 508-366-1477. . -Route 90 East (From Points West) or West (From Points East) to Route 495 North. Route 9 West towards Worcester. Route 135 towards WESTBORO.Two Miles on Route 135 takes you to the rotary. As you approach the rotary, a Getty Gas Station and Dairy Queen will be located on your right. Once you're in the rotary (at the intersection of Routes 135 and 30), continue on Route 135 East towards Hopkinton. Route 135 East for a half mile. Left onto Maple Avenue Right into driveway. Crops are usually available in July, August, September, October, November, December. Blueberries: July 1 through August, Raspberries: Late August through September; Christmas Trees: After Thanksgiving through Christmas. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Comments from a visitor on August 23, 2010: (negative) "We had a HORRIBLE experience here a couple years ago. I was walking with my toddler to see the farm animals, holding his hand as we walked down the path. He reached out and gently touched a plant with one finger. The owner ran out of the store screaming at me and told me not to let my kid touch his $19 planter. A little while later, my son touched (again with one finger)an old tractor that looked like it was meant for kids to verify out. He came out screaming again and this time told me that he "cared more about my kid than I did." I was completely taken aback. Before leaving, I went into the store and asked if they had a public restroom. The woman's response was that they didn't want my stinky diapers and I should go find a McDonalds. We certainly have never been back!"
Hollis Hills Farm - apples, blackberries, blueberries, other berries, peaches, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, porta-potties, picnic area, farm animals 340 Marshall Rd, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Phone: 9786963130. Email: shannon@hollishillsfarm.com. Open: Seasonally, Call for Hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, ATM onsite. . . (UPDATED: June 10, 2021)
Honey Pot Hill Orchards - apples, blueberries, pears, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations 138 Sudbury Road, Stow, MA 01775. Phone: 978-562-5666. Email: chelcie@honeypothill.com. Open: Seven days a week, 10 am to 5 pm, August 30th to November 15th. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. . Fax: 978-562-4466. .
Howe's Farm and Garden - Blueberries. 59 Wine Road, New Braintree, MA . Phone: 508- 752-8419. Open: typically, 8 am to 7 pm. Directions: Please call for picking conditions and directions. . Click here for a map and directions.
Indian Head Farm - Blueberries, strawberries, flowers and raspberries. 232 Pleasant Street, Berlin, MA . Phone: 978-838-2942. Open: daily from 8am until picked out during each season; Please call ahead for conditions. Directions: From Berlin Center, 1. 5 miles South on Pleasant Street, next to cemetery. Or Exit 25 from Route 290, 1 mile toward Berlin Center. . Click here for a map and directions. . click here for their contact form Bring your own containers or purchase at farm. Fall raspberries only. Children welcome with adults. Comments from a visitor on June 17, 2011: (positive) "I just wanted to let everyone know that this was an exceptional visit today to this farm, the staff was very friendly and helpful, the strawberries are very sweet and big if you go up by the cemetery. The only issue was that the Credit Card machine was down but they were having trouble with there modem, which they were working on trying to get it fixed. " Comments from a visitor on August 23, 2010: (positive) "We love to pick blueberries here! They are friendly and not too crowded. They also have a nice farm stand and pick your own flowers. Comments from a visitor on June 17, 2010: (positive) "I have grown up picking strawberries at every June. This is the best pick-your-own strawberry farm, and I've loved every visit I've made over the past ten years. The strawberries are always delicious, the prices are the most reasonable around, and the people are always friendly. We usually bring our own basket, have them weigh it before we pick, and then pay for our pounds of strawberries after. I think our record is close to ten pounds of strawberries! My family no longer lives in the area, but I'm making the trek out there tomorrow in honor of strawberry season. I can't wait! P.S. While out there, make sure to stop by Balance Rock Farm nearby for ice cream and whipping cream. It's not their own dairy anymore, but it's local and delicious and a really cute place. P.P.S. I LOVE THIS WEBSITE! Thank you so much for keeping it up and organized - it's such a gem.
Lanni Orchards Inc - apples, blackberries, blueberries, flowers, Seedless table grapes, wine grapes, nectarines, peaches, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), strawberries, tomatoes, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, inflatables or bounce houses, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations 294 Chase Rd, Lunenburg, MA 01462. Phone: (978) 582-6246. Email: info@lanniorchard.com. Open: Sunday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers. . Fax: 978-582-6099. . We use integrated pest management practices (IPM). Check out our website for current and upcoming events. July raspberries blueberries August raspberries blueberries grapes September grapes, corn maze, apples October apples, corn maze, pumpkins November doggie maze, holiday open house.Our farm stand is open year round! During the cold winter months, we sell all locally made items. Things like fresh baked pies, thaw and serve pies, chocolates, fudge, meats, pasta, cheese, cider, soups, baking mixes, seasonings, hot mulled cider, hot Smokestacks coffee! When the weather warms up we offer an array of things to do here at the farm. (UPDATED: August 29, 2023)
Meadowbrook Orchards - blackberries, blueberries, pumpkins, raspberries, tomatoes, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms 209 Chace Hill Road, Sterling, MA 01564. Phone: 978-365-7617. Email: info@meadowbrookorchards.com. Open: 7 days a week, 7am to 6pm, all year round. Directions: from Route 190 take exit 6 and follow signs to Meadowbrook. From Route 495 take exit 26 and follow Route 62 north 8.7 miles, take a left onto Chace Hill Road, we are 34 of a mile up on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. . Fax: 978-365-7618. . from Route 190 take exit 6 and follow signs to Meadowbrook. From Route 495 take exit 26 and follow Route 62 north 8.7 miles, take a left onto Chace Hill Road, we are 3/4 of a mile up on the left. Crops are usually available in July, August, September, October. We have a great bakery with all products made onsite. Plus we have a great lunch consisting of soups and sandwiches.
Mountain Cottage - Blueberries. Pesticide/chemical free. 3 Gregory Road, Princeton, MA . Phone: 978-464-5796. Open: weekends and most weekdays, call ahead for hours and conditions. Directions: From Route 140 in Westminster travel 1 mile past Mt. Wachusett, take left onto Gregory Road, farm is 1st house on left. Or 2. 5 miles North from center of Princeton on Mountain Road. . Click here for a map and directions.
Nourse Farm - strawberries, red raspberries, black raspberries, blueberries, red currants, pumpkins, flowers 70 Nourse Street, Westboro, MA . Phone: 508- 366-2644. Open: June 10 to September 30, please see our picking page. Directions: 2. 5 miles west on Route 30 from Westboro center. Follow the strawberry to the field. Map on website. Nourse Farm offers Pick Your Own \(PYO\) fruit . Click here for a map and directions. . Offer 8 of the sweetest varieties of strawberries and 3 varieties of raspberries. 2. 5 miles west on Route 30 from Westboro center. Follow the strawberry to the field. Map on website. offers Pick Your Own (PYO) fruit crops throughout the summer, beginning with the strawberry season in June and continuing with blueberries, red and black raspberries, red currants and pumpkins. PYO Entrance Hours are 9-6 M-F and 9-5 Sat-Sun. The PYO season extends through mid-late October with raspberries and pumpkins. We welcome families and do not charge for admission. You may bring your own containers (weight deducted) or purchase a PYO flat. For everyone's safety, our key guidelines include wearing a mask and picking 6-feet apart for social distancing. At busy times periods, check-in and check-out will be under a tent awning outside the farm. Check out the Pick-Your-Own schedule on the farm web site. (UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS)
Odd Pine Farm - blueberries, 122 Ferin Road, Ashburnham, MA 01430. Phone: 978-827-6637. Email: opf@oddpinefarm.com. Open: See our webstie for current hours. Directions: About 4 miles north of Center of Ashburnham, on Route 12 turn Right onto High St. Pass Naukeag Lake and follow signs to farm. See our website for directions. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Comments from a visitor on July 31, 2010: (positive) "Spent a couple hours picking blueberries this morning at this wonderful farm! What a gem of a place. Wish I had known about it long before now. Acres and acres of high bush blueberries at $1.40 a pound. They even have plastic buckets that you can purchase right there (I got the 2-1/2 gallon size for $1.75). My banana blueberry bread is in the oven right now :-)" Comments from a visitor on November 11, 2009: (positive) "I just found out about at the very end of blueberry picking season this year and brought my husband and three sons there the last weekend they were open..what a wonderful place! They still had plenty of delicious blueberries to pick, were extremely polite and helpful, and are located in a peaceful country setting. I also thought it was great that they had a section set aside for handicapped accessible picking as well. We ended up picking ten pounds of blueberries and paying a fraction of what they would cost in the grocery store. We had a great time and will certainly go back next year!"
Ragged Hill Orchard - apples, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pears, and raspberries. 94 John Gilbert Road, West Brookfield, MA . Phone: 508- 867-2187. Open: Call ahead for hours and picking conditions; In season, PYO apples open daily 9am to 6pm. Click here for a map and directions. . 3 miles North of common to Wickaboag Valley Road to . Or from Route 9 turn to Pierce Road to Ragged Hill Road. Children must be accompanied by adults.
Red Apple Farm - apples, blueberries and raspberries. 455 Highland Avenue, Phillipston, MA . Phone: 800-628-4851. Open: daily, 9am to 6pm. Directions: Route 2 \(exit 19\), follow signs \(2 miles\) to farm. . Click here for a map and directions. . For more information please Contact Us. Route 2 (exit 19), follow signs (2 miles) to farm. Nov. and December. Containers provided, children welcome, farm animals, forest trails and hayrides, school tours, 48 apple varieties with one tree with 108 varieties grafted on it! Host Birthday parties, and company outings. Every weekend summer through fall, our post and beam Country Barn is transformed into an outdoor brewery tap “room,” serving up local brews, fresh roasted nuts, barbecue, and popped-on-the-spot popcorn along with your farm favorites. Make sure to try our new Hard Cider! The Brew Barn is family friendly and fun rain or shine thanks to the expansive barn! If the weather permits there’s plenty of outdoor space on the deck and around the barn as well. Typical harvest dates: JULY - Blueberries, RaspberriesAUGUST - Blueberries, Raspberries, Peaches, SunflowersSEPTEMBER - Pears, Pumpkins, Red Potatoes, Gourds, Sunflowers, Indian Corn, Popping CornOCTOBER - Pumpkins, Red Potatoes, Winter Squash, Gourds, Indian Corn, Popping Corn NOVEMBER - Red PotatoesAlways call the farm ahead (978-249-6763) to confirm daily picking conditions! (UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS)
Sawyer's Farm - blueberries, weddings and wedding parties 38 Root Rd, Hubbardston, MA 01452. Phone: (978) 928-3379. Email: sawyers_farm@yahoo.com. Open: Wednesday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm Mid July through Labor Day. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . We also offer cord wood and horse quality hay year-round. (ADDED: August 15, 2017)
Sunburstbee Farm - blueberries, 44 Rawson Street PO Box 287, N. Uxbridge, MA 01538. Phone: 508-234-9859. Email: sunburstbee@yahoo.com. Open: Check by phone for times during the weeks of July 15th to the end of August; Mid July to end of August. Directions: Rt. 146, take Lackey Dam Road exit and go East off the ramp to right on McGuire. Take next right at 4 way stop onto Rawson Street We are about a half mile up on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Crops are usually available in July, August. Comments from a visitor on July 09, 2012: (positive) "My daughter, step grandson and I visited this past Saturday, July 7, 2012, and had a great time. I checked the website prior to our visit and since it's kept up to date daily, I knew the place was open and plentiful with berries. There weren't many people when we arrived because the weather was pretty humid and looked like it might rain. The owners, Bill and Debbie were waiting at the entrance of the field and were extremely friendly and helpful. Bill took us into the field and explained the various type of berries available and where the best place was to start picking. The bushes were bursting with fresh, ripe, sweet, gorgeous berries. (I could not stop eating them!). The place was clean, very pretty and peaceful. I definately recommends for blueberry picking. You will not be disappointed!" Comments from a visitor on July 26, 2010: (positive) "This is the place to go blueberry picking where ever you live in Massachusetts. Debbie and Bill are so nice and personable! They have over 900 blueberry bushes so there is NO shortage of fruit. They have such sweet berries and big! Highly recommended and we will be back!" Comments from a visitor on July 11, 2010: (positive) "My daughters (8 & 10 yrs old) and I went blueberry picking at Sunburst farm today. From start to finish our experience was perfect! Debbie and Bill gave us a very warm welcome. Bill showed us what area had the ripest berries and repeatedly said we could pick wherever we wanted. He was very sweet with kids, showing them how to pick. This was such a nice change from farms that give kids a scowl or the ones that only allow you to pick from one bush of their choosing. At $2.75 a pound, $12 bought us enough berries to make treats all week. We will definitely be back!"
Tougas Family Farm - Apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, flowers, nectarines, peaches, plums, pumpkins, raspberries, rhubarb, winter squash, strawberries, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field and prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, face painting, petting zoo 246 Ball Street, Northboro, MA 01532. Phone: 508-393-6406. Email: tougasfarm@tougasfarm.com. Open: From May through Halloween, Hours vary by season; Always call or check picking conditions on our web site. Directions: From I290 take exit #24 \(Church St\), turn towards Bolyston, follow signs up Ball St 1.5 miles . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . picking stand: 508-393-6470. Fax: 508 393 1834. . From I290 take exit #24 (Church St), turn towards Bolyston, follow signs up Ball St 1.5 miles Click here for picking updates. We have been declared a "Family Friendly" business, in addition to fruit to pick we operate a farm kitchen which features fresh fruit desserts, ice cream, baked goods and light lunch. Barnyard animals and a "Farmyard" playground keep the kids happy. (UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS) Note: visitors (September 22, 2008) reported that there are purchase requirements in order to enter the orchards. Be sure to verify their website (see this page) for the costs and current picking conditions. For photos and a blog from one visitor to the farm, see this page. Comments from a visitor on October 11, 2010: (neutral) "Yes, this farm is well run and has everything--animals, hay/wagon rides, food, and good PYO fruit, however, it will be a long time before I go back, especially for apples. It is SO crowded, the lines are ridiculously long, and the prices are sky-high. If you want to take your kids, they each have to get a tote or tray (applies or strawberries) for a flat rate; you could easily drop 50 bucks, and you feel like you're at a theme park, not the country. Choose one of the smaller, less popular farms if you want a lovely, reasonably priced PYO experience." Comments from a visitor on August 23, 2010: (positive) "We love to visit pick your own farms. I have been going to Tougas since I was a kid and take my son several times a year. We love to pick strawberries, cherries, and peaches and enjoy their cider donuts and playground. They are very kid friendly but do get extremely busy on weekends particularly in the fall.
Vandervalk Farm - blueberries, pumpkins, Christmas trees, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours 25 Lovell St, Mendon, MA 01756. Phone: 508-478-8733. Email: vandervalkfarm@comcast.net. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates.
Westward Orchards Farm - apples, blueberries, wagon rides Mass Ave. Route 111, Harvard, MA . Phone: 978-456-8363. Email: info@westwardorchards.com. Open: Call for more information; daily 10am to 6pm. Directions: one quarter mile West of Route 495 on Route 111. Visit our second location located across from the Fruitlands Museums on Prospect Hill Road. We supply containers. No pets. Also visit our retail farm store. The farm store offers a diverse selection of our own grown fruit & vegetables, local meats, eggs, dairy, cider donuts. Our farm has been growing quality fruits & vegetables for 4 generations. . Click here for a map and directions. . . For PYO apples open 10am to 4pm; Closed Tuesdays. Picking updates. Westwind Orchards Farm facebook page. We offer blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pears, plums, apples, quince, seasonal vegetables and more! (UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS)
Blueberry
Blueberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information
Blueberries are one of the easiest fruit to prepare and serve.
There's no peeling, pitting, coring or cutting. They have few natural pests,
(other than birds), so pesticides are generally unnecessary! This year's crop is
fantastic (see
related news story), thanks both to the weather and to
more farms planting more blueberry bushes due to increased consumer demand
over the past few years as more studies proclaim the anti-oxidant and other
health properties of blueberries.
If you are looking for information about a similar
berry, the saskatoon (also called the June berry or Serviceberry)
see this page about
saskatoons.
Picking
tips:
Select plump, full blueberries with a light gray-blue color. A berry with any
hint of red isn't fully ripened.
Ripening AFTER picking?
First, it is key to know that once picked, blueberries will NOT become any sweeter, nor will the flavor improve. The only change that occurs
is the color. They will APPEAR to ripen, but it is only a color change, from white to green to rose to red to pale blue to fully blue. So, white and green colored blueberries will not
"ripen" after they are picked; while blueberries that have already turned purple,
red or blue-ish usually DO change color after they are picked (if they are kept at room
temperature to "ripen").
As the blueberries ripen ON THE BUSH, the flavor goes from tastless to bitter to tasteless tart to tart blueberry flavor to sweet blueberry flavor.
Grocery stores sell blueberries that are tart, not sweet because they had them picked unripe by machine so they are very firm and can handled being
bumped around in shipping. They may look good, but are not as tasty as those picked when actually ripe.
So, the key is, PICK ONLY RIPE BERRIES!
How to pick blueberries
Since blueberries hang on the bushes in bunches a but like
grapes do, the easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under
them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them
with your fingers. The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the
unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.
When the bushes are at peak, I can easily pick 2 gallons per
hour (if I'm not being distracted by the kids and the sun isn't too hot!).
A newbie might do 1 gallon per hour.and at the beginning or end of the season it
takes more time as the berries are not as plentiful nor concentrated
in clusters.
Tips for storing blueberries after harvesting:
Once picked, don't place the berries, still warm from the sun, in a
closed bag or container. Leave the container open so moisture doesn't form
in the container.
Don't wash berries until just before using, to prevent berries from
becoming mushy.
Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life. Store
your fresh blueberries in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home,
without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If
refrigerated, fresh-picked blueberries will keep 10 to 14 days.
Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep
the skins from toughening. Place berries one layer deep. Freeze,
then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed
blueberries freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers
in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be
rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries
in cold water.
Blueberry Measurements and Conversions
Keep in mind that blueberries vary considerably in density and moisture
content, so these ranges are approximates.
1 gallon of blueberries weighs about 7.5 lbs or (4
liters of blueberries is about 3.5 kg)
1 pint of fresh blueberries weights about 3/4 of a pound. (1
liter of blueberries is about 700 grams)
1 pound of fresh blueberries is usually between about 2 and
3 cups
of berries.
If you have trouble with blueberries settling to the bottom of muffins and
blueberry breads, try one or more of these tips:
Coat them with flour before adding to the batter. Just gently shake the
blueberries in a bag (plastic or paper) with 1/2 cup of flour, then dump
them mix in a sieve to remove excess flour.
It may just be that your batter is too thin. try making the batter a
little thicker!
Fill the muffin cups or baking pan up to 1/4 full with batter (which
hasn't had blueberries added to it yet); then stir the blueberries into the
remaining batter, and continue to fill the muffin cups or bread pan. The
blueberries will start off higher in the mix!