Here’s a recipe for a lovely summer day: Pack a little picnic, grab your best floppy hat or Phillies cap, slather on some sunscreen and take a mini road trip to a nearby farm to go fruit picking. This fun outdoor activity is a life-affirming blend of frolicking in a field and getting access to the freshest local fruit available — sun-ripened and honey-sweet, practically unrecognizable compared to what comes from a conventional supermarket. It’s also a great way to teach kids (and maybe even remind yourself) about the remarkable amount of labor that goes into harvesting crops by hand.
There are a number of U-pick, or pick-your-own (PYO), farms within an hour or so of Philadelphia, and visiting them is a compelling way to get acquainted with growers in the area. To make a day of it, see if the farm has a produce stand or market with an events calendar, and stop in to see what’s going on — many farms host classes and workshops.
Between increasingly-extreme weather events, skyrocketing fuel and fertilizer prices, and labor complications due to immigration policies, farms of all sizes are feeling immense pressure and uncertainty and need our support now more than ever.
The single greatest challenge this year is due to unseasonably cold temperatures in April. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the late-spring freezing temperatures destroyed most of Linvilla Orchards’ peach and apple crops. Farms across Pennsylvania and New Jersey are feeling the devastating effects.
When to Go
When is the best time to go fruit picking? That depends on what crops you’re looking for. The general picking windows for summer fruits look like this: strawberries in late May through early June; cherries in mid- to late June; raspberries in early to late July; blackberries in mid- to late July; and blueberries from early July to mid-August.
What to Bring
- Many U-pick farms are working farms, and visitors should prepare accordingly. Wear sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothes and comfortable walking shoes that can get dirty.
- Bring ample water and sunscreen.
- A hat, rain jacket and snacks are also worth packing (“sampling” berries in the field is a big no-no).
- Nearly all ripe fruit can be removed from the vine/bush/tree by hand, so bringing knives, shears and other tools is not necessary.
- Most U-pick farms provide containers to fill, plus boxes or bags to transfer your harvest into to take home, so there’s no need to bring those.
- Pets are prohibited at nearly all farms. Leave the pup at home.
U-Pick Farms Around Philadelphia
Linvilla Orchards
Perhaps the most “agri-touristy” farm in the Philadelphia region, Linvilla Orchards is an institution. This 300-acre family farm offers a year-round slate of family-friendly activities, from hayrides and trout fishing to mini golf and pony rides. There’s plenty for adults, too: The event calendar is perpetually packed, there’s a breezy beer garden, and the on-site garden center, farm market and bakery are bigger than most you’ll find at other farms.
Linvilla also grows a lot of food, much of which is available to pick throughout the seasons. Asparagus, peonies and strawberries arrive first in spring, followed by cauliflower, lettuces, fresh herbs, cherries and blueberries in June; blackberries, apricots, plums, eggplant, sweet corn, sunflowers and garlic in July; and grapes, cucumbers and pears in August. No matter the crop, tickets are required ($11-$13 per person), a base container is provided and additional containers can be purchased.
Although the crops are sprayed, Linvilla incorporates other sustainability measures, including rainwater collection, recycling, composting, geothermal heating and cooling for its buildings, and solar panels that power its greenhouse.
linvilla.com
137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media, PA
(610) 876-7116
Ramsey’s Farm
Tucked into the Brandywine Valley in Delaware, just minutes from the Pennsylvania border, Ramsey’s Farm is a sixth-generation operation that was founded in 1860. Its 12-acre pumpkin patch is perhaps Ramsey’s main draw, but the farm stays busy in the summer, too, with PYO strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. The owners estimate that U-cut flowers — including sunflowers, zinnias, snapdragons and more — will be ready this year in early June and continue through mid-October.
Summer also brings the opening of the farm stand, complete with fresh produce, local goods, Ramsey’s own wagyu beef and ice cream from nearby Woodside Farm. Floral arranging classes and weekly goat yoga with the farm’s herd of mini goats are also popular events. When the weather turns cooler, bonfire nights, a massive corn maze and the annual Pumpkin Run offer the community even more reasons to visit.
ramseysfarm.com
440 Ramsey Rd., Wilmington, DE
(302) 496-6426
Weaver’s Orchard
Weaver’s Orchard traces its history back to 1932, when Daniel Weaver purchased the farm’s Berks County property. Today, it’s a bustling destination for pick-your-own excursions, children’s activities and an array of agricultural programming.
Berries are the main event at Weaver’s: Strawberry, black raspberry, red raspberry and blueberry bushes, along with cherry trees, stay busy throughout the summer. Stone fruits, apples, pears and kiwiberries stretch into the autumn. All adults 16 years and older must obtain a wristband before heading into the fields and may only use the pre-paid containers provided by the orchard. Repeat visitors may consider the PYO club, which costs $15 for the season and awards a 10% discount on all PYO fruit.
While picnicking in the fields is not permitted, a day spent berry picking can be extended with a trip to the farm market, which is stocked with homegrown produce, fresh baked goods and local groceries. A scoop or two at the Orchard View Ice Cream Deck, open May through October, ends the experience on a sweet note.
weaversorchard.com
40 Fruit Ln., Morgantown, PA
(610) 856-7300
Highland Orchards
Highland Orchards’ local claim to fame is undoubtedly its apple cider donuts, but there’s a lot more to explore at this Chester County farm, including a number of pick-your-own fruits. You’ll find most of the usual suspects here, like summer berries and cherries, plus some slightly rarer options, such as rhubarb (available mid-May through mid-June) and sweet corn (late July through early September).
The farm has a relatively large footprint, and navigating the various buildings can be a little tricky on busy days. For PYO on weekends, make a beeline for the Red Shed; on weekdays, start at the Farm Market. There, you’ll pay the $3 field access fee, receive a token for the shuttle and purchase containers. Shuttle service is offered only on weekends; on other days, guests may drive themselves. The shuttle makes the rounds to the various fields where crops are in season, and guests are welcome to hop on and off as they wish.
highlandorchards.net
1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Rd., West Chester, PA
(610) 269-3494
Strawflower Farm
Strawflower Farm is a four-acre regenerative family farm just 45 minutes outside of Philly. Its PYO fruit operation is on the low-key side: There are herbs, blueberries and blackberries. The farm’s main specialty, as its name implies, is flowers — wander the fields of fiery snapdragons, elegant larkspur, multicolored scabiosa, bright cornflowers and many more. Flowers can be snipped into bouquets or toted home by the bucketful.
The farm doubles as a venue space for small gatherings, like bridal showers and birthday parties, and its tables and chairs are available to everyday guests for relaxing or enjoying a picnic. Guests are invited to meet the farm animals, including alpacas, miniature and Angora goats, and a large pet turkey named Jack. Workshops and gatherings, like writers retreats, meditation circles, painting classes and sound baths, populate the events calendar.
Strawflower Farm uses organic and Korean natural farming techniques, including making soil amendments from farm materials like eggshells, vermiculture compost, leaves and wood chips. In 2023, it received the first-place award for “Best Regenerative Agrarian Garden” from Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Delaware County.
strawflowerfarm.net
51 Broomall Ln., Glen Mills, PA
(610) 566-7210
Penn-Vermont Fruit Farm
Not far from Doylestown, find Penn-Vermont Fruit Farm, a working PYO farm with fewer commercialized activities and less infrastructure than some of the others on the list. Set amid miles of verdant hills and farmland, driving there truly feels like a trip to the countryside. The farm is open every day, and whatever is ripe and in season is what’s available for picking — strawberries, wildflowers, black raspberries and peaches are usually growing in the summer, as well as some vegetables.
In the fall, apples and pumpkins are a big attraction, as is the fresh apple cider, which is milled right on-site. The farm stand, which is set up along the side of a historic stone barn, vends homemade goods, including salsa, spaghetti sauce and jam, as well as local brown eggs and honey. Please note that Penn-Vermont Fruit Farm is cash or check only. Come prepared.
While you’re in the area, it’s worth checking out some stunning nearby natural attractions like the Nockamixon State Park waterfall and Lake Galena in Peace Valley Park. Both are an approximate 15-minute drive from the farm.
Find Penn-Vermont Fruit Farm on Facebook
831 Rolling Hills Rd., Bedminster, PA
(215) 795-2475
Indian Orchards Farm
Just south of Media, find Indian Orchards Farm, a fifth-generation family-owned farm that’s been in operation since 1913. Its PYO season kicks off mid-June, and the list of crops available is long. In addition to berries and cherries, you can pick summer vegetables like zucchini, heirloom tomatoes, onions, peppers and cucumbers, as well as stone fruits such as peaches and nectarines. While the farm is not certified organic, it does utilize sustainable, pesticide-free growing methods and sprays minimal chemicals, with a focus on soil health and long-term stewardship of the land.
Before you hit the fields at Indian Orchards, stop by the farm stand to pay the admission fee ($3.50 per person), acquire a picking basket and find out what’s in season that day. All the fruit is priced by the pound or pint, and you only pay for what you pick. The rustic farm stand also stocks extra produce and locally made goods, such as honey, jam, maple syrup, cider and firewood.
indianorchardsfarm.com
29 Copes Ln., Media, PA
(610) 324-2484
Frecon Farms
If you’ve visited Frecon Farms at any of its farmers market stands in Philly, you are likely acquainted with its scrumptious fruit, baked goods and hard cider. This summer, visit its sprawling, third-generation farm to see where these delights originate and pick fruit in the cool of the evening with a festive atmosphere, to boot. Starting July 10, Frecon Farms will host Sunset Blueberry Picking Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. Guests will have access to the blueberry fields, wagon rides and a kids’ play area. A hard cider tap truck, lawn games, live music and dinner concessions make it a party.
On Friday, Aug. 7, a similar weekly Orchard Happy Hour will launch, also from 4 to 8 p.m., with U-pick zinnias, access to over 20 acres of orchards and the same festivities as the blueberry-picking nights. Regardless of when you go, pay a visit to the farm market and bakery, abundant with seasonal produce, scratch-baked pastries, pies and breads, canned and bottled hard cider, deli sandwiches and much more.
freconfarms.com
501 S. Reading Ave., Boyertown, PA
(610) 367-6200
Specca Farms
Driving down the country roads of Bordentown, New Jersey, it could be easy to miss Specca Farms. There isn’t a huge parking lot, no playgrounds or a giant barn to tip you off, and only a simple wooden sign heralds the entrance to the property. But while there are few bells and whistles at this family farm, there are bountiful fields to wander through and pick from.
Despite the chilly spring, strawberry picking season at Specca Farms opened during the second weekend in May and is projected to last through early-to-mid June. Later in the season, the green acreage is bursting with flowers, herbs, beets, melons, kale, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, corn, cauliflower, eggplant, snow peas and more. Specca’s roadside stand, The Corn Stop, sells a variety of produce right from the farm.
For strawberries, picking passes are $5 per person, and each person who plans to enter the fields must purchase one. The fee can be paid at the small farm stand near the farm’s entrance, and staff are available to answer questions and show visitors around. No payment is required for all other crops; those prices are set by weight.
speccafarms.com
870 Jacksonville-Mount Holly Rd., Bordentown, NJ
(609) 267-4445
