Last year I almost missed strawberry season, which in North Carolina is from mid-April until late May. Late last May I decided to take the girls but when I looked around, all but one tiny farm were closed. Luckily the small farm was beautiful and we had a wonderful time. But this year, I wanted to beat the heat that tends to come and settle in quickly, so this past Saturday morning, we were some of the first people to arrive at Patterson Farms.
The temperature was barely skimming 70 when we pulled up.
The girls headed towards the field but then ended up squatting by the corner at the entrance to scour for strawberries until I pointed out that the entire field was full of them.
They worked slowly and methodically, picking only the brightest red berries and plopping them one at a time into their over-sized baskets.
The breeze was blowing, the girls could wander at will, the sun was shining, and we could hear the sheep bleating in the distance. I must have exclaimed “this is the perfect day to be out here picking strawberries!” no fewer than 15 times. And it truly was.
Top (currently 40% off! I’m wearing a petite small for size reference) / Sunglasses / Sandals / Shorts (old)
After filling their baskets only about a quarter of the way, the girls realized they could sample the literal fruits of their labor. Quite quickly, picking strawberries turned into alternating one for the basket and one for their mouths.
I have no clue where they got that idea from.
After 30 minutes or so, their attention began to wander, so David and I started picking up the slack.
But once the girls spotted all the other fun available to them, it was all over.
The place might as well have been Disney World in their eyes. From cows pulled by four-wheelers
to cows set up for milking, the girls giggled and shrieked as they ran from setup to setup.
David and I meandered behind them, happy to be at a place where we could just let them just run free.
Thus what prompted yet another “this is the most perfect morning ever” to come from my mouth.
We made our way through the playground and into the barn, where baby animals abound. It took all my willpower to not buy a couple baby chicks or ducks to bring home for the backyard. Thank goodness I got distracted trying to ensure this sign’s warning didn’t come to fruition.
All in all, the morning was pure spring perfection and by the time we were leaving, the place had filled up. There was a line for the cow train and kids were flooding the playground and gem mining station. It appeared to be a great kick-off weekend for Patterson Farms and if you are local, I highly suggest checking it out. I swear they’ve added so much more in the past couple of years.
It was a perfect kick-off spring weekend and now I have to figure out what to do with a couple gallons of strawberries! I’m thinking jam and plenty to prep for the freezer!
Do you enjoy pick-your-own places?
I’m on the hunt for a blueberry farm (anyone know of any?!) and this fall, I am determined to finally follow through and go apple picking. Such a fun experience!
Sherry Stathas says
It does look like a perfect morning! So much fun seeing all the pictures and remembering the times I’ve been there with them. You look like their older sister!
Heather says
This is so funny, because we had the EXACT same experience picking in Raleigh last week. We went one afternoon, right at 3pm after I got out of work. (I am a teacher). There was literally no one there, and it was super gorgeous out. Not hot at all. When I left I was like “That was the best afternoon ever!” Glad you guys had fun!
JOHN J STATHAS says
Fun! I remember being there. Bring some to Tennessee!
Jenn says
I love pick your own places. We have done peaches, strawberries, cherries, apples, blackberries. I just love it so much!! We live in Northern VA so it’s a bit of a drive but have found one in purcellville which is great and then drove way out to Delapane for strawberries and cherries (for any local people). I hope to start again soon – I think strawberries start more mid may here until early June.
Brittany Dixon says
Cherries sound amazing! I’d love to go cherry picking sometime! Adding it to my (picking) bucket list 🙂
Montessoriishmom says
That looks SO fun! I used to go apple picking when I lived in Virginia and loved it, but I’ve never been berry picking. I’m hoping we can go blueberry picking when we go to Maine in August!
Annie says
I absolutely LOVE strawberry licking! It looks like you all had a great time! I’m hoping to go with our son, knowing that at one and a half he’ll probably trample over everything but I’m still excited to go! I made strawberry ice cream last time we went and it was amazing!
Brittany Dixon says
Yum!! That makes me want to make strawberry milkshakes 🙂
Laura says
Ugh, I miss strawberry picking season every year! Although up here, that’s in July, so I can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that you can even do so in April! It was also terribly hot and dry last summer so we didn’t get much of a chance. My 8 month old looooooves strawberries so we definitely have to get there this year!
Looks like it was a wonderful day. Beautiful pics!
Brittany Dixon says
Where is “up here?” 8 months will be a fun age to watch him go to town on some berries 🙂
Laura says
We’re in Canada!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh nice! I hope to visit someday 🙂 I’ve been to Whistler but hear there are so many more gorgeous places to see!
Carolyn says
How do you handle paying for the ones the kids eat? I tried to give them a few dollars extra the first year and the farmer refused, but I feel like that has got to add up to a decent amount of lost income.
Brittany Dixon says
A farmer I spoke to at a market a couple years ago said they account for snacking and all the squished ones that end up beneath feet, so if it’s within reason (a handful) I assume it’s written into the cost 🙂
jodi price says
We picked last week at Wise Acres in Indian Trail, it was perfect too! The only PYO blueberry farm I’ve found in the area is bushnvine in York, SC! I haven’t been there yet, I keep missing the season (End of may-july). It would be a bit of a drive for ya’ll. I’m hoping to make it down there this year!
Jessica says
Looks like you had a blast! I love that the irks started to eat instead of pick. Sounds like what mine would do. We are going to Patterson Farm this weekend to pick and I can’t wait.
Betty says
I’m totally jealous! I planted some strawberries a while back and they are just now starting to get some flowers. We’re a little behind on spring here in the pacific northwest lol. Can’t wait to go strawberry picking!
Amanda says
If you have extra strawberries and don’t mind something a little more indulgent, this ice cream is AMAZING! My dad made it when we visited a few weeks ago, and we all loved it! It just SCREAMS spring time! http://www.food.com/recipe/jenis-splendid-roasted-strawberry-and-buttermilk-ice-cream-457502
Brittany Dixon says
Totally going to check this out- thank you!