New York’s Berry-Picking Paradise: Ready for a Road-Trip?
Berry picking is in full swing across New York State from June through September, with different fruits ripening throughout the summer. Whether you’re leaving straight from our RNR Cannabis Dispensary showroom at 827 Harrison Place in Bushwick or meeting up with friends farther upstate, you’re never more than a few hours from a field bursting with fruit. A quick drive north puts you in the Hudson Valley, while a weekend road-trip can land you in the Rochester area for some of the state’s most abundant harvests.
Here’s a quick overview of when and where to pick throughout the state:
| Berry Type | Peak Season | Top Farms |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | June 5-20 | Lawrence Farms Orchards, Fishkill Farms |
| Blueberries | Mid-July to Late August | Greig Farm, Prospect Hill Orchards |
| Raspberries | Early July & Mid-August to September | Mead Orchards, Fishkill Farms |
| Blackberries | Early August to Mid-September | Lawrence Farms, Greig Farm |
There’s something magical about spending a summer morning in the rolling fields of New York, filling your baskets with sun-warmed berries straight from the vine. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date, or simply want to stock your freezer with the freshest local produce, New York’s berry farms offer an experience that connects you to the land and supports local agriculture.
Most farms open for picking between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm during peak season, though it’s always best to call ahead or check social media for daily updates. Many farms are cash-only, so come prepared, and don’t forget your own containers if you want to reduce waste.
I’m Ronald Shen, and my experience with berry picking spans years of exploring the region’s farms while developing community connections similar to those we foster at RNR Dispensary in Bushwick, where we bring together neighbors through shared experiences just as berry picking unites families in summer traditions.
When Is the Best Time for Berry Picking in New York?
The sweet joy of berry picking follows nature’s perfect timing. New York’s growing season unfolds like a colorful calendar, with different berries taking their turn in the spotlight from early June through September.
Strawberry season arrives first, bringing excitement to farms around June 5-20. These ruby gems mark summer’s official kickoff, though Mother Nature might shift this window a bit depending on spring temperatures. Nothing beats that first sweet bite of a sun-warmed strawberry you’ve picked yourself!
Blueberry lovers get the longest season, stretching from mid-July through late August (sometimes even into early September when we’re lucky). Standing upright with no thorns to steer, blueberry picking is perfect for the whole family – even little ones can fill their buckets with these plump blue treasures.
Raspberry fans get two chances at happiness in New York. Summer raspberries appear in early to mid-July, then after a brief pause, fall raspberries return from mid-August through September. That’s double the opportunity to enjoy these delicate, sweet-tart delights.
Blackberries make their juicy appearance from early August through mid-September, offering their distinctive sweet-yet-wild flavor as summer begins its gentle fade into fall.
Cherry enthusiasts should mark their calendars for around the Fourth of July when both tart and sweet varieties ripen, while currants and gooseberries typically make their brief but delightful appearance in late July.
Berry Picking Month-by-Month
June: Strawberry Season
June belongs to strawberries in New York. Early June brings the first ripe berries, with peak season hitting from June 5-20. Father’s Day weekend has become a traditional strawberry-picking celebration for many families. By late June, you’ll find the final strawberries alongside the earliest summer raspberries beginning to appear.
July: Cherry and Raspberry Transition
July delivers sweet and tart cherries throughout the month, while summer raspberries reach their peak in early July. Mid-month brings the first blueberries to the scene, and by late July, you can find currants, gooseberries, and even some early blackberries making their debut.
August: Blueberry and Blackberry Prime Time
August belongs to blueberries and blackberries. Early August marks peak blueberry season, while mid-month sees blackberries reaching their prime. By late August, fall raspberries start their production run. This is also prime time for stone fruits like peaches and plums at many of the same farms.
September: Final Berries
September offers the last chance for berry enthusiasts. Early September provides final blueberries alongside peak blackberries. Mid-month continues with fall raspberries, before the season gently winds down by month’s end.
As one regular picker at Fishkill Farms told me, “The early bird gets the berries!” For the absolute freshest experience, aim for the first week of each berry’s season. The farms are less picked-over, and you’ll get the prime first harvest with the sweetest flavors and fullest baskets.
Where to Pick: Which U-Pick Farms Are Worth the Drive From Brooklyn?
Ready to get your hands stained with berry juice? The Hudson Valley and surrounding areas are blessed with family farms where berry picking becomes a delightful summer tradition—many of them just 60–90 minutes from our Bushwick storefront. I’ve spent many sunny mornings exploring these farms, and each has its own special charm.
Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction is truly a picker’s paradise, offering an impressive variety of berries including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, and blackberries. Beyond berries, you’ll find apples, peaches, and pumpkins as the seasons change. Just a scenic drive from New York City, it’s worth visiting for their incredible selection alone. Check their latest picking updates at Fishkill Farms.
Greig Farm in Red Hook offers a unique twist on the picking experience. While gathering raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, you can look forward to exploring their farm market afterward! They’re open seven days a week during the season, with fruit prices varying by season. Their beautiful Hudson Valley setting makes this a destination worth returning to throughout summer.
Lawrence Farms Orchards in Newburgh provides a family-friendly environment that makes this a perfect spot for introducing little ones to picking. Strawberry season typically opens around June, with blueberries following in July. Pets aren’t allowed due to food safety regulations.
The friendly folks at Prospect Hill Orchards in Milton open their berry patches in season, offering a wonderful experience for pickers of all ages. If you’re short on time, their farm stand also offers freshly picked berries.
For raspberry enthusiasts, Mead Orchards in Tivoli is a must-visit. Open during season, they’ve specialized in what they aptly call “nature’s candy” for generations.
Hudson Valley Favorites
If you’re coming from Brooklyn or Manhattan, you’ve got several excellent berry picking options just a drive away in the beautiful Hudson Valley.
Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction has been family-owned for generations, with strawberry fields that seem to produce the sweetest berries around. Their farm market is worth a visit too, but remember to bring cash as they don’t accept cards for U-Pick.
Lawrence Farms Orchards in Newburgh is a convenient stop for folks looking for a complete farm experience. Their strawberry season kicks off in mid-June, and they offer a variety of other fruits throughout the summer.
Mead Orchards in Tivoli boasts a long family tradition of growing spectacular berries. They welcome visitors during the season and offer a peaceful setting for your picking trip.
Long Island Berry Destinations
Long Island residents have equally impressive berry picking destinations in their backyard.
Lewin Farms in Calverton offers that wonderful combination of farm-fresh picking and a beautiful rural setting. Their extensive fruit selection runs throughout the growing season, with family activities expanding to include a corn maze and pumpkin patch come fall.
Patty’s Berries and Bunches in Mattituck has earned a reputation for both variety and quality. Their friendly atmosphere and carefully maintained fields make picking a pleasure. It’s especially convenient for families living on the North Fork.
Budget-Friendly Berry Picking Spots
Want the freshest berries without breaking the bank? Here are my insider tips for maximizing your berry bounty:
Visit on weekday mornings when fields are freshly stocked and crowds are minimal. Compare per-quart prices before you go (typically $3-4 per quart for strawberries). Several farms offer loyalty cards or punch cards that reward repeat visitors with discounts or free quarts. If you’re flexible, end-of-season picking often comes with reduced prices as farms clear their fields.
Bring your own containers when allowed – this simple step can save you container fees at many farms. And remember, most of these family operations are cash only, so stop by the ATM before heading out. While U-pick is generally more affordable than store-bought berries, prices do vary by farm and season.
For the most current conditions during strawberry season, check farm social media pages or websites for daily updates on picking conditions and pricing – just like we at RNR Dispensary believe in keeping our community informed about the freshest offerings.
How Do You Plan Your Perfect Picking Day?
Ready to dive into berry picking? A little prep goes a long way toward making your day in the fields both fun and fruitful.
Packing for the perfect picking trip isn’t complicated, but there are some essentials you’ll want to bring along. Most farms prefer you use their containers (they’ll charge by weight minus the container), but some allow you to bring your own. A wide-brimmed hat will save you from the summer sun, and don’t forget the sunscreen – those berry fields offer little shade! Comfortable closed-toe shoes are a must, as morning dew can make fields muddy. And that crisp $20 bill in your wallet? Keep it handy, as many family farms remain refreshingly old-school when it comes to payment methods.
“I always tell first-timers to dress for the weather but prepare for it to be 10 degrees warmer in the fields,” shares a regular at Fishkill Farms. “And bring more water than you think you’ll need – picking is thirstier work than you expect!”
Before heading out, take a minute to check the farm’s social media or give them a quick call. Berry conditions can change daily, and there’s nothing more disappointing than arriving to find the fields temporarily closed after a heavy rain. During strawberry season, many farms provide daily updates on conditions via social media.
Most farms welcome families, but they do expect children to be supervised. And while your four-legged friend might enjoy a farm visit, food safety regulations mean pets generally need to stay home. If you have mobility concerns, call ahead – many farms offer accessible picking areas, but terrain varies widely.
Peak-Hour Hacks for Berry Picking
Want the freshest berries and the most peaceful experience? Timing is everything. The early morning hours – ideally around 8 am – offer the day’s best picking before the sun gets too intense. The berries are cool, plump, and at their sweetest after the overnight recovery period.
Mid-week visits dramatically improve your berry picking experience. As one seasoned picker told me, “Tuesday mornings are magical – sometimes I have whole rows to myself, and the berries are practically untouched since the weekend rush.”
Weather plays a crucial role too. While a sunny day might seem ideal, overcast days can actually be more comfortable for picking. And always check farm updates after heavy rain – fields might be closed for safety or to prevent damage to plants.
If possible, avoid holiday weekends when farms become busy community hubs. The Fourth of July weekend, for instance, draws crowds that make for a fun atmosphere but challenging picking conditions.
Pick-Store-Enjoy: Keeping Berries Fresh
You’ve filled your baskets with nature’s candy – now what? Proper storage is the secret to extending your berry picking bounty.
The cardinal rule of berry storage: don’t wash until you’re ready to eat them. Moisture is the enemy of freshness, causing berries to spoil quickly. Instead, sort through your haul, removing any crushed or overripe berries that could spoil the bunch.
For short-term enjoyment (1-3 days), refrigeration is your friend. Strawberries do best spread in a single layer with good airflow – a paper towel-lined baking sheet works wonders. Blueberries and blackberries can handle being stacked in ventilated containers, while delicate raspberries need the gentlest handling.
Planning to preserve your harvest? Quick-freezing on a sheet pan before transferring to storage containers prevents berries from clumping together. This method is perfect if you’re considering making those cannabis-infused gummies later on – frozen berries work beautifully in many recipes. Check out How to Make Cannabis Edible Gummies for inspiration.
Different berries have different shelf lives: strawberries typically last 2-3 days refrigerated, blueberries can go 5-7 days, while those delicate raspberries and blackberries are best enjoyed within 1-2 days of picking. When in doubt, freeze them – your winter self will thank you when you’re enjoying summer-fresh berries in January!
Beyond Berries: What Other Farm Fun & Seasonal Produce Awaits?
When you’ve had your fill of berry picking, don’t worry—the agricultural trip is just beginning! New York’s family farms transform with the seasons, offering a rotating calendar of fresh picks and activities that extend well beyond summer berries.
As July brings warmer days, stone fruits like juicy apricots, peaches, nectarines, and plums become the stars of the show. These sweet treats bridge the gap between berry season and the fall harvest, giving you reason to return to your favorite farms throughout summer.
September welcomes apple season, with some orchards boasting over 30 varieties ranging from crisp Honeycrisps to tart Macintoshes. The same farms where you filled baskets with blueberries just weeks earlier now offer ladders and apple pickers for reaching those perfect specimens high in the trees.
The fall harvest brings pumpkin patches that transform into family playgrounds with corn mazes, hayrides, and festive photo opportunities. These autumn activities have become traditions for many New York families, with some farms creating elaborate themed mazes that change design each year.
What makes New York’s farms truly special is how they’ve evolved beyond just picking. Many now offer complete day-out experiences with:
Farm markets stocked with fresh-baked pies, donuts, and jams made from the very fruits you just picked. Fishkill Farms is particularly beloved for its extensive selection of homemade goodies and seasonal decorations.
Kid-friendly zones with playgrounds, petting zoos where little ones can meet farm animals, and educational tours that teach the next generation about where food comes from.
Refreshment stands serving up apple cider slushies (a local favorite!), homemade ice cream, and other treats that taste even better after a morning in the fields.
Some farms have even added adult-oriented attractions. Several Hudson Valley farms let parents sample craft hard ciders made from apples grown right on the property while kids explore the grounds—creating a perfect family compromise!
The farms around New York understand that creating memorable experiences is just as important as growing quality produce. Much like how we at RNR Cannabis Dispensary create a welcoming community space in Bushwick, these farms have become gathering places where families create traditions year after year.
Whether you’re filling your pantry with the freshest local produce or simply seeking a day of outdoor fun, New York’s farms deliver experiences that connect us to the land and each other throughout the growing season. The picking calendar extends from June strawberries through October pumpkins, meaning there’s always something fresh to find just a short drive from the city.
Support Local Farmers & Your Tastebuds
There’s something special about biting into a sun-warmed strawberry you’ve picked with your own hands. When you participate in berry picking, you’re not just filling your basket with nature’s candy – you’re becoming part of a meaningful local food story.
Local farms across New York have been family treasures for generations, and your picking trips help keep these agricultural gems thriving. Unlike supermarket berries that might travel thousands of miles before reaching your table, these berries go directly from plant to your palm – a journey measured in feet rather than miles.
“People don’t realize how much their visit means to us,” shares one Hudson Valley berry farmer. “When families come out to pick, they’re literally helping us keep the farm in the family for another generation.”
The price comparison to store-bought might surprise you. While prices vary by farm and season, most berry picking spots offer fruit at comparable or better prices than grocery stores – with incomparably better freshness and flavor. Those perfectly ripe berries burst with nutrients that diminish with every hour after picking.
The environmental benefits stack up too. Your berry-picking trip means fewer transportation emissions, supports farms that often use gentler growing practices, and helps preserve beautiful open spaces that might otherwise face development pressure.
Many farms offer different ways to engage throughout the season:
* Single-visit picking with per-pound or per-quart pricing
* Season passes for the dedicated berry enthusiasts
* CSA memberships that might include special U-pick privileges
At RNR Cannabis Dispensary, we understand this connection to community and quality. Just as we carefully curate premium products for our Bushwick neighbors, New York’s farms tend their berries with similar dedication. Both experiences center around bringing people together around something special – whether it’s premium flower or perfect berries.
The economic ripples of your picking day extend beyond just the farm. Agri-tourism creates seasonal jobs, keeps dollars circulating locally, and preserves agricultural traditions that define the region’s character. When you visit these farms, you’re casting a vote for the kind of community you want to live in – one where small family businesses can flourish.
Ready to experience some of the finest cannabis products with the same care for quality? Visit our premium flower page to find what makes our selection special.
As you plan your next berry picking trip, remember you’re not just planning a fun outing – you’re supporting a vital piece of local culture and economy. Those berries will taste even sweeter knowing the good they’re doing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Berry Picking Near New York City
When do most New York farms open for strawberry picking?
Strawberry season kicks off the berry picking calendar, typically running from early to mid-June (around June 5-20). Mother Nature ultimately decides the exact opening date each year, with temperature patterns and spring rainfall affecting when those ruby gems reach perfect ripeness.
Fishkill Farms, for example, welcomes pickers starting in early June each year. Most farms announce their season openings via Facebook or Instagram, so it’s worth following your favorites for real-time updates. For the freshest strawberry intel during peak season, check farm websites or social media pages – local farmers update them daily with picking conditions and availability.
Do I need reservations, and how do I book them?
The reservation landscape for berry picking varies widely from farm to farm. Many locations still operate the traditional way – just show up during picking hours and they’ll point you toward the ripest rows. However, since the pandemic, several farms introduced reservation systems to manage crowd flow, especially on busy weekends.
If you’re planning a weekend visit during peak strawberry or blueberry season, it’s worth checking if your chosen farm requires booking ahead. Most reservation-based farms offer simple online booking through their websites, while others maintain phone lists. The early bird gets the berries – popular weekend slots in mid-June can fill up a week in advance! For a more relaxed experience, consider mid-week picking when reservations are rarely needed.
What’s the best way to store freshly picked berries so they last longer?
The joy of berry picking continues when you bring home your treasure, but proper storage is crucial. The golden rule: don’t wash berries until you’re ready to eat them! Moisture is the enemy of freshness.
For strawberries, arrange them in a single layer if possible, with paper towels between layers to absorb moisture. Remove any crushed berries immediately – one moldy berry can quickly spoil the batch. Blueberries fare best in containers with some airflow, while delicate raspberries and blackberries should be arranged in shallow containers lined with paper towels.
Many pickers swear by the vinegar rinse method: dip berries briefly in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water, then dry thoroughly on towels before refrigerating. This natural cleaning method kills mold spores without affecting taste.
For longer storage, the freezer is your friend. Arrange berries in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to containers. This prevents them from freezing in one giant clump, letting you grab just what you need later.
Which farms offer organic or no-spray berry picking options?
While fully certified organic berry picking options are limited, several local farms accept minimal-spray practices. Stone Ridge Orchard in the Hudson Valley offers low-spray berries worth the journey for those prioritizing sustainable growing methods.
Most New York area farms are happy to discuss their growing practices when you call ahead. Some use conventional methods for certain crops but minimal interventions for berries. Don’t be shy about asking specific questions about spray schedules and integrated pest management – farmers are typically transparent about their growing approaches and appreciate customers who take interest in their methods.
Can I bring my children berry picking, and which farms are most kid-friendly?
Berry picking creates perfect family memories! Children are welcome at virtually all farms, though they’ll need supervision both for safety and to ensure berries make it into buckets rather than just tummies.
For the youngest pickers, blueberry farms offer the most kid-friendly experience – the bushes stand at perfect toddler height, berries are easy to spot, and there are no thorns or excessive bending. Lawrence Farms combines berry picking with a corn maze in fall, while Fishkill Farms features a playground and farm animals that can extend your outing into a full day of farm fun.
For a successful family picking trip, time your visit strategically – morning hours mean cooler temperatures and fresher kids. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks (beyond the berries!). Some experienced parents suggest bringing a small step stool for preschoolers to reach higher berries, and assigning each child their own small container to fill creates a sense of accomplishment even for little hands.
