Berry Much Worth the Trip!

By July, summer calendars are packed with splash pads, farmers markets, and impossible group plans. Berry picking offers a refreshingly simple escape. Grab a bucket, head out on a sunny morning, and enjoy the satisfying reward of picking fresh berries straight from the source instead of the grocery store.

Around Gwinnett, peach and berry season offers plenty of excuses to spend a few hours outdoors while bringing home something delicious enough to disappear before pie ever becomes an option.

Fill the Basket, Then the Fridge

Several nearby farms are welcoming visitors this summer, each with their own personality and fresh-picked rewards.

• DJ's U-Pick Blueberry Farm in Lawrenceville keeps things local and laid back, with regular Facebook updates letting visitors know when berries are ripe and fields are open. Since blueberry harvests can change quickly, those updates are worth checking before grabbing the car keys.
• Just down the road in Loganville, Tuckaway Blueberry Farm is home to more than 700 Rabbit Eye blueberry bushes. That translates to plenty of opportunities for families, friends, or anyone with a healthy appreciation for homemade muffins to gather a bucket of berries.
• A short drive toward Winder brings visitors to Pharr Farms, where blackberry picking shares the spotlight with a farm stand stocked full of summer staples like tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and squash. One stop can easily cover dessert and dinner.

Make a Day of It

If your ideal farm visit includes a little more adventure a little farther away, Warbington Farms in nearby Cumming has plenty to keep everyone busy. Depending on the season, visitors can wander through the U-Cut Flower Field, meet barnyard animals, hop on a hayride, explore the fun park, browse the farm store, and enjoy seasonal U-pick opportunities. It's the a place where kids burn off energy while adults calculate how many flowers will fit in the kitchen without needing another vase.

Of course, Mother Nature still calls the shots. Weather, ripening schedules, and crop conditions can shift from one day to the next, so it's always smart to check each farm's website or Facebook page before heading out.

For even more ways to shop local this season, including produce stands and farmers markets across the area, explore the check out https://www.guidetogwinnett.com/fresh-produce-farmers-markets!