Picking your own blueberries in Connecticut may sound like an unlikely pastime. After all Connecticut is far better known for its urban areas than its rustic locations. Can there really be spots within this busy, business oriented state for folks to enjoy the seasonal family fun found in picking your own blueberries ? Not to worry Connecticut is remarkable for the great diversity it provides in such a restricted geographic area. The insurance capital of the nation is found here, so is an Ivy League University, great beach and boating options, two high stakes casinos and yes pick your own blueberries
Lyman Orchards can give you almost certain success, even if you are a first time berry picker. The Orchards are located along the Connecticut river and have been in the hands of the Lyman family for more than 250 years. That’s a lot of time to get it right. The result of this considerable investment in time, labor and planning has been the creation of what the Lyman family proudly calls “a premier recreational and family destination. You can find blueberries for picking here beginning in July and continuing through mid August and your family will enjoy the adventure of scattering with containers to gather up the great berries. But Lyman Orchards is an amazingly diverse facility.
During the last half century the family has expanded its facility to include 2 championship golf courses, a wide variety of pickable fruit and vegetables, retail produce sales building called the “Apple Barrel” where special weekend events are held and you can find an in store bakery. Yes you are coming to Lyman Orchards to pick blueberries and you won’t be disappointed but 8 generations of the Lyman family have made this more than a roadside adventure. Contact Lyman orchards in advance to check on berry availability before visiting.
Jones Blueberry Farms is a wonderful place to bring the whole family or a group of friends. While not restricted to blueberry season or to growing blueberries, Jones Blueberry Farms does draw the attention of local patrons and visitors alike during the high picking season for blueberries, the months of July and August. If you live in or are vacationing in the southwestern section of Connecticut you can spend some excellent family time gathering up blueberries at this well known pick your own center in Shelton, CT.
The farm is family owned by the Jones family since the middle of the 19th century so there is lots of history and family pride mixed in with the soil here and it can be quite a spot to talk family values with your kids or just live them. This is no back yard berry patch. The Jones Farm sells on a seasonal basis cut your own Christmas trees, a variety of fruit, vegetables and even makes its own wine on location. Still there is room for some thirty acres that are devoted to blueberries and strawberries, with plenty of room for you to roll up your sleeves and fill those buckets. As with any produce picking option, Jones Farm encourages you to call ahead or consult their website to assure that there is produce available for the picking before setting out. One heads up about picking your own blueberries at Jones Blueberry Farm is to remember that cash is the only legal tender accepted. Come prepared so you won’t be disappointed at check out time.
Bishops Orchards can be located along the Old Post Road in Guilford, CT. about one half hours drive from Waterbury. Here seasonal pickings are considerable. In fact you may have already visited Bishops Orchards to for other produce favorites like apples, pumpkins or peaches. But if its blueberries you are after, Bishops has plenty to fill your bucket at the family’s 320 acre orchard, land that has been in the family for more than one hundred years.
Bishops will welcome you to its pick your own properties daily until 7 p.m. which should certainly accommodate almost anyone’s summer vacation schedule. While you are there don’t miss the chance to sample other produce available from the farm stand which is open Mon- Sat from 8 a.m. – 7 p .m and Sundays from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
If you come hungry to Bishops Orchards, you don’t have to leave that way. In addition to the berry nibbling you might indulge in, Bishops offers for you purchase pies, cookies, breads and pastries with their own fresh farm taste. You can also bring back beverages to friends and relatives in the form of locally produced cider, hard cider and wines.
Picking your own blueberries in Connecticut can provide seasonal fun and some pleasant hours spent together with family and friends in the great outdoors. Make certain to check produce availability at any Pick Your Own blueberry venue. There’s little point to traveling to the best spot if it has already been picked clean.
www.jonesberryfarms.com
www.lymanorchards.com
www.bishopsorchards.com
