Juicy, sweet, tart and red, strawberries are a pleasant sign of the season springing into summertime. What better way to enjoy the added warmth and lingering daylight than visiting a local strawberry patch? The experience is long-lasting, but the post-picking recipes are the sweetest part of the deal. From strawberry shortcakes (or short crepes) to strawberry smoothies and cocktails—even strawberry tacos at the Pungo Strawberry Festival. Here are some picks for strawberry patches you’ll want to visit this season:
Cullipher Farm, Virginia Beach
​Cullipher Farm has two Pungo Ridge locations for strawberry picking on Princess Anne Road—the Pungo Farm Market as well as the Cullipher Berry Patch. The Market has USDA Organic berries, a sand pile for kids, and tables and chairs so you can snack on ice cream or other treats from the bakeshop. The Berry Patch offers a children’s area and is considered the main farm and prime location for scouting out fine fruits and veggies.
College Run Farms, Surry
Hit the country roads and head to Surry for the family-owned College Run Farms, offering baskets for folks to pick their own berries. It’s a great outdoor getaway from the city to take in some country air and scenery. And after you’ve picked the patch, grab some of their berry-good homemade ice cream sold in their on-site farm’s store.
Goose Hill Farm, Franklin
Take in some sunshine while you roam through rows and rows of Franklin’s finest strawberries found at Goose Hill Farm. Big, red, round and plump, there are plenty to go around, and it’s a great area to bring your family for an afternoon full of fun.
MillFarm Christmas Trees and Berry Farm, Williamsburg
Long after they’ve sold the last Christmas tree of the year and the frost has cleared from the fields, MillFarm sets the mood to summer with neat rows of strawberries featuring easy walkways for leisurely picking. After you’ve picked a batch of berries, see what fresh vegetables and other produce they have inside the farm’s shop.
Mount Pleasant Farms, Chesapeake
This farm and market is a local favorite and an ideal destination to pluck up some berries or bring the little ones along to play on the kids’ tractor. Mount Pleasant offers you-pick strawberries, so fill up a bucket in their scenic orchard surrounded by peach trees. Plus, you can take home fresh eggs for sale from their happy clucking chickens at the farm.
This is just a taste of all the local options in Coastal Virginia. Find more near you at Buy Local Hampton Roads and Pick Your Own – Southeastern Virginia. Make sure to save the date for the 34th Annual Pungo Strawberry Festival held May 27–28.
Ryan Miller
