Photo: Samascott Farm
One of the sweetest treats of summer in the Hudson Valley is the abundance of locally grown, farm fresh berries. Typically by early June, glorious summer strawberries are red, ripe, and ready for picking. There are so many scenic, family-owned, local farms with u-pick fields, where you can try your hand at farm life. Nothing says New York summer like a morning spent picking berries and an afternoon spent snacking on your sweet harvest in the sun.
It’s always best to check farm websites and social media for the most accurate information about u-pick selection. The availability of strawberries will depend on when you visit and how the growing season has been. Here are a few of our absolute favorite u-pick farms to visit this summer.
Photo: Greig Farm
One of the loveliest, most fun-filled farms in the Hudson Valley. You name it, you can probably pick it at Greig Farm. It’s family-run and home to Hudson Valley Farmers Market, where you can stock up on local vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheeses, meats, fish, flowers, and more. With scenic hiking trails to wander, farmers to chat with, goats to feed, and even a koi pond, a day spent at Greig is always time well spent.
227 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook, NY 12571 (845) 758-1234
Starting Thursday, June 3, you can kick off fruit season by picking strawberries at Kelder’s Farm. The u-pick strawberry patch is typically ripe for picking for about three weeks, until almost the end of June. The sooner you reserve your visit to Kelder’s, the better. Kelder’s offers a limited number of tickets to be reserved online before your visit. Farm animals, mini golf, and an ice cream barn round out a perfect summer day at Kelder’s Farm.
5755 US Route 209, Kerhonkson, NY 12446 (845) 626-7137
Photo: DuBois Farm
DuBois Farm is a local gem in Highland, NY. Voted the best u-pick in the Hudson Valley, they’re open every day beginning in July. In addition to the u-pick fields, DuBois has a bakery, cafe, The Tavern, with craft beer, wine, and local cider, and even a barbeque lunch menu. One thing’s for sure - you will never leave DuBois hungry!
209 Perkinsville Road, Highland, NY 12528 (845) 795-4037
U-pick berries, apples, and so much more has been a tradition at Love Apple Farm for over 50 years. The farm features 80 acres of various u-pick goodies, including strawberries by mid-June. Guests check in at the market store to purchase a bag, grab a map, and ask any questions, and are then free to roam and explore the fields. Love Apple is great for kids, with a petting zoo and playground. And definitely don’t forget a homemade apple cider donut from their bakery and cafe.
1421 State Route 9H, Ghent, NY 12075 (518) 828-5048
Samascott is a family owned and operated farm with over a century of history in Columbia County. They grow hundreds of varieties of fruits and vegetables on their picturesque land in Kinderhook, and offer so many u-pick experiences. Find strawberries starting mid-June.
5 Sunset Avenue, Kinderhook, NY 12106 (518) 758-7224
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