Pick your own berries
Pie waiting to happen
Update: Here are Capital Region pick-your-own strawberry farms.
There are few things in life as enjoyable as fresh picked berries in the summer. And somehow picking them yourself makes them seem that much sweeter. Really.
Fortunately for us Capital Regionites, there are plenty of local farms offering us the U-pick route when it comes to strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and their kin.
So if you've got the urge to pick a peck (whatever that is) or two, here are a few places to check out:
Indian Ladder Farms
Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont has plenty of blueberries right now and some raspberries left as well. The blueberries are especially plentiful and are easy to pick, while the raspberries are dwindling until the late summer crop comes in. Raspberries are $3.95 a quart while blueberries are $2.95. The nice folks at this venerable farm suggest you call before you come to check on conditions, (518) 765-2956. While you're there, you can also check out their extensive shop and visit the farm animals (we can't resist Rosie the Scottish Highland cow.)
Samascott Orchards
Raspberries and blueberries are in season at Columbia County's Samascott Orchards along with a vast variety of other pick-your-own produce. Raspberries are winding down, but if you miss 'em, there will be a second crop in September. For more information, call 518-758-7224.
Bowman's Orchards
Bowman Orchards in Rexford, near Clifton Park, is mainly known for its apples but they've also got blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. According to their Web site, only raspberries are available right now for pick-your-own but they've got several varieties to choose from.
Castleton's Goold's Orchards
The strawberry harvest at Castleton's Goold's Orchards was a no-show thanks to winter damage, but they are offering pick-your-own raspberries.
Know of any other local farms doing berry picking? Give us a shout.
Hmmm....did someone say pie?
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
Comments
Bohringer's in Middleburgh has great pickings... and they have a sweet little stand AND homemade ice cream! Delish!
... said kate on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:50 AM | link
Yes, Bohringers and many other great places in Schoharie County like the Carrot Barn.
... said Barold on Jul 30, 2008 at 12:32 PM | link
Awesome, those are great prices, especially considering the 4 pints or so of berries that get eaten during the picking.
... said Albany Jane on Jul 30, 2008 at 4:52 PM | link
Yup, good summary, great places.
I took some pictures in pretty much all of them, if you want to check how they look like:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/altuwa/sets/72157594235986628/
Indian Ladder and Bowman can get pretty crowded, Samascott Orchards is smaller but easier to get through, IMHO.
... said Sebastien on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:55 AM | link