The Best Places to Pick Strawberries in Durham, North Carolina
If you're looking for the best places to go strawberry picking in Durham, North Carolina, you've come to the right place!
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Durham is an ideal spot for strawberry picking due to its mild climate and rich soil. The area also has plenty of farms and orchards where you can get your hands on some of the freshest, juiciest strawberries in the state. In this blog post, we'll share some of our favorite spots for strawberry picking in Durham. So grab your baskets and get ready to pick some of the best strawberries in North Carolina!
When is strawberry picking season in Durham, NC
The strawberry picking season in Durham, NC is usually from late April to early June. During this time, the local farms and fields in the area are abundant with ripe, juicy strawberries ready for picking. While the exact timing of strawberry picking season varies each year, it typically begins in late April and lasts through early June.
Durham, and neighboring Raleigh, are known for having some of the best strawberry picking opportunities in North Carolina. From Cedar Grove Park to Duke Farms, there are plenty of places to go and pick your own fresh strawberries. If you're looking to pick your own strawberries in Durham, it's important to plan ahead so you can make the most of your trip. Read on to learn more about the best time of day to pick strawberries in North Carolina, as well as places to pick strawberries in and around Durham.
The Best Time of day to pick Strawberries in North Carolina
If you’re planning on going strawberry picking in North Carolina, then you should know that timing is essential for the best experience.
Early morning is generally considered to be the best time for Durham strawberry picking, as the fruit tends to be the freshest and most ripe at this time. Early morning hours are also when there is the least amount of competition from other pickers. You should try to arrive at the farm or field where you’ll be picking as close to sunrise or opening as possible. The warm morning sun helps to sweeten the berries and make them easier to pick.
For North Carolina strawberry picking, avoid going out in the middle of the day when it’s hot and sunny. This can cause the strawberries to become overripe, making them more difficult to pick and reducing their shelf life. Furthermore, mid-day can be a busy time at the farm, and you may find it difficult to find a spot to pick. Not to mention the heat!!
So if you’re looking for the best strawberries in North Carolina, plan your trip for early in the morning!
What to take with you when you go strawberry picking
When heading out for strawberry picking in Durham, there are a few items you'll want to remember to bring with you.
A hat, sunscreen, and bug repellant are all essential items to make your trip more enjoyable.
While most places offer containers for your to purchase, you may want to bring along a container to collect your freshly picked strawberries. Make sure it is big enough to contain all of the delicious fruit you will be picking!
You may also want to bring gloves, since the berries can be delicate and easily bruise. Finally, don’t forget to bring cash or cards to pay for your haul at the end of the day.
How Much To Pick
When it comes to strawberry picking in Durham, North Carolina, there is no limit to how much you can pick. However, many farms will charge a flat rate based on the size of your container.
If you are just picking for yourself, you can typically get away with a quart-sized container.
For larger groups, it is advised to bring multiple containers so that everyone can pick as much as they would like.
Some farms may also offer pick-your-own discounts which could be helpful when trying to save money. Regardless of where you choose to go strawberry picking in Durham, North Carolina, make sure to check their website or call ahead for pricing and availability.
Places to pick strawberries in and around Durham, NC
Durham, North Carolina, is a great place for strawberry picking. There are plenty of local farms and public spaces offering strawberry picking during the summer months.
Here are some of the best places to go strawberry picking in and around Durham, NC
Cedar Grove Park
Located in Durham County, Cedar Grove Park is a great spot for durham strawberry picking. The park offers a large strawberry patch with plenty of ripe strawberries waiting to be picked. It’s open to the public from late May to early July.
Duke Farms
Located in nearby Hillsborough, Duke Farms offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for pick-your-own, including strawberries. In addition to the strawberry picking, visitors can also enjoy a scenic walk on the farm’s trails.
Historic Occoneechee Speedway
The historic Occoneechee Speedway offers strawberry picking from late April through June. Visitors can pick their own strawberries or buy pre-picked berries directly from the farm. The speedway also hosts special events throughout the season, including concerts, movies, and races.
Falls Lake
Just outside of Durham, Falls Lake provides an opportunity for strawberry picking north carolina. The lake is a popular destination for families looking to spend time outdoors while they pick fresh berries.
Eno River State Park
Eno River State Park is a popular spot for hikers and bikers. During the summer months, visitors can take part in strawberry picking in the park’s berry patches.
Hinnant Family Vineyards & Winery
Located in nearby Mebane, the Hinnant Family Vineyards & Winery offers strawberry picking during the summer months. After strawberry picking, visitors can enjoy samples of the winery’s many wines.
Waller Family Farm
Located in Durham, Waller Family Farm is a popular spot for strawberry picking. They offer both pre-picked and pick-your-own strawberries. Their strawberry season typically starts in late April and runs through early June. The farm is open every day during strawberry season, and they also have a farm store where you can purchase other fresh produce and goodies.
Lyon Farms
Lyon Farms, located in Creedmoor, NC, is another great place to go strawberry picking in Durham. They offer pick-your-own strawberries as well as pre-picked strawberries. In addition to strawberry picking, they also offer other activities, such as hayrides and a playground. Their strawberry season typically runs from mid-April to mid-June.
DJ's Berry Patch
Located in Apex, NC, DJ's Berry Patch is a family-owned farm that offers pick-your-own strawberries. They also have a farm store where you can purchase other fresh produce, homemade jams and jellies, and baked goods. Their strawberry season typically starts in mid-April and runs through early June.
McAdams Farm
McAdams Farm, located in Efland, NC, is another great spot for strawberry picking in Durham. They offer both pick-your-own and pre-picked strawberries. In addition to strawberry picking, they also offer other activities such as hayrides and a corn maze. Their strawberry season typically starts in mid-April and runs through early June.
Buckwheat Farm
Located in Apex, NC, Buckwheat Farm offers pick-your-own strawberries during their strawberry season, which typically runs from late April to early June. In addition to strawberry picking, they also offer other activities such as hayrides and a playground. They also have a farm store where you can purchase other fresh produce and goods.
There are many great places to go strawberry picking in Durham, NC. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly outing or just want to enjoy some fresh strawberries, these farms offer a fun and delicious experience for all. So grab your friends and family and head out to one of these local farms for some strawberry picking fun!
The best places to go strawberry picking in North Carolina
After You Go Strawberry Picking
For those who need help picking the best berries and cleaning them after picking them, check out my comprehensive guide available here. It provides guidance on the proper techniques to ensure you pick the freshest and ripest strawberries and how to clean them correctly.
Furthermore, once you have picked your strawberries, don't forget about the delicious recipes you can make with them. Here is a list of some fantastic recipes that you can try out and enjoy with your freshly picked strawberries.
