New Jersey, affectionately known as the Garden State, is not only famous for its picturesque shorelines and bustling boardwalks but also for its lush berry farms. These farms offer a delightful experience for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike, inviting them to pick their own fresh, juicy berries right from the source.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through some of the best pick-your-own berry farms in New Jersey, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a day of fun, fruit, and sun.
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Berry-Picking Essentials
Before you set off on your adventure, consider these berry-picking essentials:
- Berry Picker Basket: Perfect for holding your berries while you pick.
- Sun Protection Gear: A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen to keep you shielded from the sun.
- Comfortable Footwear: Ensure a comfortable walk through the fields.
10 Best Berry Farms in New Jersey for Picking
1. DiMeo Blueberry Farms & Blueberry Plants Nursery
- Amenities: Expert gardening advice, picnic areas
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM, Monday – Saturday
- Additional Activities: Nursery tour, blueberry plants for sale
Located in Hammonton, this farm not only offers a vast selection of blueberries for picking but also sells blueberry plants, making it perfect for those looking to start their own garden. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy fresh berries and perhaps start their own berry garden at home.
2. Bear Berries
- Amenities: Family-friendly facilities, rest areas
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM, Daily during season
- Additional Activities: Seasonal events, fresh produce stand
Bear Berries prides itself on sustainable farming and offers a wide variety of berries in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. It’s a family-friendly destination with an emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
3. Blueberry Bill Farms
- Amenities: On-site parking, farm stand with pre-picked berries
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM, Daily during berry season
- Additional Activities: Educational farm tours, picnic spots
With its high-quality berries and serene farm ambiance, Blueberry Bill Farms is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its high-quality berries, Blueberry Bill Farms invites visitors to enjoy the serene farm ambiance and take home buckets full of sweet blueberries.
4. Rosedale Blueberry Farm
- Amenities: Shaded picnic area, portable restrooms
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM, Weekends only during peak season
- Additional Activities: Photography opportunities among the blueberry bushes
Rosedale offers a peaceful setting for berry pickers and is known for its picturesque landscapes. With rows upon rows of blueberry bushes, visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and pick to their heart’s content.
5. McCay Blueberry Farm
- Amenities: Snack bar, children’s play area
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM, Daily during picking season
- Additional Activities: Hayrides, educational tours
McCay’s, also in the blueberry capital of Hammonton, prides itself on its long-standing history and commitment to providing a memorable picking experience. The farm’s rich heritage and delicious berries make it a must-visit.
6. Alstede Farms
- Amenities: Farm store, petting zoo, ice cream stand
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM, Daily
- Additional Activities: Hayrides, corn maze, seasonal festivals
Alstede Farms offers a comprehensive farm experience, with a wide array of fruits and vegetables available for picking beyond berries. With a variety of fruits and vegetables available for picking, it’s a complete farm experience with hayrides, a petting zoo, and homemade ice cream.
7. Piney Hollow Farm
- Amenities: Natural walking paths, picnic area
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM, Daily during berry season
- Additional Activities: Bird watching, nature walks
Piney Hollow Farm is ideal for those seeking a tranquil berry-picking experience surrounded by nature. It provides a serene picking experience, perfect for those looking to escape the city’s hustle.
8. Champion U-Pick Blueberry Farm
- Amenities: Easy-access parking, farm stand
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 3 PM, Tuesday – Sunday
- Additional Activities: Recipe sharing with visitors
Champion Farm is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and bountiful blueberry bushes. It offers a robust blueberry picking experience with well-maintained bushes and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
9. Clement Blueberry Farm
- Amenities: Refreshment stand, shaded rest areas
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM, Daily during the season
- Additional Activities: Farm tours, fresh berry recipes
Clement Farm invites visitors to its scenic fields in Franklinville. With a focus on sustainable farming and community engagement, it’s a delightful place to pick high-quality blueberries.
10. Thompson Blueberry Farm
- Amenities: Farm store with homemade goods, picnic tables
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM, Weekends
- Additional Activities: Baking workshops, jam-making demonstrations
Thompson Farm provides an intimate berry-picking experience with its exceptional blueberries and warm hospitality. It is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy a day in the countryside, picking and picnicking.
Making the Most of Your Visit
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable berry-picking experience, always check the farm’s website or call ahead for the latest information on berry availability and any special events. Remember that the best time to pick berries is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Wrapping up: Best Pick Your Own Berries Farm in New Jersey
As the sun sets on your berry-picking adventure in New Jersey, you’ll not only leave with baskets brimming with fresh, delicious berries but also with cherished memories made amidst the beauty of nature’s bounty. The simple joy of hand-picking fruits connects us to the earth and to each other, offering a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
This journey through New Jersey’s picturesque farms is more than just about the berries. It’s about embracing the outdoors, spending quality time with loved ones, and supporting the local agricultural community. Each farm, with its unique offerings and experiences, contributes to a rich tapestry of agricultural heritage that the Garden State is proud to showcase.
As you savor your freshly picked berries, perhaps transformed into a delightful dessert or preserved to enjoy later, you’re not just tasting the fruits of your labor. You’re partaking in a timeless tradition that celebrates the season’s bounty and the simple pleasures that life offers.
Whether you’re a seasoned berry picker or planning your first trip, New Jersey’s farms are ready to welcome you. So, lace up your boots, grab your baskets, and set off on a berry-picking expedition that promises sweet rewards and sweeter memories. Here’s to discovering the joy of picking your own berries in New Jersey—a true berry-special adventure.
