Rhode Island’s lush landscapes and temperate climate make it an ideal location for cherry picking, much like the state’s well-loved raspberry, blueberry, and pepper farms. Cherry picking is a delightful summer activity that offers a unique way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, and savor the sweetness of fresh, ripe cherries. Visiting cherry farms in Rhode Island is not just about harvesting fruit; it’s about creating memorable experiences with family and friends.
The state’s cherry farms provide a welcoming atmosphere, often featuring additional amenities and activities such as farm stands, picnic areas, and seasonal events, ensuring a fun and enriching outing for visitors of all ages. Whether you are looking to gather fresh produce or enjoy a peaceful day in the countryside, Rhode Island’s cherry farms offer a perfect setting for a joyful and fruitful adventure.
But first, let’s look at some of the must-have accessories that you need to carry before your farm adventures,
- Fruit Picking Basket: A sturdy basket will help you collect and transport your picked cherries without bruising them.
- Gardening Gloves: To protect your hands from any sap or branches.
- Sturdy Containers: Bring along some containers to safely transport the cherries home.
- Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen will keep you protected under the sun.
These accessories not only help you easily carry cherries but also ensure your farm activity is safe, fun, and uninterrupted.
Northern Rhode Island
1. Jaswell’s Farm LLC
- Address: 50 Swan Rd, Smithfield, RI 02917
- Phone: (401) 231-9043
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm store, bakery, picnic areas, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Apple picking, pumpkin patch, hayrides
Jaswell’s Farm LLC offers a charming and family-friendly environment for cherry picking. Known for its well-maintained fields and welcoming atmosphere, this farm is a favorite among locals. The farm store and bakery provide a variety of fresh produce, homemade goods, and delicious treats.
Visitors can relax in the picnic areas or enjoy other seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches, and hayrides. The friendly staff and beautiful surroundings make Jaswell’s Farm a delightful destination for a day of cherry picking.
2. Barden Family Orchard
- Address: 56 Elmdale Rd, North Scituate, RI 02857
- Phone: (401) 934-1413
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm store, picnic areas, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Apple picking, hayrides, cider tasting
Barden Family Orchard is a well-loved spot for cherry-picking enthusiasts. The farm offers a welcoming environment with well-maintained fields and friendly staff. The farm store sells a variety of fresh produce, homemade goods, and local products. Picnic areas provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your cherries. Besides cherries, the farm offers apple picking in the fall, hayrides, and cider tasting, making it a year-round destination.
Also Read: Best Plum Farms in Rhode Island for U-Pick Fun Activity
Southern Rhode Island
3. Sweet Berry Farm
- Address: 915 Mitchell’s Ln, Middletown, RI 02842
- Phone: (401) 847-3912
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Café, picnic area, restrooms, event hosting
- Additional Activities: Blueberry picking, seasonal events, hiking trails
Sweet Berry Farm is a delightful destination for cherry picking. This charming farm offers a wide range of amenities, including a cozy café where you can enjoy fresh baked goods and light meals. The picnic area is perfect for a family outing, and the restrooms ensure convenience during your visit. Sweet Berry Farm is also known for hosting seasonal events, such as harvest festivals and holiday celebrations, making it a vibrant spot year-round. Besides cherry picking, visitors can explore the orchards and hiking trails, adding more fun to their visit.
4. Manfredi Farms
- Address: 77 Dunns Corner Rd, Westerly, RI 02891
- Phone: (401) 322-0027
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, picnic areas, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Strawberry picking, vegetable picking, seasonal events
Manfredi Farms offers a serene and picturesque setting for cherry picking. The farm features well-tended fields and a welcoming atmosphere. The farm stand provides a variety of fresh produce and local goods. Ample parking and clean restrooms ensure a comfortable visit. In addition to cherries, visitors can enjoy strawberry and vegetable picking, as well as seasonal events, making it a versatile destination for family fun.
Also Read: Strawberry Picking in Rhode Island: The Best Farms for PYO
Western Rhode Island
5. Noquochoke Orchards
- Address: 594 Drift Rd, Westport, MA 02790 (near the RI border)
- Phone: (508) 636-2237
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, picnic areas, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Apple picking, pumpkin patch
Noquochoke Orchards, though located near the Rhode Island border, is a notable destination for cherry picking. The farm offers a family-friendly environment with well-maintained fields and friendly staff. Visitors can enjoy a variety of fresh produce from the farm stand and relax in the picnic areas. Besides cherries, the farm offers apple picking and a pumpkin patch in the fall, making it a versatile destination for seasonal fun.
Also Read: Best Pepper Farms in Rhode Island for Fun PYO Activity
Central Rhode Island
6. Mapleville Farm
- Address: 544 Victory Hwy, Mapleville, RI 02839
- Phone: (401) 568-0544
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, restrooms, picnic areas
- Additional Activities: Blueberry picking, vegetable picking, farm tours
Mapleville Farm offers a delightful cherry-picking experience in a picturesque setting. The farm features well-maintained fields and a welcoming atmosphere. The farm stand sells a variety of fresh produce, homemade goods, and local products. Picnic areas allow visitors to relax and enjoy their surroundings. In addition to cherries, the farm offers blueberry and vegetable picking, as well as informative farm tours, making it an educational and enjoyable destination.
7. Pippin Orchard
- Address: 751 Pippin Orchard Rd, Cranston, RI 02921
- Phone: (401) 943-7096
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, restrooms, picnic areas
- Additional Activities: Apple picking, pumpkin patch, hayrides
Pippin Orchard is a popular destination for cherry-picking enthusiasts. The farm offers a serene environment with well-tended fields and friendly staff. The farm stand sells a variety of fresh produce, homemade goods, and local products. Ample parking and clean restrooms ensure a comfortable visit. Besides cherries, the farm also offers apple picking, a pumpkin patch, and hayrides, making it a versatile destination for year-round fun.
Also Read: The Best Corn Farms in Rhode Island for Picking Activity
8. Steere Orchard
- Address: 150 Austin Ave, Greenville, RI 02828
- Phone: (401) 949-1456
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, picnic areas, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Apple picking, hayrides, cider tasting
Steere Orchard is a well-loved spot for cherry-picking enthusiasts. The farm offers a welcoming environment with well-maintained fields and friendly staff. The farm stand sells a variety of fresh produce, homemade goods, and local products. Picnic areas provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your cherries. Besides cherries, the farm offers apple picking in the fall, hayrides, and cider tasting, making it a year-round destination.
Eastern Rhode Island
9. Confreda Greenhouses & Farms
- Address: 2150 Scituate Ave, Hope, RI 02831
- Phone: (401) 827-5000
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Amenities: Garden center, farm stand, restrooms
- Additional Activities: Pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn maze
Confreda Greenhouses & Farms is a beloved spot for cherry-picking enthusiasts. The farm offers a welcoming environment with well-maintained fields and friendly staff. Visitors can explore the garden center and farm stand for a variety of fresh produce and plants. In addition to cherry-picking, Confreda Farms offers a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and a corn maze, making it an exciting destination for family fun.
10. Escobar Farm
- Address: 255 Middle Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871
- Phone: (401) 683-1444
- Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Amenities: Farm stand, restrooms, picnic areas
- Additional Activities: Corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides
Escobar Farm offers a delightful cherry-picking experience in a picturesque setting. The farm features well-maintained fields and a welcoming atmosphere. The farm stand sells a variety of fresh produce and local products. Picnic areas allow visitors to relax and enjoy their surroundings.
In addition to cherries, the farm offers a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and hayrides, making it an exciting destination for seasonal fun.
Also Read: Best Blueberry Picking Farms in Rhode Island
Most Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Cherry Farms in Rhode Island
Ripe cherries are usually firm, plump, and have a vibrant color. For sweet cherries, look for a deep red or almost black color, while sour cherries should be bright red. Gently pull the cherry; if it comes off easily with the stem attached, it is ripe. Avoid cherries that are still green or pale.
The best time to pick cherries is early in the morning when the temperatures are cooler. This helps maintain the cherries’ firmness and prevents them from getting too warm, which can lead to quicker spoilage.
Store cherries unwashed in the refrigerator. Place them in a breathable container or perforated plastic bag to allow airflow. Only wash cherries right before eating to prevent moisture from accelerating spoilage. For longer storage, cherries can be frozen by washing, pitting, and placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.
Essentials for cherry picking include a lightweight, sturdy container for collecting cherries, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothing and shoes, and plenty of water. Some farms may provide containers, but bringing your own ensures you have enough space and the right type of container for your needs.
Common varieties include sweet cherries like Bing and Rainier, which are great for fresh eating, and tart cherries like Montmorency and Morello, often used for baking and preserving. Sweet cherries are typically larger and sweeter, while tart cherries have a more intense flavor suitable for cooking.
While it is possible to pick cherries in rainy weather, it is generally better to pick them on dry days to avoid the cherries becoming waterlogged and more prone to splitting. Wet conditions can also make the cherry trees slippery and more challenging to navigate safely.
The cherry season typically lasts from late May to early July for sweet cherries and from late June to mid-July for tart cherries. The exact timing can vary depending on the weather and specific growing conditions of each year.
Common mistakes include picking cherries that are not fully ripe, which can affect their sweetness and flavor, and pulling cherries off the tree without the stem, which can reduce their shelf life. It is also important to handle cherries gently to avoid bruising and to use appropriate containers that allow for airflow.
Wrapping up: The Best Cherry Picking Farms in Rhode Island
Exploring cherry farms in Rhode Island offers a delightful and enriching activity for people of all ages. These farms provide a unique opportunity to engage with nature, learn about local agriculture, and enjoy the vibrant outdoors while picking fresh, juicy cherries. With well-maintained fields, friendly staff, and various amenities such as farm stands, picnic areas, and additional activities like farm tours, hayrides, and seasonal events, each farm promises a memorable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a family looking for a fun day out, Rhode Island’s cherry farms offer something for everyone.
Remember to contact the farms before your visit to ensure cherry-picking is available, and enjoy a delightful day in the beautiful Rhode Island countryside.
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