While Orange County farmers typically work year round and can be found selling their products during the winter markets - the fruits and ‘flowers’ of their labor really show through come late spring.
The markets get more colorful with fruits, flowers and veggies; and busier too with more vendors and visitors. Roadside and on-farm stands open up. The best part, we think, is the opportunity to get out to a farm to pick (or cut) your own!
And, with our temperate climate here in the Piedmont of North Carolina, the pick your own season extends well into the fall. Below is just a sampling, in order by product and season, of our fabulous pick- your- own farms.
Know before you go: Hours and availability may vary, so be sure to check online and make reservations in advance – if applicable.
Scroll down for special June events.
What's in Season
Strawberries
The first of the fruits of the season for picking. Depending on the weather, the red juicy berry is ripe for picking in late April through early June. Strawberries love full sun; hats and sunscreen are always fashionable in the strawberry fields.
Eno River Farm 2127 St. Mary’s Road, Hillsborough, NC | 919-245-8775
McAdams Farm 1100 Efland Cedar Grove Rd., Efland, NC | 919-732-7701
WildSide Farm 4001 Teer Rd, Chapel Hill, NC | email
Flowers
Early varieties such as tulips, daffodils and hellebores can be found as early as March but it's a quick window. Around here, the season for cutting blooms begins around June. Look for beauties like snapdragons, dianthus, dahlias and zinnias that put on a colorful show through the summer months into early fall. Finally, a fall favorite, chrysanthemums, make their appearance with their showy petals. There’s more to cutting flowers than just putting in a vase! Look for special events and classes to enhance your flower farm experience. Check individual farms for supplies provided or ones you need to bring along on your visit.
Firefly Farm 4911 Hunt Road, Hillsborough, NC | email
Fernrock Farm 4500 Orange Grove Road, Hillsborough, NC | email
Blueberries
These nutrient rich, tasty berries are in-season June and July and come in several varieties. Picking blueberries makes for a great family outing; lots of open space and ease of picking even for younger children. To get the cream of the crop, only pick the fully ripe berries that are plump and round!
Eno River Farm 2127 St. Mary’s Road, Hillsborough, NC | 919-245-8775
Cedar Grove Blueberry Farm 105 Persimmon Hill Ln, Cedar Grove, NC | email
Blackberries
Also, nutrient dense, these berries are sweet and sun ripened by early summer, usually June through July. Technically, these aren't true berries and classified as aggregate fruits having tiny, juicy individual segments called drupelets. But whatever you call them, they pair well with goat cheese, citrus and warm spices. Wildside Farm offer thornless blackberry patches for picking!
WildSide Farm 4001 Teer Rd, Chapel Hill, NC | email
Muscadine Grapes
Prevalent in North Carolina, really throughout the Southern United States, Muscadines or Scuppernongs (named after the Scuppernong River in North Carolina) like it hot and humid which makes them easy to grow here in the Piedmont. These grapes are bigger and rounder than the seedless green and red grapes most are accustomed to. Beware though, the skin is thick and seeds are large. But, once you master the art of spitting of seeds and skin, it’s worth the juicy and sweet flesh! Muscadine jam and jelly along with homemade wine are the most popular way to enjoy this southern favorite. Plan your Muscadine picking adventure for late summer to early fall.
Parker Farm & Vineyard 2211 Laws Store Rd., Hurdle Mills, NC |919-245-1008
Asian Persimmons
Large, orange fruits that can be eaten like an apple (non-astringent). Take note, astringent persimmons should only be eaten after ripening or suffer from pucker mouth! Fun tidbit: in Korean folklore the dried persimmon has a reputation for scaring away tigers. No worries, you most likely will not cross paths with any tigers here. Picking season is September through October
Sweet Retreat Orchard 2925 Frank Perry Rd., Hillsborough, NC | 919-973-5536
Notable Events:
June Blooms
Celebrate flower season at the Carrboro Farmers Market (CFM). June in Bloom is Saturday June 6th. Enjoy a scavenger hunt, make and take art, vendor specials, a raffle and more. CFM limited edition t-shirts will be available for purchase.
Sunshine Lavender Farm holds its annual June Bloom Fest on June 13 & 14. This year you can pre-order lunch from the Lavender Menu and your order will be ready at the farm on the day of your visit. Bring a blanket, picnic, tour the farm and enjoy! Sign up for a craft workshop and yoga. Get your tickets online.
Stay Connected
You can connect to your favorite Orange County farms and ag-related businesses all year through the Visit NC Farms website – Learn more at Visit NC Farms Today
