Blueberry picking season is in full swing in the Hudson Valley. While the region is famous for apple picking in the fall, take advantage of the opportunity to indulge in the summer bounty as well.
In New York, blueberry season runs from the middle of June to the beginning of September, according to the harvest calendar. The best dates for picking are between July 8 and August 20. If you go, look for plump, firm berries — but handle them gently as they bruise easily. Below are several farms in the Hudson Valley to explore and pick delicious blueberries.
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Rose Hill Farm
19 Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook; 845.758.4215
If you’re looking to pick a variety of blueberries this season, stop at Rose Hill Farm. The farm currently grows five different kinds of blueberries. Owner Holly Williams Brittain says blueberries are one of the farm’s more durable and reliable fruits. Here, you pay what you pick, with a rate of $6/lb. There are no entrance or parking fees.
The farm’s summer picking schedule is typically 12-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, coinciding with the burger, music, and event nights in the Winery Taproom. On weekends, Rose Hill is open for picking from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brittain suggests picking in the morning or evening when the patch is shaded and cooler.
“We love eating blueberries fresh, but they also freeze really well,” Brittain shares. “Be sure to save some for later to enjoy in smoothies or muffins or to make a stewed blueberry sauce or ‘grunt’ style dessert.”
Kelder’s Farm
5755 U.S. Rte 209, Kerhonkson; 845.626.7137
Summer days at Kelder’s Farm began on July 1. The farm is now open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday. Three different ticket options can be purchased ahead of time. You can buy tickets for picking only, farmyard admission, or pick-and-play admission.
The pick-and-play admission is $19.95 on weekdays and $22.95 on weekends. Beyond picking berries, it gives you access to more than 30 farm attractions and open space in the farmyard. If you want more berries after picking, extra berry baskets are $6.50 a pint or $30 for a four-quart basket. Right now, the farm is also picking red currant and black raspberries.
Blueberry picking at Fishkill Farms. Photo courtesy of Fishkill Farms
Fishkill Farms
9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction; 845.897.4377
With good weather during blossom season, Fishkill Farms is seeing its largest blueberry crop ever, says Katie Ross, the marketing communications and events manager. Ross suggests visiting the farm in the morning for cooler temperatures because the blueberry bushes don’t provide shade.
Before going to the farm, be sure to book reservations on the website. You can select two-pint or four-pint reservations. Additional pick-your-own blueberries may be purchased for $8/pint at check-in. For bakers or blueberry lovers, the farm’s newest offering is a flat of blueberries for $72.
“Visiting in the morning, staying hydrated, protecting yourself from the sun, and wearing close-toed shoes will set you up for blueberry picking success,” says Ross.
Blueberry pints at Fishkill Farms. Photo courtesy of Fishkill Farms
Greig Farm
227 Pitcher Ln, Red Hook; 845,758.8007
Pull right up to the red picking booths on Pitcher Lane and let the blueberry picking commence. The booths are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. After the booths close, the market is open for another hour. As the strawberry season comes to an end, the farm is focusing on its blueberry crop.
“When it’s too hot for humans, it’s perfect for blueberries,” says owner Norman Greig. “You can pick anytime, but you will last longer if you try to avoid the midday sun.”
Farm staff suggests that you tie your berry bucket to a belt or use twine from the red picking booth so both hands are free for picking. Greig adds that the sugar in blueberries sets five days after the berry turns blue, so the riper the berry, the sweeter it will be. When picking berries, Greig advises to gently ease the fruit off from behind so it doesn’t bruise.
Thompson-Finch Farm
750 Wiltsie Bridge Rd, Ancram; 518.329.7578
This family-run fruit farm is known for its certified organic strawberries, blueberries, and apples. The farm has a “Pick-Your-Own” operation for different fruits throughout the year. In recent years, it added one acre of blueberries and one half acre of raspberries. During July and August, it has blueberry picking options open for the public.
On its website, the farm provides daily updates on crop conditions. The farm is open for picking every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. until the end of the season. For specific days, call 518.329.7578 to find out the best picking times and conditions. While the family loves having people pick their own berries, they ask that you leave your dogs at home.
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Mead Orchards
15 Scism Rd, Tivoli; 845.756.5641
Spend the day at Mead Orcharchs and enjoy the 100 beautiful acres of land. While taking in the stunning views, enjoy the pick-your-own-fruit options like sweet cherries, spray-free blueberries, peaches, and red plums. The hours for picking blueberries are Fridays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The orchard offers free parking entry, and you only pay for what you pick.
The orchard has a pick-your-own info guide in which it suggests you bring sunscreen, water, and hats for picking. If you’re looking to stay and relax after picking blueberries, picnic tables are available for use on the farm. Don’t be afraid to take your pets along for a day at the orchard. Leashed dogs are allowed as long as they walk outside of the growing area and are picked up afterward.
Halfways Acres
200 Purgatory Rd, Campbell Hall; 845.239.1551
Since 2013, Halfway Acres has nearly quadrupled its blueberry field and now maintains about 4,000 bushes. The blueberry bushes at Halfway Acres are early to mid-bloom varieties, so they aren’t the typical berries you find at the local grocery store. The farm grows all of its blueberries with strict USDA-certified organic standards. Due to weather conditions, the prime picking season occurs during the first two weeks in July. The farm typically has good blueberries for seven to eight weeks. You can find the daily hours and book a visit on the Halfways Acres website.
The price for blueberry picking is $7 per pound. Or, if you live in the area and enjoy picking your own organic blueberries, you may consider buying a season membership for $20 a family. Buckets are provided free to use, or you can purchase a bucket to take home. If you prefer, you can bring your own bucket, basket, or other containers. Halfway Acres provides free bags for you to carry all of your delicious berries home when you’re done picking for the day. At checkout, there’s one more surprise: the farm gives out free ice pops after a hot day in the sun!
Related: 10 Extraordinary Ice Cream Shops in the Hudson Valley
