Strawberries, everyone’s favorite summer crop, are ready for harvest. A healthy snack on its own, as well as an ingredient in many desserts, the only thing better than fresh strawberries are fresh strawberries you’ve picked yourself.
A day of strawberry picking is a great way to spend a summer afternoon (or morning if you want to beat the heat) with a delicious reward to enjoy afterwards.
To help facilitate this summer tradition, we’ve put together a list of some of the top-rated strawberry picking spots in coastal New Hampshire and southern Maine.
As always, the actual start of the season varies by farm, so check the website or call ahead to confirm availability and conditions.
New Hampshire
Location: 2 East Rd., East KingstonHours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Contact: 603-642-8186
What to know: A family farm that has been in business for decades, this is a classic berry orchard to visit for picking.
Location: 133 Exeter Rd. (Route 88), Hampton FallsHours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Contact: (603) 926-3721
What to know: Strawberry season is about to begin, followed by blueberries, raspberries and, of course, apples in the fall. One of the oldest farms in the state, it has a lot of charm. There is a farmers market if you prefer to buy something already picked, and the dairy will open on June 15, 2024.
Location:195 Meaderboro Rd., FarmingtonHours: Open Fridays and Saturdays from 12 to 6 pmContact: (603) 335-4705
What to know: A 30 acre family farm where there is something to harvest here from June until the end of the apple season in the fall. The berry orchards are expected to open for picking around Father’s Day weekend in 2024.
Fresh fruit from Saltonstall farm
Location: 61 Stratham Heights Rd., StrathamHours: Open Tuesdays from 3 to 7 pm; Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Contact: (978) 801-1870
What to know: Organically grown, the 2024 strawberry picking season begins on June 9. You can bring your own container or buy one of the ones they have there. The berry orchard is located 0.1 mile dirt road from the parking area.
Location: 71 NE Pond Rd., MiltonHours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Contact: 603-652-9400
What to know: They recommend calling before you go to find out if they are chosen or not for the day. The 2024 season will begin soon.
Maine
Location: 158 Whichers Mill Rd., SanfordHours: Call for hours and availability.Contact: 207-324-5497
What to know: The berry orchard is a local favorite for picking your own little blue carton of berries.
Location: 85 Spiller Farm Ln., WellsHours: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.Contact: 207-985-3383
What to know: The first strawberries of the season have already ripened and the u-pick will open soon. While you are there, be sure to watch the livestock while you are there.
Location: Two Lights Road, Bowery Beach Rd., Cape Elizabeth, YorkHours: Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Contact: (207) 799-3383
What to know: Strawberry season at Maxwell’s Farm is expected to open its fields for picking in the third week of June.
Location: Central Elementary School, 197 Main St., South Berwick, MaineHours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What to know: Can’t get enough of strawberries? Or are you just looking for an excuse to be outdoors with live music and food supporting local artists? The South Berwick Strawberry Festival will take place on June 29, continuing a nearly 50-year tradition of celebrating arts and crafts and, of course, strawberries.
The Strawberry Festival features more than 100 vendors and regularly attracts more than 20,000 visitors each year.
If you have any strawberry picking locations or events to add, email news@seacoastonline.com or news@fosters.com.
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