If it's summertime in Georgia, then it's blueberry and blackberry picking time.
Parents, if you want your kids to learn that berries come from somewhere other than the neighborhood grocery store, then check out these local pick-your-own-berry farms.
Southern Belle Farm
1658 Turner Church Road, McDonough, Ga. 30252. 770-288-2582. southernbellefarm.com
This 330-acre family farm in McDonough has more than two acres of blueberries and blackberries for parents and kids to pick to their hearts' content. You're even allowed to nibble while you pick your own berries. Picking hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1–6 p.m. Sunday. Hours may vary based on availability of fruit, so call before you go. The berries you pick are $13, plus tax, per gallon. After picking, parents and kids are invited to stay and pet a few farm animals. Additionally, peaches are ripe for the picking at $10 per gallon, plus tax.
Berry Patch Farms
786 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, Ga. 30188. 770-926-0561. www.berrypatchfarms.net
Berry Patch Farms in Woodstock is expecting an ample blueberry crop this year. The farm is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; parents are encouraged to call ahead to make sure there are enough berries to pick. The blueberries you pick are $1.99 per pound, plus tax. Check out their website for some recipes for those hand-picked blueberries.
The Rock Ranch
5020 Highway 36, The Rock, Ga. 30285. 706-647-0337. http://therockranch.com
Blackberries, blueberries and raspberries are now fresh for the picking at The Rock Ranch, a 1,500-acre working cattle ranch about an hour south of Atlanta in Upson County. The Rock Ranch was founded by the S. Truett Cathy of Chick-fil-A. The ranch is open for you to pick your own berries 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday through July. The blackberrie are $3.50 per pound; blueberries are $5 per pound; and raspberries are $4.50 per pound, tax not included. It's a good idea to call before you go.
There are additional berry-picking farms throughout Georgia. Picking your own berries makes for some great family fun and some delicious eating, so get out there and start picking.
