Pick-Your-Own Places in Vermont

By Erin on July 4, 2018

During college, one of my part-time summer jobs was raking blueberries in Downeast Maine for $.18 a pound. I would rake rows and rows over acres and acres. I loved it. Being outside, under the sun with scenic views of the Maine coast hardly seemed like work even though the activity itself was strenuous… And being surrounded by plump, delicious, sun-ripened Maine blueberries I could freely snack on was a bonus. This experience gave me a huge appreciation for all of the locally grown, fresh produce we can walk into a grocery store or farmstand to procure on a regular basis. Now years later now, one of my favorite summer and fall activities in Vermont is visiting pick-your-own places.

I love loading up on strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and, of course, apples, especially now that I can pick at my leisure. Throughout the state, there are ample scenic spots to pick-your-own berries or apples for your next pie or jam. A few spots even have currants, mulberries, elderberries, pears, plums, peaches and cherries for picking!

When I pick now, I make an event out of the experience and a game of finding the most perfect, drool-worthy berries that taste just as perfect ripe off the bush as they do in a dessert. It’s also the perfect family-friendly, cost-effective outing in the spring, summer and fall months in Vermont. Just make sure you check in on Facebook or call ahead for conditions before you plan a day in the berry patch or apple orchard.

Below are a few of my favorite Vermont pick-your-own farms, Vermont PYO places, and U-Pick places in Vermont (whatever you like to call them), as well as a directory of others around the state to try! What are you favorite pick-your-own places in Vermont? Share in the comments below to keep the conversation going!

Douglas Orchards & Cider Mill, Shoreham, Vermont

Douglas Orchards, a fourth-generation farm in Shoreham is one of the Vermont’s pick-your-own places that boasts a beautiful view toward Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The grounds, including the berry bushes and the orchards, are extremely well-kept and the fruit reflects its surroundings. Douglas Orchards boasts one of the most diverse offerings, including strawberries, raspberries, and apples, along with pumpkins. You can also buy their cider and cider donuts on site, along with jams, butters, and preserves. Douglas Orchards is one of few pick-your-own places that has Vermont cherries to pick (Champlain Orchards just up the road as PYO cherries as well)! Make it a stop when heading to the New York Ferry or for a special road trip into Shoreham, where you can also make a stop at the Shoreham Inn for dinner.

Charlotte Berry Farm, Charlotte, Vermont

The Charlotte Berry Farm is located just off of Route 7 and has acres of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, black raspberries, and blueberries to pick, along with pumpkins in the fall. One of the biggest draws about Charlotte Berry Farm are the creemees on site – try the blueberry or strawberry creemee! In addition to berries (15 rows of blueberries!) and creemees, you can also buy maple syrup on site, along with baked goods and jams from their own berries. Charlotte Berry Farm is dog-friendly, too (except for the strawberry and raspberry fields).

Lower Notch Berry Farm, Bristol, Vermont

Located on a narrow Vermont dirt road in Bristol, Lower Notch Berry Farm is a family-owned and densely populated blueberry patch with some of the very best blueberries I’ve had in the state. Described as a “local treasure” by many locals, Lower Notch is a favorite blueberry picking spot in Addison County with 17 varieties of blueberries available. Bring your bug spray; there isn’t a lot of air movement among the tightly nestled bushes. Also, don’t leave without a jar of their blueberry honey. It’s outstanding!

Pick-Your-Own Guide to Vermont