The strawberries are ripening. Here's where you can go picking on the Seacoast
Veer MudambiStrawberries, everyone's favorite summer crop, is ready for harvesting. A healthy snack on its own as well as an ingredient in many desserts, the only thing better than fresh picked strawberries is fresh strawberries you picked yourself.
A day out picking strawberries is a great way to spend a summer afternoon - or morning if you want to beat the heat - with a delicious bounty to enjoy afterwards.
To help facilitate this summer tradition, we've assembled a list of some of the highest rated strawberry picking locations on the Seacoast in 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
Monahan Farm
Location: 2 East Rd., East Kingston
Hours: Open daily 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 patch to visit for picking.
Applecrest Farm
Location: 133 Exeter Rd. (Route 88), Hampton Falls
Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact: (603) 926-3721
What to know: The strawberry season is about to kick off, which will be 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's a farm market if you prefer to buy something already picked, and the creamery will open on June 15 in 2024.
Butternut Farm
Location:195 Meaderboro Rd., Farmington
Hours: Open Fridays and Saturdays 12 to 6 p.m.
Contact: (603) 335-4705
What to know: A 30-acre, family-owned farm there is something to pick here from June through the end of apple season in the fall. The berry patches are expected to open for picking near Father's Day weekend in 2024.
Saltonstall Farm
Location: 61 Stratham Heights Rd., Stratham
Hours: Open Tuesday 3 to 7 p.m.; Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.,
Contact: (978) 801-1870
What to know: Grown organically, 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 patch is done a .1 mile dirt road from the parking area.
McKenzie's Farm
Location: 71 NE Pond Rd., Milton
Hours: Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact: 603-652-9400
What to know: They recommend calling before you go to know whether or not they are picked out for the day. The 2024 season is set to begin soon.
Maine
Lavigne Strawberry Farm
Location: 158 Whichers Mill Rd., Sanford
Hours: Call for hours and availability
Contact: 207-324-5497
What to know: The berry patch is a favorite for locals to pick their own little blue carton of berries.
Spiller Farm
Location: 85 Spiller Farm Ln., Wells
Hours: Open daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact: 207-985-3383
What to know: The first strawberries have already ripened for the season, with u-pick set to open soon. While there, be sure to check out the livestock while there.
Maxwell's Farm
Location: Two Lights Road, Bowery Beach Rd., Cape Elizabeth, York
Hours: Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: (207) 799-3383
What to know: The strawberry season at Maxwell's Farm is expecting to open their fields up for picking on third week of June.
South Berwick Strawberry Festival
Location: Central Elementary School, 197 Main St., South Berwick, Maine
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What to know: Just can't get enough of strawberries? Or just looking for an excuse to be outside with live music and food supporting local artists? The South Berwick Strawberry Festival will take place June 29, continuing an almost 50-year tradition of celebrating arts and crafts, and of course, strawberries.
The Strawberry Festival has over 100 vendors participating and regularly attracts upwards of 20,000 visitors every year.
If you have any strawberry picking locations or events to add, email news@seacoastonline.com or news@fosters.com.