Heavenly Wheels Blueberry Farm offers berry picking for all ages

Blueberry season has arrived in the Valley, but it won't be here for long.

Depending on weather, the season typically runs from the beginning of May until the middle of June. Not only are these bite sized treats known for being the healthiest fruit, highest in antioxidants and vitamins that promote heart health, they are delicious.

And now is the time to partake in the experience of picking your own blueberries at a local farm.

Lukas Walker, 5, of Bakersfield plays after picking blueberries at Heavenly Wheels Blueberry Farm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Lukas Walker, 5, of Bakersfield plays after picking blueberries at Heavenly Wheels Blueberry Farm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Established in 2015, Heavenly Wheels Blueberry Farm is located outside of Visalia and Exeter.

The name of this family run farm is based on their faith and the owner’s love of cars. You will find a couple of vintage vehicles around the property for photo opportunities.

It can be sunny and hot in the fields so plan to wear a hat and covered shoes in case of ants. Blueberries are priced at $5 per pound when you pick them yourself. Heavenly Wheels Blueberry Farm also has the option to buy pre-picked berries for $8 a pound and bulk options as well.

There are three varieties of blueberries on the property with unique flavors. Guests are welcome to taste as they pick and sample each variety to choose their favorite.

Daniel Guerra of Visalia picks blueberries at Heavenly Wheels Blueberry Farm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Daniel Guerra of Visalia picks blueberries at Heavenly Wheels Blueberry Farm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Autumn Roswell, 5, right, and her sister Lilly Roswell, 2, and mother Lorena Roswell pick blueberries at Heavenly Wheels Blueberry Farm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Autumn Roswell, 5, right, and her sister Lilly Roswell, 2, and mother Lorena Roswell pick blueberries at Heavenly Wheels Blueberry Farm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024

“We love seeing the kids come back from the field with blue lips from eating the berries while they pick,” says owner Susan Wendt. “This is a family farm and we want people to enjoy being outside. Everyone is welcome to eat as many berries as they want.”

Jessica Endres is a local who is an advocate for eating fresh, local produce. As an avid gardener, homeschooler and amazing baker, she is an expert at finding healthy and fun hands-on experiences for her growing family.

“We have been going to Heavenly Wheels for the past four years and look forward to it each blueberry season,” Endres said. “It’s such a fun family outing and the kiddos love eating as many blueberries as they can while picking. Susan and her husband are the nicest people around and are always so helpful.”

For anyone new to berry picking, experienced blueberry farmer Wendt offers this advice: “It’s easy and a fun family activity. You have to be patient and look at each berry to find the ripe ones.”

Cosette Boxrud, 11, right, catches blueberries in her mouth while her mother Katie Boxrud, and her brother Tristan Boxrud, 13, pick blueberries at Heavenly Wheels Blueberry Farm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Cosette Boxrud, 11, right, catches blueberries in her mouth while her mother Katie Boxrud, and her brother Tristan Boxrud, 13, pick blueberries at Heavenly Wheels Blueberry Farm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024

With a small window of time to experience the joy of picking local blueberries as a family, it’s time to plan a trip to Heavenly Wheels Blueberry Farm. You’ll find the farm located at 18325 Avenue 312 in Visalia.

The blueberry farm is open to the public. The hours they allow visitors changes from week to week so be sure to check out their Instagram and Facebook accounts: heavenly_wheels_blueberries to find weekly berry picking opportunities for your family.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Heavenly Wheels Blueberry Farm offers berry picking for all ages