RITE OF SPRING: Here are the farms around Charlotte that offer strawberry picking

(QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Taking that first bite out of a fresh juicy strawberry is a feeling that lets you know it’s springtime. To ensure you’re getting the fruit straight from the source, there are many farms around Charlotte that provide pick-your-own service.

In York County, one family farm was squarely in the line of devastating storms on Saturday and is delaying its picking season for several weeks.

Here are the farms that are welcoming families for strawberry picking:

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Springs Farm

Strawberry season is just a small part of Fort Mill’s Springs Farm Market, which offers fresh produce, baked goods, jarred items, homemade dessert mixes, and even homemade soft-serve ice cream. The field is just down the road from the market; no reservation is needed.

835 Springfield Pkwy., Fort Mill, S.C.

PYO Hours: Friday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5:30 p.m. 

Carrigan Farms

Strawberries are just one of the many amenities offered throughout the year at Carrigan Farms. The Mooresville working farm says they provide an “authentic strawberry picking experience.” The remainder of the farm is not open to the public at this time; no reservations are needed.

1145 Oakridge Farm Hwy., Mooresville, N.C.

PYO Hours: Monday, April 22, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 23: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; more dates coming soon

Lineberger’s Farm

Lineberger’s is a longtime family farm offering pick-your-own strawberries, blackberries and muscadines, depending on the season. Co-owner Ethan Lineberger says this is going to be a longer season than usual. Both of the family’s properties in Gaston and Lincoln counties are open for picking this year.

2295 Hudson Poultry Road, Iron Station, N.C.; 906 Dallas Stanley Hwy., Dallas, N.C.

PYO Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

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Bush-n-Vine Farm

Bush-N-Vine got an early start to the strawberry season. The farm’s York, S.C., location offers picking on Saturdays only. Owners remind customers that the smallest ones are often the sweetest!

1650 Filbert Hwy, York, S.C.

PYO Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays

Hall Family Farm

An institution on both sides of the state line, Hall Family Farm grows strawberries in the spring and pumpkins (and a corn maze) in the fall. You’ll likely see a member of the family out working the fields on your visit! Just try to avoid stepping on the plastic or across the rows.

445 W. Rebound Road, Lancaster, S.C. 

PYO Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 24; check Facebook/website for daily operations

The Ivy Place

At Ivy Place, owners want families to experience the growing process at the farm that’s also in the Van Wyck area. Strawberries are among the many primary crops, along with leafy greens, tomatoes, and cut flowers. 

8525 Van Wyck Road, Lancaster, S.C. 

PYO Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Wise Acres Organic Farm

Wise Acres in Indian Trail is a USDA-certified organic farm, and its owners provide wagon rides and fresh-cut flowers. The property does require reservations for its strawberry picking, and available dates are limited; the month of May is sold out.

4701 Hartis Road, Indian Trail, N.C. 

Black’s Peaches in York won’t have strawberry picking until at least the third week in May. The farm suffered damages from the hail storm on April 20.

Know of another place with pick-your-own strawberries? Let us know at Newstips@QCNews.com.

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