Strawberry picking season is starting. Here’s where you can go to grab fresh fruit.
With the coming of spring brings fresh fruits and vegetables, and strawberries are among the first crop you can head out to pick yourself in the Charlotte area.
Multiple farms offer u-pick strawberries each year within easy driving distance of Charlotte. Fields typically open in April and close in May. You’ll want to check social media for your farm of choice before you go, as conditions are often subject to change.
Pro tip: Weekends are often busy in the strawberry fields, so if you can go on a weekday, you won’t be fighting the crowds.
Here are farms where you can pick your own strawberries near Charlotte.
Bush & Vine
Location: Farm, 1650 Filbert Hwy, York, SC 29745
Location: Rock Hill farm stand (next to Dollar General), 1662 Ebenezer Rd, Rock Hill, SC
Location: Lake Wylie farm stand (next to Bagel Boat), 4090 Charlotte Hwy, Lake Wylie, SC
What to know: Bush & Vine’s pick-your-own strawberry patch opens mid-April and typically closes in mid-May, but is subject to change depending on the weather and other factors. It will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and they suggest you come early. Buckets are provided. (Follow the farm on Twitter or Facebook or Instagram to receive updates.)
Cost: $3.75/pound
Carrigan Farms
Location: 1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115
What to know: Carrigan Farms offers strawberry picking across 5 acres with no reservations needed. The farm will open strawberry picking in late April and anticipated the season lasting through the end of May. (Check the website before you go for availability.)
Cost: $20 per 4 quart basket and $7 per 1 quart container; pre-picked strawberries are also available for $22 per 4 quart basket and $7 per one quart container.
Pro tip: The farm also has fresh asparagus and heirloom leaf lettuce available through early May.
Hall Family Farm
Location: 445 W Rebound Rd, Lancaster, SC 29720
What to know: This year, Hall Family Farms is targeting a Saturday, April 6 opening for the strawberry fields . (Stay tuned to its Facebook and Instagram accounts for updates.)
Cost: U-pick strawberries are $3.19/pound, and pre-picked strawberries are $3.99/pound.
The Ivy Place
Location: 8525 Van Wyck Rd, Lancaster, SC 29720
What to know: The Ivy Place’s strawberry season has begun and will last until June. (Its website includes updates on picking availability and conditions.)
Cost: $3.89/pound
Lineberger’s Farm
Location: 906 Dallas Stanley Hwy, Dallas, NC 28034
What to know: Strawberry picking is available from mid-to-late April through June at the Lake Norman area farm that grows its berries the old fashioned way — on straw. The playground is free to visit, as well.
Cost: $5 a quart, $8 a half gallon or $15 a gallon.
Patterson Farm
Location: 10390 Caldwell Road, Mount Ulla, NC 28125l
What to know: Patterson Farm’s strawberry picking fields, northeast of the Lake Norman area, have a growing season that typically runs from April to mid June. Customers can already purchase pre-picked strawberries at its farm market at its satellite locations on West Innes Street in Salisbury next to Wells Fargo and at Mr. C’s in Concord, starting in May.
Cost: $1 online or $3 per person admission at the gate, plus $9 per basket. For access to the barn and playground, as well, tickets are $13 online or $15 per person at the gate on the weekend (including a cow train and wagon ride) and weekdays are $10 online or $12 per person at the gate. Purchase tickets online.
Pre-picked strawberries can also be purchased at the farm for $6 per quart, $20 per bucket or $20 for a 4 quart basket.
Springs Farm
Location: 835 Springfield Parkway, Fort Mill, SC 29715
What to know: Springs Farms’ strawberry fields will be open for the 2024 season from late April through the end of May, and no reservations are needed. Its indoor market stocked with local and handmade items, ice cream and slushies will open in mid-April. (Follow its Facebook and Instagram for updates.)
Cost: A fully picked gallon container is estimated at $24 — and it’s pick-your-own stand only takes credit cards.
