Bounty Hunting in NoVa – 5 Places Where to Pick-Your-Own Fruits and Vegetables

Posted by Katie Wedge on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 12:28:46 PM By Katie Wedge / May 16, 2023 Comment

Whether you're a budding chef or just care about what you eat, nothing can beat the freshness and flavor of locally grown fruits and veggies. Picking your own farm produce may also be the best way to guarantee freshness plus provide peace of mind that you know exactly where it came from. Luckily, Northern Virginia (NoVA) has plenty of farms offering pick-your-own fruits and vegetables. All you need are comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes and the patience to fill up your basket with juicy tomatoes ripe for flavoring your next salad! Discover five amazing NoVA spots below that offer this opportunity so that you can become one with nature as well as enjoy delicious homegrown treats!

Skip the grocery store - hit up these local farms and help out Virginia farmers! Sure, you can always snag some produce from the aisles, but why settle for bland when you can pick your very own during peak season? Northern Virginia is teeming with fresh options, like zesty cherries, juicy peaches, and refreshing cucumbers. Ready to get your hands dirty? Check out our top five farm picks for the summer harvest!

GREAT COUNTRY FARMS

Looking for a rural adventure? Head over to Great Country Farms, a 400-acre wonderland in Bluemont. Come for the delicious, fresh-picked produce, like juicy strawberries in May, sweet raspberries in June, and plump blackberries in July. What's more, all of these goodies are grown without any nasty chemicals. But that's not all! In July, grab some tasty peaches, and in August, it's all about the potatoes. September is the perfect time for crisp apples, while October means one thing: pumpkins.

For just $4.99 a pound, you can pick your own strawberries, starting in mid-May. And that's not even the best part - admission includes up close and personal visits with bunny, lamb, and goat babies, and access to a massive 12-acre play area. A day at Great Country Farms is the perfect escape.

Come one, come all! Our gates are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont. Admission pricing to this fabulous and fun-filled experience starts at only $14 for ages 18-54, $12 for ages 3-17 and 55+, and FREE for little ones under 3. Want to save a little extra cash for snacks and souvenirs? Buy your tickets online in advance and save $2 on every ticket!

HOLLINS FARMS

Get your hands on freshly-picked fruits and veggies at Hollin Farms- a three-generational family farm in Fauquier County. Besides the Angus cattle and pasture-raised beef, our specialty is providing you with the freshest produce from late-May through October.

Cherry season is during late-May and June, with an added bonus of cabbage, peas, and kale. However, our farm shines from July to August with Japanese plums, Asian pears, tomatoes, okra and eggplant that'll make your taste buds dance. Trust us, missing out on this summer bounty is not an option. Visit Hollin Farms now! Check out the farm at 1524 Snowden Rd. in Delaplane! While their hours and prices for pick-your-own produce aren't up yet, keep your eyes peeled for updates. This farm is worth the wait!

VALLEY VIEW FARM

Looking for a delightful country adventure? Come on down to Valley View Farm! Our market is stocked with handmade goodies and our tasting room offers up incredible wines for you to sample. Plus, our adopt-a-hive program gives you the chance to help preserve our local bee population!

Hungry for fresh fruit? Our pick-your-own orchard boasts a plethora of delicious options including juicy blueberries and luscious pie cherries in late June. Mid-July through August, you're in for a treat with our yellow freestone and white peaches. And don't forget about our mouthwatering blackberries, ripe for the picking in August.

We're open Fridays through Sundays from noon to 5 pm. And the best part? You pay for only what you pick! So head on over to 1550 Leeds Manor Rd., Delaplane to get started on your tasty adventure at Valley View Farm.

SPROUTING ROOT FARM

If you're a fan of Indian cuisine and locally sourced produce, Sprouting Roots is the farm for you. Led by a team of talented women, this Loudoun County farm specializes in growing seasonal veggies, greens, and herbs straight from the land at Fabbioli Cellars. From tangy tomatoes to crispy cucumbers, the farm offers a wide variety of fresh produce, as well as beautiful flowers like lilies and marigolds. And the best part? The season kicks off in June! Though the farm is only open by appointment, it's totally worth it for a taste of their delicious, locally grown offerings. So head on over to 15669 Limestone School Rd. in Leesburg and let Sprouting Roots sprout your taste buds.

YANKEY FARMS

Springtime calls for juicy strawberries and autumn screams pumpkins, and at Yankey Farms in Prince William County, you'll get your fix! Berry lovers can find quart-sized containers at $8 and gallon buckets priced at $30 to whip up some mouthwatering jams, jellies, and pies. Strawberries are in peak season from early to mid-June. Fast forward to October, and the fun continues with pumpkin patches to pick and choose from. Yankey Farms has more than just produce! There's an array of activities like the corn maze scavenger hunt and cow train for kids to hop on and enjoy. Bring your family and friends - you won't want to miss this!

Come visit us at 11812 Bristow Rd in Bristow! Our farm is open for your enjoyment from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays - no reservations needed. However, Saturdays are the busiest days, so we kindly ask that you make a reservation to avoid any inconvenience. Please note that we are closed on Sundays, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly. We can't wait to see you!

KATIE WEDGE

(571) 517-2012

[email protected]

katie.jacobsandco.com