Strawberries are just a start! In fact, you might just be surprised at everything you can find at Ohio’s family-owned U-pick farms. Here’s a guide to a few of the best.
Mitchell’s Berries and Blooms
9331 Mitchell-Dewitt Road, Plain City, OH 43064.
937-243-0635, www.mitchellsberries.com
Do you love strawberries? Paul and Shelly Detwiler sure do! Better known as Farmer Paul and Berry Girl, the Detwilers, members of Marysville-based URE–Union Rural Electric Cooperative, have offered U-pick experiences at their 200-year-old family farm for 19 years. Each year they welcome visitors to pick daffodils and asparagus in April, peonies and juicy strawberries in May and June, red and black raspberries in July, and wildflowers and edamame in August. Their Facebook page has details on more unique events, such as a Bridgerton garden party and cooking classes.
The Blueberry Patch
The Blueberry Patch1285 West Hanley Road, Mansfield, OH 44904
419-884-1797, www.theblueberrypatch.org
Visitors can pick blueberries from late June to mid-August at the Blueberry Patch, owned and operated by Lisa and Steve Beilstein since 1981. The plantation offers 37 acres of beautiful blueberry bushes, a coffee and tea bar, a gift shop that features blueberry-themed items, and the 1285 Winery — a must-visit destination that celebrated its 10th anniversary at the end of last year. Blueberry doughnuts draw visitors from miles around, and blueberries are also available to be purchased by the pound. Tip: Late in the season, the sunflower field is a fantastic selfie spot.
Lynd Fruit Farm
Lynd Fruit Farm 9399 Morse Road SW, Pataskala, OH 43062
740-927-1333, www.lyndfruitfarm.com
Lynd Fruit Farm has been a favorite U-pick destination since 1919. Andy Lynd and Debbie Patton’s family-owned farm and market is best known for its 27 varieties of apples among its three orchards, but visitors can also pick berries and peaches in the summer or pears and pumpkins in addition to apples in the fall. During the busy fall season, guests can also take a wagon ride, make their way through the corn maze, and shoot a bucket of apples with the apple cannon. Tip: Come early to get some fresh-baked apple cider doughnuts; the line can get long.
Karnes Orchard
Karnes Orchard8200 Worley Mill Road, Hillsboro, OH 45133
937-763-8250, www.karnesorchard.com
Steve and Zelda Karnes are the seventh generation of their family to own Karnes Orchard, established in 1876. The farm, which is a member of Lancaster-based South Central Power Company, offers tart cherries in June, peaches from late July to early September, and apples from August through the end of October. Families come from near and far to pick from 60 varieties of apples and grab some apple cider. The most popular varieties of apples are Honeycrisp, Gala, Red Delicious, Winesap, and Evercrisp, with the different varieties ripening at different times through the late summer and fall.
Legend Hills Orchard
Legend Hills Orchard11335 Reynolds Road, Utica, OH 43080
740-892-2498, www.legendhillsorchard.com
The original 168 acres of Doug Hoar, Susan Hatch, and Debbie Seibel’s 340-acre farm have remained in their family for over 100 years — five generations. U-pick season begins in July with peaches and summer apples, then fall apple-picking starts in early September. The market, a member of The Energy Cooperative in Newark, is open year-round and features a variety of cheeses, jams, and gluten-free products — and sells fresh, non-pasteurized cider all year long. Beginning in late November, the farm becomes a popular destination for cut-your-own Christmas trees.
Looking for more?
We know this isn’t an exhaustive list, but here are a few more U-pick farms around the state in case you’re looking for one closer to you:
- Rainbow Farms
2464 Townline Road, Madison, OH 44057
440-259-4924, www.rainbowfarmsonline.com
U-pick is available for strawberries, raspberries, currants, blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, and peppers. Visit the website for picking dates.
- Rittman Orchards and Farm Market
13548 Mount Eaton Road, Doylestown, OH 44230
330-925-4152, www.rittmanorchards.com
The U-pick season begins with asparagus in May, but check out the “What’s Ripe?” section of the website to see what’s coming when.
- Sunny Slope Market and Orchard
14960 Millersburg Road SW, Navarre, OH 44662
330-833-9415, www.sunnyslopeapples.com
Apple picking starts in August, but the market is open year-round, offering fresh baked goods.
- Irons Fruit Farm
1640 Stubbs-Mill Road, Lebanon, OH 45036. 513-932-2853
This family farm is located halfway between Dayton and Cincinnati. Find them on Facebook to learn about U-pick opportunities.
- Stacy Family Farms
27515 State Route 7, Marietta, OH 45750
740-374-2371, www.stacyfarm.com
In operation since 1899, the farm offers U-pick strawberries, blueberries, sunflowers, and pumpkins.
- Jutte’s Fruit Farm and Landscaping
3460 State Route 49, Fort Recovery, OH 45846
419-375-2304 or find them on Facebook
Lots of U-pick strawberries, plus loads of other seasonal fruits and veggies available at the roadside market.
- Apple Hill Orchards
1175 Lexington Ontario Road, Mansfield, OH 44903
419-884-1500, www.applehillorchards.com
With two locations, this farm is always a family-friendly destination. Check the website for availability of peaches, pears, and apples.
- Lohstroh Family Farms
15632 State Route 56 SE, Mt. Sterling, OH 43143
740-869-4208, www.lohstrohfamilyfarms.com
This family farm has been growing pumpkins for more than 40 years, and is open for the season on Labor Day weekend.
