If you’re looking for a unique family outing or date day this spring, visiting a pick-your-own farm could be the perfect activity for you and your loved ones. At a “U-Pick” farm, visitors can gather their own fresh fruits, vegetables, and even flowers. Plus, some farms also sell pre-picked produce, along with tasty farm-made treats.
The season opens with strawberry picking, right now in early April and follows the general timing below:
- Strawberries: Mid-April through May & beginning of June.
- Blueberries: May to mid-July.
- Blackberries: June and July.
- Peaches: Summer, often continuing through September depending on location.
- Apples: August through November or even later depending on variety and location.
- Pumpkins: October.
We’ve rounded up all of the best U-Pick Farms in the Charlotte area, so you can start planning your visit today.
Before you head out, be sure to call or link thru and check on conditions. Weather and other factors can change hours of U-Pick farms.
Springs Farm
1010 Springfield Pkwy, Fort Mill, SC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 25 Minutes
U-Pick Details: Strawberry picking beginning April 17th, 2024.
The Scoop: Pick your own fresh strawberries at the Springs Farm this spring! In addition to picking your own berries, you can’t leave the farm without trying the fresh strawberry ice cream and popsicles the farm makes, along with purchasing some fresh produce or vegetables from the farm stand. Follow the Springs Farm on social media and check their website for U-Pick updates.
The Hunter Farm
13624 Providence Rd, Weddington, NC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 30 Minutes
U-Pick Details: Strawberry picking beginning in April. At the time of this post, strawberry picking has not yet started.
The Scoop: The Hunter Farm expects strawberry picking to kick off in just a few weeks at some point in mid to late April. Reservations will be required for picking and will be released every Monday throughout the season. Plus, you can also make a reservation to check out the farm’s petting barn during your visit. Be sure to check The Hunter Farm’s website and social media pages for updates and reservation availability.
Lineberger’s Farm
906 Dallas Stanley Hwy, Dallas, NC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 30 Minutes
U-Pick Details: Strawberry picking is open as of April 10th, 2024. Blackberry picking beginning in June, sunflower picking beginning in July, muscadine picking beginning in September and greens picking beginning in October.
The Scoop: There’s picking to be done throughout all the seasons at Lineberger’s Farm. Strawberry picking is open for the 2024 season, and updates can be found daily on the farm’s Facebook page. This farm’s motto is “fresh fruit, family fun” and you’re sure to get a healthy dose of all of that on a trip here.
Deer Run Farm
5540 Highway 24-27 E, Midland, NC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 30 Minutes
U-Pick Details: Strawberry picking is open as of April 9th, 2024.
The Scoop: Pick fresh, ripe strawberries at Deer Run Farm this season! Since this farm is only about 30 minutes away from Charlotte, it’s the perfect afternoon outing. Check the farm’s social media pages for updates on the U-Pick fields and remember it is cash or check only!
Wise Acres Organic Farm
4701 Hartis Rd, Indian Trail, NC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 35 Minutes
U-Pick Details: Strawberry picking is open as of early April. Blueberry and sunflower picking beginning in June, pumpkin picking beginning in September, and “U-Cut” flowers through most seasons.
The Scoop: Reservations are required to pick at Wise Acres Organic Farms, so don’t wait to get your strawberry picking on the books! Reservations can be made on the farm’s website here and includes U-Pick field access, wooded playgrounds, an animal area, shaded picnic tables, barn store access with local goods available for purchase, and barrel train rides/wagon rides available for an additional cost.
Carrigan Farms
1261 Oakridge Farm Highway, Mooresville, NC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 40 Minutes
U-Pick Details: Strawberry picking beginning in April, apple picking beginning in September, and pumpkin picking beginning in October. At the time of this post, strawberry picking has not yet started.
The Scoop: Pick your own fresh fruits at Carrigan farms throughout the seasons! Strawberry picking season is upon us as the crops are just about ready for harvest. Plus, Carrigan Farms has a swimming quarry available for open swim beginning in May and lasting through the summer, so there’s always something fun to do at the farm. Check their website for updates on when each activity opens.
Hall Family Farm
445 W Rebound Rd, Lancaster, SC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 40 Minutes
U-Pick Details: Strawberry picking is open as of early April. Pumpkin picking beginning in October.
The Scoop: Check the Hall Family Farm website and social media channels for daily updates about U-Pick strawberry conditions. After picking your berries, grab a meal at Hall’s Kitchen, or pick up some dessert from the bakery. The farm also has pigs, goats, chickens, a playground and hay rides.
Patterson Farm
10390 Caldwell Rd, Mount Ulla, NC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 45 Minutes
U-Pick Details: Strawberry picking beginning in April. At the time of this post, strawberry picking has not yet started.
The Scoop: Patterson Farm has lots to do on a visit. While U-Pick strawberries are not currently available yet, the farm does have pre-picked produce available for purchase, as well as homemade strawberry ice cream, a playground for kids and a spring barn with animals. Check their website for updates on the U-Pick season.
The Ivy Place Berry Farm
8525 Van Wyck Rd, Lancaster, SC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 45 Minutes
U-Pick Details: Strawberry picking and greens picking (kale/lettuce/parsley/cilantro) are open as of early April. Cut your own flower bouquets beginning in late April.
The Scoop: At the Ivy Place Berry Farm, you can pick a variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and seasonings. If pre-picked fruits and vegetables are more your style, the farm stand has pre-packaged selections available for purchase. In addition to the U-Pick farms, there’s also picnic tables for use and a bee apiary. The farm updates its picking conditions every day on the Ivy Place Berry Farm website.
Bush-N-Vine Farm
1650 Filbert Highway, York, SC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 50 Minutes
U-Pick Details: Strawberry picking is open as of April 6th, 2024. Blueberry picking beginning in May, blackberry picking beginning in June, sunflower picking beginning in September and pumpkin picking beginning in October.
The Scoop: There’s lots to pick at the Bush-N-Vine Farm, and strawberry season is currently in full swing. In addition to picking, Bush-N-Vine also has a hiking trail, picnic tables for visitors to enjoy lunch at, a playground for kids, and an observation bee hive. Be sure to check their U-Pick webpage for details before visiting.
Black’s Peaches
1800 Black Hwy, York, SC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 55 Minutes
U-Pick Details: Strawberry picking beginning in April, peach picking beginning in June, tomato picking beginning in August and pumpkin picking beginning in October. At the time of this post, strawberry picking has not yet started.
The Scoop: Not only does Black’s Peaches have seasonal picking throughout most of the year, but there’s also a full lunch menu with specials being served each day, a bakery, and fresh produce available for purchase. Be sure to check their website and social media pages for updates on the “U-Pick” strawberry season coming soon!
Cotton Hills Farm
2575 Lowrys Highway, Chester, SC
Driving Distance from Charlotte: About 55 Minutes
U-Pick Details: Strawberry picking is open as of April 12th, 2024. Greens picking (broccoli, lettuce, and cauliflower) beginning in early May.
The Scoop: Make a day trip out of strawberry picking by heading to Cotton Hills Farm. In addition to the “U-Pick” strawberries and greens, the farm also sells fresh produce in their market. They often post on Facebook and Instagram regarding the status of their crops, so be sure to check their social media channels before visiting.
Author’s Note: This article was written by Alex Maloney. You can find more of her Charlotte-related content on Instagram, @slicesandsushi.
