On a daily basis, it’s perfectly acceptable to wander into Wegmans and grab some fruit along with the other groceries on your list. But it’s much more fun to head to the farm and pick some yourself! Luckily, there are U-Pick farms all around the Greater Rochester Area. Often, picking your produce is as much a family adventure as it is entertainment. Check the websites or sign up for a newsletter to find out exactly when picking begins and ends.
Strawberries
Season: June 5 – June 20
Pick your own strawberries, and enjoy a few festivals where you can taste everything from jams to shortcakes to strawberry wine.
Cherries
Season: July 1 – July 31
The season runs mostly in July, but start checking in late June and call before going.
Raspberries
Early Season: July 5 – July 21
Fall & Everbearing Season: August 15 – September 30
Start picking your own raspberries in July with the early varieties. Fall varieties ripen in late August.
Stone Fruit
Season: July 20 – September 1
Peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots (stone fruit) hit their prime mid-August-mid-September.
Blueberries
Season: August 1 – September 10
August is blueberry month! Here are a few places around Rochester you can pick your own.
Grapes
Season: September 1 – October 5
My family has been going to Jerome’s U-Pick Grapes nearly every year for 20 years. To avoid the crowds, go the week before or after the Naples Grape Festival.
Apples
Season: September 1 – October 15
Many of our farms offer a family-fun experience, with hay rides, cider and donuts, and activities for the kids, in addition to picking your own apples.
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Pumpkins
Season: September 15 – October 28
It’s so much more than simply buying a pumpkin. It’s about family time on the farm, with wagon rides, hot cider & donuts, corn mazes, and games.
Christmas Trees
Season: Late-November – Late-December
Of course, you don’t eat these, but picking your own tree on the farm doesn’t make it any less fun! One of the most popular family traditions in December is decorating the Christmas tree. This list is for you if you’re hunting for the perfect real tree.
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Where are your favorite U-Pick farms?
I’d love to hear from you—please reach out and share your thoughts and experiences.
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See you out there!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
