This was also my first venture into strawberry picking; I've been going to a local farmer's market in Alexandria to get my fresh strawberry fix, but found myself with several hours to kill while my son and my boyfriend's son were getting SCUBA certified in Haymarket. So, it was off to pick strawberries.
The strawberry fields are placed back towards the end of the property, and there are signs directing you to them from the road. Because I had looked up their website on my cell phone, we followed the directions listed on the website and got there directly - they were excellent directions.
It was crazy hot out already when we go there (around 9:30 AM, they open at 9 AM) and there were a few families already there. The fresh veggies patch and the strawberry patch are located at the top of a hill, you park at the bottom and walk up. We missed the entrance to get into the fields, so one of the farmers got in his car and drove down to meet us to tell us we were going the wrong way - I thought that was a very nice touch.
As a total city slicker, I of course had dressed appropriately for strawberry picking - which meant capri jeans, a tank top, and flip flops. My word of advice to other city slickers who want to attempt this - wear tennis shoes since the hills are steep and a hat to keep the sun off you while you pick since time flies and you don't know it.. Don't be "that girl" like me who nearly fell down the hill because her flip flops were wet from walking through the freshly watered plants.
At the top of the field there is a building where you pick up your basket to pick; prices are $3 for a pint and $5 for a quart. This is comparable to what I pay at the grocery store and at the farmer's market. You pick first then pay. There are probably 20 - 30 rows of strawberries, with some rows being more ripe than the others. My advice - take your time and enjoy it - there's no reason to rush - you can spend all the time you want to get the perfect berries, which are often hidden in the middle of the row covered by the leaves. These also often have the least amount of rot from bugs and they're not trampled on. We spent about an hour picking two quarts - it was very hard to resist eating them before we paid, but I was good. We gave our two baskets to the lady at the booth who was quite friendly, and gave us water to wash our hands off.
We went back down to the bottom of the field to pick the peas - the pods were HUGE. The rows are very clearly labeled so you know what you're getting. They also had bok choy, radishes, swiss chard, and various lettuces you could pick.
I happened to need to use the restroom while I was there, and the only thing they had were portapottys. Now, I have a giant issue with them, but I needed to go so I manned up. These were the nicest portapottys ever - completely clean, non smelly, filled with toilet paper, paper towels, soap, and even a sink with water that you pumped in with your foot. It was actually cleaner than most of the restrooms you get when you're on the road.
I strongly urge you to check their website before you head out there, or to call their hotline because they'll tell you on there if the fruit/veggies are ripe for picking. The lady told us that in a couple of weeks peaches and blackberries would be ready, so I can guarantee we'll be back up there.
The farm also sells grass fed beef which they will package for you (you have to put in a reservation ahead of time, and you pick either a whole cow, half a cow, or a quarter of a cow). They also sell pork. We're strongly considering a quarter cow purchase - you can get a whole variety of meats (about 90 pounds worth) for about $4.35/pound for all of it, which is a great deal considering how much meat costs at the grocery store. As the cows are grass fed, they taste far better and are better for you. Their website explains that the cows would be considered organic but for the fact that they have to feed the cows some corn at the end to marble the meat, and because of their location they find it cost-prohibitive to bring in the materials for full organic certification.
So that's my review - I recommend everyone get out of the city and get into the clean air of the country to experience this at least once. It makes a great date, a great time with the girls, and a good family outing as well.
Oh - make sure you bring cash, because it's a cash only operation. No credit cards or checks are accepted. Also bring a cooler to keep your fruits/veggies cool on your drive home. The little paper containers the strawberries were in were mushy by the time I got home, but they didn't make a mess since the nice lady had bagged them appropriately.
Now I must depart to get back to my fresh berries and homemade whipped cream coma I am working on. read more