I visited Rainbow Berry Farm today for my very first "U-Pick" berry picking experience, and it was definitely an experience worth repeating!
As a novice berry-picker, I didn't exactly know what to expect when I arrived at Rainbow Berry Farm. I was pleased to discover that Google Maps didn't lead me astray with directions, and the farm was easy to spot thanks to the signs they had at the end of the driveway with the rainbow painted on.
Once I turned into the driveway, there was a sign pointing to the parking area. There was plenty of parking for a business of this size, and the farm itself was very pretty and serene. I was greeted by a big friendly dog, and one of the owners gave me the run-down on how the process works.
One important piece of advice that I did glean is that if you want to pick raspberries (saskatoons are the other berry picking option,) you need to show up first thing in the morning when they open! Many people want raspberries, so if you aren't early, the newly ripened raspberries are generally picked first thing in the morning by the early birds of the clientele.
I was given an ice cream bucket with a handle and a piece of rope tied to it that allowed me to hang the bucket around my neck so I could utilize both hands.There were easily 15 to 20 rows of saskatoons and raspberries out there, and I'd say there were probably 2 other families out there. That being said, there was plenty of room for me to make my way around collecting berries, and the experience was very relaxing and enjoyable. After all was said and done, I left with 3 lbs of saskatoon berries.
I had a nice talk with the owner again on the way out, and she told me that they will soon also have cucumbers, bell peppers, and other farm fresh vegetables for sale as they become ripe and ready to pick.
All in all, I had a great time out at Rainbow Berry Farm. The owners were extremely friendly and hospitable, the price was super cheap at 2.50/lb, and the experience itself of getting to pick your own fruit to bake your own desserts with, is something that is definitely memorable and worthwhile. I would definitely repeat the experience, and plan to do so in the near future! read more