This is honestly one of the better-kept secrets about living near Fairfield County. You're a short drive from real working farms where you can pick your own strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and even sunflowers. The season starts in early June and runs all the way through September if you know where to look.
The Farms
Jones Family Farms | Shelton, CT Strawberries from early June through early July, blueberries through August. You need a reservation for strawberry picking, so plan ahead. They also run "Sip & Pick" events which are exactly as fun as they sound.
Silverman's Farm | Easton, CT Raspberries, blueberries in late June through early July, and peaches from July through September. There's also an animal park and tractor rides, so bring the kids.
Bishop's Orchards | Guilford, CT A full-season farm with strawberries, blueberries, and peaches spread across mid-June through mid-September. The farm market and creamery here are worth the trip on their own.
Lyman Orchards | Middlefield, CT Probably the most complete experience in the area. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, and nectarines. Plus a sunflower maze, corn maze, and a golf course if you need an excuse to make a full day of it.
March Farm | Bethlehem, CT Great for families. Strawberries starting late June, blueberries through August, peaches through September, with seasonal activities scattered throughout.
If You Want to Pick Flowers
Bishop's Orchards has sunflowers, zinnias, and more through the summer. And Buttonwood Farm in Griswold plants over 14 acres of sunflowers in July. Part of what they raise goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which makes it feel a little extra worth doing.
For CSA Members
The Hickories Farm in Ridgefield reserves PYO for CSA members, but the public can still shop at the farm store.
When to Go for What
| Crop | Best Window |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | Early to late June |
| Raspberries | Mid-June through July |
| Blueberries | July and August |
| Peaches | July through September |
| Sunflowers | July through August |
Always check the farm's website or call before heading out. Conditions change week to week and some require reservations.
This is the kind of thing we love sharing. We live here, we do this stuff, and we think it's part of what makes Fairfield County genuinely great. Want more guides like this? Subscribe to our newsletter and we'll keep them coming.