Berries are back. Blueberries and strawberries are two of Louisiana’s most versatile and quintessential produce options for warm-weather recipes. Widely available at farmers markets, grocery stores and roadside stands, they can be used in everything from tart lemonades and sweet desserts to fresh salads and glazes for savory dishes.
And if you’re seeking a fun, budget- and family-friendly activity, pluck the berries from the branches yourself at U-pick berry farms. We found several that are an hour’s drive or less* from Baton Rouge.
With the current strawberry crop available through May and blueberries on the way in June, now is the perfect time to plan a quick day trip.
STRAWBERRIES
BLAHUT STRAWBERRY FARM With Tickfaw State Park just five minutes away, a visit to Blahut Strawberry Farm makes the perfect daytrip. Take home a gallon-sized souvenir bucket with your fresh berries.
Where: 24980 Fayard Road, Springfield
How far*:30 minutes / about 38 miles away
When: Open April through May, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon.
Know before you go:Pay with cash or check
More info: 294-5073
LANDRY-POCHE STRAWBERRY FARM Home to the 2013 Strawberry Festival King, Landry-Poche Strawberry Farm offers U-pick and pre-picked strawberries, as well as snacks, refreshments and a picnic area.
Where: 29955 Richardson Drive, Holden
How far: 30 minutes / about 39 miles away
When: Open for U-pick two select days in April. Call for details.
Know before you go: Pay with cash or check
More info: 294-2631
MRS. HEATHER’S FARMS Berry-picking is an event in and of itself here. With activities like face painting, a petting zoo and daily activities with Mrs. Heather, children can enjoy an entire fun-filled day at the strawberry patch.
Where: 31458 LA Highway 43, Albany
How far:30 minutes / about 41 miles away
When: Open March through May. Call for days and hours.
Know before you go: Cash only
More info: 567-3493
BLUEBERRIES
THE BLUEBERRY FARM Borrow a bright red berry-picking bucket from the LeBlanc family and wander through row after row of perfectly ripe blueberries until you collect more than you can carry.
When: Open June through mid-July. Thursday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-noon
Know before you go: Cash only
More info: 262-6239
BERRY SWEET ORCHARDS In 2005, the long-operating Berry Sweet Orchards became the first state-certified organic U-pick blueberry farm in Louisiana. The sprawling orchard has seven different blueberry varieties across its 1,500 organic blueberry bushes, most of which are more than 30 years old.
Where:5110 Brown Road, Ethel
How far: 45 minutes / about 28 miles away
When: Open June through mid-July. Friday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., but hours can vary due to weather and availability, so call or check Facebook before going.
More info: 683-8584
BLUEBERRY RIDGE ORCHARD Bring your own container or borrow a milk jug to collect fresh berries as you wander through this chemical-free blueberry farm.
Where: 2199 Holly Ridge Road, Jackson
How far:55 minutes / about 42 miles away
When: Open June 1 through mid-July, Monday-Saturday, sunrise to sunset
Know before you go: Pay with cash or check
More info: 629-5311
EQUITERRA FARM Blueberries aren’t the only produce grown at EquiTerra. The horse-powered farm also grows organic beans, blackberries, sweet corn, eggplant, cucumbers, peppers, figs, tomatoes and more. Get everything you need for an impromptu picnic snack.
Where:12798 Muse Lane, Clinton
How far:One hour / about 40 miles away
When:Open June through July, Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to dusk
