Five of the Best Farms for Strawberry Picking Near Atlanta

My family looks forward to strawberry picking every spring! Strawberry patches in Atlanta are open from April through to early June. The earlier in the season that you go to pick, the better. Strawberries fresh picked from the patch are better in cooler temperatures, and the patch is more likely to have more of them available. This week we headed to Washington Strawberry Farm with our homeschool group.

When going strawberry picking, try to go as early in the morning as possible. Best is between 9am-11am. I advise this because that’s when the temps are still low. Even if it’s a 70F day, patches have no shade and can get very hot, quickly. Make sure to bring a hat if necessary, sunglasses and wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

When transporting your berries home, keeping them cool is best. We’ve had berries spoil on the way home from the heat. Ripe berries from the patch can last a few days, but it’s best to consume them quickly or freeze them. We love making my Strawberry Lemonade recipe, of course smoothies, and I’m looking to add some jam to the list.

If you’re looking to go strawberry picking in the Atlanta area, here are five of the best options:

1. Washington Strawberry Farm – 270 Willowwind Dr, Loganville, GA 30052 (770) 554-8119. They are open everyday except Sunday, 8am-7pm. You-Pick strawberries are $12 + tax per gallon. Their containers cost $1 or you can bring your own containers to take your berries home in. They also have delicious strawberry ice cream and picnic tables on site.

2. Southern Belle Farm – 1658 Turner Church Rd, McDonough, GA 30252 (770) 288-2582. Southern Belle Farm has a ton of fun activities on the weekend. For $8.00 entry you can enjoy attractions like Belle’s Barn, Jumping Pillows, Cow Train, Pedal Cars, Hayride, Giant Tube Slide, Rubber Duck Races, and SeeSaws. There is no entry charge to pick berries. You-Pick is $12 per gallon and $1 for the container or you can bring your own take home containers.

3. The Rock Ranch – 5020 Barnesville Hwy, The Rock, GA 30285 (706) 647- 6374. The Rock Ranch happens to be one of our favorite places in Georgia to visit! On Friday’s & Saturday’s for the spring season they offer family fun days on the farm. TGIF Spring Break Fridays – March 30, April 6, 13 and 20.  Storybook Character Day is Saturday April 7th, Super Hero Day April 14th, & DIY Craft Day is April 28th. Saturday April 21st is their annual Strawberry Festival. U-pick strawberries, visit with the Strawberry Princess and Strawberry Steve, plus strawberry treats. $13 admission grants access to 25+ attractions including locomotive train rides, Tiny Town, the giant jumping pillow, cane pole fishing, paddle boats, and more. Zip lining, rock climbing, carousel rides, and gemstone mining are an additional cost. Tickets can be purchased here. 

4. Mercier Orchards – 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 632-3411. Mercier Orchards is opening up You-Pick strawberry picking this weekend April 22-23, 2017. Contact for pricing.

5. Warbington Farms – 5555 Crow Rd, Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 889-1515. This Saturday, April 22nd, Warbington Farms is hosting their Farmer for a Day event. There will be story time, planting and gardening. Admission is $9 for kids and $5 for adults. For strawberries only, You-Pick is $14 per gallon.

Strawberry Picking has become an annual event that my family enjoys every spring. If your family is in the Atlanta area I hope you get to enjoy picking at one of the area farms too!