Strawberry season screams “SPRING!” The bright colors and delicious smells are a welcome relief after winter. Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, Georgia offers both pre-picked and you-pick strawberries and so many ways to enjoy the season. Here are some hints to help you make the most of your strawberry picking experience.
1. U-Pick Passes
One bite of a Southern Belle strawberry may have you saying one berry picking expedition is not enough! If so, look into the U-Pick Season Pass. Passes are available for $4.95 and can be used for patch admission during any picking season within the year purchased. This will give you access to not just the strawberry fields, but the peach orchard and the blueberry and blackberry patches during the summer months.
2. More Than Strawberries
There is no bad time to go strawberry picking at Southern Belle Farm. If you want to have the pick of the patch, plan a trip Wednesday – Friday. The berry patch, activities and market are all open and offer the opportunity to enjoy the farm at your own pace. Weekends offer the same activities, but this gem of a farm can get busy on weekends so plan to arrive early! After you have filled your bucket in the strawberry fields, move to the activity side of the farm. Meet the farm animals at Belle’s Barn, ride the cow train, take a hayride and so much more for $11.95 per person. There is a $1 admission fee per person to the berry patch and each gallon bucket is $14.95.
3. Try Freshly Prepared Desserts at the Market
If you miss your chance to visit the country market, you’ll miss the homemade strawberry ice cream and homemade strawberry shortcake, and that would be tragic. These sweets are so good they taste like grandma made them! Kathy Carter, known around the farm as Mimi, is in fact a grandmother and is the one responsible for all the sweet treats.
4. The Farm Serves as a Great Photo Backdrop
Southern Belle Farm knows how to set the stage for the perfect photo. Not only is the farm beautiful, but they have photo stations scattered throughout the farm. Let everyone know where you picked your strawberries with a photo on the HUGE rocking chair that declares that “Southern Belle Rocks.” Whether you go with little ones or just with friends, Southern Belle has the perfect place to capture the memory.
5. Choose the Right Attire for Your Visit
Wear comfortable shoes – you are on a farm after all. With 330-acres there is a lot of ground to cover, much of it gravel, fields and dirt roads so choose your best walking shoes. You wouldn’t want improper footwear sidelining you from all the adventure. Spring in Georgia can be unpredictable so be sure to check the weather before you go and dress appropriately.
6. Picking a Perfectly Ripened Strawberry
Word to the wise – only pick berries that are completely red! Strawberries do not ripen after they are picked. For the best tasting berries select only those that are a vibrant red from tip to stem.
For other springtime ideas, check out 10 Ways to Enjoy Springtime in Henry County.