Not many things are better than fresh, ripe fruit on a hot summer day. And while you can absolutely get tasty in-season fruit at a local farmer’s market, nothing beats picking it yourself.
Less than a two hour drive from NYC is Happy Day Farms, a farm in New Jersey that lets you pick your own blueberries and raspberries! According to their website, both raspberry and blueberry picking is officially open for the season, as well as fresh lavender fields, which you can view and strut through at your heart’s content.
For raspberry picking ($5 admission to fields), they offer two different size containers for picking: $4 for a 1/2 pound container and $6 for a 1 pound container. You have a few more options for blueberries, with the sizes being $4 for a 1/2 pound container, $6 for a 1 pound, $17 for a 3 pound, and $32 for a 6 pound container.
And, if you happen to work up a sweat while picking or frolicking through the lavender, you can find fresh squeezed lemonade and shaved ices on the farm that are sure to help cool you down.
Happy Day Farm, which is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last entry at 2:30pm sharp), is cash only! So be sure to have some on you before heading over. The admission fee for picking berries is $4 per person (children under one are free). Admission into the lavender fields is $15 per person.
It’s important to keep in mind that since berry picking conditions vary based on weather and crop availability, it’s important to check their website or Instagram on the day of your planned visit to ensure the farm is open for picking.
While you’re there be sure to also check out their sunflower fields that open July 4th weekend—you can even cut some and take them home with you!
Please note: pets are not allowed on the farm.