THE SUMMER WEATHER IS FINALLY HERE, along with hot, sticky days to come. Strawberry picking is a great way to get outside, spend time with loved ones at a safe distance and pick a delicious yet cool snack to beat the heat. For this reason, we’ve constructed a strawberry picking guide of six notable places in your area within an hour’s drive for all of your summertime sweetness needs:
1. Barthel Fruit Farm
~30 MINUTES
This farm is family friendly, allowing children of all ages to come and pick berries with their family. Barthel offers an easy-enough corn maze to entertain the little ones, a bakery with strawberry goodies and a greenhouse filled with herbs, perennials and other veggies. They also offer apple and pumpkin picking when the season is right. Reviews boast about Barthel being a blast for every season, with lots for children to do and reasonable prices.
ADDRESS: 12246 N Farmdalw Rd., Mequon
2. Basse’s Taste of Country
~30 MINUTES
Along with strawberry picking, Basse’s has a hayride out to the fields filled with 120,000 strawberry plants. Their strawberry season is estimated to begin mid-June and end near the Fourth of July. The Strawberry Fest during this time offers a list of treats including strawberry donuts, fresh lemonade from the Lemonade Wagon, soft serve ice cream and slushies to satisfy the sweet tooth. Basse’s has been family operated and owned since September 2000, creating a space to make memories and traditions for generations to come.
ADDRESS: 3190 County Rd., Colgate
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3. Brehmer’s U-Pick Strawberries
~40 MINUTES
Established in 1980, Brehmer’s offers a one-and-a-half-acre strawberry patch that is pesticide-free. According to reviews, this family-owned farm provides a less crowded and personal experience for those who want their fix of summertime berries but without the hassle of overcrowding. More information about them can be found on the business’ Facebook page so make sure to keep checking for special offers throughout the strawberry season.
ADDRESS: 5805 Clover Rd., Hartford
4. Mayberry Farms
~55 MINUTES
Need to freshen up mid-berry pick? Mayberry has got you covered. They sell an assortment of pampering products made of real ingredients grown on the farm and fair-trade soap products. Some of the products are Strawberry Rose Soap, Honey Bee Soothed Face & Body Cream and many more lines of organic hygiene products. Reviews boast about fantastic berries and a clean farm that will make your visit an effortless trip. They stay on top of their social media and definitely have fun with it, check out their Facebook and Instagram for more information on everything strawberry related.
ADDRESS: W2364 County Rd Y, Mayville
5. Thompson Strawberry Farm
~30 MINUTES
The Thompson family sure does know strawberries. They have been growing produce in Kenosha County for more than 100 years and specializing in pick-your-own strawberries for half of that time, spanning four Thompson generations. Other than strawberries, Thompson Farm offers pumpkins, sunflowers and raspberries when they are in season. They are currently building an Adventure Farm to open Fall 2021 that provides a fun space for children. It includes two bounce pillows, a swing set, a corn box and a wooden playground. They have two strawberry locations this season so make sure to check which fields are open on which days on their website.
ADDRESS: 14000 75th St., Bristol
6. Apple Barn Orchard and Winery
~50 MINUTES
They have apple in the name but don’t be fooled, they have much in store for strawberry fiends. Strawberry picking is a great activity for children of all ages, but outside of growing strawberries, Apple Barn has wine tasting and specialized fruit wine made from non-grape, fresh berries for the adults to enjoy as well.
ADDRESS: W6384 Sugar Creek Rd., Elkhorn
