Kids join in on the fun at Vandervalk Farm
Bill and Debbie Baisley of Sunburst Blueberries at 44 Rawson Street in Uxbridge are diligently watching the crop, spotting more and more blue in the early varieties every day. Targeting an early-to-mid-month starting date, they hope the more consistent warmer weather will help start the season very soon.
Posted hours at Sunburst Blueberries are Tuesday through Friday 7 a.m. to noon, Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a good idea to call ahead and verify that the farm is open because mother nature and the number of customers often determine how many berries are available on any given day. Call 508-234-9859. Sunburst has over 1000 bushes and dozens of varieties, which guarantees a longer picking season for customers to enjoy all summer long.
Vandervalk’s Farm and Winery in Mendon is well-known for its Christmas trees in winter but in the summer, they are all about blueberries! Pick-your-own acres of blueberries give families another great opportunity to make a fun tradition, get a basket and fill it up with juicy ripe blueberries, take it home and make yummy pies and desserts. The season is July and picking will start shortly. Due to the rather wet weather this spring things are a little slower getting started but it’s imminent. Picking begins at 8 a.m. most days during the picking season. Call ahead to confirm availability: 508-478-8733.
Revving up for blueberry season, the winery has been having free wine tastings every Sunday in June and July from noon to 4 p.m. Plan a family fun day and head on over to Vandervalk Farm and Winery at 25 Lovell St. in Mendon.
Douglas Orchard & Farm has been revitalized and will open the blueberry fields for picking again this year. With over 1200 plants and several varieties, the picking will be great. Fun family things are scheduled during the picking hours, including picnic tables for family use, games and other activities for the children. The orchard and farm are located at 36 Locust St. in Douglas and now have a country store open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., carrying their own in-season vegetables, pre-picked blueberries, herbs, spring honey, their own pork, organic duck and chicken eggs and many unusual craft items. The blueberry picking begins in earnest mid-July and the Facebook page will be updated with the exact opening day. Call 508-476-2198 to confirm time and availability.
This article was originally written by Magda Dakin for The Blackstone Valley Express
