Eat Local: Pick Your Own Strawberry Picking Farms on Long Island

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May 12 2009 By Shea
Eat Local: Pick Your Own Strawberry Picking Farms on Long Island

Long Island’s farm country (mostly along the North Shore) is bustling in June, and the strawberry picking is the main attraction. Pick your own is a family favorite day trip activity and fresh berries are the best. Plus berry picking is the most delicious way to eat local produce and support local family farms. 

Just head out on scenic route 25A to an entirely different world from New York City, filled with family farms. Once you pass the village of Northport, you’ll start spotting the farms, but, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best farms that are easy to find and great for a family day trip. Don't forget to call ahead for hours of operation and other information before you go. Because they are dependent on nature, and most are smaller family run businesses, pick your own farms' hours sometimes are variable and each year the berries are ripe (or picked out) at slightly different times. 

Lewin Farms: Lewin Farms was actually the closest to Manhattan of the pick your own farms on Long Island, and their years of experience make it one of the easiest farms to pick at. Lewin is famous for its get in, pick your berries and get out process. And, they are also a great example of a real working farm. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles, but for city kids, Lewin Farms, with it’s acres of farmland, working tractors and other farm equimpent, and hospitality is cool enough. 
 
Located on Sound Ave in Wading River
631-929-4327
 
 
Benners Farm: Hands down, this place gets my vote for most worth a day trip. We visited for a field trip last year and I can hardly wait to go back. With fields for pick your own organically grown strawberries, Benners also offers classes, programs, and workshops both during the week or on weekends where you and your kids can learn about the farm. This time of year is the perfect time to go and visit the newest additions to the Benner family-all the newborn baby farm animals! There are plenty of traditional farm activities and sights, but be sure to check their event schedule in advance in case you  are looking for more than strawberry picking. CORRECTION: Benners does not have Pick Your Own Strawberries, but they have an upcoming Strawberry Festival on June 6th and 7th and lots of other great activities. 
 
Located at 56 Gnarled Hollow Road in East Setauket
631-689-8172
 
 
 
Wickhams Fruit Farm: Wickhams is a great place to visit any time of the year, but especially in June  when you can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the fruits of your labor on the farm’s orchard. Sitting in the historic picnic area gives you a glimpse of historical farm life on Long Island, and that is what the entire group at Wickhams does best. With the first apple press ever used on Long Island to old fashioned tractor and wagon rides around the farm, Wickhams is packed with beauty and history. The farm stand sells everything from homeade jam to their famous freshly made donuts, which would be worth the trip alone. Wickhams isn’t open on Sundays, so be sure to plan accordingly! 
 
Located at 28700 Main Rd in Cutchogue
631-734-6441
 
 

 

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Hi, I'm planning going to

Submitted by Anonymous on May 28, 2009 - 2:38pm.

Hi,

I'm planning going to the either Wickhams Fruit Farm or Lewin Fram with my 2.5 years old son, does anyone has any suggestions which one is better?

Also, can we eat while picking strawberris at the farm?

Best.

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If you are in NYC, Lewin is

Submitted by simon on May 28, 2009 - 2:43pm.

If you are in NYC, Lewin is closer, other than that I think you will have a good time at either. Eating in the fields is frowned upon, but I imagine it happens all the time.

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