Category Archives: U-pick farms

‘Farm Fresh Georgia’ joins the family

I’m very excited to announce the arrival of “Farm Fresh Georgia,” another sister book, after Tennessee. This one has a North Carolina component — it was researched and written by Charlotte journalist and travel writer Jodi Helmer. Jodi is as … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Family travel, Farmers, Farmers' markets, History, Livestock, Lodging, Recipes, Road travel, U-pick farms, Wine | Leave a comment

Some favorite U-pick farms for U

The U-pick season is shorter in the mountains and middle of the state. Here are a few of my favorite spots there, with their entries from my book. Check ’em out! (But of course call or check online before you … Continue reading

Posted in Ashe County, Food, Madison County, Rockingham County, U-pick farms | Leave a comment

Vollmer Farm returns with even more fall festivities

Happy fall, y’all! … One of my favorite photos taken for my “Farm Fresh North Carolina” guidebook is this one, of a boy we spotted at Vollmer Farm carrying a load of pumpkins. It might look staged, but it’s not.  And … Continue reading

Posted in Family travel, Food, Johnston County, Road travel, U-pick farms | Tagged , | Leave a comment

NC growers sponsor berry fun contest

Here’s a cool thing. The North Carolina Strawberry Association is sponsoring a YouTube video contest, complete with a prize of a $100 Visa card. Not bad, huh? Deadline for most categories is June 30, and you’ll find all the info here. … Continue reading

Posted in Fruit, Organics, U-pick farms | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Where to find organic U-pick strawberries

2015 Update: In early 2015, I heard from a new certified organic U-pick, in Indian Trail, 30 minutes southeast of Charlotte. Wise Acres Organic Farm welcomes your business in spring of 2015!   2014 Update: Strawberries are late again this … Continue reading

Posted in Brunswick, Buncombe County, Food, Franklin County, Fruit, Orange County, U-pick farms, Wake County | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Pumpkins from the ground, not the paved lot

Around this time people ask me where in North Carolina they can pick pumpkins, as opposed to “picking up” the ones sitting in a lot that were trucked in from who knows where. This list is not complete, but here are … Continue reading

Posted in Cabarrus County, Durham County, Franklin County, Lee County, U-pick farms | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Blueberry fields forever … and this weekend

When I received my review copy of Jim Minick’s “The Blueberry Years: A Memoir of Farm and Family,” I have to admit that I wasn’t all that hopeful about the book. Now that I’m familiar with Jim’s writing, I won’t … Continue reading

Posted in Books, U-pick farms, Virginia | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment