FAMILY FUN
Get outside, they tell us. The safest
activities to do during this pandemic
summer are the ones in the open air,
under sunny skies or starry nights.

When your family has exhausted the
trails and parks, drive-in theaters and
sandy beaches, another fun outdoor
activity awaits—fruit picking. Here
are five local farms that offer pick-
your-own opportunities in August
and September. Pack a mask and
consult websites to find out how
each farm is complying with COVID-
19 safety protocols. Most will not
let you bring your own containers
this year; also, expect to make a
reservation for a picking time.

10 Washington FAMILY AUGUST 2020
BUTLER’S ORCHARD
FAMILY- FRIENDLY
PLACES TO
PICK FRUIT
VISITLOUDOUN.COM An Apple
BUTLER’S ORCHARD
Germantown, MD
As in past years, the farm is open
Tuesday through Sunday starting at
8:30 a.m. for families that keep the
early rising hours of a farmer. Red
raspberries, blackberries, apples and
pumpkins are the treats ready to be
plucked between now and October.

New this year: pickers are not allowed
to bring their own containers and must
make a reservation on the website.

Admission is $3 per person and fruit
pricing starts at $5.50 a quart for
blackberries. Reservation time is 1 ½
hours. butlersorchard.com
GREAT COUNTRY FARMS
Bluemont, VA
Big bummer for berry fans earlier this
year—a Mother’s Day frost did some
serious damage to Great Country’s
strawberry and black raspberry crops.

The farm is closed for picking now, but
apples will be ripe and ready at the end
of August. End of September, of course,
will bring pumpkins. Reservations
will be required and pickers must use
the farm’s containers. Socially distant
shopping and curbside pickup are
offered 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily at the farm
market, which is known for its produce,
local honey and cider doughnuts.

Admission: $8 for kids ages 3 and up,
$10 for adults. greatcountryfarms.com