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



a Day …
HOMESTEAD FARM
Poolesville, MD
Pick peaches and blackberries seven
days a week. During other seasons,
the farm grows apples, pumpkins and
tart cherries. In their market you can
purchase pre-picked fruits and summer
veggies as well as preserves and local
honey. Mask wearing is required in the
market, according to Maryland law.

Admission is $2 per person, then you’ll
pay by the pound for what you pick.

homestead-farm.net WEGMEYER FARMS
WF STAFF
HOMESTEAD FARMS
by Washington Family Staff
LARRILAND FARMS
Woodbine, MD
There is a wide variety of fruits to pick
with little ones at this family farm in
western Howard County, Maryland.

Satisfy your sweet side with seedless
grapes, Asian pears and more than
a dozen varieties of both peaches
and apples. Outside containers are
not allowed, and social distancing
is observed. Families who picked
strawberries earlier this summer,
for example, were assigned a row or
location to pick. But expect plenty of
room to spread out. Check website for
hours and price ranges on all you-pick
produce. pickyourown.com
WEGMEYER FARMS
Hamilton, VA
Mark your calender for September
when Wegmeyer Farms opens for
pumpkin season. This farm offers more
than 50 varieties of pumpkins, as a
matter of fact. We had no idea there
were that many different kinds of our
favorite carve-able squash! The farm
is open Thursday through Sunday, and
pumpkin picking will begin September
28. Expect a reservation system and
social distancing rules. No admission
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