It’s Strawberry Season!! Sure, that’s not technically a proper noun, but here in New England it might as well be capitalized like other holidays. Strawberry Season is fleeting and the fresh, local fruit is considered as precious as the jewels they resemble. The weather is finally cooperating, and while the strawberries arrived a little late this year the picking is now in full swing at local farms.

The Mass.gov site has a comprehensive listing of PYO farms throughout New England. You can find an extensive list of farms currently picking strawberries here.

As a quick primer, here are few of my favorites around MA. Head out this weekend for some peak-season strawberries!

A pregnant Danielle Desiato with two pints of strawberries at Lanni Orchard.
I’m working on a little side project this summer – I’m 6 months pregnant with my first baby! Thankfully, I’ve still been able to get out and do some strawberry picking. Dad and husband were a big help last weekend when we picked at Lanni Orchard. Their strawberry festival continues this coming weekend.
Brian Kuhn

Lanni Orchards

I was lucky enough to spend part of Father’s Day here with my Dad and husband. We went for their Strawberry Festival, which continues this weekend. It’s a wonderful family spot with tons of strawberry picking, and convenient hayride-style transportation out to the farther fields. Strawberry Festival, June 24th & 25th: Hayrides, play land, bouncy house, crafts, make-your-own strawberry shortcake, and dip strawberries in chocolate! Plus, you can grab some of their fresh rhubarb in the farm store to pair with all those strawberries.

294 Chase Rd. Rt. 13, Lunenburg, 978-582-6246, www.lanniorchards.com

Kimball Farms exterior.
Kimball Fruit Farm is not only a standout farm for picking, but it's also a picturesque day-trip destination.
Courtesy of Kimball Fruit Farm

Kimball Fruit Farm

Kimball Fruit Farm is one of my favorite spots to visit throughout picking season for quality berries, tomatoes, apples, and the best cider donuts ever (seriously, I’m not exaggerating here!). Go now for strawberries, go back for blackberries in August, and then for apples and pears throughout September and October. Don’t miss out on all their special varieties of heirloom tomatoes at the farm stand. They make for the most delicious tomato salad! (Note, this is different from the Kimball Farm ice cream makers.)

184 Hollis St. (Rt. 122), Pepperell (on Hollis, NH border), 978-433-9751, kimballfruitfarm.com

Fresh strawberry shortcake at Parlee Farms.
Treat yourself to a fresh strawberry shortcake after you pick your own strawberries at Parlee Farms.
Courtesy of Parlee Farms

Parlee Farms

In Tyngsboro (near Lowell), and with the added bonus of an animal farm! Annie’s Animal Barns (8am-4:30pm) ~ stop by and say hello to goats, sheep and bunnies!

95 Farwell Rd., Tyngsboro, 978-649-3854, parleefarms.com

Tougas Family Farm sign.
Tougas Family Farm is, as the name suggests, perfect for families. With lots of activities, you can go for the whole day.
Courtesy of Tougas Family Farm

Tougas Family Farm

After you pick, this farm is also a great spot to have a picnic. And don’t miss out on feeding the goats!

234 Ball St., Northborough, 508-393-6406, tougasfamilyfarm.com