Those Shortcakes Look Lonely: Where to Pick Your Own NC Strawberries

Few things taste better than a North Carolina-grown strawberry. Here’s where to get your fix this year.  

Strawberry season is upon us, and that is a heck of a reason to celebrate.  

Between mid-April and mid-May, you can get freshly picked berries at North Carolina’s grocery stores, farmers markets and produce stands.

But picking your own strawberries is another option, and we’ve scouted a few places around the state to pick your own or grab a quart (or two) of these delectable spring berries. You can find a more encompassing list over at the NC Strawberry Association website.

Make sure you check with the farms on their availability (and strawberry supply) as it’s not unusual to get picked out of ripe berries early in the day.

Waller Family Farms

5030 Kerley Road, Durham, NC

This Durham County farm, which also has beef cattle and vegetables, is a favorite in the Triangle area, and charges $15 to pick a gallon of berries, $8 for a half-gallon. You could nab fresh vegetables and local beef here too. Call (919) 225-4305 or check the farm’s Facebook page for more information.

Strawberries on 903

4064 NC Highway 903 South, Winterville, NC

This family farm in the Pitt County community of Renstead offers eggs, vegetables, beef in addition to strawberry picking. You can get pre-picked berries or get your own. Call 252-321-3204 for current picking conditions and hours.

Hedgecock Strawberry Farm

3011 Abbotts Creek Church Road, Kernersville, NC

This farm has been offering strawberries since 2000 and is a favorite in Kernersville. We advise checking the farm’s Facebook page before going, or calling (336) 869-4762 to ensure there are ripe berries for you to pick.

Strawberry City

5384 NC Highway 58 South, Nashville, NC

The name says it all for this much-loved strawberry farm near Rocky Mount. You can pick your own strawberries or treat yourself to farm-made ice cream. Check the farm’s website for berry availability, or call (252) 904-5594 for more information.

The Obermiller’s Strawberry Farm

621 Allstar Lane, Hendersonville, NC

This Western North Carolina farm has strawberries, blueberries and blackberries throughout the spring and summer months. As of publication, the strawberries weren’t quite ready for picking, but should be in early May. Check the farm’s Facebook page or call (828) 891-8841.  

NC Strawberry Festival

Chadbourne, NC

If you’re interested in a small town’s big time celebration of strawberries, consider heading to Chadbourn in Columbus County for the 89^th NC Strawberry Festival, held May 5-7. Chadbourn calls itself the “Strawberry Capital of the World,” and the festival includes a parade, strawberry food contests, a chicken bog plate and strawberry shortcake fundraiser, carnival rides, and plenty of  … strawberries.