Enjoy Strawberry and Cherry Picking in Lancaster County
June 12, 2024Key Takeaways: Summer Fruit Picking in Lancaster County
- Strawberry Season (Late May – June): Enjoy the peak of summer sweetness at family favorites like Cherry Hill Orchards, Shenk’s Berry Farm, and Barnyard Kingdom, which offer kid-friendly farm activities alongside the fields.
- Cherry Season (Starts Mid-June): Transition from berries to cherries at Kauffman Orchards and Stauffer’s Fruit Farm, where you can pick both sweet and sour varieties by the pound or bucket.
- Always Check Before You Go: Fruit ripening depends heavily on the weather; it is highly recommended to call the orchard or check their social media updates for daily picking conditions before heading out.
- Classic PA Dutch Dining: Round out your harvest day with a visit to Miller’s Smorgasbord, a Lancaster County staple for over 95 years, consistently recognized as one of USA Today’s 10 Best Buffets.
- The Perfect Summer Home Base: Stay at AmishView Inn & Suites to enjoy a gourmet breakfast buffet and easy access to the U-Pick fields, located right in the heart of the scenic Plain & Fancy Farm.
Lancaster County is the perfect destination for families and couples looking to enjoy the sweet flavors of summer with strawberry and cherry picking. This guide will help you discover some of the best spots for picking your own fresh fruit, along with other fun activities and excellent accommodations.
Strawberry Picking
Lancaster County offers numerous locations where you can pick sweet, local strawberries, with several places offering additional activities for families. Strawberries picking usually starts in mid to late May and goes about 4-6 weeks depending on weather. Here are some top spots to consider:
- Cherry Hill Orchards & Farm Market
- Website: cherryhillorchards.com
- Details: They offer strawberry, peach, cherry, apple, and pumpkin picking, plus outdoor activities for the kids.
- Barnyard Kingdom
- Website: countrybarnmarket.com
- Details: A fun place for families with various activities alongside strawberry picking.
- Shenk’s Berry Farm
- Website: shenkberryfarm.com
- Address: 911 Disston View Dr, Lititz, PA
- Old Homestead Farm
- Address: 361 Hartman Bridge Road, Ronks, PA 17572
- Creekside Farm Market
- Address: 1436 Mount Joy Road, Manheim, PA
- Details: Operated by Josh Heller on the Heller farm.
- Everfresh Produce
- Address: 3145 Division Highway, New Holland, PA
- For updates: Call 717-354-3922
- Farm Wagon Produce
- Address: 1061 Weaverland Road, East Earl, PA
- For updates: Call 717-354-2041
- First Fruits Farm & Orchard
- Kreider’s Strawberries
- Address: 170 Buch Ave, Neffsville, PA
- For updates: Facebook, or call 717-569-3421
Cherry Picking
As strawberry season ends, Lancaster County welcomes cherry season (typically mid-June). Various orchards offer the opportunity to pick sweet and sour cherries, often charging by the quart, bucket or pound. Here are some recommended locations:
- Cherry Hill Orchards
- Kauffman Orchards
- Address: 53 South Weavertown Road, Ronks, PA
- When: Starts mid-June, open Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Updates: Call 717-768-0050, email [email protected], or visit kauffman.farm/u-pick
- Stauffer’s Fruit Farm
- Address: 430 Panorama Drive, Denver, PA
- When: Starts mid-June, open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Updates: Call 717-445-6977; Facebook
- Kissel Hill Fruit Farm
- Address: 2101 Kissel Hill Road, Lititz, PA
- When: Starts mid-June, open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Updates: Visit their website or call 717-626-7115
Additionally, Lancaster County offers pick-your-own opportunities for peaches, pumpkins, and apples.
Where to Stay
AmishView Inn & Suites is the perfect place to stay while enjoying the fruit-picking season. We offer:
- An adult-only building with Grand King rooms featuring views of the Amish farmlands, luxurious bathrooms with soaking tubs, and walk-in showers.
- A newly renovated family building with a range of room options from double queens to two-bedroom suites, ideal for families.
- Amenities include a gourmet breakfast buffet with made-to-order eggs and waffles, free Wi-Fi, free parking, and free electric vehicle charging.
Located on the 10-acre Plain & Fancy Farm, guests can enjoy buggy rides, dining, shopping, and Amish tours. Book your stay today.
Where to Eat
For a taste of classic heritage dishes, visit Miller’s Smorgasbord, celebrating over 95 years of serving delicious PA Dutch food. Recognized as one of USA Today’s 10Best Buffets, Miller’s offers a delightful dining experience. Check out millerssmorgasboard.com for more information.