One of the great joys of summer in New Kent County is berry season. The fields and farms around the area open for you-pick for a few short weeks each year, and the window is narrow — peak blackberry season might last only three or four weeks. If you blink, you miss it.
The good news is that New Kent and the surrounding area have several excellent you-pick farms, farm stands, and produce markets where you can fill a flat with sun-warmed berries, grab local honey and farm-fresh eggs, and enjoy the kind of summer outing that sticks in a kid's memory for years. Here's where to go and what to know.
New Kent County Area Farms
Holly Fork Farm
New Kent CountyA family-run farm in New Kent County offering you-pick blackberries, strawberries, and red raspberries throughout the summer season. Holly Fork also has on-site honey from their own hives, farm animals for the kids to visit, picnic areas, and a concessions stand. They host birthday parties, school tours, and seasonal events. It's the closest you-pick option for New Kent residents and a summer highlight for local families.
Old Tavern Farm
QuintonA Quinton-area farm known for pick-your-own blackberries at reasonable prices. Old Tavern Farm is popular with locals who want a quick you-pick outing without driving all the way to Chesterfield or Louisa. The berries are well-maintained and the farm is straightforward — no frills, just good fruit at a fair price.
Worth the Drive — Nearby Farms
Swift Creek Berry Farm
Chesterfield · ~40 min from New KentLocated on Genito Road in Chesterfield County, Swift Creek Berry Farm opens for you-pick blueberries typically at the end of June. It's a popular, idyllic spot that draws families from across the Richmond area. The blueberry bushes are well-tended and the farm has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Bring your own containers or buy flats on site.
Pro tip: The blueberry season is short and popular. Check their Facebook page before you go for real-time updates on picking conditions and hours. Early morning is best — the berries are cooler, the fields are less crowded, and you beat the afternoon heat.
Chesterfield Berry Farm
Moseley · ~45 min from New KentA large, well-known you-pick operation in Moseley, VA. Chesterfield Berry Farm offers you-pick strawberries in the spring and early summer, plus seasonal activities including sunflower fields in late summer and pumpkins and a corn maze in the fall. It's a full-day destination for families, with enough activities to keep kids entertained for hours beyond just the berry picking.
Visit WebsiteNewcastle Bee & Berry Farm
Louisa · ~45 min from New KentA family farm in Louisa County offering you-pick blackberries, strawberries, and pumpkins, plus farm honey and seasonal produce. Newcastle Bee & Berry Farm is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 AM to 12 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM, and Saturdays from 8 AM onward. The evening pickings on Tuesday and Thursday are a great option for families who want to avoid the midday heat.
Pro tip: The Thursday evening hours (6-8 PM) are a hidden gem. The berries are still warm from the sun, the farm is quiet, and the light is beautiful for photos. Bring cash — smaller farms often don't accept cards.
What's in Season When?
Virginia's berry season follows a fairly predictable timeline. Knowing what's ripe when helps you plan your picking calendar:
Strawberries
Late April through early JuneStrawberry season kicks off in late spring and runs through early summer. Chesterfield Berry Farm is the closest large you-pick option for strawberries. Holly Fork Farm in New Kent also offers strawberry picking. The season is short — about 4-6 weeks at most.
Blueberries
Late June through early AugustBlueberry season starts in late June and runs through early August, with peak picking in mid-July. Swift Creek Berry Farm in Chesterfield is the closest blueberry-specific you-pick option. The bushes produce over several weeks, so you can often get multiple pickings from the same farm.
Blackberries & Raspberries
Late June through AugustBlackberry season runs from late June through August, with peak picking typically in July. Holly Fork Farm in New Kent, Old Tavern Farm in Quinton, and Newcastle Bee & Berry Farm in Louisa all offer blackberry you-pick. Red raspberries follow a similar timeline and are available at Holly Fork Farm.
What to Bring to a You-Pick Farm
Containers. Some farms provide flats or baskets; others expect you to bring your own. Call ahead or bring a few clean containers just in case.
Cash. Smaller farms often don't have credit card terminals. Bring small bills — it makes everything easier.
Water and sunscreen. Berry fields have minimal shade. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, especially for afternoon picking sessions.
Closed-toe shoes and long pants. Berry bushes have thorns (especially blackberries), and the ground between rows can be uneven. Dress for the farm, not the farmer's market.
A cooler. Berries left in a hot car will deteriorate fast. Bring a cooler with an ice pack to keep your harvest fresh on the drive home.
Patience. You-pick farms are not grocery stores. The berries are on the bush, not in a clamshell. Especially if you're bringing young children, plan for a relaxed pace and don't expect to fill a flat in 15 minutes.
Farm Stands & Produce Markets
Not every summer fruit outing needs to be a you-pick adventure. New Kent County and the surrounding area have several farm stands and produce markets where you can buy fresh-picked berries, seasonal produce, local honey, and farm-fresh eggs without having to pick them yourself:
- New Kent Farmers Market (Saturdays, 9 AM-noon, May-August) — Fresh produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, and artisan crafts from local vendors at the NKFM Pavilion on New Kent Highway.
- Holly Fork Farm — In addition to you-pick, they sell pre-picked berries, honey, and produce at their farm stand.
- Roadside stands on Route 60 and Route 249 — During peak summer months, you'll see impromptu farm stands pop up along the main roads through New Kent County, offering everything from sweet corn to tomatoes to watermelons. They're honor-system or staffed by the farm kids — exactly the kind of small-town detail that makes living here special.
For military families new to the area, a Saturday morning visit to the farmers market or a nearby you-pick farm is one of the best ways to start feeling at home. The people are friendly, the pace is slow, and the berries are worth getting up early for.
