Why Strawberry Picking in Virginia is So Special
If there’s one thing I love about living in Virginia, it’s the strawberry farms to choose from. My favorite time of the year is when the strawberry farms are open for self-picking.
There is nothing more rewarding than picking your own strawberries, bringing them home, and enjoying the sweet reward with your family.
It’s that time of year when the strawberry farms are opening, and I cannot wait to explore and share where to go next. I’ve included some of my favorite strawberry farms in Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas.
If you’re visiting from out of state, definitely stop by one of these farms for some of the best, sweetest strawberries you’ll find in Virginia!
As always, please be respectful to each farm’s ground rules, and if you have a furry 4-legged sidekick like my GSD, North, always check ahead to see if dogs are allowed.
Best Strawberry Farms in Virginia
Critzer Family Farm
Location: 9211 Critzer Shop Road, Afton, VA 22920
There’s something about picking your own strawberries with your family and having the most amazing mountain backdrop for your photos that makes this place stand out.
Here, at Critzer Family Farm, you have just that.
This farm provides more than just strawberries to pick. Are you an animal lover? You’ve come to the right farm. There is a pond located right on the property where you can witness ducks and their babies splashing in the water, just enjoying life’s best moments.
Chicken fans? They’ve got you covered as well. Find your way to the chicken coop, and if you’re lucky, you’ll hear the roosters calling, too!
What about horses? These gentle animals will walk up to the fence line to say hello. They’re quite friendly, but please always follow the farm’s rules when engaging with any of the animals on the property. This is for everyone’s safety.
Take a little strawberry-picking break, and find your way to the mini store to grab yourself some freshly made ice cream. It’s a wonderful treat for all!
Chiles Family Orchard
Location: 1351 Greenwood Road, Crozet, VA 22932
Do not let the name of this family orchard fool you. This farm has an abundance of fruit to choose from. Think not only of strawberries, but also of peaches, blueberries, blackberries, apples, and pumpkins.
It is always best to check Chiles Family Orchard’s website or call ahead of planning a trip to ensure the fruits you’re looking to pick are available in that season.
For those not interested in picking their own strawberries, this farm does offer pre-picked strawberries for purchase.
The strawberries grown on this farm are beyond delicious! Last year was our first time visiting this farm, and we will be back.
From the serene mountain views to the juicy strawberries and cozy farm shop filled with homemade pies and snacks, this farm is the perfect way to spend a spring day.
Wegmeyer Farm
(Hamilton) Location: 38299 Hughesville Road, Hamilton, VA 20158
(Oatland) Location: Little Oatlands Lane, Loudoun County, VA 20175
My family and I have visited two of the three Wegmeyer Farm locations for strawberry picking. This year alone, we visited the Oatland location in Loudoun County. Unlike the other strawberry farms mentioned in this post, this farm focuses more on the strawberry picking experience versus the incredible mountain views, animals, and larger farm store for homemade jams, pies, and food to eat while visiting the farm.
If I had to choose between the two locations, I would highly recommend the Hamilton location for your strawberry picking experience. Both farm locations provide delicious strawberries, yet the Oatland location is right off the main road, and you’re not going to get that escape from the noise experience.
Both locations offer a shop to purchase strawberry ice cream, drinks, strawberry pie – you know, all things strawberry. However, it is very limited in selection and quantity.
Wegmeyer Farm rotates which location they offer strawberry picking, depending on how the fruit is blossoming for the season. Therefore, it is important to call ahead of time or view their site for more information regarding strawberry picking.
They do require you to make a reservation for your party ahead of time, which requires a purchase of one bucket for strawberry picking. You can add more buckets to your experience once you arrive at the farm. Usually, the available dates/times are provided the day before on their website.
If you live in or around Northern Virginia and want the freshest strawberries without the longer drive, then this is the farm for you!
Tips Before You Go Strawberry Picking
Strawberry picking is such a fun experience to share with your family. Here are a few tips before you go so you’re fully prepared for your day on the farm.
Wear sneakers. You’re on a real working farm, and depending on the weather, the fields can get muddy. Leave the heels at home for this adventure.
Arrive early. It can get very hot out in the open fields, especially later in the day. Arriving early helps you avoid the heat and the crowds.
Bring sunscreen and water. Protect your skin from the sun and stay hydrated while you pick.
Check crop updates before driving. These are live farms, and what’s available to pick depends heavily on weather and seasonal temperatures.
Bring cash and a card just in case. Some farms may not accept cards for every purchase, so it’s always smart to carry a little cash.
Don’t overfill your baskets. Overfilling can damage the strawberries or cause fruit to spill out before you make it home.
Zero agenda. Just Be. Phones down (unless you’re grabbing strawberry-picking moments or mountain views). Be present in the moments you get to spend with your family. Soak in the views. Enjoy tasting your very own picked strawberries.
What started several years ago as a simple drive to a farm for pick-your-own strawberries has now become a Mother’s Day tradition for my little family. Whether you’re looking for mountain views, fields of fresh fruit waiting to be picked, quality family time, or just a simple day-trip getaway, these farms offer the perfect day outdoors. Grab your bucket, bring the people you love most, and make a memory out of it.
Sometimes the sweetest adventures are the simplest ones.
Around here, we’re always chasing simple moments that turn into unforgettable memories. If you visit one of these strawberry farms, tag Adventures Beyond Boundaries – Chasing North in your adventures — I’d love to see where the season takes you!
Looking for more day trip ideas? You might love our Best Day Trip to NJ—think whale watching and so much more!
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