Berry Picking on Long Island | Summer 2021 Bucket List Check
On a whim, we decided to check the first item off of our summer 2021 bucket list. We decided upon a mid-day (and mid-week) adventure, a little bit further east to spend the afternoon berry picking. Admittedly, none of us have been berry picking before. This one was added to the bucket list for our youngest, Sadie who can devour 3 lbs of strawberries in a single sitting….
I’m not kidding. You hand her a bowl of strawberries, turn your head and look back, and they’re gone! When I first wrote this down on our bucket list, I had ideas of grandeur in my head. I wanted to head as far out east as the farms reached, and spend hours berry picking, and take in some other fun farm activities too. However, life with a toddler teaches you a lot about how to be flexible with your expectations. So, we ultimately decided a 30 minute drive to a smaller farm would be perfect for our first foray into berry picking.
And, guess what? Even though it was the middle of a work week, and mid-day the parking lot was packed. Thankfully there was one spot ready for us when we arrived. It was a beautiful June afternoon, high 70’s, low 80’s, the fluffiest white clouds you will ever see in the clear blue sky… it’s moments like this I force myself to stand still, close my eyes and take a deep breath in…
Moments and feelings like these are something a photo could never capture…surrounded by family, experiencing something new (even if it’s close by) and making memories…together. I just hope I get a photo cataloguing system in place to be able to perfectly tell our story to our girls. Our highs and lows, our love, and how we grew as individuals and a family, together over time…
GLOVER FARMS
Depending on where you live on Long Island, Glover Farms may feel a little bit out of the way but, this small family farm is definitely worth your time, especially if you have little ones who may not be fully into the concept of berry picking. Sadie was excited to run into the berry fields (remember she is our strawberry connoisseur) but after about 15-20 minutes, she was ready to visit with the farm animals and play on the playground…
remember that thing I said about adjusting your expectations?
So, Nora and I ventured out into the fields. Our motto: “we won’t stop until we reach the top!” (of our berry basket). Moments like these help me realize how much Nora has grown. Even though the playground was calling to her, she wanted to spend 1:1 time with me picking berries (which she doesn’t even like) for her sister. Proud mom moment? 100%. But, I am going to stop right here with that sentiment because I don’t have the tissues to hold me over until I get through it….
In total, I’d say we spent about 90 minutes at Glover Farms. The girls loved the mini playground, even though one was in need of replacement. Nora (our Olive Oil) went down a tube slide and the whole play structure shook. But, there are a few other areas where the kiddos could play. They were intrigued by the goats and chickens at the farm, and then there’s the homemade ice cream.
We got one of each flavor…strawberry, vanilla and chocolate. They were all very good but the strawberry was the best. Now, if they only put a porch swing and a few Adirondack chairs on their covered patio. That would be a game changer on the overall vibe of our experience.
I encourage you to make a bucket list with your family. Something about brainstorming ideas, writing them down and then crossing them off the list is so gratifying. Not to mention, the heaps of memories you will make along the way…
Have you ventured out berry picking yet? Which farm is your favorite?
Happy first day of summer!!
