In a recent post, Things to Do for National Strawberry Month, I noted that picking strawberries is a great way to celebrate the month, and that’s just what we did.
Last week, my mom, daughter, and I embarked on a fun-filled morning adventure to Strawberry Acres, a charming strawberry farm nestled on the outskirts of Danville, IL.
Armed with buckets that they provided us with, our excitement peaked as we set out to pick our very own strawberries for the first time. Grab a cup of jo and join me as I recount our berrylicious experience, from the sweet strawberries we discovered to the friendly staff that made our visit memorable.
The Sweet Harvest
As we arrived at Strawberry Acres, we were greeted by a sea of vibrant green fields, each bursting with juicy red strawberries just waiting to be plucked. The scent of sweetness filled the air, instantly whetting our appetite for the fruit-filled adventure ahead.
With buckets in hand, we eagerly set off, scanning our row for the ripest, plumpest strawberries to add to our collection. With it being my first time, I had no idea what to expect.
But, the berries were a sight to behold – ripe, luscious, and inviting. Their ruby-red hue sparkled in the sunlight, beckoning us to savor their natural sweetness.
With each pluck, we experienced the satisfaction of carefully selecting the perfect strawberry and gently placing it in our buckets. It was a truly hands-on experience, connecting us to the process of growing and harvesting this delightful fruit.
Our instructions were to each get on one side of the bed and work our way down the row collecting our strawberries and filling our buckets. When we felt that we were done, we were to poke our flag in the ground, so that all would know where we ended in picking our strawberries.
The Taste of Summer
As we continued to explore our rows, we couldn’t resist sampling a few strawberries along the way. It was such a delight to watch my daughter have her first bite and a burst of flavor that captured the essence of summer.
I have to say that the strawberries were undeniably sweet, leaving a lingering tang on our taste buds. It was a pure delight to experience the fruit in its freshest form, straight from the vine.
Not only did we relish the taste, but we also marveled at the vibrant colors and diverse shapes of the strawberries we encountered. Some were plump and heart-shaped, while others were petite and dainty.
Friendliness in Every Encounter
The staff at Strawberry Acres played an integral role in making our visit truly memorable. From the moment we arrived, their warm smiles and helpful demeanor immediately put us at ease.
They provided us with helpful tips on finding the ripest berries and guided us to the most fruitful areas of the fields. Their genuine enthusiasm for strawberries was infectious, fueling our excitement and adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.
Beyond their guidance, the staff took the time to engage with us, sharing stories and anecdotes about the farm and the strawberries they lovingly cultivated.
It was clear that they had a deep passion for their work, and their dedication shone through in every interaction. Their friendly and welcoming nature made us feel like part of the Strawberry Acres family.
$4 Per Pound, Bucket Included
After a fruitful morning of picking strawberries, we approached the checkout counter, our buckets filled to the brim with our sweet treasure. The pricing was fair, with strawberries priced at approx. $4 per pound. It felt like a small price to pay for the delightful memories we had created together. My daughter even received an adorable, ‘I love local strawberries” sticker.
Final Thoughts
As we left Strawberry Acres, our hearts were filled with gratitude for the experience we had shared. Picking strawberries for the first time brought us closer as a family, allowing us to connect with nature and savor the simple joys of life. Picking strawberries at Strawberry Acres with my mom and daughter was an adorable adventure we will treasure forever.