Wegmeyer Farms takes pride in providing pick-your-own strawberries that are as-fresh-as-it-gets, a mantra that the owners at Wegmeyer Farm’s strive to live by. So hop in your car and head out to Hamilton, VA. You may be thinking, “Where is Hamilton, VA?” As you plug the directions into your smart device, the miles may alarm you but don’t throw in the towel just yet.
With each mile, you will take in the surrounding farmland and open spaces, a rarity in the DC metro area. Before you know it, you will be making the turn onto the long, gravely road that leads you into the majestic land of Wegmeyer Farms. It’s so worth it.
Wegmeyer Farms is one of those places that helps you slow down and live in the moment. Situated in the rolling hills of Loudoun County, VA, Wegmeyer Farms opened their establishment to strawberry pickers about 4 years ago.
Strawberry picking season usually runs from mid-May to mid-June but it is all weather dependent so always call or check their website before heading out. Our trip was all things perfect – perfect company, perfect strawberries and perfect weather. Let me tell you about it.
We left the Centreville area after rush hour (about 9:30am) and took the 29 to 50 West route, ending up in a serene, tucked-away farm just 45 minutes later. The last mile and a half or so is a gravel road (don’t wash your car before you go), which always leads me to think that there is something special waiting at the end of such a path.
My hunch was right. At the end of your car journey, Wegmeyer Farms awaits you so you can have the opportunity to pick-your-own strawberries straight from their raised plastic beds.
Parking is a cinch. Just drive up and around the home on the property and you will find a large parking area, which is a short walk to the patch. The property offers rows and rows of strawberry beds so after you check in at the strawberry ‘office’ to pick up your bucket (or you can bring your own), there will be someone to guide you down a row that has a good amount of plump strawberries to pick. You are welcome to move around as you please, but it was nice to have a starting point as a newbie.
Children of all ages would benefit from an outing to this farm. My delightful company had children between the ages of 11 months and 4 years. The Mom’s with the little ones were smart and brought baby carriers or baby backpacks so that the little ones could piggyback while Mom picked the goods.
The preschoolers were in their element as they explored a world of produce fresh from the vine. Strawberry picking is a simple task, yet can get tiring. We certainly grew an appreciation for those who work hard to collect a bucket of strawberries that eventually make it to our grocery stores.
Know Before You Go
Water bottles, sunscreen and hats are a must.- Go early. You will beat most of the crowds and get first dibs on the patch that day. It’s not as hot.
- Bring a spray bottle so that you can spray a few strawberries while picking them. Taste testing is hard to pass up when a ripe strawberry is staring you in the face.
- Dress your children in dark colored clothing so that you aren’t too concerned about the stains that may happen from the strawberries.
- Bring a picnic. The property has at least 4 picnic tables with lots of grassy areas in between for picnic blankets. We were able to score a table right under a large tree. The shade was welcoming after picking strawberries and it offered a nice plot of grass to spread out a large blanket for the children to relax on and eat lunch.
- There is a port a potty on site with hand sanitizer. There is also a large sink by the strawberry patch where you can rinse your hands.
- Blackberry and raspberry pick-your-own is available in July and August. They also have pick-your-own pumpkins in the fall.
Water bottles, sunscreen and hats are a must.Pricing & Food Sales
Admission is free to get into the farm. If you go and pick your own strawberries, your bucket will be weighed. The cost is $3.99 per pound. If you fill up one of their large buckets, you will spend about ~$20.
Raspberry and strawberry preserves are also available for $8 to $10 a jar. Local honey is sold for $6 to $10 depending on the size you choose. A snack shop is available on site in case you get the munchies or forget an item. You can choose from a strawberry ice cream sundae ($5), bottled water ($1.50), a variety of snack bags (most are $1) and apple juice sippers ($3).
Friend them on Facebook and mention this when you go to pay for your strawberries. They offer $5 off $20 or more during mid-week.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a reason to escape and slow down, head out to Wegmeyer Farms. This farm gives children and adults the opportunity to explore, pick strawberries, taste them and enjoy the simple beauty of nature. After all, how can you beat produce that is as-fresh-as-it-gets? Well done, Wegmeyer Farms. Well done.
Photos by Marcy Fisher.
