Taste of Summer – Fresh Blueberries

Everyone has their favorite tastes of summer: fresh tomatoes, strawberries, ice cream, corn on the cob … how about blueberries? 

If blueberries top your list, try visiting Eagletree Farm & Vineyard north of Leesburg for one amazing blueberry-picking experience. Just take Limestone School Road from Route 15, pass Temple Hall Farm and wind along dirt roads and park right beside the berry bushes [More detailed directions are listed below].

When I asked the owner about the rules and where we should pick, she laughed. “The only rule is that there are no rules,” she said. And she wasn’t kidding. She us to walk as far back as we could in the fields and fill our containers. Talk about a pleasant and friendly place to be. 

There were no crowds, leaving plenty of room to spread out and, best of all, more delicious blueberries. 

With kids in tow, I didn’t make it that far back into the fields, but it wasn’t necessary. The berries were plentiful and easy to pick. No chemicals are used, so patrons can eat as they pick. Memories of Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey came to mind.

You could hear each berry hit the bottom of the bowl: KER PLUNK KER PLUNK KER PLUNK.

Blueberry picking offers a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors with friends or family, not to mention the incredible health benefits of eating vitamin- and antioxidant-loaded blueberries. It’s fun for all ages and great entertainment, whether for a regular weekend outing or with out-of-town guests.

And what about the treats you can make with blueberries? I've been dreaming of blueberry muffins, scones, pies, slump, cobbler and more! One friend mentioned her favorite is blueberry martinis, which sound worth a try.

After filling my bowl, I turned to my 4-year-old and said, “How many do you have”? He said NONE! Apparently he decided to eat all that he picked. At least we had one full container to take home.

“Check out,” using the term loosely, is also do-it-yourself. Just weigh your berries and, using the honor system, leave the amount of money that you owe in an old cash tin.

Eagletree Farm encourages pickers to bring a picnic and enjoy their time in the fields. Don’t hesitate to add Eagletree Farm to your summertime activities list; it’s worth the trip.

Hours are dawn to dusk. Call for optimum picking times, 703-777-5954. The farm is located at 15126 Harrison Hill Lane. To get there, follow the signs for blueberries! From Leesburg take Route 15 north; turn right onto Limestone School Road (Rt. 661); follow for 2.2 miles and turn right onto Hibler; go 0.6 miles and turn left onto Harrison Hill Lane; follow 0.6 miles to farm.