Strawberry Picking in Connecticut
Where Connecticut Locals Actually Go to Pick Strawberries
Explore Local Farms
Planning a classic New England summer day? There is nothing quite like wandering through a scenic Connecticut field under the warm June sun to find the juiciest, sweetest, sun-ripened strawberries. To help you plan the ultimate family outing or date day, we’ve put together the ultimate local guide to the absolute best strawberry picking farms in Connecticut. Below, you’ll find picking windows, parking tips, and even the best local restaurants to hit up right after you finish filling your baskets! Central Connecticut1. Lyman Orchard Open Now 2026
32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CTOne of Connecticut’s most beloved family farms, established in 1741 and spread across 1,100 acres. Multiple locals name it as their top pick year after year. Features an Apple Barrel Farm Market, bakery, creamery, and deli. PYO Hotline: 860-349-6015.
Best Time: Weekdays between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM to beat the massive weekend crowds.
Parking: Free, massive unpaved gravel and grass parking lots located directly adjacent to the Apple Barrel Farm Market.
Where to Eat Nearby: Walk over to Lyman's own 1741 Pub & Grill for elevated pub fare overlooking the golf course, or grab a quick, legendary breakfast wrap at Lino’s Market in neighboring Durham.
Tip: Go early in the morning for the best picking. Call the PYO hotline before visiting for daily updates.2. Cavanna’s Farm
Glastonbury, CTLocals rave about Cavanna’s Farm for having some of the sweetest strawberries in the state. A smaller, family-run operation that draws a loyal crowd every season.
Best Time: Late morning. They are a smaller farm, so fields can get picked clean quickly on Saturdays.
Parking: Free on-site field parking. It is a bit tighter than the giant orchards, so drive slowly.
Where to Eat Nearby: Drive 5 minutes into South Glastonbury and treat yourself to a fantastic breakfast or lunch at Ken's Corner, or grab a craft coffee at Down to Earth Tea & Coffee House.
Tip: Check their Facebook page for seasonal opening updates.3. Belltown Hill Orchards New Addition
Glastonbury, CTAnother Glastonbury gem recommended by locals as "a really great one." Belltown Hill Orchards is a family-owned farm with pick-your-own strawberries and a loyal local following in the area.
Best Time: Early mornings on weekends.
Parking: Free, spacious dirt parking lot right by their farm market and bakery.
Where to Eat Nearby: Sit down for a beautifully crafted local meal at Cotton Hollow Kitchen in South Glastonbury, or grab a local brew and burger at Birch Hill Tavern.
4. Hindinger Farm
Hamden, CTA local favorite in the New Haven County area, recommended for a convenient pick-your-own option close to the city.
Best Time: Mid-week mornings.
Parking: Ample, free designated parking spaces on grass/dirt adjacent to the farm stand.
Where to Eat Nearby: Head 10 minutes down the road to the legendary Glenwood Drive-In for Connecticut-style hot dogs and lobster rolls, or stop by Mickey's Restaurant & Bar for casual upscale Italian.
Western Connecticut5. Jones Family Farms Most Recommended
606 Walnut Tree Hill Rd, Shelton, CTThe single most mentioned farm in local CT recommendations. 400 sprawling acres with gorgeous views, an on-site winery, blueberry and pumpkin picking later in the season. Quality is consistently praised by locals.
Best Time: Tuesday through Thursday mornings (they are closed some Mondays, so always call first).
Parking: Massive, free unpaved farm fields with plenty of signage and helpful parking attendants on busy weekends. Dedicated accessible spaces are available.
Where to Eat Nearby: Visit the on-site Jones Winery Tasting Room for a flight of local wines and a farm-fresh cheese plate, or head into downtown Shelton for outstanding modern tacos at Tacomida.
Tip: Arrive early on weekends — it gets very busy during peak season.6. Deeply Rooted Farm Organic
Harwinton, CTDescribed by one CT local as "by far the best family-owned all-natural farm for PYO." The top organic option in western Connecticut.
Best Time: Late morning. Because they offer an extended harvest window, they often have great crops even late into the season.
Parking: Free unpaved parking near the "Strawberry Shack" on Terryville Road.
Where to Eat Nearby: Check out the highly-rated Edison Grill in Harwinton for fantastic tavern food and local craft beers on tap, or stop by the historic Hogan's Cider Mill in Burlington for a scenic post-picking drink.
Tip: One of the few certified organic options in CT — no pesticides.7. Fort Hill Farm Organic
New Milford, CTOrganic farm highly recommended by locals for the quality and taste of their strawberries. Best choice for Litchfield County and western CT visitors.
Best Time: Weekday mornings.
Parking: Free, easy parking along the farm road and in the designated grass lot.
Where to Eat Nearby: Head into downtown New Milford and grab a table at the retro-styled Diner Luxe for upscale diner favorites, or grab an organic, locally sourced lunch at The Green Granary.
8. Old Bishop Farms Organic
Cheshire, CTOrganic strawberries alongside a bakery, farm market, and ice cream — a perfect full-day family outing. One of the most complete farm experiences in western CT.
Best Time: Late morning. They are open Wednesday through Sunday.
Parking: Free paved and gravel parking lot directly in front of the historic country store.
Where to Eat Nearby: Grab custom, super-premium homemade ice cream right at their on-site stand, or enjoy a great meal at Vespucci's Italian Restaurant or Pop's Pizza just a mile down the road.
Tip: Great for a family day out — more to do beyond just picking. Eastern Connecticut9. Grant’s Berry Farm
188 Mell Rd, Lisbon, CTA well-known eastern CT option that comes up regularly in local recommendations. PYO strawberries at $3.75 per pound. Solid choice for the Norwich and eastern CT area.
Best Time: 9:00 AM on weekdays. Cash or checks only!
Parking: Free, spacious farm road and grass field parking close to the farm stand.
Where to Eat Nearby: Grab a classic, comforting lunch at the Lisbon Landmark Diner, or make the short drive to Norwich for a craft pint and upscale pub eats at These Guys Brewing Company.
10. Scott’s Yankee Farmer
East Lyme, CTLocated near the shoreline, Scott’s Yankee Farmer is popular with southeastern CT residents. Full farm with strawberry picking in season and a farm stand with other local produce.
Best Time: Weekday mornings right when they open at 9:00 AM.
Parking: Very easy, free, flat grass parking lot next to the roadside stand.
Where to Eat Nearby: You are right next to the shoreline, so heading to the famous Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant for fresh seafood is a must, or keep it casual with diner classics at The Shack.
11. Berryhill Farm
East Haddam, CTGets strong local recommendations for its strawberries and scenic setting along the Connecticut River valley. A lovely day trip from central or eastern CT.
Best Time: Weekend mornings.
Parking: Free on-site field parking.
Where to Eat Nearby: Make a day of it and dine right on the water at the historic Gelston House next to the Goodspeed Opera House, or grab some amazing Italian-American bites at La Vita Gustosa.
12. Buell’s Orchard
108 Crystal Pond Rd, Eastford, CTThe local favorite for strawberry picking in the Quiet Corner region of northeastern CT. Worth the drive if you’re exploring that part of the state.
Best Time: They are closed Sundays, so plan for weekdays or Saturday mornings. They also have special Monday and Thursday evening picking sessions (6 PM - 8 PM)!
Parking: Free, flat gravel/grass parking close to the main orchard entrance.
Where to Eat Nearby: Grab soft serve from Buck's Soft Serve trailer (on-site during select weekends), enjoy a hearty, down-home meal at Midway Restaurant & Pizza in nearby Ashford, or visit the historic Vanilla Bean Cafe in Pomfret.
13. Cecarelli’s Harrison Hill Farm
Northford, CTA local gem in Northford described simply as "the best" by one resident. Worth seeking out if you’re in the New Haven County area.
Best Time: Mid-morning on weekdays.
Parking: Free grass field parking close to the picking patches.
Where to Eat Nearby: Take a short drive to the beautiful Rosabianca Vineyards for a relaxing rustic wine tasting, or grab a massive, classic Italian grinder at Northford Deli.
Northern Connecticut14. Starvish Farms
East Windsor, CTThe top local recommendation for Hartford County and northern Connecticut residents. Convenient for anyone in the Springfield/Hartford corridor.
Best Time: Early mornings.
Parking: Free dirt/grass parking directly off the main farm entrance.
Where to Eat Nearby: Do not miss a meal at the famous Maine Fish Market & Restaurant in nearby Broad Brook—famous for its massive, ultra-fresh seafood platters and lobster, or keep it classic at Sofia’s Restaurant.
15. Fair Weather Acres New • Call Ahead
Route 160, Rocky Hill, CTA newer addition to the CT strawberry scene. Locals are actively asking about this farm for 2026. Check their social media before heading out to confirm they’re open.
Best Time: Weekdays. Make sure to call ahead as crops can be limited at newer locations.
Parking: Free gravel and grass field parking right off Route 160.
Where to Eat Nearby: Head into Rocky Hill for a classic hometown bite at the Rocky Hill Diner, or grab an outdoor table with riverfront vibes at Shad Row.
Tip: Check Facebook or call before visiting to confirm seasonal availability. Connecticut Shoreline16. Bishop’s Orchards Full Experience
480 New England Rd, Guilford, CTA well-established shoreline favorite with PYO strawberries, a winery, farm market, and bakery. One of the most complete farm experiences in Connecticut. Call (203) 458-PICK for daily updates.
Best Time: 8:30 AM to beat the mid-day shoreline humidity.
Parking: Large, free gravel and grass parking lots at their main Boston Post Road market and directly at their designated PYO fields on New England Road.
Where to Eat Nearby: Enjoy a wonderfully fresh shoreline dinner at South Lane Bistro right on Guilford Green, or grab casual waterfront dining at Pa’s Place in neighboring Stony Creek.
Tip: Combine strawberry picking with a winery tasting for a perfect afternoon.For many locals, strawberry picking Connecticut farms has become an annual tradition that marks the start of summer.
🚨 CT Insider: The Great Strawberry Shortcake Controversy
If you think picking fresh fruit is a drama-free activity, think again! In June 2026, a hilarious, viral controversy erupted on the r/Connecticut subreddit over South Windsor’s annual Strawberry Festival (originally started at the historic Berry Patch farm).
A local resident posted a warning claiming they felt "conned" after discovering that this massive, long-standing community event was actually organized, run, and funded by the South Windsor Republican Town Committee—sparking a fierce, highly entertaining debate over whether eating delicious strawberry shortcake counted as a political fundraiser!
While local commenters quickly pointed out that the festival is completely free to enter, free to park, run by local volunteers, and happily attended by politicians of all parties (including the town's Democratic mayor), it is a funny reminder of just how passionate Nutmeggers are about their summer berries. (And for some bipartisan balance, the local Democrats of South Windsor historically fund the town's Apple Fest in the fall!)
The moral of the story? Whether you love town festivals or just want to skip the local politics entirely and enjoy some peaceful picking on a scenic farm, Connecticut's strawberry culture is incredibly rich. Check out our quick-reference table below to plan your next stress-free farm outing!
Tips for Strawberry Picking in Connecticut
- Go early in the season. Peak season is mid-June — the best berries go fast.
- Go early in the day. Morning picking = cooler temps and freshly ripened berries.
- Always call ahead. Schedules change daily based on weather and crop conditions.
- Look for organic farms. Deeply Rooted (Harwinton), Fort Hill Farm (New Milford), and Old Bishop Farms (Cheshire) are all organic or all-natural.
- Bring cash. Many smaller CT farms are cash-only or prefer it.
- Wear sun protection. Strawberry fields are open and sunny — hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
- Bring your own containers. Flat containers help protect berries and avoid extra charges.
Quick Reference: Before visiting any farm, check current conditions because strawberry picking in Connecticut locations can open or close depending on weather and crop availability.
| # | Farm | Town | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lyman Orchard | Middlefield | Central | Open now, classic family farm |
| 2 | Cavanna’s Farm | Glastonbury | Central | Sweetest berries |
| 3 | Belltown Hill Orchards | Glastonbury | Central | Local gem |
| 4 | Hindinger Farm | Hamden | Central | Near New Haven |
| 5 | Jones Family Farms | Shelton | Western | ★ Most recommended |
| 6 | Deeply Rooted Farm | Harwinton | Western | Organic |
| 7 | Fort Hill Farm | New Milford | Western | Organic |
| 8 | Old Bishop Farms | Cheshire | Western | Organic + bakery + ice cream |
| 9 | Grant’s Berry Farm | Lisbon | Eastern | $3.75/lb PYO, Cash-Only |
| 10 | Scott’s Yankee Farmer | East Lyme | Shoreline | Near the coast |
| 11 | Berryhill Farm | East Haddam | Eastern | Scenic river valley |
| 12 | Buell’s Orchard | Eastford | Northeast | Quiet Corner gem, evening sessions |
| 13 | Cecarelli’s Harrison Hill | Northford | Central | Local favorite |
| 14 | Starvish Farms | East Windsor | Northern | Hartford area |
| 15 | Fair Weather Acres | Rocky Hill | Central | Call ahead |
| 16 | Bishop’s Orchards | Guilford | Shoreline | Winery + bakery + BBQ |
🗺️ Travel Blogger Pro Tip: Use Our Interactive Map
To make your day trip planning completely effortless, we highly recommend opening up our custom Google Map. You can easily plot out which strawberry farm is closest to you, find parking directly, and see which local restaurants are on your route home! (We love mapping out a drive that goes from picking berries to grabbing waterfront seafood!)