Road Trip Ideas: Berry-picking that’ll leave you black and blue in the best way

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Blueberry- and blackberry-picking season is kicking into high gear in Texas, thanks to our statewide climate. From now through July, blueberries and blackberries are in bloom throughout the region and ready to be picked. This makes it the perfect time to grab the family, hit the road, and head out to some of the top places where you can pick your own blueberries and blackberries.

Blueberries are nature’s superfood, packed with vitamins and nutrients and low on calories. They actually fight cancers, type II diabetes, dementia, heart disease, and belly fat. Some studies even indicate that they help memory.

Blackberries are loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, and K, and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Even better, they don’t contain any harmful cholesterol. Their health benefits include digestive health, strengthened immunity, healthy heart function, and cancer prevention. Blackberries also are beneficial to enhancing memory, weight management, and even improving vision.

Before the weather gets too warm for good local picking and the relatively brief window shuts, here is your list of where you might want to take a road trip or two.

Moorhead’s Blueberry Farm – 19531 Moorhead Rd, Conroe
For only $3.75 per pound (cash or check), you can stay local and fill up on delicious blueberries. These berries are pesticide free and ready for eating. Typically open on weekends with the occasional weekday opening. https://www.moorheadsblueberryfarm.com/.

The Sanctuary Blueberry Farm – 18430 Kinkaid Rd West, Montgomery
The current schedule for blueberry picking is Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, and Sunday evenings. Morning hours are 7 a.m. to noon, and Sunday evening hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bring your own containers and pay only $5 per pound. They also have opportunities throughout the year and during the season for events such as homesteading classes, gardening classes, natural medicine classes, shopping for healthy foods classes, and even cooking classes. https://www.sanctuaryblueberryfarm.com/.

P-6 Farms – 9963 Pooles Rd, Montgomery
Open on weekends only, this family-friendly farm is in the middle of its annual Blooms & Berries Festival, running until June 18. Enjoy acres of blackberry picking, delicious desserts, photo ops, attractions, and their signature refreshing Cactus Juice (for those 21+). https://www.p-6farms.com/.

Atkinson Farms – 3217 Spring Cypress, Spring
Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Sunday (when they close at 2 p.m.), this local blackberry farm is ready for your patronage. Pick some sunflowers while you’re there, too, as well as fresh peas, purple hull, pinto beans, lima beans, lady cream peas, and black eye peas. https://www.facebook.com/Atkinson4thgeneration.

Jollisant Farms – 11351 County Rd 203, Plantersville
This place, located not too far from the site of the Texas Renaissance Festival, is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Not only can you pick berries of all varieties in each of their seasons, but Jollisant also offers garden tours, farm tours, pavilion rentals, fishing, cabin rentals, pumpkin painting, educational tours, hayrides, an on-site story, and tons of events. http://jollisantfarm.com/.