Escape for Berry Picking at Ward's Berry Farm

Each week Canton Patch will tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break and escape from it all by visiting local hotspots and area events. Each Great Escape feature is meant to make your life a little easier, and maybe even a bit more exciting and fun by discovering new places and things to do locally.

Summertime seems to go hand in hand with fresh berries, whether eaten alone, baked in a pie, layered in shortcake, or whipped into a frosty cocktail. Luckily, nearby in Sharon has plenty of fresh local berries available for the picking.

Starting around June 15, the farm will open for pick your own berry season. Strawberries will be the first berries ready for picking and should be available on Wednesday and throughout the month of June.

In the beginning of July, blueberries and raspberries will also be available for the picking through the end of August.

Berry picking is a great way to escape with your family. Most kids love the activity of finding ripe berries on the bushes and plants and putting them in their own carton or sampling a few here and there. Of course, this is also fun for berry-loving adults, too.

To pick berries, you only need to purchase pint sized containers (which hold about 1 lb) from Ward’s for $3 or small baskets for $6 (which hold about 2 and ¼ lb). This price includes wrist bands for admission.

also has pick your own peaches which should be available around late July and through August for picking.

And be sure to stop by the farm market when you make your visit. There are always lots of farm-fresh fruit and vegetables available for purchase as well as delicious pies, sandwiches, and more.

Personally, I can never turn down their smoothies. Blended frozen yogurt or ice cream and a mixture of berries is a favorite at the smoothie bar.

Kids will also enjoy seeing the animals at the farm and feeding some of the goats, sheep and other animals, so be sure to stop by the 4-H barn as well if you are making a family escape.

For questions or more information, call Ward’s Berry Farm at 781-784-3600 or click .