Welcome back! We are excited to share an activity perfect for the end of summer that also makes for a great family and/or friend day trip. Try visiting a pick-your-own farm to enjoy the variety of fruit available in Massachusetts in August.
August is the best time to visit a farm. There are so many choices with blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, grapes, apples, and more in season. One of the great things about picking your own fruit (besides eating it) is that you can learn more about it. For example, did you know that raspberries are part of the rose family? Or that there are over 700 varieties of peaches including nectarines? Do you like Concord grapes? They originated right here in Concord, MA in 1849 and the original vine that grew the first grape is still alive!
Pick Your Favorite Fruits
Visiting a farm gives everyone a chance to enjoy being outside around trees and nature, listening to birds, and getting some movement in. Being in nature improves your mood, lowers your blood pressure, and provides a mental health boost for all. Some farms even have goats or other animals you can pet—a bonus mental health boost.
It can be hard to pick your favorite fruit, so check out a bunch this summer. Peaches and pears are ripe in August. Blueberries or raspberries are perfect from July through September. Apples are ready to grab from August through October. Once you have collected all your fruit, visit a cranberry bog or pumpkin patch in September. To find an orchard or bog where you can pick your own, click on this farmers market map.
Wondering what to do with all the fruit you picked besides eating it (after having washed it)? There are many options. This Green Apple Fattoush is very refreshing, and this Blueberry Refrigerator Oatmeal is perfect for breakfast. For more simple, easy, and healthy recipes check out our recipe page.
Good for Your Body and Your Community
Going to an orchard or farm is good for more than your health. It helps the whole community. For those orchards to thrive and grow food they need people like you to support them. You can even use your SNAP benefits at Pick-Your-Own farms to make the trip more affordable.
In addition to using SNAP at Pick-Your-Own farms, there are other benefits available to you with your EBT card. You can use your card for any number of activities with the EBT Card to Culture program. Presenting your EBT card to participating venues can give you free or discounted tickets for the card holder and, at least, one other person. Rent a bike in Boston, visit a museum, attend a play, go to the theatre, and do so much more! There are many activities across the state that provide accessibility for everyone’s abilities. Whether you are picking your own apples or pumpkins, heading to a rail trail to enjoy nature, or exploring a cranberry bog, August is a great time to see the state.
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