Several farms in the area open for U-pick in season, typically late May through July. It is a simple thing that is also genuinely satisfying. Call ahead — hours vary by harvest.
Pender County is one of the most productive blueberry-growing regions on the East Coast, and several farms open their fields to the public during peak season. U-pick blueberries may sound like a modest outing, but an hour in the rows on a cool morning with a bucket is one of those experiences that earns its place on any list of what makes living here different.
The berries here are good — genuinely, noticeably good. The variety mix, the sandy loam soil, and the relatively long season (sometimes stretching from late May into early July) produce fruit that doesn't need much done to it. Most people fill a bucket, eat half of what they pick, and leave with enough to freeze for the rest of the year.
Farms vary in size and approach. Some are family operations where you'll talk to the same person who planted the bushes. Others are larger and more organized. Call ahead regardless — hours shift with the ripeness, and some farms sell out before they open to the public on busy weekends.
Practical tips
- Peak season runs roughly late May through late June, with some farms extending into July
- Always call ahead — hours change with harvest conditions and fields close without notice
- Bring your own containers if you want to; most farms provide them but it speeds things up
- Freeze the excess: spread on a sheet pan first, then bag once frozen so they don't clump
- Early morning weekday visits mean fewer people and cooler temperatures
More photos
Worth combining with this
Downtown Burgaw
A main street that still feels like one.
The kind of town square that has become rare — a working courthouse, local shops with actual character, and sidewalks worth strolling. Best on a Friday afternoon when the energy is right.
Moore's Creek Battlefield
Where North Carolina decided to fight.
A Revolutionary War National Battlefield just 20 minutes from Burgaw, set in a forest of moss-draped bottomland trees. The history is real and the grounds are worth visiting for their own sake.