Best U-Pick Farms in Clermont, Florida
Have you ever picked your own food right from the farm? U-pick farms are incredibly popular in Clermont, Florida and the surrounding areas! These types of farms have fruit and vegetable patches that are open for the public to come and pick their own produce! U-pick farms make for the perfect family outing. After reading this article we’re positive you will be ready to gather the family and head out to a local u-pick farm for a day of picking fresh fruits and vegetables.
A major perk to living in Clermont, FL or a surrounding area is all of the u-pick farms there are to enjoy. There is literally a patch for almost any fruit or vegetable that is locally grown in Central Florida. Choose from blueberries, strawberries, peaches, citrus, pumpkins, and more! There are plenty of options to choose from around town. At one time, Clermont was mostly covered in Orange Groves. Today, it is a great place for farmers to grow and sell their crops.
Support Local Clermont, FL Farmers
If you live in or nearby Clermont, FL and are looking for an outside activity, be sure to check out a u-pick farm and support your local farmers. Now more than ever, local businesses and farmers need their community’s support. Buying directly from a farmer cuts out the middleman. It also ensures your purchase is coming from local farmers and keeps your price point down. Sure, buying your fruits and vegetables at the food store is easy, but it’s much more special when you can go to the farm. This way, you’re able to see how your produce is grown and even pick it yourself.
At the Erica Diaz Team, we LOVE to support local businesses. Supporting local farms is extra cool because it allows us to see how fruit and vegetables are grown and encourage healthy eating!
U-Pick Farms in Clermont, Florida
Southern Hill Farms
Photo Credit: Southern Hill Farms
By far, one of the most popular u-pick farms in town is Southern Hill Farms, which is known for its blueberries. Southern Hill Farms is a family-owned farm with seasonal crops. Trust us; this is one u-pick farm you must add to your list of visits!
The farm is over 100 acres and absolutely beautiful. Its U-pick patches consist of blueberries and peaches, both of which are harvested in the spring. They also grow gorgeous sunflowers and zinnias, which can be found in both the spring and fall seasons. The word around town is that the farmers hope to begin planting strawberries to increase their options of u-pick fruits in the future.
While you are at the farm make sure to pay a visit to the adorable little store. In the store, you’ll find blueberry-inspired items such as candles, lotions, and more. During the u-pick seasons, they also set up an area near the store where you can purchase fruits and flowers that have been pre-picked, in case you’d like more than what you picked yourself.
Not only does Southern Hill Farms have amazing and very tasty fruit, but they also know how to host a festival and serve up some very scrumptious foods. Their fall festival is an Erica Diaz Team favorite! With lots of pumpkins to choose from, hayrides, freshly made apple cider donuts, craft beers, and s’mores for fresh roasting over the fire, a great time is sure to be had. There are even hay rides, a petting zo, and a bounce house for the kids.
In the springtime, you won’t miss the fresh blueberry donuts, blueberry cobbler, blueberry lemonade, a guest favorite, or any of their homemade and delicious jams. Whether you go to pick your own fruit, or just want to hang out on the farm and enjoy all their yummy treats, you will absolutely LOVE spring and fall on this farm.
Covid-19 Updates
Due to Covid-19, tickets for their fall festival must be purchased in advance. All attendees over the age of 2 years old are required to wear face masks. If you want to purchase some of their tasty treats and are unable to attend the festivals, you can shop online here and choose to do their drive-through to pick up!
Showcase of Citrus
Photo Credit: Showcase of Citrus
Showcase of Citrus, is a family owned and operated farm. It’s is a great place for fun and citrus picking! Here you can experience u-pick citrus options, monster truck rides, and shopping at the old-time country store. This “fresh air attraction,” is a great place to spend the day outside. With increased safety measures for Covid-19, this 2,500-acre estate is a great place to social distance.
Open year round, you can visit the farm any day of the week for a fun filled time. Do keep in mind the u-pick patches are seasonal.The seasons are usually from November through May. There are over 50 different varieties of citrus to pick from and acre after acre to roam. During the seasons you can also purchase pre-picked citrus from their country store.
Some of the citrus options offered to pick from are ruby red grapefruit, Valencia Oranges, Kumquats, Myer Lemons, Pineapple Oranges, Tangos, Persian Limes, and many more options. Once you are done picking your fruit, check out wild gator nursery and farm animals like chickens and goats.
If you are in for a bit of a thrill after picking citrus, definitely take a ride on the monster truck! During the monster truck ride you will discover citrus farm land as well as get a little history about the place and education about farming. There’s also a gem mine for treasure hunters. This is a great place to bring out of town visitors too as it gives a little taste of old Florida.
Covid-19 Updates
Showcase of Citrus does require masks and ask that you social distance.
Lake Catherine Blueberries
Photo Credit: Lake Catherine Blueberries
Just next door to Clermont is the little town of Groveland. Here you can find Lake Catherine Blueberries which is home to a two u-pick blueberry farm. Running from mid-April to the end of May, you can choose from emerald or jewel blueberries. These two varieties of blueberries some of the tastiest blueberries you’ll ever eat! This locally owned farm is family run and operated.
While they are not serving up blueberries all year long, the fall is also a great time to visit. Lake Catherine Blueberries host a fun family fall maze and scavenger hunt, kids pumpkin painting, and live music. For older kids and adults, Lake Catherine Blueberries also hosts an escape room, haunted Halloween maze, and the dark forest trail of terror. No matter what kind of fun you’re looking to enjoy here, be sure to check their Facebook page or website for the most up to date information on hours and availability as well as pre purchasing tickets in advance. Though it is not necessarily required to pre book, you don’t want to miss out as tickets can go quickly for the allotted time slots.
Covid-19 Updates
Do make sure to wear a mask here and maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet whenever possible. Most activities here are located outside which does help with social distancing. As always, follow the CDC guidelines to keep yourself and those around you safe.
Bekemeyer Family Farm
Photo Credit: Bekemeyer Family Farm
Having just celebrated 100 years of farming, the Bekemeyer Family Farm is located just next to Clermont, in the town of Winter Garden. At this farm you’ll find fruits such as strawberries, juice oranges, peaches, vegetables, microgreens, and more. Be sure to check out their store too. It’s filled with fresh and frozen fruits, local honey, and many more items. The Bekemeyer Family Farm started selling salad mixes recently. They are a huge hit! Their pre made salads are a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. The kits included fresh picked lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, edible flowers, cucumbers, sweet peppers and arugula right off the farm.
Opened seasonally, they ask you check their Facebook page for the most up to date information concerning store hours, u-pick opportunities, and any other important information. In the spring their u-pick patches consist of strawberries and peaches.
Covid-19 Updates
The Bekemeyer Family Farm is following the CDC’s guidelines on the farm for Covid-19. They also ask that you do as well while visiting the farm. Guests on the farm who are unable to abide by the rules of mask wearing, social distancing, etc are being asked to leave.
The Erica Diaz Team – Best U-Pick Farms in Clermont, Florida
Clermont, FL is not only a great place to enjoy the outdoors at one of the many u-pick farms. It is also a great place to live! If you are interested in making the move to Clermont, or a surrounding area, the Erica Diaz Team would be happy to help you in your search for your next home! With years of experience, and a team of knowledgeable real estate agents, let the Erica Diaz Team guide you through the home buying process. We can even help to sell your current home! Contact us today, we look forward to meeting you!
