2024 Boston and surrounding counties in Massachusetts Pear U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pear U-Pick orchards in Boston and surrounding counties in Massachusetts in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards for pears that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have pears orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Essex County

• Brooksby Farm - apples, blueberries, cherries, flowers, nectarines, pears, peaches, pumpkins, rhubarb, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info), weddings, Honey from hives on the farm,
  38 Felton St, Peabody, MA 1960. Phone: 978-531-7456. Email: Brooksby@peabody-ma.gov. Open: mid-June to February daily from 9am to 5 pm; Strawberry start in mid June; Apples start September 6; Peach mid Aug. Directions: Rt128 to Rt114 Call for more directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. We have seasonal Pick Your Own Fruits: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches and apples. Our garden vegetables are ready in July and we harvest thru early fall. Then our winter squash and apples carry us thru December. Visit our bakery for delicious cider donuts, hot mulled cider, cold cider and coffee. Make time to browse through our holiday filled farm store and take in the warm, inviting atmosphere. We have many unique gift ideas, holiday decorations and ornaments, baked goods, soy candles, fudge, candies, and gift baskets. While here visit our barnyard animals, take in the beautiful views, take a deep breath and relax. Weddings at the Felton-Smith Historic Site. The Smith Barn is the perfect setting for your special day. Birthday Parties: Have your birthday party or group activity at Brooksby Farm. Reservations only. Field Trips: Our field trips are designed for Pre-k to 3rd grade, daycare groups, home schools, and mothers groups. Picnic Tables - Bring a lunch and enjoy your surroundings. Owned by the City of Peabody, Brooksby Farm is a 270 acre farm and applepeach orchard located in the heart of Peabody just 20 miles North of Boston. We offer seasonal pick your own fruits, farm store, barnyard animals and our own vegetables See LessCome pick your own fruits seasonally, shop our farm store and visit our barnyard animals.Be good to yourself.. support local farming! Comments from a visitor on July 20, 2020: "Keep in mind, this is owned by the city government, so they are going overboard with the COVID paranoia outdoors. Worldwide there are no documented and verified cases of COVID transmission outdoors, so says the CDC. " Comments from a visitor on August 18, 2011: "We just visited Brooksby Farm to pick peaches this morning, August 18, 2011. There were a lot of peaches on the trees, but we had to look carefully to find many that were ripe. A 12 peck is $8.00. We weighed ours at home and it comes to about 6 14 lbs. Bags need to be purchased at the farm stand before entering the you-pick area.". Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Fax: 9785311631. . Rt128 to Rt114 Call for more directions. We have seasonal Pick Your Own Fruits: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches and apples. Our garden vegetables are ready in July and we harvest thru early fall. Then our winter squash and apples carry us thru December. Visit our bakery for delicious cider donuts, hot mulled cider, cold cider and coffee. Make time to browse through our holiday filled farm store and take in the warm, inviting atmosphere. We have many unique gift ideas, holiday decorations and ornaments, baked goods, soy candles, fudge, candies, and gift baskets. While here visit our barnyard animals, take in the beautiful views, take a deep breath and relax. Weddings at the Felton-Smith Historic Site. The Smith Barn is the perfect setting for your special day. Birthday Parties: Have your birthday party or group activity at. Reservations only. Field Trips: Our field trips are designed for Pre-k to 3rd grade, daycare groups, home schools, and mothers groups. Picnic Tables - Bring a lunch and enjoy your surroundings. Owned by the City of Peabody, is a 270 acre farm and apple/peach orchard located in the heart of Peabody just 20 miles North of Boston. We offer seasonal pick your own fruits, farm store, barnyard animals and our own vegetables See LessCome pick your own fruits seasonally, shop our farm store and visit our barnyard animals.Be good to yourself.. support local farming!
  Comments from a visitor on July 20, 2020: "Keep in mind, this is owned by the city government, so they are going overboard with the COVID paranoia outdoors. Worldwide there are no documented and verified cases of COVID transmission outdoors, so says the CDC. "
  Comments from a visitor on August 18, 2011: "We just visited to pick peaches this morning, August 18, 2011. There were a lot of peaches on the trees, but we had to look carefully to find many that were ripe. A 1/2 peck is $8.00. We weighed ours at home and it comes to about 6 1/4 lbs. Bags need to be purchased at the farm stand before entering the you-pick area."

Middlesex County

• Autumn Hills Orchard - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, grapes, pears, peaches, plums, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
  495 Chicopee Row, Groton, MA 1450. Phone: 978-448-8388. Email: info@autumnhillsorchard.com. Open: September through October; Weekends and holidays from 10am to 5pm; Weekdays by appointment; Call or email ahead for appointment. Directions: From Groton Center on Route 119. Heading north take Hollis street \(right turn out of Groton Center just after Town Hall\) about 3.5 miles. \(Hollis changes name to Chicopee Row at the Cemetery, but there\'s no street sign.\) Our driveway is on the left after Wilson Way. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  Autumn Hills Orchard Facebook page. . . From Groton Center on Route 119. Heading north take Hollis street (right turn out of Groton Center just after Town Hall) about 3.5 miles. (Hollis changes name to Chicopee Row at the Cemetery, but there's no street sign.) Our driveway is on the left after Wilson Way. We use integrated pest management practices.
• Belkin Lookout Farm - Strawberries, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Asian Pears, Apples, Pumpkins (Fall only) petting zoo, rides, hayride
  89 Pleasant Street, South Natick, MA 1760. Phone: 508-653-0653. Email: chughes@lookoutfarm.com. Open: daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions.
  Belkin Lookout Farm Facebook page. . Our fruit is based on availability and costs $2.50 per lb (in 2008). You can pick your own fruit, enjoy our train rides, 2 petting zoos and children's play area! Summer Admission: August 9th - August 31st: $8 Per Person (all Ages) Daily. Fall Admission: September 1st - November 1st: Weekday Rate (Monday thru Friday) - $8 per person (all ages). Weekends (Saturday & Sunday & Columbus Day Holiday) - $14 per adult, $12 for Children under 12 years old and Senior Citizens. Remember Children Under 2 years old are ALWAYS FREE! Also has an organic food store with ice cream. 2020 update, Please note, RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED to enter the orchard for U-pick. No walk-in guests will be allowed. Orchard access will be based per person ages 2 and above. Due to Covid-19, the Barnyard Play Area, Farm Animals and Train Ride will not be available. We look forward to open all of our operations next season. Lookout Farm Facebook page.
  Comments from a visitor on September 05, 2012: "We normally go picking at Belkin Farms and they are WONDERFUL!!!! Very kid friendly, very clean and safe and lots of great amenities. I would strongly recommend them to anyone who is going picking with kids."
  Comments from a visitor on September 04, 2008: "Loved it"
• Carver Hill Orchard - Apples, blueberries, cherries, corn (sweet), flowers, pears, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Christmas trees-you choose and you cut, Precut Christmas trees, Christmas wreaths and boughs, Christmas decorations, saws provided, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, wagon rides
  Brookside Avenue, Stow, MA 1775. Phone: 978-897-6117. Email: cclord@hotmail.com. Open: Mid June to August Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM. Directions: Take Route 117 to Stow, MA. Take Route 62 South for .2 miles and Brookside Ave is on your left. Follow the road to the end. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard.
  Carver Hill Orchard Facebook page. . Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October, November, December. September through December open 10 AM to 5 PM 7 days a week. Kitchen available for hotdogs, chips snacks and Ice Cream! Facebook page.
• Honors Farm Stand - Uses natural growing practices, beans, beets, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, herbs or spices, pears, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs
  52 Gore Street, Waltham, MA 2453. Phone: (781) 894-2798. Email: goreplace@goreplace.org. Open: Wednesday to Saturday from 7am to 7pm. Directions: The Farm Stand is located next to the Farmer\'s Cottage at Gore Place. Enter from Grove Street \(Waltham Street in Watertown\). To spot the entrance, just look for the \". Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard.
  Honors Farm Stand Facebook page. . Fax: (781) 894-5745. . The Farm Stand is located next to the Farmer's Cottage at Gore Place. Enter from Grove Street (Waltham Street in Watertown). To spot the entrance"

 

pear Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

pears, also known as serviceberries or Juneberries, are delicious and nutritious berries native to North America, mostly in the western Canada and northwestern U.S. . These small blue-purple berries grow on shrubs or small trees and have a unique flavor that is often described as a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and almonds. Here's what you need to know about pears, how to use them, when to harvest them, and how to do it:

Flavor and Uses:

pears have a pleasantly sweet and slightly tart taste, making them a versatile ingredient in various culinary creations. They can be enjoyed fresh, added to fruit salads, used in baked goods such as pies, muffins, and tarts, or even incorporated into jams, jellies, and sauces. pear berries also freeze well. They can be substituted for blueberries in recipes.

If you're looking for great, easy to follow recipes to make jam, jelly, freeze or make pear pie from Saksatoons / Juneberries, see these pages:

• How to make pear jam
• How to freeze pears
• World's best and easiest pear pie
• How to Can pears
• How to make pear jelly
• How to make and can pear syrup
• How to make home-canned pear pie filling to use later
• pear buckle coffee cake: illustrated directions for this great crumb-topping pear coffee cake

Harvesting Season:

The exact timing of pear berry harvest can vary depending on your location and climate, but it generally occurs in the summer months. In most regions, you can expect to start harvesting pears from late June to early August. Keep an eye on the berries as they ripen to determine the best time for harvesting.

Determining Ripeness:

Ripe pear berries are plump, firm, and have a deep purple-blue color. They should come off the plant easily when gently pulled or twisted. Look for berries that have a uniform color and avoid those that are still green or red. Taste a few berries to ensure they have reached the desired sweetness before harvesting the entire crop.

How to pick or harvest:

To harvest pear berries, simply hold the branch beneath the cluster of ripe berries and gently pluck them off with your fingers. It's best to place a container or basket beneath the branch to catch the berries as they fall.

The easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them with your fingers.  The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.

Be careful not to squeeze or crush the berries while harvesting to maintain their shape and quality.

Handling and Storage:

Handle pear berries with care as they are delicate and can bruise easily. After harvesting, sort through the berries and remove any damaged or overripe ones. Store the freshly picked berries in a shallow container, preferably in a single layer, to prevent crushing and allow for proper airflow. Refrigerate the berries and consume them within a few days for optimal freshness. If you have an abundant harvest, consider freezing the berries for longer-term storage.

• Once picked, don't place the berries, still warm from the sun, in a closed bag or container. Leave the container open so moisture doesn't form in the container.
• Don't wash berries until just before using, to prevent berries from becoming mushy.
• Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life. Store your fresh pears in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked pears will keep 10 to 14 days.
• Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep the skins from toughening.  Place berries one layer deep. Freeze, then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed pears freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries in cold water.

 

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers