U-Pick Organic Blueberries at Duckworth Family Farm in Sebastopol

Blueberries are one of summer's most delicious (and healthy) treats and like most fruit, they always taste better right after you pick them. You can pick your own berries and taste the difference this summer at Duckworth Family Farm in Sebastopol, which offers blueberry u-pick on Saturdays through the end of the season. A trip here is always one of the highlights of our summer, and we can't wait to visit again to pick more berries!

U-pick hours at Duckworth Family Farm this season are on Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm. Apparently blueberries picked early in the morning away from the heat of the day taste better and last longer, so try to reserve an early time slot if you can. This year they've opened up even more fields of blueberries, with a huge new field adjacent to the parking area, so there are even more berries for you to pick!

The berries here are certified organic and they're delicious! We visited this weekend and had a fantastic time picking blueberries, visiting farm animals, and treating ourselves to some amazing blueberry ice cream and sorbet.

Strap a picking bucket around your waist and head out into the blueberry fields to start picking. The blueberry plants are low to the ground and the berries are easy to pick, so it's perfect for little ones who might have a hard time picking apples or other fruit. Blueberries cost $5.99 per pound, which is a great deal for certified organic berries.

You can also visit with some friendly farm animals like horses, sheep, chickens and geese. There's plenty of room on this 80-acre farm and plenty of families were relaxing under the trees with a picnic. There are even tractors and trucks to climb on.

The blueberries from Duckworth Family Farm really taste way better than the kind you get at the grocery store, probably because we picked them ourselves that morning. They're perfect for baking into pies or muffins or of course just eating as-is. It's a fun and delicious experience and a great outing for the whole family.

If You Go

Duckworth Family Farm is open for blueberry u-pick on select Saturdays this summer until berries run out. This year, due to the rain and cooler weather, the season has started much later than usual. Advance reservations are required; reservations open at 8 pm the Thursday prior to the picking event (e.g. reservations for Saturday, July 13 will open on Thursday, July 11). U-pick slots fill up quickly, so make sure you make your reservations as early as you can. Note that they are using a new reservation system this season and we've noticed that you have to be really quick about signing up in order to secure your reservation. If you don't get one on Thursday night, check back throughout the day on Friday since cancelations do happen and spots may open up. Subscribe to their email list on their website (www.duckworthfarmblueberries.com) to get the latest details and reminder emails.

Admission is free but there is a $5 per car parking fee, cash or check preferred, payable on-site as you enter the farm. Blueberries cost $5.99 per pound. Blueberry ice cream or sorbet, in sugar cones or cups, costs $5. A limited variety of hot and cold drinks are also available for sale. You'll find a variety of picnic tables and benches throughout the farm, so feel free to bring a picnic and relax after picking your berries.

They're located at 2950 Canfield Road in Sebastopol. To get there, take highway 101 to the Highway 116/Sebastopol exit and head west on Highway 116. In Sebastopol, turn left onto Bloomfield Road, then follow Bloomfield Road west. Turn left at the stop sign (you're still on Bloomfield Road) and go straight at the second stop sign which leads you onto Canfield Road. Duckworth Family Farm will be on your right.

Wear sturdy shoes and clothes that you don't mind get dirty — you're on a farm, after all. Restroom facilities with hand-washing stations are available for guests.

For more information, visit www.duckworthfarmblueberries.com or call (707) 829-7999. You can also get updates on their Facebook page.