4 days ago
Pick your own produce: Where to go in and around Cumberland County
There's something satisfying about plucking a sun-ripened strawberry straight from the field or filling a bucket with blueberries you picked yourself. In Cumberland County and the surrounding areas, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy that experience.
In and around Fayetteville, several farms offer pick-your-own experiences throughout the growing season, giving locals a chance to connect with their food, support small businesses and enjoy a day outdoors.
From blueberries to corn, here are some pick-your-own farms to visit this season if you're looking to harvest your own produce.
William's Produce is an Autryville-based farm that offers pick-your-own strawberries six days a week.
Address: 2840 Maxwell Road, Autryville
Phone: 910-567-6719
Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
On the web: Search "Williams' Produce" on Facebook.
Gross Farms, located in Sanford about 50 minutes from Fayetteville, will continue its pick-your-own strawberry season through June 7, according to the farm's Facebook page. The cost is $18 per bucket, and visitors must arrive before 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday to pick your fruit.
Address: 1606 Pickett Road, Sanford
Phone: 919-498-6727
Hours: Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.
On the web: Search "Gross Farms" on Facebook.
At White Hill Farms Strawberry & Produce in Cameron, about an hour's drive from Fayetteville, you can pick your own blackberries starting the first week of June, according to owner Anna Jackson.
Address: 5020 South Plank Road, Cameron
Phone: 910-783-8552
Hours: Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
On the web:
Millstone Creek Orchards, located about an hour and a half from downtown Fayetteville in Ramseur, is an 84-acre family-run farm that offers pick-your-own blackberries for $25 a bucket, according to its website.
Address: 506 Parks Crossroads Church Road, Ramseur
Phone: 336-824-5263
Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
On the web:
With strawberry season coming to a close, Barry's Strawberry Farm has transitioned into an honor system, where patrons can pick their own strawberries and leave the money in a box on the fruit stand for their purchase, according to the farm's voicemail.
Address: 4047 Cox Mill Road, Sanford
Phone: 919-258-3606
Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to a May Facebook post.
On the web: Search "Barry's Strawberry Farm" on Facebook.
The Gillis Hill Road Produce strawberry season ended early this year due to heavy rainfall in April and May, but the farm is launching its first-ever pick-your-own experience for cucumbers, squash and zucchini starting in mid-June, according to owner Jessica Gillis Lee. She said a variety of pre-picked fruits and vegetables are also available at the open-air market.
Address: 2899 Gillis Hill Road, Fayetteville
Phone: 910-308-9342
Hours: Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.
On the web: Search "Gillis Hill Road Produce" on Facebook.
Carter Blueberry Farm is a family-owned and operated farm that has been in the blueberry business since 1970. The 6-acre farm opens seasonally, with blueberry picking typically beginning in late June or early July, according to its website. Prices are $2 per pound, with a 10% discount for military members and first responders, the website said.
Address: 4120 Clinton Road, Fayetteville
Phone: 910-308-0063
Hours: For the 2025 season, updated information will be available by mid to late June on the company's website.
On the web:
Bruce Brothers Farms in Stedman is a family-owned produce farm offering seasonal fruits and vegetables like pick-your-own strawberries for $13 a bucket, with other vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes and spring onions also available.
Address: 6267 Blake Road, Stedman
Phone: 910-483-5007
Hours: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
On the web: Search "Bruce Brothers Farms, Inc." on Facebook.
Bullard Farms in Stedman offers pick-your-own watermelon and sweet corn, typically from July 1 to Aug. 1, according to owner Collins Bullard.
Address: 2280 Stedman Cedar Creek Road, Stedman
Phone: 910-303-3795
Hours: Seasonal from July 1 to Aug 1, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Reporter Lizmary Evans covers dining, retail, entertainment and culture for The Fayetteville Observer. You can reach her at LEvans@
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Pick-your-own farms near Fayetteville, Cumberland County
