Fitch’s Farm Market
While offering pick-your-own strawberries for a broad audience, the variety of pick-your-own tomatoes, peppers and beans offered by Fitch’s are for the serious cook. Eighth-generation farmer Adam Fitch emphasizes how the quality, as well as range of products, draw people in. “Fresh quality produce goes a long way as far as people’s diet,” he says. 4413 Center Road, Avon, 440-934-6125, fitchsfarmmarket.com
Greenfield Berry Farm
Go for a quick hike and then do some blueberry and aronia berry picking at this farm located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Picking season begins late June or early July and runs through August, with a variety of pick times. “The farmstead is historic,” says owner Daniel Greenfield. “It maintains a lot of character. The farm and field itself [are] surrounded by woods.” 2485 Major Road, Peninsula, greenfieldberryfarm.com
Patterson Fruit Farm
This is a must-visit with 25 acres of apples to pick beginning mid- to late-August. They also do pick-your-own strawberries in June and have a farm market selling treats like doughnuts, apple fritters and apple cider. “The experience and getting [customers] out to the farm and having them appreciate that way of life is very important for us,” says co-owner Bill Patterson. 11414 Caves Road, Chesterland, 440-729-1964, pattersonfarm.com
Rittman Orchards
With roughly 10 acres of berries including strawberries, raspberries, black raspberries and blueberries, Rittman Orchards will be offering plenty of picking opportunities this summer. “We have a really nice outdoor seating area to enjoy picnics, and we have our own hard cider and winery,” says owner Chris Vodraska. 13548 Mount Eaton Road, Doylestown, 330-925-4152, rittmanorchards.com
West Orchards Farm Market
This 130-year-old farm offers sweet and sour cherry picking beginning in July, after strawberry picking in June. “It’s almost like looking at a jewelry box,” says owner Ame West. “You see all these beautiful green leaves and then sour cherries are the most spectacular, brilliant, bright red.” 3034 N. Ridge Road, Perry, 440-259-3192, westorchardsfarmmarket.com
