While blueberry season in June will always be my favorite fruit-picking time of year, there’s something undeniably magical about the arrival of strawberry season. It feels like spring’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony. When the farm opens for the first time, I know most of the cold, gray days are behind us.
Strawberry season means the return of sunshine, flowers, and the kind of warm afternoons that make you want to stay outside a little longer. And for me, it means one thing: a trip to Washington Farms.
To be honest, I didn’t always love strawberries. There was a texture thing I couldn’t get past. But about ten years ago, that changed—thanks entirely to my youngest son, Knox. We were at Washington Farms that day because of him. He absolutely loves strawberries. Since he’s allergic to red dye, fresh strawberries were always a sort of loophole—a naturally sweet and vividly red treat he could enjoy without worry.
And let me tell you, Knox is very persuasive. (Or is the better description persistent… or charmingly annoying?) Either way, he wore me down. He handed me a berry straight from the vine as we walked the rows and insisted I try it. One sun-warmed, sweet, and perfectly fresh bite completely changed my mind. It was that good. That moment made me a regular visitor to the farm throughout strawberry season.
These days, I usually go on my own. My kids are young adults, but they’re always happy to see the berries show up at Sunday dinner. I grab my basket, head out to the neatly lined rows of lush strawberry plants, and breathe in the fresh air. Birds sing, and the wind tugs at my hair. Little kids giggle excitedly as they pick alongside their parents. The staff at Washington Farms are always kind and welcoming, handing over a bucket and a smile. It’s simply peaceful, grounding, and joyful for me.Â
The strawberry season marks the start of my favorite months of the year. Even though blueberries will always have my heart, strawberries get the first dance every spring. And I’ll keep showing up to Washington Farms, year after year, to welcome the season the sweetest way I know how.