by Rachael McMillan
Somewhere in Chambana, the following conversation is taking place right now:
Person 1: This area is great. We have a lot of the cultural opportunities of a larger city…
Person 2: …but it’s still small enough to feel like we live in the country!
Both are certainly true. And right now, the “country” part of central Illinois living is the star attraction. What better way to enjoy the acres of fertile farmland that surround us than by taking the family out for some u-pick fun?
In case you’re not familiar with the term, u-pick (or PYO, short for “pick your own”) refers to farms which allow patrons to pick fruits and vegetables, fresh from the field, to bring home and enjoy.
The benefits of u-pick are endless. Richard Pontious, owner of local pick-your-own destination Pontious Farm, says this: “Not only is u-pick a fantastic way to afford food that is good for you, but it’s a fun experience for the entire family.”
That’s just for starters. Taking your kids to pick fresh fruits and veggies teaches them about where food comes from, encourages healthy eating habits, and enforces the value of eating local, seasonal produce.
There are lots of options for u-pick fun around Chambana. Photo by Terwilliger911 on flickr.
And budgeters take note: u-pick is also a great way to get the best price for local (and, in many cases, organic) fruits and vegetables throughout the year. According to Pontious, “It is a great value, especially for those who want to can or freeze the products for later use. We have customers who pick 30 to 100 pounds of berries, freeze them and eat them through the winter until the new season starts.”
Need further convincing? At many u-pick locations, including Pontious Farm (1958 Blueberry Lane, White Heath), you are encouraged to sample the produce right off the vine, tree, or plant. Yum.
Pickyourown.org is a great resource for locating area farms that invite the practice. The link takes you to the central Illinois listings, but you can certainly use it to find farms in other areas—even other countries! You can also search the site for festivals, recipes, canning tips, and more.
Below are a few area u-pick destinations and the highlights of each one. Remember, we’re talking agriculture here—not all of the available crops are up and running yet, and some have already peaked for the season.
NEW! Prairie Fruits Farm: 4410 N. Lincoln Ave., Champaign
U-Pick for organic blackberries and peaches starting Thursday, July 22. We will be open for the following days and hours: Thursdays 5-8 p.m.; Sundays 1-4 p.m.; Tuesdays 5-8 p.m. We have blackberries to pick at $3/pint and delicious organic peaches at $1.50/lb. Come to the large white pole barn to pick up picking baskets and instructions on where to pick.
Curtis Orchard: 3902 S. Duncan Rd., Champaign
Apples are the main attraction, but there is also a sizable pumpkin patch. The general store sells honey harvested on site among many other things (do not skip the mind-blowingly awesome cider donuts). There is a maze, a play area, a slide, and goats to feed. The Flying Monkey Cafe is open for lunch daily, and special entertainment is featured on the weekends. Open July 20 – December 20.
Tomahnous Farm: 480 CR 2500 N, Mahomet
Call 586-5632 to make an appointment for picking berries and apples. Also available for purchase are asparagus, herbs, greens, eggs, flour, and some meat products.
Mulberry Lane Farm: 414 Mulberry St., Loda
Unfortunately, the strawberries are all picked out for the season. However, at least one Chambana mom thinks this is a place to plan on visiting next year.
Okaw Valley Orchard: RR 2 Box 124, Sullivan
Although u-pick is mostly limited to apples, the farm also offers peaches, plums, and pears. A general store sells a variety of jams, jellies, and pastries, among other thing. A new bed and breakfast on the premises is open to orchard patrons.
The Great Pumpkin Patch: 1749 A CR 1900 N, Arthur
U-pick pumpkins are the tip of the iceberg at this definitive local pumpkin patch. A corn maize, enormous gourd displays, a mildly haunted barn, a bakery, and an old schoolhouse-turned-museum are just a few of the features you get to enjoy for the price of admission ($5 for adults, $2 for kids ages 6-12, kids 5 and under are free).
What’s your favorite u-pick fruit or location?
A former high school teacher who now is spending time at home with her two children, Jack and Kate, Rachael McMillan is a freelance writer and reading tutor.
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Pontius Farm in White Heath is not far and has a great variety of stuff. Besides berries, fruit, and vegetables, they even have a huge herb garden you can pick from with tons of varieties of all your favorite herbs.
http://pontiousfarm.com/
I’m excited to take the family there. I love their “sample while you pick” policy!
Whenever I’m in Sullivan in the summer I swing by Okaw Valley Orchard. The peaches are great and the owners will give you advice for how to use different fruit appropriately or on preserving the fruit.
I really thought that looked like a neat one, and I’m intrigued by the B&B. Good to have a personal recommendation!