If you love fruit picking, then be sure to visit this idyllic u pick blackberries farm here at Jacksonville’s Congaree and Penn. Read on for all the details you need to make this a fun day out.
Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
Congaree and Penn
Just outside of the hustle and bustle of downtown Jacksonville, you will find the more rural side of North Florida. Rural yet beautiful, Congaree and Penn sits on over 300 acres of Florida farmland. Here is a place you can truly see Florida’s agriculture at its best. While not all of that acreage is part of their u pick blackberries farm, it will be the focus of this blog post.
Blackberries Farm | Detailed Information
- Hours: 11am to 4pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- Cost: Varies each year and is based on the blackberry in season
- 2021: Tickets were only sold for groups of 12
- 2022 Update: ~$12-20 per basket. The basket is yours to keep and holds approximately 3 pounds of blackberries.
- If you do not want to do the u pick blackberries part and want to visit the blackberries farm or just be with the family that is blackberry picking, then you will need a farm pass.
- Farm Pass Cost: $8 (if purchased in advance): $10 (walk-in/based on availability): $5 (if you have a dining reservation)
- Visit the Congaree and Penn website or Facebook page to be kept informed of any changes
- E-Mail: [email protected]
- Call: (904) 527-1945
Preparing for Your Visit to the Blackberries Farm
In every one of my u pick farm posts, you’ll find that I recommend the same things over and over. And a visit to this blackberries farm is no different. They are as follows sunscreen, bug spray, umbrella, and water bottle. Florida weather can be predictable in its unpredictability, so it’s important to come prepared. You’ll notice in my pictures that the terrain was very wet from rain and muddy, so be dressed appropriately for this. Be sure to wear boots that can withstand this and clothes that can (and likely will) get dirty. If you are visiting from out of state, then don’t forget to subscribe below to get the printable version of my full packing list. If you are a Florida local, then read my travel accessories post which details everything I pack in my backpack for a day out with my little ones.
U Pick Blackberries
The most important piece of advice I can give to you when visiting the u pick blackberries farm is to get there early! Reserve your tickets for the beginning of the blackberry season and try to be there when the farm first opens. Depending on the crop, u pick farms have been known to close earlier than the blackberry season lasts if they get “picked out.” So don’t go home empty handed. Speaking of hands, blackberries can stain, so be sure to bring a pack of hand wipes with you to avoid getting stains on anything else.
When are Blackberry in Season?
You’ll find blackberry in season here in Florida during the months of May and June. On occasion blackberry season may last until the first week of July. With this short window of time for blackberry in season, it’s important to be prepared with tickets in advance. Most u pick farms only offer this on the weekends and if there are events scheduled this may also change the availability.
How to Pick Blackberries
Just like with any fruit, it’s important to know the life cycle to know when the best time is to pick blackberries to ensure the most flavor. Blackberries typically start out green, then as they get larger, you’ll see that red is added to that. Once they stop growing the red will turn into purple, then become the black color they are known for. Picking blackberries before they turn fully black can often have a bitter taste since they are considered unripe at that point. To ensure the sweetest taste, pick blackberries only at their peak. By doing this you will also allow others to pick blackberries and enjoy the farm by giving the blackberries the chance to continue to ripen.
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash
How to Store Blackberries
The best way to store blackberries is by keeping them dry and in the fridge. Washing blackberries and then storing them in the fridge will make the blackberries rot much faster. Store blackberries best by keeping them unwashed until you are ready to eat them.
How to Eat Gluten Free and Dairy Free at Congaree and Penn
Congaree and Penn have made it very clear that outside food or drink is prohibited on the premises. This is because they have a dedicated restaurant, bar, and store on site. As a person with food allergies, phrases like that make me very uneasy. In this case, Congaree and Penn is truly all about eating farm to table, and so much of the food is grown and made by chefs on the premises. By doing this, it can allow for different dietary restrictions. Per their online menu, they have items that are gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan. In addition, it was also noted that if contacted in advance, certain entrees can be made special for that visit. So, be sure to reach out to make any requests in advance. Given its location, you are also about an ~10-minute drive from all of Jacksonville’s restaurants as well.
Beside the U Pick Blackberries Farm, what else is there to do here at Congaree and Penn?
Congaree and Penn is more than just a u pick blackberries farm, they also have figs, muscadine grapes, and olives that are also u pick. Beyond their u pick farm, they also grow much of the food that they prepare in their on-site restaurant. You can find many of these items and other local items for sale in their store or available for purchase online. No farm would be complete without farm animals, so make sure to visit some of the fuzzy friends that call this place home. Special tickets are needed to feed and pet them, but you can at least visit them during your u pick blackberries adventure. You can also book private tours and parties on their beautiful premises.
Our family loves fruit picking and it doesn’t matter what kind. We just won’t stop till we’ve done it all. Blackberries may not be the traditional u pick fruit, but we had to do it anyways. Check out all the other fun u pick farms we’ve visited like when we went strawberry picking, blueberry picking, pumpkin picking, and even peach picking. We are still working on adding more to this list, so be sure to follow our adventures on Instagram.
Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
