Early August is the perfect time for blueberries in the Monadnock Region. There are numerous places to pick blueberries in the region. It’s fun and quite easy because the berries are quite abundant. We use fresh blueberries in blueberry buckle, muffins, pancakes, and more. When we have too many to use, we freeze them.
We recently went to Monadnock Berries in Troy, twice, and picked blueberries and raspberries; the raspberry picking season has now passed. The setting is spectacular with a picture perfect view of Mount Monadnock. They provide containers. Monadnock Berries is also the home of Granite Roots Brewing, which makes blueberry beer (“Blue Moose Beer”). (545 West Hill Road, Troy, NH; call 603-242-6417 for hours and details.)
Another great place to pick berries is Crescendo Acres Farm in Surry. Bring your own container, and while you’re there, don’t forget to see the alpacas. (21 Carpenter Road, Surry, NH; call 603-352-9380 for hours and details.)
A short hike up Pitcher Mountain is well worth the trip. Pitcher Mountain Wild Blueberries, located on Andorra Forest, a private property with wild high bush blueberries to pick your own. Beautiful views and hiking trails open for public non-motorized use. Part of the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway Trail. (Route 123 North Stoddard, NH 03464 603-446-3655)
And if you don’t have time to pick blueberries, many of these places sell already-picked berries by the pound or the pint. Fresh, local blueberries are also sold at the Keene Farmer’s Market (Tuesday and Saturday) and many grocery stores. For example, Gomarlo’s Supermarket and Butcher Shop on Route 10 in West Swanzey typically gets local blueberries in daily.
Wherever you get them from, enjoy!