Best Places To Pick Summer Fruit In Pittsburgh

Summer has finally arrived and the Pittsburgh region is blessed with a myriad of farms and marketplaces to enjoy picking favorite fruit choices. Bring the family or friends for a comfortable walk through fields and groves. There is a variety of fruit available and each farm has unique opportunities to purchase produce and market items.

Reilly's Summer Seat Farm
1120 Roosevelt Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 364-8270
www.reillyssummerseatfarm.com

If you're looking for an amazing farm experience, Reilly's Summer Seat Farm will be a seasonal adventure to explore all of the possibilities that are offered there. The summer season kicks off a berry-picking extravaganza for families and the fun part is working together for a memorable experience. Visit the Garden Center and greenhouse to purchase plants and supplies for the garden and if you need help, the staff will help with any gardening questions. The unique opportunities of the farm offers festivals, tours and special holiday events. It is a wonderful educational experience to learn about gardening, and it all starts in the summer where families may choose their favorite type of pick-your-own berry.

Located in Franklin Park and just off Route 79 at the Wexford exit, the Soergel Orchards is a popular shopping place for all of your gardening, marketing, produce and gift choices. There are seasonal events for pick-your-own fruit selections and it's prudent to call ahead to ensure the fruit will be ready for harvest. Soergel has a variety of berries for the pick-your-own event and then a stop at the market, garden and gift store will round out a special family outing. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and will carry purchases directly to your vehicle. There are seasonal events and a summer camp scheduled to learn about the farm experience. Soergel's own family welcomes you to learn all facets of the farm.

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Simmons Farm
170 Simmons Road
McMurray, PA 15317
(724) 941-1490
www.simmonsfarm.com

Even though the harsh winter conditions have delayed the harvesting of the fruit crop, the Simmons Farm is making preparations to pick your own apples, peaches and strawberries. Be sure to check out the local farmers' markets in your area, as Simmons Farm will have products available from its own market. There is a summer camp, field trips, parties and other seasonal activities for the kids to enjoy throughout the year. There is a greenhouse for flowers, plants and garden supplies, in which the staff will explain the proper care for all of your garden needs.

Trax Farms
528 Trax Road
Finleyville, PA 15332
(412) 835-3246
www.traxfarms.com

Pack up the family for a jaunt to the South Hills and you will find Trax Farms for some extraordinary exercise in the berry fields to pick your own favorites. The weather only put a slight a damper on the preparations for a delicious fruit crop, and the staff will help you find some recipes for an amazing dessert. Be sure to give the farm a call to ensure that the fields are ready for picking. The Trax family has an impeccable history in providing families with memorable experiences and that means families receive quality attention and excellent service. There are events and activities throughout the year for families to enjoy the well-maintained fields and check out the market selections.

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Triple B Farms
823 Berry Lane
Monongahela, PA 15063
(724) 258-3557
www.triplebfarms.com

Triple B Farms is more about the families than the harvest, and that legacy continues with everybody that has the opportunity to experience the taste of homegrown fruit. There are a variety of pick-your-own fruit selections throughout the year and that means more than one stop at Triple B. Check out the calendar and the availability of dates for berries, apples, nectarines and peaches. There seems to be something special happening all year at Triple B Farms, and there are enough exciting events scheduled for a full day of fun for all ages. Before you leave, try out the market for all of your bakery, produce, gifts and recipes.

Gerry Cernicky is a retired health and physical education teacher with 36 years of experience. He is a former teacher of the year and a sports writer for the Vandergrift News. He delivers podcasts, and maintains a website and blog. He currently resides in Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.