It's a Perfect Time to be Happy and Enjoy the Summer - Fruits Farms

You know summer has arrived when the berry picking farms open. Being on the beach is always a good idea, but spending time with family picking berries is always something really very cozy and addicting. It reminds me of my childhood when the whole family harvested berries, then we made pies and enjoyed the tea on the patio...

So this time it was Emma Lea Farm, which is actually nearby of Vancouver (just 30 mins drive from downtown).

it's better to come earlier because around a lunchtime it might be crowded there and enjoy the picking.

it took as less than 40 mins to fill out the whole container.

They do not allow to snack while picking, but it's hard to resist.

After all, you can learn a little bit more about the history of this wonderful place. Joseph Tamboline immigrated from Italy and purchased the original family farm in 1885. Joseph married Myra EMMA Falkner in 1891 and they farmed mainly grain and hay, using heavy workhorses instead of tractors. The farm was passed down through the family and in 1954, Robert and Betty (Tamboline) Husband purchased the land from Betty’s Grandparents. Robert and Betty had an award winning dairy cattle herd and also grew grain, hay, potatoes, peas, sugar beet, beans and corn. On December 6, 1994, Robert and Betty were awarded the BC Century Farm and Ranch Award by the Minister of Agriculture for BC for the continuous operation of Emma Lea Farms for 100 years.

In 1975, the fourth generation started managing the family farm and added new crops such as strawberries, rutabaga, and cabbage to the farm. Today, Kevin and Joanne, as well as the fifth generation of family grow strawberries, raspberries, tayberries, boysenberries, blackberries, blueberries, beans, peas, rutabaga, beets and cabbage.

Such a long story of the whole family, eahh?

Also, if you have children - you can always bring them and you can spend amazing time together picking berries and having ice cream or fresh berries smoothie after...

Incredible welcoming place!

Are you enjoying the open berry picking farms or still prefer to buy berries in the stores and markets? How is your summer going? Share in the comments below! And thanks for reading!