Celebrate National Blueberry Month with a trip to a local berry patch to pick blueberries fresh from the bush, or enjoy delectable blueberry treats at local restaurants!
Blueberry Patches in the Kansas City Area:
- The Berry Patch, 22509 State Line Rd., Cleveland, MO, 816.618.3771, www.TheBerryPatchOnline.com
- Duncan’s Berry Farm, 908 County Rd. F, Smithville, MO, 816.873.3053
Berry Picking Tips:
- Call ahead to verify picking times as they vary from farm to farm. This is a MUST!
- Remember comfortable shoes (you will be walking in fields) and wear sunscreen.
- Bring bottled water and pack a picnic if the farm allows.
- And, don’t forget your camera… children with blueberry smiles make a great photo-op!
Blueberry Fun:
Take the kids to Paradise Park (www.Paradise-Park.com) July 7-13 for Blueberry Week in the Children’s EduTainment Center.
Delicious Blueberry Foods:
- Frozen Treats: For the foodie, Glace Artisan Ice Cream (www.GlaceIceCream.com) is a favorite destination. Known for unique gourmet ice cream made with fresh ingredients, the shop’s blueberry ice cream is a summer favorite! You might also try the lemon curd and blueberry sorbet. If you’re in the mood for old-fashioned homemade ice cream, visit Murray’s Ice Cream (https://www.facebook.com/murraysicecreams) and try Those Blueberry Blues—a creamy classic! Or, stop in at the Johnson County favorite, Sylas & Maddy’s (11925 S. Strang Line Rd., Olathe, KS, 913.393.3500), for their homemade blueberry ice cream.
- Blueberry Breakfast: One of Kansas City’s most beloved bakeries for more than 60 years, McLain’s (McLainsBakeryInWaldo.com) is famous for its chocolate cup cookies, but they also make a mean coffeecake with blueberry cheese as one of their most popular flavors. Treat the family to a blueberry pancake breakfast at The Big Biscuit (BigBiscuitRestaurant.com), Winstead’s (many local locations, http://www.WinsteadsSteakburger.com) or First Watch (many local locations, www.FirstWatch.com).
- Decadent Desserts: If you’re looking for a guilt-free—or at least a “less guilt”—guilty pleasure, Cowtown Cheesecake Company (https://www.Facebook.com/Cowtown.Cheesecake) makes cheesecakes with all natural ingredients, including a to-die-for blueberry cheesecake. Or, treat your sweet tooth to something special with a blueberry lavender cupcake from GiGi’s Cupcakes (www.GigisCupcakesUSA.com/)!
- Adults Only: Beautifully situated on a hill in Weston, MO, you’ll find Pirtle Winery (www.PirtleWinery.com), a quaint little winery famous for their mead, but also many delicious wines—including blueberry wine.