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Mason Beach Fruit Farm How We Operate The farm is open to all
who come to pick fruit. Our hope
is that you will enjoy our farm surroundings on Butchers Creek adjoining
Chesapeake Bay waters. Family
and supervised youth groups are most welcomed. Please be aware that water hazards exist and instruct your
children accordingly. Refer to
the <safe & enjoyable visit> and <farm layout> links on the
main page that identifies the water hazard areas as well as other
considerations to ensure you enjoy your visit. The farm layout will also be useful to you as it shows the
approximate locations of the various fruit plantings. Our Mason Beach Fruit
Farm operates in a "you-pick" or "pick-your-own" mode
using the honor system with respect to payment. We have used the "you-pick"/ honor system for
the past 11 seasons, and in the spirit of what the previous owner had
done. The price for all berries
or small fruit is 75¢/lb. For
large fruit (such as apples, pears, peaches, apricots, etc.), the price is
50¢/lb. Note -- the prices have
been kept the same for the last five seasons. They were not increased this year (2008) because of the
present economic conditions and rapid increase in gas prices. Our fruit prices will have to be
increased for the 2009 season, if we are to keep the farm operating. New customers should
come down the driveway to the Fruit Farm Office, the small white building on
the right of the drive. Inside
you will find information on what is currently ripe and its location. If possible, please bring your
own picking containers. Some
picking buckets are available in the office. Remember to pre-weigh your containers. When you have finished your picking,
please come back to the office for final weighing and payment using the
weighing scale in the office.
Follow the weighing instructions and weight- price lookup tables as
needed on the bulletin board.
There are plastic bags for carrying your fruit home. Please leave our containers at the
office. Also checks are
acceptable as no change container is now available. Please refer to the
U-Pick schedule on main web page that summarizes when the various berries and
fruits are expected to be ripening and the time span of harvest. Also, we keep Fruit Farm flyers with
the latest fruit update and picking schedule printed on the back in the
office and in a box on the bulletin board at the entrance to the farm. You are welcome to check
with us regarding availability.
Please call 757.442.7287 or email us at fosterjg@esva.net. July 30, 2008 |