There’s something magical about stepping into a sun-kissed strawberry field, breeze on your face, and the sweet scent of ripened fruit wrapped around you like a childhood memory. At McLeod Farms in the charming little town of McBee, South Carolina, that magic ripens every spring. Whether you’re reliving your own summers spent barefoot in berry patches or introducing someone new to the thrill of u-pick season, you’re in for a treat that’s bigger than just the juicy red gems waiting to be plucked. Let’s peel back the rows and see what makes this farm a seasonal gem worth savoring.
Fields Of Red: A Berry Lover’S Dream
Worried the fields might be picked clean before you get there? Don’t be. McLeod Farms spreads across over 5,000 acres, and a generous 600 of those are dedicated just to strawberries. The rows seem nearly endless, dotted with bright red jewels beneath caps of green, stretching under the Carolina skies. It’s the kind of place where your bucket fills quickly but your heart fills faster.
And if your schedule doesn’t align with farm-picking hours, there’s no need to miss out. The McLeod Farms Roadside Market stays open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering heaping containers of freshly picked berries, still warm from the sun. It’s just as rewarding a haul, minus the stooping.
Sweets, Smiles, And Strawberry Shenanigans
After you’ve filled your buckets and stretched your legs, the farm’s bakery invites you to indulge a little… or a lot. Think warm blackberry cobbler with a buttery crumble topping, peach pies that glow golden under flaky crusts, and scoops of vanilla ice cream slowly melting over it all. It’s comfort and summer wrapped into one sweet bite.
And while you’re making memories, don’t skip the quirky photo ops scattered around the market, including a playful strawberry cutout that practically begs for a selfie. It’s a little silly, a little sweet – just like the experience itself.
A Farm With Deep Roots And A Big Heart
Though McBee is a quiet town with fewer than 900 residents, McLeod Farms is anything but small in spirit. Since 1916, this family-run operation has grown from humble beginnings into a cherished cornerstone of Carolina agriculture. Now led by the fourth and fifth generations, the farm gracefully blends old-fashioned hospitality with the buzz of seasonal excitement. Strawberry season might steal the spotlight this time of year, but it’s just one of many traditions that have ripened here over more than a century.
Welcome To The Berry Heart Of McBee
Each April, McLeod Farms in McBee throws open its gates just as the fields start bursting with vibrant red berries, ripe for the picking. Nestled amid the gentle curves of the South Carolina countryside, this fifth-generation family farm has become a much-anticipated springtime destination. From families looking for a wholesome weekend outing to solo adventurers seeking a slice of nostalgia, McLeod welcomes all with muddy boots, sun hats, and strawberry-stained fingers.
Finding Your Way And Marking Your Calendar
If you’re wondering exactly where all this country charm lives, McBee is tucked between Camden and Florence – about 30 miles from each. The 2022 strawberry picking season kicks off on April 14 and runs through May 21, but keep in mind that u-pick days are Saturdays only, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a short season, but a sweet one. You’ll want to carve out a sunny weekend morning to get a taste while it lasts.
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