This Arizona Farm Is Perfect For Picking Your Own Strawberries Each Spring
I’ll admit it: I have a weakness for slow weekend mornings that involve red-stained fingers and a slight sunburn. There’s a particular hidden gem tucked away in the countryside that has become my official spring sanctuary.
As soon as the season turns, I clear my calendar, pack a hat, and head out to find the juiciest strawberries I can get my hands on. There is a strange, meditative joy in crouching between rows, hunting for that one elusive, perfectly ripe gem hidden under the leaves.
It’s the kind of wholesome Arizona adventure that makes you forget about emails and deadlines entirely. There’s something magical about wandering through the rows of strawberry plants, basket in hand, searching for the ripest fruit while the kids run ahead with dirt-smudged faces and berry-stained fingers.
This isn’t just a farm visit, it’s a full day of adventure that combines the simple joy of harvest with bakery treats, farm park fun, and memories that stick around long after the berries are gone.
The Sweet Tradition Of U-Pick Strawberries
Mid-May brings a special kind of excitement to this farm when the strawberry fields open for picking season. I’ve learned to watch the calendar closely because once those plants start producing, the window for picking is precious and fleeting.
Walking into the fields feels like stepping into a treasure hunt where every leaf might hide the perfect berry. The farm provides baskets, and you pay by the pound for whatever you harvest, which means you control exactly how much you take home.
What I love most is how the berries taste when they’re sun-warmed and freshly picked, nothing like the refrigerated ones from grocery stores. The sweetness hits differently when you’ve plucked them yourself, and there’s pride in knowing you did the work.
Kids especially get a kick out of this hands-on experience, learning where their food comes from while snacking on nature’s candy. Just remember to bring sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be bending and walking at Mortimer Farms more than you might expect.
Year-Round Farm Market Treasures
Beyond the seasonal strawberry picking, the farm market operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., becoming a reliable source for fresh produce throughout the year. I’ve stopped by in every season and always find something worth taking home.
The market shelves showcase locally grown vegetables, fruits that change with the seasons, and specialty items you won’t find at typical grocery stores. During my visits, I’ve discovered everything from fresh corn to pumpkins, depending on what’s currently thriving in Arizona’s unique climate.
What sets this market apart is the connection to the land where everything grows. You’re not just buying produce, you’re supporting a family farm that’s been cultivating this desert soil with care and dedication.
The staff knows their products inside and out, offering cooking tips and storage advice that’s actually useful. I’ve learned new recipes just from casual conversations while checking out, and that personal touch makes every visit feel less like shopping and more like visiting friends who happen to grow amazing food.
Bakery Delights That Steal the Show
Honestly, the bakery at Mortimer Farms might be my favorite guilty pleasure in all of Dewey. The aroma of fresh-baked goods hits you the moment you walk through the door, and resisting is basically impossible.
Their pies have achieved legendary status among locals, with fruit fillings that taste like concentrated sunshine. I’ve tried the strawberry pie during spring season, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy those berries if you don’t feel like picking your own or want to supplement what you’ve harvested.
The selection rotates based on what’s in season, but you’ll typically find cookies, pastries, and other treats that pair perfectly with a farm visit. Everything tastes homemade because it is, with recipes that feel like they’ve been passed down through generations.
I make it a point to grab something from the bakery on every visit, whether it’s a slice of pie to enjoy right there or a whole dessert to bring home for dinner. Fair warning though: once your family tastes these baked goods, they’ll expect you to make the drive back sooner rather than later.
Farm Park Adventures for All Ages
After filling your baskets with strawberries, the farm park offers a perfect way to let kids burn off energy while adults catch their breath. This isn’t some elaborate theme park, it’s old-fashioned farm fun that feels refreshingly simple.
The rides and games scattered throughout the park cater to younger children primarily, with activities that encourage exploration and play without overwhelming sensory input. I’ve watched my own kids spend hours here, moving from one attraction to another with endless enthusiasm.
What strikes me most is how the park blends seamlessly with the working farm atmosphere. You’re not separated from the agricultural setting, you’re immersed in it, which gives children a fuller understanding of farm life.
The admission is reasonable, especially considering you can easily spend several hours here between picking, playing, and exploring. I typically plan for at least half a day when visiting, bringing snacks and water to keep everyone fueled for the full experience without rushing through any single activity.
The Family Legacy Behind the Fields
Mortimer Farms carries the weight of family tradition in every corner, and you can feel that history in how the place operates. This isn’t some corporate agricultural venture, it’s land that’s been loved and worked by the same family for years.
During my visits, I’ve occasionally chatted with family members who still actively run the operation, and their passion for farming in Arizona’s challenging climate is genuinely inspiring. They’ve adapted traditional farming methods to work with the desert environment, creating something special in the process.
The commitment to keeping the farm accessible to visitors shows in thoughtful details throughout the property. Everything from the parking layout to the clearly marked paths demonstrates planning that prioritizes guest experience without sacrificing agricultural integrity.
Supporting Mortimer Farms means supporting a local family business that contributes to the community beyond just selling produce. They’ve created jobs, educational opportunities, and a gathering place that brings people together around the shared experience of connecting with where food comes from.
Planning Your Spring Visit
Timing your visit correctly makes all the difference between a good experience and a great one. Strawberry season typically kicks off in mid-May, but I always recommend checking the farm’s website or calling ahead before making the drive.
Arizona weather can be unpredictable, and strawberry production depends on temperature patterns that shift slightly each year. The farm updates their availability regularly, so you won’t waste a trip only to find the picking season hasn’t started or has already ended.
Early morning visits offer cooler temperatures and often better berry selection, especially on weekends when crowds arrive later in the day. I’ve found that arriving right when they open gives you first pick of the freshest fruit and plenty of elbow room in the fields.
Weekdays tend to be quieter if your schedule allows for a mid-week adventure. The parking lot fills up fast on Saturdays and Sundays during peak season, so plan accordingly if you prefer a more relaxed pace without jostling for space in the strawberry rows.
What To Bring For The Perfect Farm Day
Preparation makes your farm visit infinitely more enjoyable, and I’ve learned through trial and error what essentials to pack. Sunscreen tops the list because Arizona sun doesn’t mess around, even in spring when temperatures feel deceptively mild.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable for walking through fields and navigating uneven terrain. I’ve seen people show up in sandals and regret it within minutes, especially when morning dew makes the ground slightly muddy.
Bring your own water bottles because staying hydrated matters more than you think when you’re bending over strawberry plants under the Arizona sky. The farm has facilities, but having water on hand means you can drink frequently without interrupting your picking rhythm.
A hat with a brim protects your face and keeps the sun out of your eyes while you’re searching for berries. I also recommend bringing hand wipes or a small towel because strawberry juice stains, and you’ll definitely get some on your fingers no matter how careful you try to be during the picking process.
Beyond Strawberries: Seasonal Offerings
While strawberries steal the spotlight each spring, Mortimer Farms cultivates crops throughout the year that deserve attention. I’ve visited during fall pumpkin season and found the experience equally rewarding, just with a completely different vibe.
The farm adapts its offerings to match what thrives in each season, creating reasons to return multiple times annually. Summer brings different vegetables, autumn features pumpkins and gourds, and winter offers its own selection of cool-weather crops.
This seasonal rotation keeps the farm market interesting and ensures you’re always getting produce at peak freshness. I appreciate how they work with nature’s rhythms rather than fighting against Arizona’s climate to force crops that don’t belong here.
Each season brings its own activities and special events that complement the harvest. The farm posts updates about what’s currently available and what’s coming soon, helping visitors plan trips around specific crops or experiences they want to enjoy with their families throughout the changing calendar year.
Making Memories In The Desert
At the end of the day, Mortimer Farms offers something increasingly rare in our digital age: a chance to slow down and connect with simple pleasures. I’ve watched my children’s faces light up with genuine joy over finding a particularly large strawberry, and that’s worth more than any screen time.
The farm creates opportunities for families to work together toward a common goal, whether that’s filling a basket with fruit or completing the farm park activities as a team. These shared experiences build bonds that last far beyond the day itself.
Located at 12907 E State Route 169 in Dewey, Arizona, this place has become a tradition for many families who return year after year. The drive through Arizona’s beautiful high desert country adds to the adventure, making the destination feel like a true escape from everyday routine.
Every visit leaves me with full baskets, happy kids, and a renewed appreciation for the people who dedicate their lives to farming in challenging conditions so we can enjoy fresh, local food and meaningful family experiences.