There’s a unique charm to New England, a timeless quality that invites families to slow down and savor simple pleasures. As relative newcomers to the picturesque landscapes of New Hampshire, my family and I are constantly seeking authentic local experiences that allow us to truly soak in the region’s beauty. Recently, we embarked on a delightful journey to Riverview Farm in Plainfield, NH, for our very first blueberry picking adventure. Having never experienced a pick-your-own blueberry farm before – especially not during our years living in Arizona, where such lush berry bushes were a rarity – this outing promised to be a quintessential “New Englandy” activity, and it certainly delivered.
This wasn’t our first foray into the world of fruit picking. Many years ago, when our children were much younger, I fondly recall a memorable strawberry picking trip at a local farm in Rhode Island. That day was filled with boundless laughter and sticky, sweet joy. My daughters adored it, though I’m still not entirely sure what I was thinking bringing a toddler boy along for the ride! Yet, the allure of those freshly picked strawberries was irresistible. As expected, he ended up a delightful, crimson mess by the end of it all, a memory that still brings a smile to my face. Fast forward to yesterday’s adventure, and I’m proud to report that our now-grown son emerged from the blueberry patch without a single blue stain. A true testament to growth and perhaps, better picking etiquette!
The Scenic Drive to Plainfield and the Warm Welcome
Our journey to Riverview Farm took us about an hour and a half from our current location, but every mile was undoubtedly worth it. The drive itself was a testament to New Hampshire’s captivating allure. Rolling hills, dense forests, and glimpses of charming small towns painted a beautiful backdrop as we made our way through the countryside. Since moving here, we’ve found ourselves constantly enchanted by the state’s natural splendor, and it seems impossible to get enough of it.
Beyond the scenic views, the car ride provided invaluable quality time with the family. The children, full of youthful energy and enthusiasm, filled the car with their impromptu songs and playful banter. There were moments of shared laughter, mostly at my expense, which, for some inexplicable reason, always makes me feel wonderfully old. It’s these unscripted, joyful moments that truly make family outings special, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Upon our arrival at Riverview Farm, we stepped into their inviting farm store, where we were immediately greeted by Paul and Nancy, the farm’s warm and hospitable owners. Nancy, with a friendly smile, asked how she could assist us. My husband, ever the enthusiast, playfully declared that we were “here to do it all!” Paul and Nancy shared a hearty chuckle, and Nancy humorously mentioned she had a long list of chores needing extra hands around the farm. While my husband would have gladly lent his assistance, my primary mission for the day was unequivocally to pick the most succulent blueberries we could find.
Exploring the Abundant Beauty of Riverview Farm
The farm grounds themselves were nothing short of breathtaking. My husband, who has been nurturing dreams of owning land and cultivating various crops, along with raising animals like cows, chickens, and goats, seemed to experience a touch of “farm envy.” It’s a vision I fully support, and we often discuss how that might unfold for us in the future. Riverview Farm certainly offered a glimpse into that pastoral dream, inspiring conversations and igniting aspirations.
Beyond the bountiful fruit fields, the farm boasted truly gorgeous flower gardens. Vibrant hues exploded in every direction, inviting visitors to cut their own fresh blooms to take home. This thoughtful touch added another layer of charm to the farm experience, allowing us to bring a piece of its natural beauty back with us. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blossoms, a delightful contrast to the crisp New Hampshire air.
Among the most striking displays were the sunflowers. Towering and magnificent, these golden giants were bursting with color, their cheerful faces attracting a scattering of busy bees, diligently collecting nectar. Watching them sway gently in the breeze, vibrant against the clear blue sky, was a truly calming and picturesque moment.
Riverview Farm also offered an extensive apple orchard. While many apples had already been picked for the season, visitors still had the opportunity to pick their own. However, after the exhilarating yet tiring task of filling our buckets with blueberries, we decided to simply purchase a pre-picked bag of apples from the store. This allowed us to conserve our energy while still enjoying the farm’s delicious produce.
One of the true highlights of our visit was discovering that Riverview Farm produces its own freshly pressed apple cider. We purchased a gallon, eager to taste it upon returning home. I can confidently say it was, without a doubt, the best cider I’d ever experienced! The aroma alone was incredibly inviting, a rich, sweet scent that filled the air as I poured it into a glass. The taste was even better – crisp, refreshing, and bursting with the pure essence of apples, a perfect embodiment of New Hampshire’s harvest.
Behold the bountiful “fruits” of our labor! We managed to pick a truly impressive quantity of blueberries – enough to keep us well-stocked for days to come. My mind is already buzzing with grand plans for these little bursts of flavor. Expect to see some exciting new recipes featuring our freshly picked blueberries appearing on the blog very soon. From pies to muffins, jams to smoothies, the culinary possibilities are endless!
Family Fun and Lasting Memories
As we prepared to leave Riverview Farm, the children, as children so often do, found a renewed burst of energy. They began playfully fooling around, thoroughly enjoying each other’s company and sharing a grand old time. It’s truly heartwarming to witness these moments, despite their occasional squabbles and minor irritations with one another. It reaffirms what this mother wants to believe: that deep down, they genuinely cherish each other’s presence and share a profound love.
Even if that love sometimes manifests in playful (and slightly gross) sibling antics, like a sister enduring a “wet-willy” or a brother playfully chewing on her wrist every once in a while. These quirky interactions are all part of the unique tapestry of siblinghood, adding to the rich memories of our family adventures.
In conclusion, if you find yourself in the beautiful Plainfield, New Hampshire area, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Paul and Nancy at Riverview Farm. It’s more than just a farm; it’s an experience that encapsulates the charm and bounty of New England. They offer an incredible abundance of pick-your-own fruits, from crisp apples and juicy blueberries to sweet raspberries and seasonal pumpkins, all waiting to be discovered. And while you’re there, do yourself a huge favor and grab a gallon (or two!) of their exquisite homemade apple cider. Trust me, you absolutely will not regret it!
Sending you all big baking hugs and delicious muffin inspiration!