Sugar River Social Hosted by Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm

The Sugar River Social at Bartlett’s

The most recent Sugar River Social at Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm in Newport, NH proved to be a lovely and enjoyable evening. We had 10 attendees show up to spend an hour picking Bartlett’s delicious blueberries. The social was originally scheduled for July 31st but had to be rescheduled to August 9th, due to rainy weather.

Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm Barn View. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Even though rain was again in the books for the rescheduled day, remarkably, Bartlett’s stayed dry nearly the entire time! The sky was filled with dark and puffy Nimbostratus clouds, making it a very moody backdrop but the weather was perfect overall. Warm, slightly breezy, and the dark blue sky matched the blueberry theme.

Up Close Blueberries at Bartlett’s. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

I had the pleasure of meeting a couple gentlemen who had some very interesting tales to tell. One man has lived all over the country and took random jobs, often working on farms. He recalled a time 20 years or so ago when he was working on a fruit farm in the south, and how hard the work was, yet also how rewarding it could be with the fruit they produced. He touched on many of the odd jobs he worked, and I had to imagine as a result of this kind of life, his skill sets are refined and varying. To me, he seemed like the unlikely hero nomad in a western movie. I really enjoyed chatting with him and learning about his adventures.

Animated Conversations at the PYO Blueberry Sugar River Social. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

The other gentleman I had the pleasure of meeting wasn’t actually from the Sugar River Region, but visiting his cousin who lives in New London. He’s from Pennsylvania and found that he really liked it up here, enough to stay for a while and pick a whole five gallon bucket’s worth of blueberries! (The rest of us had the normal pint buckets for blueberry picking.) He was excited to hear about the Discover Sugar River Region initiative and wanted to learn more so he could get his cousin more involved! That’s the kind of enthusiasm we love to see.

Kiddos and their Blueberry Haul. Image Credit: Ashlee Rowley.

Overall, the social was a fantastic way to meet some new people and give business to a local farm. It was also heartwarming to see kids exploring an important process in food selection – identifying which berries are ripe for picking, which need a little longer, and which ones to avoid if they’ve been damaged by bugs. The kiddos certainly worked on their color identification abilities as well, with one of the younger ones learning the difference between green and blue. Well done kids!

Kiddos and their Blueberry Haul part 2. Image Credit: Ashlee Rowley.

All About Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm

Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm, located in Newport with a beautiful view of Mount Sunapee, is a charming roadside farm and farm stand. They offer terrific outdoor experiences for anyone looking to pick some fresh, locally grown produce. Here are some highlights and features that make it special:

Activities and Attractions

Pick-Your-Own Blueberries: The primary attraction at Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm is the opportunity for visitors to pick their own fresh, juicy blueberries. There’s no cost to visit the farm, you simply pay for what you pick or purchase. There are roughly 4,000 mature blueberry bushes divided over 12 different varieties. The farm provides everything you need to enjoy this activity, from containers to guidance on the best picking spots.
Farm Stand: The farm has a quaint store where visitors can purchase pre-picked blueberries, Bartlett’s blueberry jam, NH maple syrup, and other blueberry-related products. They also offer local honey, baked goods, and other treats.
Scenic Views: Nestled in the beautiful New Hampshire countryside, Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm offers picturesque views that enhance the experience of picking berries. The well-maintained fields and surrounding landscapes provide a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Family-Friendly Environment: The farm is a great spot for families, offering an educational and fun experience for children and adults. Kids can learn all about how blueberries grow and the importance of agriculture.
Yurt Stay: Bartlett’s offers stays in their 24′ yurt, which is located right on the property next to the blueberry farm. For $125 a night, you can have access to the queen size bed, living area, and patio with gorgeous views of the surrounding scenery.

Bartlett’s Gnome and His Blueberries. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

What Makes Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm Special?

Quality of Blueberries: Bartlett’s is known for the high quality of their blueberries, which are carefully cultivated to ensure the best taste and nutritional value. The farm’s commitment to quality makes their berries a favorite among locals and visitors.
Community Involvement: Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm is an integral part of the Newport community, actively participating in and hosting local events, supporting community initiatives and nonprofits, and recruiting volunteers..
Historical Significance: The farm has a history in the region, having been in operation and a part of the community since 1985. In 2001, Bartlett’s was even named a Farm of Distinction by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food.
Realistic Expectations: Bartlett’s understands that when most people participate in Pick-Your-Own excursions, not all the berries make it into the bucket. In fact, a good chunk of picked berries probably end up in our bellies, rather than our buckets. The farm creatively came up with the Bartlett’s Sin Bin, where pickers can donate to make up for the inevitable snacking. If you feel so inclined to donate, why not? It’s certainly an amusing concept!

The Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm Sin Bin. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Bartlett’s Blueberry Farm in Newport is more than just a place to pick blueberries. It’s a destination for fun, education, and community spirit. The beautiful setting, high-quality produce, and dedication to sustainable and community-focused practices make it a standout farm worth visiting.

A Bag of Blueberries. Image Credit: Madeline Ferland.

Have you been to a Sugar River Social yet? Make sure you check out our Facebook page where you can see our latest events!