A visit to Jones Blueberry Farm is one of the most relaxing activities I can think of. It is so…read moreenjoyable to just hear the sounds of birds (yea) and the breeze through the trees. It's nice to visit on a Thurs or Fri (instead of a weekend) so you feel more like you have the place to yourself. It's a great, sprawling place - relatively close to Chicago (less than 2 hours away, depending on traffic). AND, what a great bonus that you get to enjoy the fruits (pun) of your labor. Not only is it a great, relaxing way to spend your time, but you bring home a ton of healthy, fresh-picked blueberries when you leave. It's dirt cheap to pick your own - I think last time I picked over 6 LBS of berries (that's a huge bucket) for a little over $8 bucks (you'll never look at the "2 cartons for $6" special at the Jewel the same way again). The people who work there couldn't be nicer. The also sell a great assortment of preserves - I buy a bunch and try to make them last through the fall and winter (they never do, they're so good). Also, they grow several types of blueberries - so if you are looking for smaller or larger berries, or tart or sweet ones, they can direct you to the best spot to pick them. I can't say enough about this place. A great, lo-tech retreat for some time away from the city. And lots to do in the surrounding area (SW Michigan is packed with great things to see and do - wonderful restaurants, shops, beaches, etc...) and on the drive there and/or back from Chicago (Indiana Dunes, for ex). As a final bit of info, they do have VERY clean "port-o-lets" at the Farm in addition to a nice little sheltered area with tables and chairs if you want to bring your lunch or a snack or just take a break. Nice view of the farm from there and the aforementioned birdie songs to accompany your rest.

Went blueberry picking for the first time ever, today. Easy to find, decent signage. A young girl…read morecame out of the barn to tell us where to go to U-Pick. Girl at the counter gave us buckets and told us where to find the two varieties that were being picked. They start picking different kinds at different times of the summer. Call to ask if you want something specific. I was worried that everything would be picked through, as this is getting late in the season, however, we went towards the back and found wonderful, plump berries. Tried a few from different bushes and they were ripe and delicious! Paid for the berries and it seemed like maybe the owner was there. Lovely woman who was super friendly and really wants to make a go of the business. She suggested we go on the facebook page and so we posted our freshly baked Blueberry Crumble we made when we returned home. Delicious! Friendly people, nice selection, not too expensive, great family activity. Suggest bug spray and tall boots to keep ticks away. You are walking through taller grasses. Bring cash