Healthy eating is delicious when you incorporate the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables found around Livingston County. With summer approaching, our real estate agents are eagerly planning visits to these wonderful U-pick farms nearby.

• Hazen's Farm - 1144 Peavy Rd., Howell, MI 48843
  Since the mid-20th century, Hazen's Farm has served as a prime source of top-quality blueberries. During the early years, Arthur Hazen and his family handled the picking, cleaning, and packaging before converting to an exclusively U-pick farm, with raspberries added to the offerings. Short on time? Grab some pre-picked berries in the onsite store, which also sells luscious ice cream, baked goods, and raw honey. All goodies are made from scratch in Sweet Maria's, Hazen's own bakeshop. During the off-season, sign up for one of Hazen's two-hour baking classes for adults and kids and learn the intricacies of cream puffs, whoopie pies, and cakesicles. Follow them on Facebook for information about the opening of the U-pick season in July.
  
  
• Spicer Orchards - 10411 Clyde Rd., Fenton, MI 49430 
  There's plenty of fun for the whole family at Spicer Orchards, which has been a major presence in southeastern Michigan for six generations. Spicer's first farm was just outside Detroit, moving further out in the years to come. In 1967, Spicer's moved into a 100-year-old barn just east of the present location, with the original donut room housed in the silo. The current site is patterned after a Victorian carriage house that once stood on the land. Kids love the spacious playground with its resident family of goats, as well as the delightful petting zoo. Seasonal activities include a 5K run, Harvest Festival, and Santa visits. Another dimension was added to the farm in 2009 when the Spicers opened a winery. A light menu of appetizers and snacks is served to accompany the selection of wines, hard ciders, and cocktails. The farm market (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily) and winery (noon - 7 p.m. daily) are open year-round. Watch for the start of the U-pick season in June.
  
  
• Blake's Lyon Township - 61475 Silver Lake Rd., South Lyon, MI 48178
  At Blake's Lyon Township, "Making memories is always in season." The first apple tree was planted in 1920, and today Blake's grows more than 40 different varieties of the fruit. Of course, Blake's also has freshly made cider to go with their classic cake donuts. In addition to apples, visitors can pick their own berries, cucumbers, peaches, tomatoes, and other seasonal produce. Take the kids along, as well as your leashed dog, to explore the activities in Funland. If you're looking for a fun day trip on a sunny summer day, head out to Armada to visit Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill, the original facility that dates back to 1946, and the Big Apple, with their sweet shop full of homemade treats. U-pick season resumes in June with strawberries.

U-Pick Harvest Guide

Here's a guide to peak picking months in Michigan for specific fruits and vegetables. Be sure to confirm availability before visiting any of the farms. 

• Apples: August through October
• Beans: June through October
• Blackberries: June and July
• Blueberries: July and August
• Cantaloupes: July through September
• Cherries: June and July
• Corn: July through September
• Cucumbers: July and August
• Peaches: July through September
• Raspberries: July through September
• Strawberries: June
• Tomatoes: August through September
• Watermelons: August through October

Ready to pick a new home in Livingston County? Contact us at Griffith Realty to get started.