Blackberries!

What do you get when you mix 90 acres of certified organic farmland, my two dirt loving boys, and a group of the sassiest local Philly Bloggers?

An all out Blackberry Picking Bonanza ~ and a certified Mess!

The Boys and I met up with some fellow members of Philly Social Media Moms, and headed out to Longview Center for Agriculture to learn about sustainable farming, enjoy some straight from the vine tastings, pick gallons of the juiciest and sweetest Blackberries....

and then end our experience with a fresh, and refreshing Peach Slushie....and filling up on the amazing local organic products in the market.....Everything from Maple Syrup and out of this world Strawberry Jam, to Whole Bean Coffee, Pasta Sauces and even Beauty Products...

It was an absolutely perfect day to channel my inner farmer, and also my inner foodie, and have a complete (no pun intended) growing experience....

Our "Tour Farmer" took the crew around and gave us such an education on sustainable growing practices, as well as the mission of the farm, and how all the different plants not only taste amazing, even straight off the vine, but also have their own unique eco-function, that helps keep this farm growing and prospering.

and the orchard......though it's bounty is still not quite ripe.....it makes me yearn for one of those crisp fall days....when I promise we will be back to fill our baskets with more apples then we would know what to do with.

The amazing thing about Longview, is that it is a complete experience. It is an experience for all 5 senses....and you walk away with not only a full belly, but also a full sense of spirit and knowledge.....to know where your produce comes from, how it benefits not only you, but the environment....

and then there were the Blackberries.....oh the Blackberries....the Biggest, Juiciest and messiest berries I think I've ever had....and they boys....oh the boys, who ate 3 for every 1 we picked...

It was a mouth watering homage to summer, that literally was written all over a certain someones little face....

Longview Center for Agriculture (formally Willow Creek Orchards) serves as a center for farm based education, and holds weekly classes on everything from flower arranging to cheese making (yes please) and on August 20th will be hosting a Mater and Tater Festival.....which should quite the experience!

The Longview Center for Agriculture is located at

3215 Stump Hall Road, Collegeville, PA

610-584-8202

Hours of Operation are

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 6:30 pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 10am-4pm

The Proof...

Is written on his face.....

That the Bakery at our local Weekend Farmers Market....really does have the BEST chocolate Frosted Donuts this side of the Mississippi.....

I swear he's like....."Donut? What donut? I didn't see any donuts"

Not to mention....

The Biggest Radishes I've EVER seen......and I normally HATE radishes

Super sweet Honey Sticks....that bring a sparkle to my 3 year olds Big Blue Eyes....

The Truck of my Dreams.......This purple Beauty has to deal with my drool every Saturday....see...I think over there on the left...you can see some left over drool from last week.....

and where did he come from? .....I think I'll Bag him up and take him home with me......(you can even see the last of the donut situation happening behind him.....yummmmmm)

How was your weekend?

Farm Fresh Babies.....

What has to be one of THE best parts of summertime here in New Jersey? The AMAZING local Weekend farmers markets....

Nothing is better than hitting the pavement on a hot Saturday Morning, Iced Dunkin Coffee in hand....checking out all the fabulous edible delights our local farmers, bakers and cheesemongers have in store for us! Now I totally realize that it is probably a sacrilige to have a Dunkin Donut Coffee at such an event....next time I'll make sure to hide it with a uber chic cozee from etsy....

Not only do the sights and smells make my Wanna Be a Food Network Star .....heart skip a beat....but I also hope that it may help Mr. Picky Pants get more into the spirit of eating fruits and vegetables.....most likely wishful thinking on my part....

Now if getting out of the house for a morning, and allowing your five senses to have stimulation overload wasn't enough "Good Stuff".....then getting a better deal....on better produce.....in a WAY better atmosphere should seal the deal for anyone stuck in that which is the grocery store produce section....

To put it this way: If I can become a farmer's market junkie....then it is so not for just Foodies or Health Nuts anymore.....