Strawberry Feels

The strawberry, as juicy and sweet as it can be, is not really a berry at all, but what’s called an aggregate accessory fruit. Each seed is technically its own fruit with a seed inside of it. Despite the tricky name, it’s actually the number one fruit crop in the state for home plantings. Unfortunately, it requires some early preparation—it’s best planted in February and March. But if you missed your window, you can still find delicious strawberries around the state, whether you’d rather pick them yourself or enjoy them chopped and prepared into tasty treats.

Strawberries of exceptional quality, of which there are many, are honored at the annual Stilwell Strawberry Festival. Photo by Lori Duckworth

For those interested in getting their hands a little dirty, Oklahoma has many U-Pick farms around the state that let you pick your own strawberries for a fee.
Buffalo Creek Berry Farm in Mustang doesn’t use chemicals on their crops, which in addition to the aforementioned ruby beauties includes thornless blackberries, sand plums, tomatoes, squash, okra, and more, for which customers can pay by the pound. They are open with limited hours Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays April though October. Read more on Facebook
Whitewater Hollow Farms in Jay is one of the sweetest spots in northeastern Oklahoma. Part of the Sweet-N-Sticky Trail, this farm produces plenty of strawberries perfect for making into jam or eating fresh off out of the ground. Read more on Facebook
Larhill Farms in Purcell only charges $5 per pound for ripe, scrumptious strawberries, so they recommend arriving as early as possible: U-pick hours run 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. or until they run out. But make sure to bring cash since they don’t take cards. Read more on Facebook

Visitors can enjoy this year's Stilwell Strawberry Festival on Saturday, May 10. Photo by Lori Duckworth

For folks who’d rather not cosplay as a farmer to get their fill of strawberries, Stilwell has one sweet solution. Since 1948, the northeastern Oklahoma town has welcomed thousands of fruit stans to their celebration of all things strawberry. The carnival starts Wednesday, May 8. Then there’s the gospel and bluegrass Strawberry Jam on Thursday. On Friday there’s the Stilwell’s Got Talent showcase featuring local entertainers and the kick-off of the rodeo. Saturday May 10 is an action-packed day, including a 5K motorcycle show, horseshoe throwing contest, the crowning of the festival queen, berry judging, and the piece de resistance, free strawberries and ice cream, at 3:30 p.m on Second Street. Admission to the whole affair is free, though attendees will want to have some cash on hand for local wares and delicacies. strawberrycapital.com

Written By

Karlie Ybarra

Managing editor Karlie Ybarra loves to explore her home state—and meet many of its animal citizens—any chance she gets.