Posted in Maine August 22, 2018 by

A Trip To Maine’s Neverending Blueberry Field Will Make Your Summer Complete

You might already know that Maine is the largest supplier of lobster in the country. For good reason! We have a lot of it and our lobstermen know exactly how to pull it up. But, there’s another food that comes from Maine that might surprise you. Vacationland is the second largest producer of blueberries! But, not just any blueberry. It’s the Maine wild blueberry that’s our claim to fame. These juicy and delightful fruits are different than the big ones. They’re smaller and (we think!) better tasting. Another great thing about them is the harvest. Read on to find out what makes the fields so special in August!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Maine supplies not just the USA, but the entire world with the best blueberries you can find.
logicalrealist / Flickr
These juicy gems are small and irregular in shape, but somehow pack a flavor that's uniquely strong and very Maine.
anitacola / Flickr
If Maine is the blueberry capital of the world, Cherryfield is the blueberry capital of Maine.
kenai / Flickr
Fun fact: It's name might come from the fact that the area was once rich with cherries. Cherryfield is home to the world's largest growers of the Maine blueberry, Jasper Wyman & Sons/
While Cherryfield is the epicenter, the entire Downeast region is full of blueberry fields, known as "blueberry barrens."
cnewtoncom / Flickr
In fact, at least half of Maine's 85 million pounds of commercial wild blueberries are grown in this region alone.
Blueberries are traditionally a summer fruit and June is when they plants are pollinated by local bees.
kim_carpenter_nj / Flickr
In mid to late-August, the blueberries here are harvested, packaged and sent to places all over the world to become snackable fruit or ingredients for baked goods.
allagashbrewing / Flickr
This process makes the perfect pancakes possible!
wwny / Flickr
As well as the most perfect dessert you can eat.
joyosity / Flickr
Only about half the fields are harvested and rest are left in place. This is where things get interesting!
mdmarkus66 / Flickr
When left to grow, the wild blueberries begin to change, turning this bold red color.
northtothefuture / Flickr
Up close they're interesting, but looking at them from afar is where the striking color really becomes impressive.
nhoulihan / Flickr
Entire fields, as far as the eye can see, are a bold red color.
mdmarkus66 / Flickr
When looked at against the backdrop of evergreens and blue sky, the bold red color is jaw dropping.
jimdollar / Flickr
This area isn't widely visited, making it a great place to go if you want to get off-the-beaten path and away from the tourist trail.
jimdollar / Flickr
And, you're free to explore as long as you don't trespass on a private farm's property.
smilla4 / Flickr
Getting here is fairly straighforward.
mdmarkus66 / Flickr
Make your way to Bangor, then take Route 9 to 193 towards Cherryfield. The trip from Bangor is about an hour and a half.

To spend the weekend in the area, head for the Englishman’s Bed and Breakfast on 122 Main Street in Cherryfield. Give them a call on 207-546-2337 to make a reservation. Load up on snacks at the Cherryfield General Store at 7 Main Street in Cherryfield.

Another beautiful way to spend the day in Maine is at this incredible overlook in Camden. You’ll see for miles and it’s great at any time of year!