Blueberry Trail Preview

1

Carol Sue Farms

Offering fresh pre-picked or you pick blueberries, blueberry plants and homemade Blueberry Ice Cream. Available while in season.Visit them at https://www.facebook.com/carolsuefarms.

2

Castle Hayne Horticultral Crops Research Station

Even though this state facility isn't located directly in Pender County it's just a short drive down the road in Castle Hayne and is very important to the cultivation of Blueberries in North Carolina. This facility features the #1 public blueberry breeding program in the world.Many N.C. State University scientists, including experts in horticulture, plant diseases and genetics conduct research at the Horticultural Crops Research Station at Castle Hayne. Maintaining the agricultural economy requires a great deal of information on efficient ways to produce fruits, vegetables and ornamentals.The station hosts periodic Commodity Field Days during the peak growing periods between April and September. Tours of the station and blueberry farm are available by appointment and include local high school students, Master Gardeners, extension personnel, etc. Visit www.ncagr.gov/research/hcrs for more information.

3

Sonny Rowe Produce

Sonny Rowe Produce sells locally grown blueberries to visitors. They also offer NC Made products like jams, jellies, sauces and more. They have a selection of beautiful flowers in addition to seasonal produce. Visit them at 13538 NC-210 Rocky Point NC, 28457. Blueberry season varies.

4

Gregory Farms and Vineyards

Gregory Farms and Vineyards offers fresh-picked blueberries right from their farm and their own wine and wine slushies. They invite their guests to come out and find a seat at the pond and enjoy a glass or bottle of wine while listening to afternoon music. For more information visit their website at gregoryfarmsandvineyard.com. Located at 2576 Montague Rd. Currie 28435.

5

Ivanhoe Farms

Ivanhoe Blueberry Farm is one of the oldest farms in the county resting on the Pender/Bladen county line. During their fresh pack season blueberries are available from mid-May through July, depending on the season. They have several varieties each having its own color, varying in size, texture and taste. We are sure there is a variety to please any tastebud. For more information visit ivanhoeblueberryfarms.weebly.com.Located at 1091 Eddie L Jones Rd, Ivanhoe, NC 28447.

6

Legends

Legends is one of Burgaw's old-fashioned General Stores that offers fresh seafood, ice cream, penny candy, North Carolina-made products, outdoor supplies and fresh produce including locally grown blueberries. Stop by and pick up a pint of fresh Pender picked blueberries for your favorite dessert or just eat them straight out the container. For hours and more information visit www.facebook.com/Legends910Located at 1501 Hwy 53 West, Burgaw NC 28425.

7

Pender County Musuem

The Pender County Museum, located at 200 West Bridgers Street, is filled with thousands of artifacts from life in Pender County, while also preserving items from the history of when commercial blueberry production was at its peak.Many residents and visitors know about Harold Graham Huntington, the individual that is most recognized for his work cultivating blueberries in Pender County. The NC Blueberry Festival credits him as the main contributor to the Commercial Blueberry Industry in North Carolina and one can find several articles depicting that same opinion with his first crop harvested by the 1930’s and sold to Tru Blu Associates out of New Jersey. By the end of the 1930’s he had more than 150 acres of Blueberries and had employed over 1,000 area residents. In the 1940’s he worked with North Carolina University to developed two new varieties of blueberries that were disease resistant that became essential to the Blueberry business.It is known that Mr. Huntington played an important role in Pender County’s Blueberry production but there are others that give credit to a gentleman named Frederick Coville, who was the son of Frederick V. Coville a famous botanist and the father of the Commercial Blueberry Industry. He appeared in Pender County just after Huntington looking for suitable planting land. In 1938 Coville’s fields were ready to be harvested. He too also sold his berries to Tru Blue Associates as well as others. Mr. Coville not only sold his berries but sold bush cuttings and rooted plants to many farmers that showed interested in Blueberry Farming. He too provided plenty of job opportunities to all ages including young boys and girls that he would pay $5.00 to find wild blueberry bushes he could cultivate.Please call 910-259-8543 penderhist2@hotmail.com for hours of operation or to schedule a tour. Visit pendercountymuseum.webs.com for more information.

8

Olde Carolina Eatery

Old Carolina Eatery is not only a great place to grab lunch, but they also have some pretty fantastic desserts. The Owner Francis makes some great Blueberry Desserts like pound cake, muffins, cupcakes, and more. Her tasty treats sell fast but asks her for a custom order. Her Blueberry Pie Recipe has also been featured in Our State Magazine. Check out Our State Magazine's Blueberry Feature by visiting https://www.ourstate.com/blueberry.Visit Olde Carolina Eatery at 113 W. Freemont Street and for more information visit www.facebook.com/oldecarolinaeatery

9

The Old Farm Shed

Stop by the Old Farm Shed for Blueberry Magnets and your Burgaw Merchandise! Be sure to check out the Blueberry Prints on display from local Artist Eden Mills and her blueberry earings. For more information visit https://theoldfarmshed.com/Located at 111 W. Freemont St. Burgaw NC, 28425

10

The County Seat

A local boutique offering clothing and gifts, including women's apparel, jewelry and home accessories while selling their own Blueberry Merchandise. Visit them at 110 W. Freemont St. and check out their Facebook at www.facebook.com/The-County-Seat. Merchandise varies.

11

Harvey's Deli and Tavern

Harvey's Deli and Tavern is a great place to get a meal and some tasty adult beverages. Try their Blueberry Pecan Salad or try their Blueberry Lemonade or their Blueberry MartinisLocated at 108 W Fremont St, Burgaw, NC 28425

12

Fat Daddy's Pizza

Fat Daddy's Pizza is Burgaw's only Pizzeria. Not only do they offer fantastic New York Style pizza, subs and stromboli but they have a dessert that is unique to Pender County and its Blueberry Culture. Be sure to stop by and try their famous Blueberry Knots, hot and fresh right out of the oven. Located at 103C W Fremont St, Burgaw, NC 28425. For more information visit fatdaddysburgaw.com

13

Brown Dog Coffee Company

In addition to their fantastic coffee drinks, they also make blueberry drinks, smoothies, and milkshakes. Come try their new Frozen Blueberry Lemonade or give one of our other favorites a try like their Blueberry Lattes or the Blueberry Goddess smoothie and more. Located at 103 W. Freemont St. For more information visit www.facebook.com/browndogcoffeecompany

14

Street Blueberry Festival Logo

The North Carolina Blueberry Festival has painted their logo on Freemont Street in downtown Burgaw. This is where the stage is set each year where some of the best bands from around NC perform during the NC Blueberry Festival. Located on East Freemont St. infront of the Pender County Courthouse.

15

Scoops Ice Cream Shop

Scoops Ice Cream Shop not only serves over 30 different Ice Cream flavors but Milkshakes, Sundaes Specialized drinks, cakes and much more. Come by and check out their Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream or try a Blueberry Sundae For more information visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Scoops-Ice-Cream-Parlor-Burgaw-NC-107601988280261Located at 795 US-117, Burgaw, NC 28425

16

Pender County Library

At the main branch of the Pender County Library come see local artwork. While there check out the local history and read about Blueberry Culture in Pender County. For hours and more information visit penderpubliclibrary.org

17

The North Carolina Blueberry Festival Office

Here is where you can find NC Blueberry Festival merchandise available for purchase. From shirts to hats, umbrellas to bumper stickers, and syrups to salsa. Call ahead at 910-259-2007 or email info@ncblueberryfestival.com to schedule your visit with them to see what blueberry treasures and swag you can find.Their new location at 207 S. McRae Street and check out their website for updates at www.ncblueberryfestival.com.

18

Pender County Tourism Office

Stop by the tourism office to pick up a jar of the area’s famous Blueberry Jelly. While inside view renowned artist Ivey Hayes portrayal of blueberry paintings, created for the North Carolina Blueberry Festival. Also, come meet Olivia Dawson who puts on the NC Blueberry Scholarship Pageant. Located at 106 E. Wilmington St.

19

Burgaw Community House Blueberry Pottery

Located in front of the Burgaw Community House, this blue blueberry shaped piece of artwork was donated by a local resident to the North Carolina Blueberry Festival to be placed on display. The Burgaw Community House is also available for special events. Located at 102 E. Wilmington St. For more information visit burgawnc.gov

20

"The Arts" at Burgaw Antiqueplace

"The Arts" at Burgaw Antiqueplace features local artists and crafters above Pender County's largest antique shop. Stop in to visit with them and see what blueberry art is on display and available for purchase.Also, feel free to browse thousands of antiques for unique finds at Burgaw Antiqueplace. Be sure to try their Blueberry Fudge! For more information visit www.facebook.com/theARTSatBurgawAntiqueplaceThey are located at 101 S Wright St, Burgaw, NC 28425.

21

Burgaw Cemetery

John Murphy, buried in the Burgaw Cemetery, was also a huge contributor to Blueberry farming and the first Pender County native to start a blueberry farm with varieties of Blueberries named after him and his family.John Murphy was an innovative and progressive businessman in Atkinson where his farm started. He once ran a produce auction house across from the Historic Train Depot in Downtown Burgaw, a major market and revenue source for the local economy.Visitors are expected to respect the cemetery property. Located at 400 Wright St.

22

Burgaw Blueberry Statue

A beautiful work of art placed on the Osgood Canal Walking Trail at the intersection of NC Hwy 53 and East Bridges Street, commissioned in 2018 by the North Carolina Blueberry Festival committee, the Town of Burgaw and The Pender Historical Society. The statue, created by 11/24 Blacksmithing, was installed in 2019 for visitors and locals as a symbol of the Home of the NC Blueberry Festival, and nickname, Blueberrytown.

23

Bandana's Resturant

Bandana's is a tasty restaurant that offers Blueberry themed food and adult beverages. Stop by and enjoy a great meal and check out the Blueberry Artwork on their walls from local artists including the great Ivy Hayes. They also have prints available for sale from local artist Janet Cartwright. Menu availability varies.Bandana's is located at 602 Hwy 117 Unit I, Burgaw NC 28425. For more information please visit www.facebook.com/Bandanas-Restaurant-and-Grill

24

Bannerman Vineyard

At Bannerman Vineyard, they grow 6 different varieties of muscadine grapes native to NC. All their flavors are amazingly crafted but their Blueberry wine is our favorite! The sweetness of the blueberries pairs very well with the dry flavor of some red wines. It's homemade and fermented right on site. They will open to the public starting in August for their You-Pick Grape Feild but appointments for wine tastings and purchasing can be made by calling (910) 233-0103. For more information visit www.bannermanvineyard.comLocated at 2624 Stag Park Rd, Burgaw, NC 28425.

25

Newberry's Blueberries

A large blueberry farm with a great view of blueberry fields found outside of Burgaw, an eastern drive down NC Hwy 53, you will surely see the vast amount of land dedicated to the growing of Blueberries. Feel free to safely take pictures but be sure to keep off private property. This farm is currently closed to the public, however, stop at the neighboring Murray Turner Blueberry Farm for fresh blueberries and more.Blueberry Season typically lasts from late May to late July depending on the fields. And for updates on Newberry's Blueberries be sure to follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NewberrysBlueberries or call them at 910-262-4124. Photo's Courtesy of Newberry's Blueberries. Newberry's Blueberries are located at 5387 NC-53, Burgaw, NC 28425. BLUEBERRIES ARE AVAILABLE SEASONALLY ONLY

26

Murray Blueberry Farm

Murray Turner Blueberry Farm located outside of Burgaw, owned and operated by Ivanhoe Blueberry Farm, has acres upon acres of fresh-picked Blueberries; also selling cakes, muffins, popsicles, jams, and pies has blueberries available from mid-May through July. Ivanhoe Blueberry Farms, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business involving four generations with blueberries being sold locally and over state lines. Eastern NC's Blueberry Season typically lasts from late May to late July depending on the fields. Be sure to call before visiting. BLUEBERRIES AVAILABLE SEASONALLY.Visit them at 180 Murray-Turner Farm Rd. Burgaw NC, 28425 or call 910-259-4285 for more information.

27

Shaken Creek Farms

Shaken Creek Farms is a family-owned Blueberry Farm in Pender county located just outside of Burgaw in Maple Hill. The farm produces 4 varieties of Southern Highbush Blueberries as well as raw, local honey. There are over 100 acres of Star, Oneal, Legacy and Rebel blueberries. Shaken Creek offers pre-picked blueberries or you can come by and pick-your-own. Blueberry season varies depending on the weather. Be sure to visit www.shakencreekfarms.com for more informationShaken Creek Farms is located at 7429 Old Maple Hill Rd, Burgaw, NC, 28425.