Nothing quite says summer like the pop of fresh, ripe, blueberries. In an age where getting them straight off the vine is not the norm, pick your own blueberry patches stand apart as a treasure trove in any town.

Fannin County is home to several outstanding fruit farms, including peaches and strawberries. The Walker’s multigenerational blueberry patch is one that fruit enthusiasts won't want to miss. Forty years ago, seven hundred blueberry plants were meticulously planted by Harold and Oleta Walker, a pair of farmers always fighting to be ahead of the next big trend.

With the help of their grandsons, the duo successfully made a flourishing fruit farm spanning four generations. In 2014 the patch passed on to Andy and Debra Walker.  They have hope that the legacy will continue into the fifth generation.

Andy and Debra have been faithfully tending the hard work of their predecessors, planting an additional 150 blueberry bushes. In the weeks leading up to harvest, it is a full-time job. Their dedication pays off, preserving a pesticide free patch that they have carefully cleared of ant-hills and any other possible threats. This makes their patch the perfect place for groups of all ages, and the couple enthusiastically welcomes the youngest among us to come and enjoy harvesting.

In many cases, homeschooling parents have specifically found the patch to be a multifaceted learning experience. It is no secret that blueberries are especially favored among children, and the chance to harvest for themselves is a memory that will last a lifetime. With tables, chairs and a clean portable toilet on sight during harvest, it makes it easy to bring the whole family.

The pair stated that some families drive from Oklahoma to spend the morning together at the patch. Debra and Andy are deeply motivated by their relationships with their customers and the source of connection the blueberry patch provides. The quiet, peaceful mornings that have become Debra’s favorite time in the patch, are too good not to share.

Andy and Debra reminisced on all the memorable moments that have been facilitated by the nature of the patch. Moments filled with song, lunches, laughter, and even different cultures sharing the joyful fruits of their labor.

“He really just likes to talk to all the different people that come out,” Debra said about her husband, Andy. “The same people come back year after year.”

For this reason, they ask for reservations by calling ahead of time to ensure that your trip can meet your expectations for picking. Fruit is ready to be picked as soon as the first week of June. For the patient ones, Andy Walker tipped that the berries that “have spent more time in the sunshine” are more flavorful.

The price for entrance is: nothing! For $20 per gallon, the delicious possibilities are plentiful. The Walker’s have kept the price point the same for years, doing their best to resist reflecting inflation.

Four primary different varieties are available, Tifblue, premier, woodward, and climax. Some pickers have made jams, jellies, pies and baked treats, and even wine from Walker’s blueberries.

Typical picking days are Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 7:00 a.m. to noon. Although, keep an eye on their Facebook page or call for additional days of operation.

Call (903)583-2907 or find “Walker’s Blueberries” on Facebook. The season lasts approximately six to seven weeks, so plan with your loved ones in advance! Leave your bucket at home - they will have them for you - bring your camera instead and enjoy a wholesome morning picking nature's candy: blueberries.