BlogBlueberry Season: Why Mainers Love It Most

Before You Pick… What Makes Maine Blueberries Special?

Ever wondered what makes a Maine blueberry so special? You’re not alone. I didn’t think much of it either—until I started learning more (and snacking a whole lot along the way).

As it turns out, these wild little berries are one of Maine’s proudest summer traditions. They’re smaller, sweeter, and pack a burst of flavor you just can’t find in the ones at the supermarket. Grown low to the ground, hand-raked by hardworking Mainers, and full of sweet-tart goodness, wild blueberries are more than a fruit—they’re a piece of our heritage.

Back when I was a kid growing up near Bangor, blueberry season meant it was finally summer for real. The ocean breeze mixed with the scent of berries, and someone was always trying to send you home with a gallon of them, even if your freezer was already full.

Blueberry Season in the ’90s: Through the Eyes of a Maine Kid

Now, if you grew up around here, you know blueberry season isn’t just a time of year—it’s a way of life.

Back in the ’90s, when I was a kid in the Greater Bangor area, blueberry season meant being handed an old coffee can with a string tied around it and getting booted out the door with your cousins.

“Don’t come back until you’re covered in blue,” my grandfather would say. And we didn’t. We’d crouch in the fields near camp, sweating through our Red Sox T-shirts, listening to bees buzz low while we tried to out-pick each other—and sneak as many berries into our mouths as we could before getting caught.

My grandmother would be hollering from the porch, “Save some for the pie!”
And oh, that pie. Still warm from the oven, juice bubbling up through the crust, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sliding across the top. If there’s a better way to end a summer day, I haven’t found it yet.

These Days: Making New Memories with My Own Crew

These days, I’ve got two kids of my own, and we’re building new blueberry traditions—though I’ve upgraded from rusty coffee cans to plastic buckets (with handles, thank you very much).

Every August, we pile into the truck, crank up some country music, and hit the coast for a U-Pick day. The kids are more interested in snacking than raking, and my wife packs a cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and her homemade blueberry lemonade—because of course she does.

By the time we get home, we’ve got enough berries for muffins, pancakes, jam, and maybe—maybe—a pie if the kids don’t eat them all first.

Where to Pick Blueberries in Maine (and Soak Up Summer While You’re At It)

Here’s a few favorite spots that’ll give you the full Maine blueberry experience—sunshine, smiles, and stained fingers included:

Chick’s Apple & Berry Farm – Monmouth, ME
Quiet, scenic, and family-run. A beautiful spot to slow down and enjoy the simple stuff.

Spiller Farm – Wells, ME
Perfect for little ones and first-time pickers. Bring your own bucket or borrow one.

Wild Blueberry Festival – Machias, ME (Aug. 15–17)
Parades, pie-eating contests, music, and more berries than you can shake a rake at. Pure Down East fun.

Bonus Tip: If you’re making a weekend of it, head over to Acadia National Park after your blueberry picking adventure. We recently put together a guide on Unique Places to Visit in Acadia—it’s full of hidden gems and family-friendly spots that pair perfectly with a basket of fresh blueberries and a packed lunch.

Can’t Make It to the Barrens? We’ve Got You Covered.

Hey—we get it. Not everyone can drop everything and head Down East for blueberry season. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the sweet, tangy taste of Maine’s most iconic berry.

At BoxofMaine.com, we’ll ship the good stuff straight from our shop to your doorstep—including:

• Wild blueberry jam

• Blueberry maple syrup

• Blueberry tea

• Blueberry whoopie pies

And here’s the star of the show:
You can now order 6, 12, or 24 cans of our Locally Grown Wild Maine Blueberries Packed in Water (3.5-ounce each)—harvested right in Machias, Maine, one of the wild blueberry capitals of the world.

Why folks love them:

• ✅ Authentic Wild Maine Blueberries – no sugar added

• ✅ Packed in water to naturally preserve flavor and extend shelf life

• ✅ Perfect for baking in muffins, pies, pancakes, or pastries

• ✅ Supports local Maine farmers and small businesses

It’s like sending a slice of summer in a box—no sunscreen or bug spray required.

Share Your Sweetest Blueberry Story

Do you have a favorite blueberry memory? A secret family recipe? Maybe a photo of your kids with blue hands and bigger smiles? I’d love to hear it. Leave a comment or send us a message—we’re all about keeping the stories (and traditions) going.

And if you’re feeling a little homesick, grab some wild Maine blueberries from our shop. They’re more than a fruit—they’re a memory in the making.

Warmly,
—Dan, Owner of Box of Maine