Looking for cheap family friendly outings?

      Last week Phillip was watching PBS while I was at work and some special about blueberries came on. A few Google searches later and he had his newest date planned. It always makes me a little weary when he asks "do you have anything planned for 6:30 Saturday morning?" because typically his early morning plans involve a lot of work, like biking Cades Cove or digging in the dirt.

      We went blueberry picking at Falls Farm in Maryville. It was really awesome and we're going back this Saturday (with our camera lol) It's owned by a sweet retired couple who suit you up with a belt and milk jug to store your berries (this will make more sense when I take the camera). We suited up and off we went! Since Phillip had seen the PBS special he told me all about blueberries while we picked, it was pretty darn cute, did you know that blueberries were originally called Starberries?  

    Bob told us a bit about the trees, they are over 30 years old! They do not use any sprays or pesticides and only use aluminum pie tins to keep the birds away. After we finished picking they weighed our berries and put them in a cardboard flat, super easy to transport. We also left with a recipe sheet of blueberry recipes from the 1930's and instructions on freezing.

   We spent $11 and came home with 8lbs of blueberries! Organic hand picked blueberries at that! Not too shabby considering the frozen berries we buy cost $2.99/12oz.

   If you decide to go I would recommend wearing close-toed shoes and maybe spray yourself down with bug spray before you go. Lots of mosquitoes! Also if you're taking children with you be aware that some places do have poison ivy and yellow jackets, so just keep your eye out for them!