Blueberry Picking in Central Florida: A Hidden Gem in Mims

A Blueberry Day in Mims: DIY Outdoor Adventures and Sweet Memories

There’s something timeless about spending a day outside, hands stained with blueberry juice, filling your basket while the warm Florida sun filters through the trees. Just north of the hustle of Orlando, in the quiet town of Mims, you’ll find one of Central Florida’s hidden gems: Ever After Farms, a family-friendly destination where visitors can slow down, breathe in the country air, and pick blueberries straight from the vine.

Located at 4400 Bouganvilla Drive, Mims, FL 32754, the farm is more than just a place to pick fruit, it’s an experience that blends fresh food, natural beauty, and a chance to reconnect with a simpler way of life.

The Beauty of Mims, Florida

Mims sits along the Indian River, where wide-open skies meet moss-draped oak trees and wildlife still thrives in the pine scrub. Known as one of Florida’s gateways to natural adventure, the area is home to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and just a short drive to the Canaveral National Seashore. After a morning of blueberry picking, many families pair their visit with a hike along shaded trails, birdwatching in wetlands, or a picnic under a sprawling oak right on the farm itself.

DIY Blueberry Picking Tips

Picking your own blueberries is as easy as it is rewarding. Here are a few tips to make the most of your DIY harvest at Ever After Farms:

• Dress for the fields: Comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and a hat to block the sun are your best friends.
• Bring water: Florida heat sneaks up quickly, even in the spring.
• Pick smart: Look for berries that are deep blue with a dusty bloom on the skin—they’ll be the sweetest.
• Handle gently: Blueberries are delicate. Gently roll them off the stem rather than pulling.

The farm provides buckets, and the rows are easy to navigate for families, couples, and kids.

Storing Your Blueberries

Once you’ve got your basket full, proper storage is key to keeping that farm-fresh taste:

• Short-term storage: Keep blueberries in a breathable container in the refrigerator. Don’t wash them until just before you’re ready to eat, as excess moisture can cause them to spoil faster.
• Freezing for later: Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in freezer bags. This keeps them from clumping and makes it easy to grab a handful for recipes.

DIY Kitchen Creations

Your Mims blueberries are more than just a snack—they’re a foundation for creativity in the kitchen. Some tried-and-true favorites include:

• Blueberry pancakes or muffins: The classic, cozy choice for breakfast.
• Homemade jam: A few jars of blueberry jam keep the taste of summer alive all year long.
• Smoothies: Frozen blueberries make a nutrient-packed base for quick, refreshing drinks.
• Savory dishes: Toss a handful into salads or make a blueberry glaze for grilled chicken or pork.

Complimentary Recipe: Blueberry Breakfast Bread

And because no trip to a blueberry farm is complete without baking something special, here’s a complimentary recipe you can try at home with your fresh-picked harvest.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons fresh grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9" x 5" loaf pan with parchment paper (or lightly grease with butter).
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
4. While slowly mixing, add the flour mixture and milk in two batches (some flour, then some milk, then the rest of the flour, and the rest of the milk). Stop mixing as soon as just combined.
5. Rinse the blueberries so they have just a bit of moisture on them. Toss with 1 tablespoon of flour to help prevent sinking.
6. Gently fold the blueberries into the batter by hand.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool bread in the pan for about 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.

Enjoy this moist, lemon-kissed loaf for breakfast—or as a sweet reward after your day of picking.

The Ever After Farms Experience

What sets Ever After Farms apart isn’t just the berries, but the atmosphere. The farm invites you to linger under the shade of a giant oak tree, enjoy your harvest, and maybe even pack a picnic to make the day complete. It’s a place where families make memories, couples take a breather from busy schedules, and kids learn that food doesn’t just come from a grocery store shelf.

If you’re in Central Florida, take a day trip to Mims and experience it for yourself. And when you visit Ever After Farms, be sure to let them know you heard about their beautiful blueberry fields from Stel Bailey.

This article and accompanying images are original works by Stel Bailey. All rights reserved. Content may not be republished without permission.