Frequently Asked Questions
When are you open to the public?
We are open to the public select days in July for blueberry picking, or for special announced events.
What are your hours?
We announce the schedule in late June of each year. U-pick blueberry hours of operation are Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 9am-3pm through the month of July. Please email us at info@willowthorne.com to schedule an appointment for big groups on off days.
If it's before or after July, can I buy honey?
Yes, as long as its available! Please email info@willowthorne.com or call/text 312.884.9025.
Can I stop by outside of open hours to pick up some honey or pick blueberries?
Not without an appointment please. Arrange to come during business hours in July. If it's before or after July, email info@willowthorne.com or call/text 312.884.9025.
Is there an entrance fee to pick blueberries when you are open?
No, there is no fee.
May I come fish your pond when you are open to the public?
If you are a paying customer, you are welcome to do some catch-and-release fishing during open hours. Be sure to check your group in with a staff member before you begin. Please be respectful of our property and animals.
May I come fish your pond when you are not open to the public?
No. Please make arrangements to visit during open upick hours in July.
May I rent the property for a private dinner?
Absolutely! We can rent an area of the farm for you to customize your event. We are also happy to work with you to create an unforgettable experience for your group. We are long-time hospitality professionals with four decades of experience between us. Think linens, china, crystal and silverware on a gorgeous table set for an elegant al fresco dinner overlooking the gardens and pond.
Are your chicken/duck eggs organic?
We don't have the organic certification because we feel it doesn't go far enough to capture sustainable farming practices. We don't use any pesticides or herbicides or fertilizers other than manure (our farm fowl do most of the fertilizing and eat most of the bugs and weeds!). We do feed our fowl organic food.
Is your honey unpasteurized, raw & organic?
We aren't certified organic because we feel the certification doesn't go far enough but our property is never sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. The honey is harvested raw, unfiltered and not subject to pasteurizing heat.
For more answers, please email questions to: info@willowthorne.com