There is something special about picking your own strawberries.

It’s a full sensory experience: the tart smell of ripe berries mixed with the earthy smell of straw between the rows, the feel of a perfectly plump, juicy berry falling off the bush into your hand, the warm sun on your skin, the happy chatter of children and others picking berries that slowly slips into silent concentration as they pick. It’s a tradition that goes back generations in many families.

The cool rainy weather has delayed the strawberry season in the region, but U-pick berry fields are finally opening up. This weekend looks like it will have perfect berry picking weather. It may be hard to find U-pick strawberries in Warren County, since it’s been several years since they were available to pick locally, but there are several places not far away that offer U-pick strawberries.

To the north, at 884 Route 394 near Kennedy, N.Y., Aber’s Acres on 394 started U-pick strawberries on June 19. Their USDA organic strawberry fields will be open for picking Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

To the south, Bendal’s Berry Patch at 191 Ditz Lane in Fryburg has had u-pick berries since June 12. Baskets are available for an extra $1. They are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily during the season. They are also looking for help getting strawberries picked for the stand, so if you know anyone 13 years old or older, they are paying by the quart to pick berries.

To the west, Mcnulty’s Farm at 15250 State Route 8 outside of Union City has had U-pick berries for the last week. They say that the picking is at its peak in their fields right now.

Local U-pick berries are run by family farms, and they are a way to support local agriculture. Most local farmers markets and farm stands carry locally grown strawberries during the month-long season.