The Berry Patch - Ellerbe, NC

Attraction: The Berry Patch
Location: 351 Cargo Road, Ellerbe, NC 28338
Industry: Roadside Attraction
Website: https://worldslargeststrawberry.com/

Imagine driving down the highway and suddenly spotting a 24-foot-tall strawberry that weighs four tons sitting alongside the road.

Welcome to one of North Carolina’s most beloved roadside surprises.

What started in 1995 as Lee and Amy Berry selling strawberries from the back of a pickup truck has grown into a 450-acre farm operation centered around the world’s largest strawberry-shaped building. This iconic landmark has become a legendary pit stop for beach-bound travelers and locals alike, earning a reputation as the home of “the best homemade ice cream found on any US highway.”

Ice Cream That Stops Traffic

Homemade Perfection: The Berry Patch creates their ice cream using an Amish double-churn system with the highest butter fat content, real cream, and fresh fruit slices. You’ll taste the difference immediately—this isn’t your typical soft-serve highway stop. The texture is remarkably creamy and rich, with flavors that burst with authentic fruit taste rather than artificial additives.

Seasonal Flavor Highlights: Strawberry ice cream made with their own berries is the signature must-try, but don’t overlook the exceptional peach ice cream during summer months. Fall brings their legendary Pumpkin Spice flavor that regulars claim is “maybe the best flavor” they’ve ever created. Cherry Vanilla ranks high among favorites, offering the perfect balance of tart and sweet.

Fresh-Made Waffle Cones: They make their own waffle cones fresh throughout the day, creating that perfect contrast of crispy sweetness against the cool, creamy ice cream. The aroma of fresh waffle cones hits you the moment you enter the giant strawberry building.

Incredible Value: Two generous scoops in a cup cost just $3.50, making this premium homemade ice cream one of the best bargains you’ll find anywhere. They offer the full range of treats including sundaes, milkshakes, banana splits, and waffle cone bowls with hot fudge and whipped cream.

19 Different Flavors: While they’re famous for strawberry and peach, The Berry Patch rotates through 19 different homemade flavors throughout the year. Signs clearly indicate which flavors are made on-site versus sourced from outside suppliers, showing their commitment to transparency and quality.

Fresh Produce Market Excellence

Farm-Fresh Selection: The attached produce market showcases fruits and vegetables from their 450-acre farm operation. You’ll find exceptionally fresh strawberries during peak season that visitors describe as “unrivaled in freshness, flavor, juiciness and texture.” The quality is so impressive that many families make annual traditions around buying their produce.

Year-Round Availability: Unlike seasonal farm stands, The Berry Patch maintains fresh produce offerings throughout the year, sourcing quality items when their own crops aren’t in season. Prices may be slightly higher than grocery stores, but the freshness and flavor justify the premium.

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Beach Trip Essentials: Their location makes them perfectly positioned for travelers heading to and from Myrtle Beach and other coastal destinations. Families regularly stock up on fresh peaches and other fruits to enjoy during beach vacations, then stop again on the return trip home.

The World Record Strawberry Experience

Engineering Marvel: The 24-foot tall strawberry building took over five months to construct and officially holds the world record as the largest strawberry-shaped building. It’s built like a house with wood framing, then shaped with sheetrock and foam into the recognizable berry form, complete with realistic coloring and texture details.

Atmosphere & Family-Friendly Features

Clean, Welcoming Environment: The facility maintains spotless restrooms and provides a designated area where children can “get their wiggles out” after long car rides. The family-friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone from solo travelers to multi-generational families making annual traditions.

Young, Enthusiastic Team: Visitors consistently praise the helpful, friendly, and polite young employees who work with genuine enthusiasm. The positive energy adds to the overall experience and reflects the Berry family’s commitment to excellent customer service.

Pet-Friendly Policy: The Berry Patch welcomes pets with a designated outdoor area, making it convenient for families traveling with furry companions on beach trips or road adventures.

Other Considerations

Seasonal Hours: The Berry Patch typically closes earlier during winter months (around 5:30 PM), so plan accordingly if you’re traveling during colder seasons. Summer hours extend later to accommodate peak beach travel times.

Gift Options: Beyond ice cream and produce, they offer gift baskets and specialty items that make perfect souvenirs or treats for friends and family back home.

The Berry Patch
📍 351 Cargo Road, Ellerbe, NC 28338