By Kate Bartlett
Located in West Falls, The Blueberry Treehouse Farm is a family-friendly, fun and picturesque event space created by owners Jyl and Ricardo (Rico) Rivera. The property offers a variety of experiences that are all family oriented including blueberry picking, concerts and events, an all-day Treehouse Café, and soon-to-be all-season Treehouse Air B&B. They aim to change the image of a farm to become a creative space to visit often, connect with nature and benefit the entire community.
Many years ago, Jyl and Rico were owners of a small landscape business, seeking a creative outlet. Rico had a passion for treehouses, so he began researching and started Buffalo Treehouse, a small treehouse building company, in 2008. Rico rented a barn for his building, and when the property where Rico built became up for sale, Jyl and Rico decided to purchase it. Along with the barn, came with 2 acres and 2000 blueberry bushes.
“We became blueberry farmers instantly,” laughs Jyl. She and Rico, along with their two children, Laila and Gamaliel, tended to the blueberries and set up a road-side stand for selling their harvest. They opened for picking in 2015, but only attracted a small number of guests. Rico built an incredible playground, which attracted more attention, and then, built a stage for hosting live music and other events.
The Blueberry Treehouse Farm started hosting, and still hosts, weekly concerts throughout the summer months, calling this music series The Blueberry Jams. As a family run farm, they sought to keep the events family oriented, a place for everyone to gather and have a good time together. “We wanted to create an event that families could attend together. We’ve had so many families tell us how nice it is to be able to bring their kids to a concert and experience it together.” A Food Truck is available on site, during Blueberry Jams.
During the Pandemic, in 2020, the Blueberry Farm became very popular as people were seeking outdoor activities. “We were busier than we’d ever been,” recalls Jyl. “Everyone was appreciating the great outdoors, and we sought to accommodate. We rearranged the property to allow more guests safely and comfortably. We hired more staff and even painted circles on the grass during concert events to allow social distancing.”
In 2021, they opened The Blueberry Treehouse Café, a serene enchanted outdoor space for small bites and drinks on an elevated deck in the trees. The café was professionally built by Buffalo Treehouse, wooden throughout with rustic accents, complete with a spiral staircase. Seating overlooks the blueberry farm serving drinks (beer, wine, seltzer, cider) and light bites (liege waffles, sweet rolls, charcuterie boards, paninis, artisan flatbread pizzas, smores boards, and other small bites. The café hosts live music every Friday and Saturday from 6-8pm on the café deck all season long.
A fully functional all-season Treehouse Air B&B is now on property, also professionally built by Buffalo Treehouse. This 440 square foot story treehouse offers a one-bedroom wooded oasis with full bathroom, air conditioning and heat for guests to enjoy year-round. “It’s truly exquisite and we can’t wait for guests to experience it.” The treehouse is awaiting town approval, with hopes of opening this season.
enchanted outdoor space for small bites and drinks on an elevated
deck in the trees.
This season, blueberry picking is planned to begin on Wednesday, July 9, boasting 2 acres of 11 varieties of organic blueberries. The picking season typically runs through August, dependent on the crop, with a variety of berries ripe throughout the season. “With 11 types of blueberries, there’s always something to pick,” says Jyl. “Some berries might be ripe, while others are green, ripening at different point throughout the season in order to help sustain picking through August.”
The Rivera’s are looking forward to a great season, and are thankful for the support they’ve received over the past 3 years. “We love hosting families, and groups. It’s an honor to have created a space where memories are made. We’re thankful for the community support, and looking forward to the next chapter, whatever it may hold!”
For more information visit blueberrytreehousefarm.com and follow on Social Media for updates and events. The Blueberry Jams music series starts July 10th and ends on August 21 with full schedule on Facebook and the website.
Admission is free through June, September and October. From July 9th to August 24th admission is $8 per person with children 2 and under and adults 65+ free. With the cost of admission guests receive a voucher that can be used for a free non-alcoholic drink, a free popsicle or $5 off an alcoholic drink. There is no admission during September and October.