World's Largest Strawberry-shaped Building, world record in Ellerbe, North Carolina

March 21, 2024

Ellerbe, North Carolina, United States--The Berry Patch in Ellerbe, North Carolina, (owner, Lee Berry and wife Amy) began in 1995 as a small strawberry farm; it is the home of a giant strawberry-shaped building, which houses an ice cream shop; at 24 feet tall, it took over 5 months to construct, and sets the world record for being the World's Largest Strawberry-shaped Building, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

Photos: Facebook/The Berry Patch

"The Berry Patch began in 1995 as a small strawberry farm. Owner, Lee Berry, sold strawberries out of the back of his pickup truck on the side of highway 220 North. Lee and his wife Amy realized it would take something unique and original for drivers zipping down the highway to pull over and stop. What used to be "produce highway" is now I-73/74, former US Hwy 220. The Berry Patch is home of the "World's Largest Strawberry"!

"The World’s Largest Strawberry is 24 feet tall and took over 5 months to complete. The giant berry houses an ice cream shop and the namesake produce," The Berry Patch (official website) says.

"As if a 24-foot strawberry is not a big enough deal, a highway project in 2011 forced the Berry’s to pull up the giant strawberry, load it onto a truck and drive it down the highway to a new location. Lee and Amy were not born farmers but as Lee says, "My last name is Berry… it just fits; like it was meant to be."

"If you’re in the Fort Bragg area it makes for a perfect day trip whether you’re on a solo adventure like me, heading out with friends, or have family visiting and want to take them somewhere unique. Here’s why you gotta visit the World’s Largest Strawberry Building and how to prepare for your visit so you have everything you need to know to get exploring.

"It’s located off Cargo Road in Ellerbe, North Carolina. You can use ‘The Berry Patch’ in Google Maps and it will take you directly there. It was a pretty straight forward drive from Fayetteville. When you get there, you’ll drive right into the large gravel parking area and can walk over to the building from there," The Katie Show Blog says.

"Of course it’s cool to be able to go there and get a couple of photos with such a unique building. There is space around the grassy side of the building to do that. But, what makes it even cooler is that they sell delicious homemade ice cream from the giant strawberry. What?! Yes, the giant strawberry is an ice cream shop as well. There’s not only ice cream but all sorts of sweet treats from cobbler, to banana splits, and fresh drinks like lemonade and sweet tea."

"The Berry Patch is the world’s largest strawberry-shaped building. It literally weighs four tons and was recently relocated two miles up Highway 220 in Ellerbe for better access to the public," the Visit North Carolina says.

"Famous for its homemade ice-cream, which comes in 19 different flavors. Also functions as a full produce, vegetable and fruit stand. The Berry Patch has picked up a reputation as a Sandhills region must-see location, as many beach-goers pass this institution on their way through Richmond County.

"Have your photograph taken beside the world’s largest strawberry and enjoy the notoriously good homemade ice cream--manufactured with an Amish double-churn system using the highest butter fat, cream and real fruit slices."

"Ellerbe's The Berry Patch is the home of the World's Largest Strawberry, which it uses to sell ice cream to customers stopping by the popular fruit and vegetable stand. According to its website, the World's Largest Strawberry is 24 feet tall and took over 5 months to construct," the Strange Carolinas says.

"Fun Fact: In addition to the World's Largest Strawberry, Ellerbe was also the home of one of the World's Largest Men, or at least one of the most popular. Andre Roussimoff, who wrestled and acted as Andre The Giant, spent the last decade of his life in the small town."

"In her poem “Goblin Market,” poet Christina Rossetti speaks of fruit stands, vegetables and berries: “Come buy, come buy our orchard fruits …” and Lee Berry and his family have sold those fresh delicacies for over 20 years at The Berry Patch off Exit 25 on the 73/74 North bypass," The Richmond Observer says.

"Now, with the addition of a new building that is taking shape on the property the Berry Patch is growing again. “We’re moving from triple scoops to triple production,” said owner Lee Berry.

"Lee Berry and his wife Amy and children Coleman, Ava and Jack are certainly the unofficial “Ellerbe Welcome Committee,” and in a town over 112 years old, Ellerbe has always remained just that, welcoming."