Looking for the perfect fall activity? Experience the best of autumn by visiting New Jersey’s apple-picking destinations, enjoying fresh apples, scenic hayrides, and more activities for a perfect fall day with loved ones.
Alstede Farms (Chester, NJ)
Alstede Farms, located in Chester, NJ, is one of New Jersey’s most popular destinations for apple picking. The farm offers acres of ripe apples, including Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and more. Alstede Farms provides fall-themed activities such as hayrides, corn maze, and even a farm market that sells fresh cider, baked goods, and produce.
According to the Alstede Farms website, several special events are hosted during the fall season, including Harvest Moon Hayride and Nighttime Corn Maze Adventures. They also offer their Farm-To-Table Dinners showcasing local ingredients which is perfect for food lovers. During the busy fall season, the farm operates on a timed ticketing system to manage visitors. This helps ensure a joyful experience for everyone even on busy weekends. It is a good idea to purchase tickets online in advance, as they can sell out.
Battleview Orchards (Freehold, NJ)
Located in Monmouth County, Battleview Orchards (Freehold, NJ) is a long-standing family-owned farm. It offers a perfect pick-your-own-apples experience while avoiding the hustle of larger orchards. Although Battleview doesn’t offer as many activities as larger farms, visitors love its quiet, peaceful environment. It is a perfect place for people seeking a more relaxing laid-back experience.
Danielle Allen, a journalism teacher at Colonia High School (CHS), recently visited this farm with her boys and shared her thoughts: “The apples are good, decent sized, and there are a lot of trees and different types of apples to pick from.” She described the farm’s atmosphere as, “good and wholesome, it’s always a fun day.” She noted one minor challenge, though, saying, “It’s a little hard to not carry big bags with you when you have children but I get it they don’t want people to steal the apples.”
Visitors know this farm for its large selection of apple varieties, including McIntosh, Jonamac, and Stayman Winesap. As the Battleview Orchards website claims, visitors can also shop at their country store, which is famous for their homemade goods: apple pies, cider donuts, and fresh-pressed cider. Battleview Orchards doesn’t charge an entry fee for visitors, making it a budget-friendly option for apple picking. You only have to pay for what you pick.
Stone Tavern Orchards (Cream Ridge, NJ)
Visitors may be less familiar with Stone Tavern Orchards in Cream Ridge, NJ compared to larger orchards, but it provides a more intimate and authentic fall experience. Some of the popular apple varieties offered at Stone Tavern Orchards are Fuji, Gala, and Empire. Known for its charming, peaceful environment, this farm is a perfect place for families and people looking for a more relaxing atmosphere.
Emily Cholewa, a junior at CHS, visited this farm in early October and said, “The farm was very laid back and filled with families with younger children.” She also mentioned activities she thought made the farm more enjoyable for young families. “The farm has hayrides, apple picking, pumpkin picking, and a zoo that’s for little kids,” she said.
The farm hosts seasonal events during the fall, such as pumpkin picking and hayrides. There is also a zoo, where children can interact with farm animals such as goats, chickens, and other farm animals. They offer additional attractions during the fall, including craft fairs, live music, and harvest festivals. Located in Central Jersey, Stone Tavern Orchards is easily accessible to many parts of New Jersey.
