It’s the best time of year here in New Jersey: Autumn! There’s nothing like spending a crisp fall day in some cozy sweats sipping on hot cider while picking pumpkins, wandering apple orchards, and enjoying the many fall festivals our state has to offer. For today’s blog, we’d like to introduce you to some of the best places for U-Pick Orchards and apple picking, so let’s get exploring!
Fun Carpentry Fact: The wood from Apple trees has been used by specialty woodworkers for centuries. This hardwood lumber can be used in turned items, carving projects, tool handles or mallet heads, and on occasion fine furniture or flooring. You may also be familiar with its culinary use for smoking, imparting a mild, subtly sweet and fruity flavor to meats like poultry, beef, pork, game meats, and lamb.
Alstede Farms in Chester - Open Daily, but access to the pick your own features and other events is ticketed with timed/dated entry. Additionally, pay for what you pick is priced per produce category and varies. Pick your own apple tickets were currently discounted online at the time of writing this blog!
Demarest Farms in Hillsdale - Open 8AM to 5PM on Weekends and holidays for u-pick, and Thursday/Friday from 10AM to 4PM. Admission entry and reservations are required for $8 per person; apple picking bags are $15 each.
Eastmont Orchards in Colts Neck - Open on weekdays from 9AM to 4:30PM and weekends from 9AM to 5:30PM; free admission, pay for what you pick. This is not a pet-friendly farm.
Hillview Farms in Gillette - Open daily for apple picking from 9AM to 6PM through October; pricing for admission/picking is not listed on the website.
Lee Turkey Farm in East Windsor - Monday through Saturday admission entry is $3 per person for 3yr olds and up; Sunday admission is $5 per person age 3yr and up. Pay for what you pick. This is not a pet-friendly farm
Melick’s Farm Orchards in Oldwick and Califon - Open Daily from 9AM to 6PM for U-Pick and farm stand hours. Entry fees apply; weekend admission includes free tractor wagon rides. Pay for what you pick. This is not a pet-friendly farm.
Pochuck Valley Farm in Glenwood - Open daily for Pick Your Own apples, peaches and pears from 7AM to 4PM September through October 31st. The Farm Store is open from 6AM to 5PM every Monday through Friday, and 6AM to 3PM on Saturdays and Sundays. This is not a pet-friendly farm.
Stony Hill Farms in Chester - Open daily for pick your own from 10AM to 5PM, but does require U-Pick Entry Tickets which can be purchased online. Admission costs may vary due to events or activities on the farm. This is not a pet-friendly farm.
Got a favorite farm we’ve left off the list? Let us know in the comments!