Enjoy Fall Fun with a Side of Seasonal Fare

Some of the best events in New Jersey have tasty food and drink options on the menu, too.

Demarest Farms

Demarest Farms offers up delectable fall treats, as well as a Halloween light show, for fall. Courtesy of Demarest Farms

Autumn is just around the corner, meaning it’s time for some fall-themed events — and food. New New Jersey has you covered with pumpkin spice-flavored treats, light shows, wine tastings and more.

It is also prime apple-picking season, and farms around the state are beginning to welcome guests to enjoy their homegrown fruits. Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Macintosh, Empire and more apple favorites are available at New Jersey farms.

Check out what else is happening around the state as we head into this cool, crisp time of year.

Halloween Light Show at Demarest Farms (Hillsdale)

Starting on September 17, Demarest Farms is hosting a spooky light show every night until Halloween. Guests will take their vehicles on a 25-minute guided tour through 32 acres of Halloween-themed light displays. Farm fresh treats, s’mores, hot cocoa and more can be enjoyed after the ride by the farm’s warm fire pits. Reservations are required, and time slots are from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $35 per car.
Demarest Farms, 244 Wiermus Rd., Hillsdale; 201-666-0472

Scarecrow Contest at Duffield’s (Sewell)

The scarecrow contest is back for the second year in a row at Duffield’s farm. The theme this year is “music performers through the years,” and all submissions will be put on display beginning September 15. When visiting the farm for apple picking, pumpkin picking, hayrides and more, guests will be able to vote for which scarecrow they like the best. Voting closes on October 30, and the winning family will receive a turkey and sides for a Thanksgiving dinner.
Duffield’s Farm & Market, 280 Chapel Heights Rd., Sewell; 856-589-7090

Seasonal Baked Goods at Battleview Orchards (Freehold)

In operation since 1908, this orchard is also home to a country store that is open year round. During the fall season, the store introduces new baked goods to the inventory, including delicious pies, fresh apple cider and cider donuts. Seasonal pies include apple cranberry, caramel apple walnut, sweet potato, pecan and pumpkin.
Battleview Orchards, 91 Wemrock Rd., Freehold; 732-462-0756

Auburn Road Wine Garden at Hill Creek Farms (Mullica Hill)

Aside from apple picking, Hill Creek is inviting guests to enjoy the Auburn Road Wine Garden, located right on-site at the farm. The Auburn Road Vineyard is located in Pilesgrove and partnered with Hill Creek to make a fresh, sweet apple wine. Guests are able to taste the wine in Hill Creek’s wine garden, complete with socially spaced umbrella tables and servers. The wine garden menu includes an assortment of salads, cheese plates and handhelds. The farm’s market also carries an assortment of Auburn Wines that guests can bring home to enjoy.
Hill Creek Farms, 1631 State Highway 45, Mullica Hill; 856-223-0028

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