October 2021: Fall Day Trips | New Jersey Monthly

October 2021: Fall Day Trips

The weather may be cooling off, but our appetite for outdoor adventure isn’t. This fall is the perfect time to enjoy a delightful day trip right here in New Jersey.

Want to really lose yourself? Try to conquer Stony Hill Farms’ 10-acre corn maze in Chester. In addition to meandering through the labyrinth, visitors can try to complete a maze-adventure game sheet. Fancy some true peace? Go for a kayaking trip along the Manasquan River, where you may even spot a bald eagle. Love the coast but feel like you’ve explored every town in New Jersey? Take a drive along the often-overlooked Bayshore Heritage Scenic Byway, which traverses Salem, Cumberland and Cape May counties. There are also historic sites, like Monmouth Battlefield State Park, and gorgeous places to take in nature, including Pequannock Watershed and Watchung Reservation.

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GARDEN VARIETY

Artist Siona Benjamin sits on the tile mosaic she created.

Montclair Artist Siona Benjamin Draws on Rainbow of Cultural Influences

Benjamin’s background as a Jewish woman raised in Mumbai, India, and educated in Catholic and Zoroastrian schools, informs her colorful work.

The cast of "The Many Saints of Newark"

‘The Many Saints of Newark’ Has New Jersey in Its Veins

What took place before Mafia boss Tony Soprano ruled North Jersey? That’s the question the much-anticipated Sopranos prequel film aims to answer.

Robert Randolph performs onstage.

How Musician Robert Randolph is Steering Kids Toward High-Paying Jobs

The Family Band guitarist talks philanthropy, education and life in Livingston.

Lakewood resident and paramedic Sim Shain, founder of OrganFlights.

NJ Company OrganFlights Plays a Key Role in Transplant Process

Founded by a Lakewood paramedic, the service helps get hearts and lungs where they need to go—”in a hurry.”

Montclair Film Festival Revs Up for New Normal With 10th Edition

After scrambling to reinvent last year’s event at the height of the pandemic, organizers are looking forward to the 2021 fest from October 21–30.

"Crossing Bridges" by Eva Cristina Hoffman Jedruch.

A Fate-Fueled Wartime Survival Story

In “Crossing the Bridges,” Summit author Eva Cristina Hoffman Jedruch, 82, recounts her mother’s incredible life.

Cape May native Carrie Locklyn helps people create stylish, functional homes that reflect their personalities.

HGTV Star Carrie Locklyn Goes Back to Her Roots at Jersey Shore

Cape May native Carrie Locklyn helps people create stylish, functional homes that reflect their personalities.

Bananas pop in a white kitchen.

10 Expert Tips for Home Design: ‘Don’t Hide Bananas in the Corner’

HGTV’s Carrie Locklyn on simple, inexpensive ways to refresh your living space.

5 Stylish Ways to Treat Yourself This Fall

Warm, welcoming lifestyle and home items to enjoy all season long.

How to Keep Skin Healthy as Weather Cools

A longtime aesthetician on the continued importance of sunscreen, the best foods for a fresh face, and the common product most people don’t need.

Rebecca Ramos and Renee Walton of Safe in Hunterdon.

A Safe Space for Domestic-Violence and Sexual-Assault Survivors

Safe in Hunterdon supports men, women and children in a largely rural county, where isolation can make it difficult to obtain help.

An offshore wind farm.

Inside PSEG’s Ambitious Plan for Net-Zero Emissions by 2030

The plan will benefit New Jersey’s air quality, public health and economy, says PSEG president Ralph Izzo.

FEATURES

Steven Van Zandt strikes a pose.

Steven Van Zandt on Springsteen, ‘The Sopranos’ and Shrugging off Stardom

The rock ‘n’ roll icon documents his lifetime of passion projects in his new memoir, “Unrequited Infatuations.”

G. Willow Wilson is the cocreator of Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel.

How G. Willow Wilson Defied Expectations (and Haters) with Marvel’s First Female, Muslim Superhero

The Jersey native is the co-creator of Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel.

The paths of Stony Hill Farms' corn maze in Chester, NJ

Get Lost But Find Fun in a Corn Maze this Fall

One of our favorite fall day trips is the corn maze at Stony Hill Farms in Chester.

East Point Lighthouse

Visit NJ’s Often-Overlooked Bayshore Heritage Scenic Byway

New Jersey has no shortage of coastal attractions. But the sites along the Delaware Bay are often overlooked.

Beautiful fall foliage at Watchung Reservation.

Watchung Reservation is a Peaceful Fall Day Trip

Sandwiched between Routes 22 and 78 in Union County, Watchung Reservation offers a 2,000-acre respite from the bustle of nearby roadways and townships.

Sights at Monmouth Battlefield State Park.

Monmouth Battlefield State Park: Stroll Where Washington Stood Fast

Little has changed from the day when George Washington’s army fought the British in one of the largest battles of the American Revolution.

Kayak on the Manasquan River

Manasquan River: The Perfect Day Trip for Kayakers

At the eastern end, grand houses line the banks and fishing boats parade out to sea; to the west, bald eagles soar. In between, kayakers can meander through marshes and woodlands.

Hanks PHanks Pond located in the Pequannock Watershed.

Visit Pequannock Watershed, a ‘Pristine Forest’ in New Jersey

The 35,000-acre Pequannock Watershed Recreation Facility covers portions of Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties.

Why Migrating Monarch Butterflies Love NJ

The Garden State is an essential stop for the fragile-but-intrepid travelers.

Jessica Sawyer, Liz Dee and Sandra Dee of Smarties Candy.

Iconic Candy Brands Born, Bred and Made in New Jersey

Our state has long been a hotbed for beloved sweets like M&M’s and Smarties.

HOME & GARDEN

A kitchen designed by Dan Ruhland in Far Hills, NJ

Colorful New Jersey Kitchens that Pop

With a unique take on color and a keen eye for detail, designer Dan Ruhland creates “something different” in NJ kitchens.

EAT & DRINK

A spread at Wildwood's Santorini.

Santorini Reviewed: Coastal-Cool Food in Wildwood, Any Time of Year

Greek, Italian and Albanian influences make a tasty tag team at the restaurant, which stands out on this Shore town’s dining scene.

Local proprietors say background music is an essential part of the experience restaurants provide.

An Invisible Ingredient in Restaurants’ Success

Background music can make or break the sensory experience of dining out.

Fortified cider is a worthy rival to port or sherry.

Ironbound Farm’s Fortified Cider is a Worthy Rival to Port and Sherry

Produced with Jersey apple brandy, it’ll warm you from the inside out.

A taco at Mexican Spice in Chatham.

Fast-Casual Chatham Eatery Serves Up Authentic Mexican Fare

After moving to New Jersey from Mexico City, Jennifer Teutli began cooking and catering the foods she missed. Eventually, Mexican Spice was born.

Tommy's Tavern + Tap in Bridgewater has an extensive menu.

This Bridgewater Sports Bar Boasts an Unusually Extensive Menu

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap, one of seven statewide locations, offers everything from brick-oven pizza to sushi.

The candy-laden King Kong Sundae at Sugar Factory in Atlantic City.

At Sugar Factory Atlantic City, Extravagant Treats Abound

The restaurant at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino boasts boozy concoctions, crazy desserts, a floor-to-ceiling candy wall and savory items galore.

EXIT RAMP

Illustration of woman stomping grapes.

A Sticky, Giddy Grape-Stomping Session at Four Sisters Winery

Visitors flock to the Belvidere vineyards to roll up their pant legs and take part in some old-school squishing. (And, of course, a bit of sipping.)