October 2023: Fall Day Trips
What does your perfect fall day in New Jersey entail?
A gorgeous drive through the mountains, taking in the colors of changing leaves along the way? An afternoon of festival-focused fun with the family, picking pumpkins and apples? A laid-back evening at a winery, tasting new varieties and catching up with old friends?
Whatever your ideal autumn day, we can bet it features the Garden State’s great outdoors.
Enjoy our guide of places to visit and things to do this season!
GARDEN VARIETY
How Evelyn McGee Colbert Turned the Montclair Film Festival Into a Cultural Powerhouse
“Montclair is New Jersey’s Hollywood,” says McGee Colbert, who cofounded Montclair Film and is married to Stephen Colbert. This year’s festival runs from October 20-29.
Read morePodcast Celebrates the Artists Who Make Jersey City Tick
On Tarik Talk, local painters, writers, musicians and more chat about “their creative process, their fears, things that make them happy.”
Read moreHow Do Makeup Artists Transform Faces for TV and Film? This NJ Academy Will Show You
The School of Makeup Effects (SOME) in Totowa teaches everything from color theory to prosthetic application.
Read moreNew Amenities, Same Extravagant Tailgating: What to Expect at Far Hills Race Meeting 2023
The 102nd running, on October 21 at Moorland Farm, will feature an all-inclusive tent and the ability to participate in pari-mutuel wagering.
Read moreHow a Beer Magnate’s Mansion Became a Modern Coworking Space
Newark Makerhoods features live/work spaces for business startups.
Read moreNew York Red Bulls II Making Huge Strides as a Young Team
The Red Bulls II will play in the first round of the MLS Next Pro’s playoffs against Chicago Fire FC II on Sunday, October 1.
Read moreMorristown Auction House Buys and Sells the Cool, Rare and Quirky
The Magnusson Group team often encounters unusual finds—from diamond rings hidden in freezers to six-figure paintings stashed behind fridges.
Read moreNational Society of Black Engineers Aims to Create Early Interest in STEM
It also hopes to inspire a lifetime of learning in students.
Read moreFEATURES
Is Paterson’s Notorious Police Department Finally Entering a New Era?
After years of allegations of race-based bias by Paterson police, the state takeover is beginning to yield positive results—but doubts still linger.
Read moreThe Best Fall Day Trips in New Jersey
Autumn is all about exploring the Garden State’s outdoor pleasures—hiking trails, waterfalls, seasonal festivals, and tasting rooms with scenic views.
Read moreDiscover the Hidden Gems of NJ: 6 Breathtaking Waterfalls You Need to See
Ready for an autumn rush? Check out these lesser-known splendors.
Read moreNew Jersey Fall Festivals and Fairs You Won’t Want to Miss
From Oktoberfest celebrations to family-friendly events, the Garden State has a plethora of fun fall happenings.
Read moreA Guide to Exploring NJ’s 36-Mile Lenape Trail
The sprawling Essex County trail links suburban streets with woodsy mountains and hidden history.
Read moreHaunted Attractions Sure to Scare NJ This Fall
Find frights and delights all over New Jersey as Halloween nears.
Read moreUnwind at NJ’s Most Scenic Tasting Rooms
Ready to enjoy a brew with a view? Here’s your guide to the Garden’s State’s most picturesque breweries, wineries, distilleries and cideries.
Read moreGroup Works to Save the Oft-Forgotten Jersey Side of Ellis Island
A local nonprofit refuses to let the island’s abandoned medical buildings crumble into the sea.
Read moreThe War on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Is Revving Up Across New Jersey
More towns are limiting the use of—or even completely banning—gas-powered blowers, citing health and environmental concerns.
Read moreHOME & GARDEN
Inside Pottersville’s Idyllic Bird Haven Farm
The 75-acre property in Hunterdon County is home to a century-old apple orchard and flourishing gardens.
Read moreEAT & DRINK
Centrada in Red Bank Pulses with Vibrant Late-Night Scene and Pan-Latin Menu
Great cocktails, memorable appetizers and a beat-heavy soundtrack breathe new life into a pre-pandemic hotspot.
Read moreMeet New Jersey’s Queen of the Vegans, Freya Dinshah
Freya Dinshah is president of the American Vegan Society, whose headquarters are tucked away in Gloucester County.
Read morePren Kitchen Adds Modern Comfort to Chester’s Restaurant Scene
“It’s like going over to someone’s house to eat a meal.”
Read moreThis Cozy Tinton Falls Eatery Is Tucked Within Vast Gardens
The expansive menu features ultra-fresh produce and herbs. Also on-site: a to-go market and a cooking-demo classroom.
Read moreThis AC Bar Boasts Elevated Staples and Sophisticated Specials
Plus, your canine companions are welcome.
Read moreWines From Hybrid Grapes, Once Dismissed by Critics, Are Finding NJ Fans
Many believe that hybrid grapes will prove even more important as climate change continues to impact wine regions.
Read moreEXIT RAMP
The Joys of Putting Down Roots in New Jersey
A Pennsylvania native reflects on becoming a proud Garden Stater.
Read more