Dear EscapeMakers - Only 1 hour away from NYC, Central Jersey not only offers a plethora of farms and fall festivals to visit but also a booming craft beverage scene! Unleash your inner bootlegger or farmer and hop on over the Hudson River for a quick and affordable getaway! Check out the new Central Jersey Canal Region Map to help you design your own Central Jersey craft beverage tour, including stops at Sourland Mountain Spirits, Ironbound Hard Cider, Harvest Moon Brewery, River Horse Brewery, and Triumph Brewing, Unionvilleand Old York Cellars, Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Working Dog Winery and Terhune Orchards & Winery! Overnight Packages from $139.00/night! Stay at the Chauncey Hotel, located less than 10 miles from the Terhune and Hopewell Valley wineries; Triumph and River Horse brewing; and from Sourland Spirits. The package includes overnight accommodations and breakfast for two, transportation to and from Terhune and $25 to spend there. Central Jersey October Fall Farm Festivals: Terhune Apple Days Fall Festivals Snyder's Farm Festival Suydam Farm Fall Fest Weekends Visit: DiscoverCentralNJ.com for more events, farms, restaurants, historic sites, arts and recreational opportunities!
Dear EscapeMakers – Only 1 hour away from NYC, Central Jersey not only offers a plethora of farms and fall festivals to visit but also a booming craft beverage scene! Unleash your inner bootlegger or farmer and hop on over the Hudson River for a quick and affordable getaway! Check out the new Central Jersey Canal Region Map to help you design your own Central Jersey craft beverage tour, including stops at Sourland Mountain Spirits,
New Jersey is the Garden State for a reason. For more three centuries, the state’s fertile fields and valleys have fed America’s cities and armies. Indeed, Central Jersey was the site of the “forage wars” of the American Revolution, in which winning the loyalty of local farmers as a key to the American victory. Today Central Jersey’s farmers welcome millions of visitors from near and far to partake in the bounty—and fun—of harvest season. Just an hour from New York and Philadelphia by train, car, or bus, Central Jersey is one of the most accessible agricultural areas in America. At DiscoverCentralNJ.com you’ll find farms and orchards to please everyone, including families, friends, couples and seniors. The biggest crowds are drawn to harvest festivals, beginning Sept 14 an running through October: Terhune Orchards and Winery, near Princeton, is the region’s agritourism leader, inviting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year to a 200-acre family-owned and operated farm. Autumn brings Terhune’s Apple Days Fall Festivals, featuring cider, pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, pumpkin painting, pony rides, pedal tractors, wagon rides, corn stalk maze, adventure barn, and a barnyard of farm animals. Every Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 to Oct. 27. Admission $10 per person. Snyder Farm in the Somerset section of Franklin Township offers a family-oriented Farm Festival weekends starting September 27. Activities include hayrides, pumpkin moon bounce, hippity hop, potato sack slide, corn maze, hay bale maze, spider web, pedal carts, corn hole games, bowling, hay bale activity center and more. General admission of $13 is required for pumpkin picking, plus cost of pumpkin. Suydam Farms is operated by the family’s 12th generation of farmers in Somerset, located on State Route 27 and served by the 100 bus out of New York’s Port Authority. The history of local farming is a big
New Jersey is the Garden State for a reason. For more three centuries, the state’s fertile fields and valleys have fed America’s cities and armies. Indeed, Central Jersey was the site of the “forage wars” of the American Revolution, in which winning the loyalty of local farmers as a key to the American victory. Today Central Jersey’s farmers welcome millions of visitors from near and far to partake in the bounty—and fun—of harvest season. Just
Celebrate 'merica with blueberry picking at Central NJ Farms! Dear EscapeMakers -- Blueberry season is in full swing at Snyder's Farm in Somerset, NJ starting June 29th until they are all picked out! July 13th, visit for Blueberry U-Pick & Movie under the stars. Only a 5-minute cab from the Somerset NJ Transit train station (1 hour from NYC),just grab a friend, a basket and go! And on July 6-7th from 10am-5pm, Terhune Orchards in Princeton, NJ, hosts their annual Blueberry Bash, a great all-American event for kids, families and blueberry fans alike! Pick-Your-Own blueberries in their 2-acre patch and enjoy country music while you relax with a glass of their award-winning Rooster Red dark cherry wine or Farmhouse White chardonnay blend. Family entertainment includes a puppet show, tractor-drawn wagon rides, pony rides, face painting, games in the barnyard and visits with the sheep, goats, ducks and chickens! And when hunger strikes at Terhune, visit the Mount Family's Blueberry Bash Buffet, chock full of tasty blueberry treats – blueberry-apple crisp, blueberry drinks, blueberry muffins, blueberry cobbler, blueberry jam, blueberry salsa and more! You can even enter their juried Blueberry Bash Bake Off Contest for a $100 first prize farmstore certificate! Terhune Orchards is accessible by taking NJ Transit to Princeton and then a quick 13-minute cab ride to the farm)! By the way, three women, including co-founder Pam Mount (pictured here, middle), are key members of Terhune's leadership team. DiscoverCentralNJ.com is highlighting local women in agriculture since they comprise more than 40% of New Jersey farmers -- a fact that has been hidden until now. Read here how a methodology change in the US Farm Census revealed this secret fact! Keep checking the site as they add more amazing women farmers to support! MORE THINGS TO DO, SEE & TASTE
Celebrate ‘merica with blueberry picking at Central NJ Farms! Dear EscapeMakers — Blueberry season is in full swing at Snyder’s Farm in Somerset, NJ starting June 29th until they are all picked out! July 13th, visit for Blueberry U-Pick & Movie under the stars. Only a 5-minute cab from the Somerset NJ Transit train station (1 hour from NYC),just grab a friend, a basket and go! And on July 6-7th from 10am-5pm, Terhune Orchards in
Dear EscapeMakers -- Less than an hour from NYC in Somerset County, New Jersey, Duke Farms will be all aglow at the Firefly Festival! On Friday July 12th & Saturday July 13th, experience the magic of fireflies at the Firefly Festival, one of the world's most renowned environmental destinations! During this family-friendly event, you'll meander along a self-guided 1.5-mile loop through woodlands and meadows to get a glimpse of fireflies in action. Stop at over 20 activity stations along the way and learn to communicate with fireflies, discover what a glowworm is, learn what it takes to create a home for fireflies in your backyard, and much more! The festival runs from 7:30pm - 10:30pm each day! Please register all individuals in your group in advance. BOOK NOW ! More Upcoming Events at Duke Farms NJ Native Orchids (Recurring) Community Garden Snoop Tour (Recurring) Getting to Know Orchids (Recurring) Junior Naturalists (Recurring) Waterfall Hike - July 5th Up with the Birds - July 22 Butterfly Gardening for Kids - July-August Experience Things to Do in Somerset County, NJ VisitSomersetNJ.org
Dear EscapeMakers — Less than an hour from NYC in Somerset County, New Jersey, Duke Farms will be all aglow at the Firefly Festival! On Friday July 12th & Saturday July 13th, experience the magic of fireflies at the Firefly Festival, one of the world’s most renowned environmental destinations! During this family-friendly event, you’ll meander along a self-guided 1.5-mile loop through woodlands and meadows to get a glimpse of fireflies in action. Stop at over
SOURLAND MOUNTAIN FEST - LOCAL FOOD & WINE WITH AN AMAZING VIEW! Dear EscapeMakers -- Discover the NEW Jersey you haven't seen yet! This Saturday is the Sourland Mountain Festival - local food, local wines, local tunes and majestic views! Considered the “best kept wilderness secret," it's just an hour from New York and Philly. You’ll eat and drink some of Central Jersey’s finest offerings from Brick Farm Market, the Ryland Inn, and Unionville Vineyard and enjoy the music of the Mike Monterey Band, Anthony Krizan, Danielia Cotton and more! Plus, there'll be family activities and education about Central NJ’s wildlife and history. Get advance tickets or consider the popular VIP experience. 100% of proceeds help protect this special wilderness through the Sourland Conservancy. Make it a weekend with a package deal! WEEKEND PACKAGES: CENTRAL NJ GETAWAYS AT THE CHAUNCEY HOTEL! The Chauncey Hotel is a 100-room jewel of an "agritourism" hotel and conference center located in the heart of Central Jersey’s farm country. They are IACC certified, and employ eco-friendly and sustainable practices to protect the environment. They also offer several affordable weekend packages you won’t be able to resist! Perfect for family trips or romantic escapes.... • June 21-23 - Sourland Mountain Festival Farm-to-Table Package • July 26-29 - Central Jersey Art & Wine Weekend • August 2-4 - Central Jersey Just Peachy Festival Weekend The Chauncey Hotel is located a short drive from the picturesque towns of Princeton, Hopewell, and Lawrenceville and a quick taxi ride from the Princeton NJ Transit train station. Each package has a limited number of rooms available. BOOK NOW! MORE THINGS TO DO, SEE & TASTE IN CENTRAL NJ: • Visit some great family farms, orchards and farm stores • Reserve your table at a delicious farm-to-table restaurant • Taste the
SOURLAND MOUNTAIN FEST – LOCAL FOOD & WINE WITH AN AMAZING VIEW! Dear EscapeMakers — Discover the NEW Jersey you haven’t seen yet! This Saturday is the Sourland Mountain Festival – local food, local wines, local tunes and majestic views! Considered the “best kept wilderness secret,” it’s just an hour from New York and Philly. You’ll eat and drink some of Central Jersey’s finest offerings from Brick Farm Market, the Ryland Inn, and Unionville Vineyard
Dear EscapeMakers -- Rock, formal, native, rose, peony, ornamental -- whatever garden passion, the beauty and aroma of diverse gardens can be found in Somerset County, NJ! The County is home to five renowned garden experiences for you to explore. Plan a visit to Duke Farms, Leonard J. Buck Garden, Peony's Envy, the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden or Hidden Spring Lavender. Gardens Getaways are ideal during Spring and Summer when many plants are in peak bloom! Upcoming Events: Duke Farms May 5 - Seed Bombs for Monarchs May 11 - Forest Gardening in the Home Landscape May 18 - Nature Immersion May 18 & June 6 - Getting to Know Orchids May 31 - Ecology Walk June 1 - Community Garden Snoop Tour Duke Farms features a farm-to-table indoor market. There are three gardens on the breathtaking Duke Estate: the Orchid Range, with one of the largest tropical displays in the country, an arboretum with a Japanese-style meditation garden, and the largest allotment-style community garden in the U.S.! Leonard J. Buck Garden May 5, 12 & 19 - Woodland Walks Visit one of the premier rock gardens in the eastern United States, consisting of a series of alpine and woodland gardens situated in a 33-acre wooded stream valley. Peony's Envy May 10, 17, 24 & 31 Friday Night Picnics and Garden Tours May 25 - June 9 - Pick Your Own Peonies June 1 - Peony Supper- Peak Bloom Party Nursery and display garden in Bernardsville, with one of the most extensive collections of tree, herbaceous and intersectional peonies in the Northeastern United States. Events and workshops are held throughout the year. Colonial Park Gardens May 30 & June 2 - Guided Tours - Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden June 8th - Rose Day Festival
Dear EscapeMakers — Rock, formal, native, rose, peony, ornamental — whatever garden passion, the beauty and aroma of diverse gardens can be found in Somerset County, NJ! The County is home to five renowned garden experiences for you to explore. Plan a visit to Duke Farms, Leonard J. Buck Garden, Peony’s Envy, the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden or Hidden Spring Lavender. Gardens Getaways are ideal during Spring and Summer when many plants
Dear EscapeMakers -- Make a vibrant connection to history! Visit 30 significant historic sites, all open to the public, free of charge, for special events and activities celebrating the history of Somerset County on their annual Weekend Journey Through the Past! Explore the county's quaint villages, rolling farmsteads, lively towns and unspoiled natural areas. Witness what life was like 50, 100 or even 200 years ago, from daily work responsibilities and pleasant pastimes to the difficult hardships endured during the American Revolution. Participating sites are open on Saturday, October 13th (10am-5pm) and Sunday, October 14th(12pm-4pm). MORE INFO! Welcome to Bluebird Farm Alpacas, family fun in a beautiful farm setting, situated among the rolling Somerset Hills in Peapack, New Jersey. Turn a normal day into an extraordinary one! Visit Bluebird Farm Alpacas on October 27-28 to meet and interact with, photograph, or even adopt one of the cuddly creatures. You'll experience alpacas up-close, feel the alpaca fleece, tour the bucolic 11-acre farm, view live demonstrations, learn about raising and breeding alpacas, shop for alpaca products, and enjoy a fun-filled day for the entire family! MORE INFO! Upcoming Events in Somerset County... Duke Farms Creature Fest (Hillsborough) - October 21 16th Annual Colonial Christmas (Bedminster) - November 24 & 25; December 1 & 2 Lord Stirling Winter Holiday Festival - December 1 Experience Things to Do in Somerset County, NJ VisitSomersetNJ.org
Dear EscapeMakers — Make a vibrant connection to history! Visit 30 significant historic sites, all open to the public, free of charge, for special events and activities celebrating the history of Somerset County on their annual Weekend Journey Through the Past! Explore the county’s quaint villages, rolling farmsteads, lively towns and unspoiled natural areas. Witness what life was like 50, 100 or even 200 years ago, from daily work responsibilities and pleasant pastimes to the
Dear EscapeMakers -- Travel less than an hour from NYC for a day filled with jazz music at the Central Jersey Jazz Festival - Somerville! Free parking is available in all municipal parking lots as well as on-street. Plus, the festival is only a few blocks from the Somerville train station. Take NJ Transit from Penn Station! Experience the sounds of today's best live jazz at Somerset County Historic Courthouse Green in Downtown Somerville. The free concert will be held on Sunday, September 16th from 1pm- 6pm, and seating will start at noon. The Central Jersey Jazz Festival - Somerville is rain or shine. Plus, artists and artisans will be offering an array of fascinating and affordable artwork at the JazzFest Art Exhibit & Sale and delicious food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Festival Food Court & Beer Garden. Verve Restaurant will offer a wine and beer garden and Tapastre restaurant will also offer a local craft beer garden with over 20 New Jersey craft beers on tap and ciders for visitors over 21! MORE INFO! Upcoming Events in Somerset County... Somerville Oktoberfest Norz Hill Farm Fall Festival 98th Running of the Far Hills Race Meeting Experience Things to Do in Somerset County, NJ VisitSomersetNJ.org
Dear EscapeMakers — Travel less than an hour from NYC for a day filled with jazz music at the Central Jersey Jazz Festival – Somerville! Free parking is available in all municipal parking lots as well as on-street. Plus, the festival is only a few blocks from the Somerville train station. Take NJ Transit from Penn Station! Experience the sounds of today’s best live jazz at Somerset County Historic Courthouse Green in Downtown Somerville. The
Dear EscapeMakers -- Less than an hour from NYC in Somerset County, New Jersey, Duke Farms will be all aglow at the Firefly Festival! On Friday July 13th & Saturday July 14th, experience the magic of fireflies at the Firefly Festival - at one of the world's most renowned environmental destinations! During this family-friendly event, you'll meander along a self-guided 1.5-mile loop through woodlands and meadows to get a glimpse of fireflies in action. Stop at over 20 activity stations along the way and learn to communicate with fireflies, discover what a glowworm is, learn what it takes to create a home for fireflies in your backyard, and much more! The festival runs from 8:00pm - 11:00pm each day! REGISTER NOW! More Upcoming Events at Duke Farms NJ Native Orchids (Recurring) Community Garden Snoop Tour (Recurring) Getting to Know Orchids (Recurring) Junior Orchid Club (Recurring) Up with the Birds - July 22 Junior Gardeners - July 28 - October 27 Junior Ornithologists - July 29 Experience Things to Do in Somerset County, NJ VisitSomersetNJ.org
Dear EscapeMakers — Less than an hour from NYC in Somerset County, New Jersey, Duke Farms will be all aglow at the Firefly Festival! On Friday July 13th & Saturday July 14th, experience the magic of fireflies at the Firefly Festival – at one of the world’s most renowned environmental destinations! During this family-friendly event, you’ll meander along a self-guided 1.5-mile loop through woodlands and meadows to get a glimpse of fireflies in action. Stop
