For more local trip ideas, checkout //www.discovercentralnj.com Holiday trips in the family car while growing up in the 1970s often featured my mother leading the family in singing “Over the River and through the Woods,” a holiday poem and song written by a prominent abolitionist in 1844. It goes this way: “Over the river, and through the woods, To Grandmother’s house we go; the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow.” Early snowfalls are rarer today, but otherwise the spirit of an old-fashioned holiday journey is very much alive in Central Jersey, home to dozens of farms, farm markets, and beverage makers, just an hour’s journey by car, bus, or rail from New York and Philadelphia. Make Discover Central NJ your guide to the Garden State’s holiday bounty. Crossing the D&R Canal will get you to many Central Jersey Farms Whether you are crossing the mighty Hudson or Delaware rivers from a major city, or just crossing the Millstone or Raritan rivers from a nearby town, Central Jersey’s Canal Region is the perfect holiday season destination. Stock up on a bounty of traditional holiday foods and beverages, including a heritage breed turkey for Thanksgiving, an old fashioned Christmas goose, a holiday ham, or a wide assortment of prepared side dishes, fruit pies, local wines and spirits, and gift baskets. You can make a full day or a weekend of your holiday foraging in Central Jersey by rounding out your itinerary with stops at farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, historic sites, recreation areas, cultural destinations, and hotels. Double Book Farm in Hopewell and Griggstown Farm in Franklin Township pasture-raise heritage breeds of turkeys, the most similar to what was available to the Pilgrims, making them the perfect center piece to your holiday table. Double Brook Farm
For more local trip ideas, checkout //www.discovercentralnj.com Holiday trips in the family car while growing up in the 1970s often featured my mother leading the family in singing “Over the River and through the Woods,” a holiday poem and song written by a prominent abolitionist in 1844. It goes this way: “Over the river, and through the woods, To Grandmother’s house we go; the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white
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
Dear EscapeMakers -- There's a NEW Jersey you haven't seen yet! We're excited to announce that just this week, a coalition of New Jersey farmers, beverage makers and farm-to-table restaurateurs launched a new website, DiscoverCentralNJ.com - a guide to help you find the special places, food, and drink that earned the Garden State its nickname! Central New Jersey is located within 1 hour of NYC, completely accessible by NJ Transit, and is steeped in agricultural history. Known for its farms, canals, farm fresh food, wine and pastoral beauty, it was described to Stephen Colbert as “a mystical kingdom, kind of a Camelot.” THINGS TO DO, SEE & TASTE: • Visit great family farms, orchards & farm stores • Reserve a table at a delicious farm-to-table restaurant • Taste the outstanding wine, cider, and spirits of Central NJ • Find historic sites, recreation areas, canals and arts venues • Book overnight packages at the eco-minded Chauncey Hotel • Plenty of events, concerts and festivals like ... EVENTS: SAT., JUNE 22 SOURLAND MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL - MUSIC WITH A VIEW! Sourland Mountain in Central Jersey is a “best kept secret” wilderness, just an hour from New York and Philly. At the Sourland Mountain Festival on June 22 you'll discover the beauty of Central Jersey with live music and delicious local food and craft beverages. 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, the Gumbo Gumbas, Daniela Cotton and more! Plus, there'll be family activities and education about Central Jersey’s wildlife and human history. Save with advance tickets and consider the popular VIP experience. 100% of proceeds help protect this special wilderness through the Sourland Conservancy! WEEKEND PACKAGES: CENTRAL NJ GETAWAYS AT THE
Dear EscapeMakers — There’s a NEW Jersey you haven’t seen yet! We’re excited to announce that just this week, a coalition of New Jersey farmers, beverage makers and farm-to-table restaurateurs launched a new website, DiscoverCentralNJ.com – a guide to help you find the special places, food, and drink that earned the Garden State its nickname! Central New Jersey is located within 1 hour of NYC, completely accessible by NJ Transit, and is steeped in agricultural
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 -- 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
Dear EscapeMakers -- Less than an hour from NYC in Somerset County, New Jersey, Colonial Park Gardens is the place to be on June 9th! Their annual Rose Day Festival celebrates one of the first signs of summer. Roses in Bloom! In the heart of the park, the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden displays thousands of roses of many varieties, with both modern and historic significance. Stroll through the gardens, enjoying music and live entertainment, meet local artisans and indulge in some great food! Leonard J. Buck Garden - One of the premier rock gardens in the eastern U.S., consisting of a series of alpine and woodland gardens situated in a 33-acre wooded stream valley. Focus on Ferns – June 8 Peony’s Envy Final Friday Night Picnic – June 8 Hidden Spring Lavender Farm - Lavender fields and store featuring bouquets, buds, oil or culinary products made with 100% pure lavender and essential oils. Lavender Workshop - June 22 Duke Farms - Features three gardens with one of the largest tropical displays in the country, Arboretum with Japanese-style meditation garden, and largest allotment-style community garden in the U.S.! Community Garden Snoop Tour (Recurring) Getting to Know Orchids (Recurring) Junior Orchid Club (Recurring) Plant a Salad Garden – June 9 Getting to Know Orchids: An introduction – June 14 NJ Native Orchids (Recurring) June 16 Accessibility Gardening – June 19 Learn more about Somerset County's gardens Explore VisitSomersetNJ.org/garden for a custom itinerary!
Dear EscapeMakers — Less than an hour from NYC in Somerset County, New Jersey, Colonial Park Gardens is the place to be on June 9th! Their annual Rose Day Festival celebrates one of the first signs of summer. Roses in Bloom! In the heart of the park, the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden displays thousands of roses of many varieties, with both modern and historic significance. Stroll through the gardens, enjoying music and