By Tariq Richardson and Asia Ewart
All photos by Wightman Farms.
Exploring New Fall Traditions: A Memorable Visit to Wightman Farms in Morristown, NJ
By Tariq Richardson
This past weekend, my family and I continued a beloved tradition we observe every October: visiting pumpkin patches across New Jersey. This year, we added a new location to our list—Wightman Farms in Morristown, NJ—which was a fantastic addition to our annual fall adventure.
Upon arriving at Wightman Farms, we purchased our tickets and immediately hopped onto the tractor for a scenic tour of the property. As the tractor ascended to the highest point of the farm, we were greeted by an outstanding panoramic view of the landscape. The vibrant fall colors stretched as far as the eye could see, creating the perfect opportunity for my brother and me to snap some stunning photographs to commemorate the moment.
After the breathtaking tour, the tractor dropped us off at the pumpkin patch, an essential part of our annual tradition. There, we wandered through rows of pumpkins, selecting the perfect ones to bring home. Of course, we couldn't resist taking more photos, and I even took the opportunity to carve my initials into one of the pumpkins—a fun, personal touch that added to the day's excitement.
From the pumpkin patch, I ventured into the corn maze, a classic fall activity that never fails to challenge. I found myself lost several times, encountering dead end after dead end. However, after some persistence and problem-solving, I finally made my way out of the maze, feeling a sense of joy and accomplishment.
The day concluded in the most satisfying way possible—sipping homemade apple cider and enjoying freshly made apple cider doughnuts. The warm, sweet treats were the perfect end to a day filled with fall fun, making this year's visit to Wightman Farms one of the best yet.
Our annual trip to various pumpkin patches across New Jersey is more than just a family outing; it's a cherished tradition that allows us to come together, appreciate the beauty of the season, and create lasting memories. As we finished the day, I couldn't help but look forward to continuing this tradition and visiting more new farms next year.
Autumn's Orchard: A Day at Fishkill Farms
By Asia Ewart
All photos by Fishkill Farms.
Fishkill Farms, nestled in the quiet and quaint hamlet of Hopewell Junction, New York, proves itself to be more than just a destination for apple lovers. During the fall months, lovers of leaf peeping, apple cider, bakery staples like doughnuts and pies, and pumpkin patches can settle into the season and enjoy their favorite activities at the 270-acre apple orchard and vegetable farm.
I visited the farm for the first time this past October, seeking apples of different varieties, apple cider, and cider doughnuts. An hour and 45-minute ride from New York City, Fishkill Farms is nestled upstate and surrounded by sprawling acres of nature. Visitors can explore the orchards surrounding them, picking sun-ripened fruit straight from the branches. While you ultimately pay for what you pick, the farm's website lists half-bushels and full bags of in-season apples among the reservation options. Visitors also have their choice of eco-certified and organic apple types like cameo, golden delicious, fuji, gala, galarina, and King David. Pears and cherries, when in season, make for delightful additions to the picking experience."
If the apple orchard, vegetable farm, and pumpkin patch draw the crowds, the live music, well-stocked farm store, cider bar, and hay rides keep them there. Fishkill Farms is a place for families, with journies around the farm by laugh-inducing bumpy hay rides and photo backdrops of apple stands for children (and children at heart!) available. Cider lovers can enjoy a "tree-to-bottle cider experience" at the Treasury Cider Bar, with the farm's ciders on tap—by the glass or flight—in addition to local beer, wine, and non-alcoholic kombucha alongside light bites and snacks. The apple cider donuts, so popular visitors are restricted to a dozen per person during peak fall visitation, are fresh out of the oven and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar right in the farm store, which itself is stocked to the brim with seasonal farm-fresh fruits and vegetables grown on-site, locally produced meats, fish, cheeses, yogurt, honey, maple syrup, coffee, tea, bath and body products and the like.
As the fall season continually unfolds, Fishkill Farms offers visitors a glimpse into the region's agricultural heritage and local food culture. The coziness of the changing seasons is heightened thanks to the farm's varied activities, from eating and drinking locally sourced fare to creating meaningful experiences beyond regular weekend outings. Fishkill Farms is everything visitors love about fall and the comfort felt during that season.
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