Central New Jersey is a prime location for things such as scenic family beaches and untouched nature preserves. While there is certainly no shortage of “pick your own” farms and pumpkin patches, each one offers a slightly different experience. Regardless of the variances, If you’re searching for the perfect autumn experience, you can’t go wrong with any of these.
Wemrock Orchards
If you live in Monmouth County, New Jersey, you probably don’t think of pumpkin picking without Wemrock Orchards coming to mind. Known for it’s incredibly beautiful landscape and famous homemade pies, this farm has something enjoyable for everyone. Acquired in 1952 by Albert & Jeanette Giunco, the farm and Wemrock Country Store are being run today by the family’s second generation. Aside from school tours and seasonal events year round, Wemrock Orchards is full of family attractions in the fall. Boasting one of the best corn mazes in New Jersey, it is easy to get lost in autumn fun spending the day picking the perfect pumpkin, sipping fresh apple cider and, of course, you can’t miss the Haunted Hayride through the Orchards! Fully decked out with a witch’s castle, scarecrows and trolls, it’s truly a treat for the whole family to enjoy.
Location: Hwy 33 & Wemrock Road
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-431-2668
www.wemrockorchards.com
Hours: Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Battleview Orchards
This beautiful location in Freehold is owned and operated by the fourth generation of the local Applegate Family. What began in 1908 as a country store and farm is thriving today as a “pick your own” orchard, and the quaint on-site retail shop is as authentic as ever — still producing their famous apple cider doughnuts. Depending on the season, locals can visit Battleview Orchards to find New Jersey’s freshest home grown strawberries, sour cherries, peaches, nectarines, apples and pumpkins. This time of year their pumpkin patches boast fruit of all sizes, in addition to the hay rides and fresh doughnuts, you can’t beat spending an afternoon at Battleview!
Location: 91 Wemrock Road
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-462-0756
www.battlevieworchards.com
Hours: April-December: Daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
January-March: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except for Tuesday
Country store open all year, Group tours also available
Westhaven Farm
For over 50 years, this beautiful farm has been providing consumers with year-round seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as greenhouse plants and some of the most picturesque Christmas trees in central New Jersey. While it is worth the trip year-round, Westhaven Farm really comes alive during the fall and Halloween season. Beginning in late September, the weekdays fill up quickly with school groups and other tours so make sure you call ahead to check availability. Weekends are open to all and visitors can enjoy the spooky – yet kid-appropriate – hay ride after choosing the perfect pumpkin from the thousands they have to offer. Perhaps the greatest attraction this rural retreat has to offer is the well-known Flashlight Corn Maze. Open only Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., enter at your own risk, navigate wisely and beware of the witch who calls the maze her home and makes random appearances. Not for the faint of heart, the Flashlight Corn Maze will leave you breathless and counting down the days until next Halloween!
Location: 725 Route 524
Allentown, NJ 08501
609-259-2186
Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Check website for seasonal hours
www.westhavenfarminc.com
