As Fall is officially in full swing, Mendham and its surrounding towns have established numerous annual festivities to partake in throughout this exciting season. Although Autumn has its standard traditions across the country, including carving pumpkins and watching football, Northern New Jersey has a very unique fall season because the area is flooded with thriving farms, each overflowing with fresh crops. These farms include Hacklebarney, Riamede, and Wightman Farms, all very special places to stop by this season. Each farm has its own twist on the classic, standard farms that one might not expect while maintaining a historical aspect that intrigues those who are adept at history. Whether a guest is looking for an upbeat activity, a scenic walk, or a farm-fresh treat, each of these locations has something to offer.
Starting off with Hacklebarney Farm in Chester Township, this farm is one with a long history that might attract visitors who are interested in the history of the establishment. According to Hacklebarney’s website, this farm was built in the mid-1850s by Robert D. Pitney, brother of Supreme Court Justice Mahlon Pitney. The Hacklebarney website includes these details and more, such as historic photos of the Pitney family on the farm, an image of a 1980s commercial filming, and an aerial view of the farm from the 1960s. For those who are less interested in the historic events of the farm, Hacklebarney Farm also hosts a number of activities that keep guests entertained while attending. The website Fun New Jersey also notes that fresh cider, hot dogs, and bakery items are all sold here for individuals to enjoy between taking pictures, playing lawn games, watching cider being made, exploring a corn maze, or following the classic fall tradition of pumpkin picking. According to the farm’s website, Hacklebarney is currently open on weekends from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Moving on to Riamede Farm, also located in Chester Township, this farm centers around its extensive apple orchard guests may scour for prime apple picking. This location is open daily during the season from 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. As their website appears to stay up-to-date with an extensive array of information on the 2023 season, Riamede recommends those planning on visiting the farm check the webpage first in order to maximize the amount of fun to be had while in attendance. Riamede Farm is open from the beginning of August through early November each year. Riamede’s website explains how admission prices range from $2 on weekdays and up to $15 on the weekends in the peak of the season. Also, Riamede has an 1870s themed barn that guests may reserve for private events such as weddings, birthdays, and other parties. The farm also hosts multiple public events in this antique rural barn such as “Apple Club,” which samples farm fresh apples each week at $5 per person. As for shopping, Riamede sells an array of prepared farm food, pre-harvested produce, and other souvenirs for visitors. Some examples of these foods are hot donuts, chicken fingers, apple cider, and funnel cakes. Other products the store carries are Das’ Creamery ice cream, pancake mixes, and jams. Although Riamede, established in 1952, does not have as long a history as Hacklebarney, it leaves guests feeling all the traditional warm feelings of fall.
Wightman Farms, located on Mount Kemble Avenue in Morristown, is a third attractive farm in the area, offering both traditional activities along with a surprisingly exciting pumpkin slingshot. This farm is open year round with a storefront that sells a variety of produce, donuts and other delicious treats. However, as the farm thrives off of its “Fall Festival,” this article will focus on the limited edition fall activities Wightman Farms has to offer, including its legendary annual pumpkin slingshot! Participants can pay to slingshot mini pumpkins into buckets, hoping to earn a free pumpkin, the prize for catapulting a pumpkin successfully into said buckets. There are also a number of mazes, apple picking, hayrides, and a picnic area. These additional activities, which do not include the pumpkin slingshot, are available for an entry fee of $25 per person (excluding the price of apples picked). Wightman Farm’s website details that each day the farm is open from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. (excluding holidays); however, the gates close for the Fall Festival at 5:30 P.M. Wightman Farms, opened over 100 years ago in 1922, has a short note about its history on the website. This farm was opened by Albert Wightman and his wife long ago when they would grow their produce and take the crops into Morristown to be sold. Currently, the third generation of Wightmans is still involved in operating the farm. On a separate note, the website also boasts a C.S.A. program, or “Community Supported Agriculture.” With this program, consumers can pay for weekly or bi-weekly pickups of fresh produce of varying sizes. Prior to each season, the costs must be paid in full by customers so farmers can estimate the amount of crops to cultivate. These prices vary from as low as $280 for two adults and ten weeks, to as high as $700 for a family of four over twenty weeks. Each year, this program runs from May to mid-September, so be sure to sign up now in order to pick up a bounty of fresh produce in 2024.
Clearly, there is a vast range of activities available on the local farms this fall season. It is important to go and visit these and learn more about New Jersey’s culture and history. Many of these nearby farms are open throughout the winter as well, so be sure to stay up to date with any winter holiday celebrations that may occur. Also, even though this article only spotlights three local farms, there are many more nearby that should be visited and explored. An extended list includes Alstede, Ort, and Parks Farms, all locations in varying towns that each have their own unique touches to make the fall more enjoyable. By visiting these small businesses, guests are supporting their local farmers and helping them keep their specialties flourishing.
