Hoboken and Jersey City have been working hard and fast to set up outdoor dining facilities so we all can enjoy time outside safely together. But while tables and chairs are sprouting up all over Hudson County, blueberry bushes take a bit longer to ripen. That’s where pick-your-own fruit farms come in. Farms across the state are welcoming visitors to come and pick a wide variety of fruit {depending on the season} including New Jersey’s official state fruit —the blueberry. Keep reading for a roundup of pick-your-own fruit farms near Hoboken + Jersey City to visit for a fun, socially distant outing this summer.
Alstede Farms {1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester Township}
Pick Your Own is now open at Alstede Farms through early November. You must purchase tickets for a time slot online here, in advance. Items are available for picking depending on the month and season, and when purchasing tickets you can see what is available for picking. Alstede Farms offers two picking container sizes, quart or flat. And, as with all picking, make sure you wear comfortable, farm-friendly shoes.
Read more: Urban Quack: The Story Behind Jersey City Heights’ Farm
Demarest Farm {244 Wiermus Road, Hillsdale}
{Photo credit: @demarestfarms}
At Bergen County’s Demarest Farm, pick your own {Jersey} peaches has officially started this month. The farm will also have a store open from 9:00AM–5:00PM Monday through Sunday.
Giamarese Farm & Orchards {155 Fresh Ponds Road, East Brunswick}
{Photo credit: @giamaresefarm}
Arrive at least one hour before closing to pick your own fruit at Giamarese in East Brunswick. The farm recommends calling the Farm Market for availability before showing up at 732-821-9494. While the strawberry season is wrapping up, sugar snap peas and lettuce are now available. There is an admission fee of $7, which includes a $5 credit towards your purchase. Children under five years old are free of charge. They request that you wear face coverings and socially distance while on the farm and out in the fields and have provided hand washing stations for customers.
Hillview Farms {223 Meyersville Road, Gillette}
Family-owned and operated Hillview Farms has been home to 53-acres of farmland for almost 150 years. As of this month, blueberries are available to pick, followed by peaches and zinnias in August and apples in September. There is also a General Store for pickup of produce, eggs, and honey.
See more: Local Farms and Butcher Shops Delivering Fresh Produce
Snyder’s Farm {586 South Middlebush Road, Somerset}
{Photo credit: @snydersfarmnj}
Blueberry season has begun at Snyder’s Farm in Somerset, followed by aronia season {also known as chokeberries} starting in mid-August. All picking is reserved for the weekends only from 9:00AM—4:00PM and the farm posts its u-pick crop availability on the website at 12:00PM on weekends. There is a $2 per person entry fee and children under 2 are free. At this time, they are not requiring reservations.
Stony Hill Farm Market {15 North Road, Chester}
{Photo credit: @stonyhillsfarms}
Stony Hill is currently offering pick your own strawberry and raspberry tickets. Tickets are required to be purchased online before arrival and are made available the day before. They recommend calling {908-879-2909} or heading here for the most up-to-date information before heading to the farm.
Wightman Farms {1111 Mt Kemble Avenue, Morristown}
{Photo credit: @wightmanfarms}
Pick your own at Wightman Farms in Morristown takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00AM-5:30PM. You can check availability here. There is a $7 per person entry fee that provides you farm access for the full season {every weekend}.
With July temps heating up, heading to one of New Jersey’s pick-your-own farms is a great outing to plan with friends or family, allowing you to socially distance and enjoy fresh fruit.
Have you been to one of these farms? Let us know your experience in the comments below!
