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This fall in Monmouth County, enjoy a crisp day outdoors by picking the best pumpkin you can find while sipping on a hot cup of apple cider to accompany your search.

Monmouth County may be well-known for its sandy beaches and boardwalks, but don’t let the cooler weather stop you from continuing to explore the outdoors.

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the day outdoors with family or friends, take a trip to a pick-your-own farm that gives you the chance to pick your own fruits and vegetables. Instead of roaming the grocery store, take the time to pick out your own fresh produce straight from the source. In-season produce available includes apples, peaches and pumpkins. Enjoy a crisp, fall day outdoors by picking the best pumpkin you can find while sipping on a hot cup of apple cider to accompany your search. Many farms also provide extra outdoor activities for visitors, so check with your desired location to see what’s offered.

Many farms in Monmouth County also provide extra outdoor activities for visitors, so check with your desired location to see what’s offered.

To find the perfect pick-your-own farm for your trip, visit the Grown in Monmouth County website by going to growninmonmouth.com and using the directory search. The website also provides information on local wineries, breweries, farmers markets, restaurants that use produce grown in Monmouth County and, later in the year, farms that sell Christmas trees.

If you’re looking to spend the day outdoors but don’t want to head to a farm, you’re in luck — Monmouth County is home to more than 30 county-owned park areas totaling nearly 18,000 acres of open space, trails, lakes and woods. Enjoy the fall foliage by hiking on a trail, such as the one around the Manasquan Reservoir.

Monmouth County is home to more than 30 county-owned park areas totaling nearly 18,000 acres of open space, trails, lakes and woods.

Visitors also can take advantage of the numerous county-owned golf courses. The Monmouth County Park system offers five championship 18-hole courses, two 18-hole executive courses, a 9-hole, par 3 course, and three warmup ranges. Visit monmouthcountyparks.com to plan your next outing.

Monmouth County also is home to numerous historical sites. To view a map of these sites, check out the Monmouth County Cultural & Heritage Virtual Tours program at tourism.visitmonmouth.com.

For more information about everything to see and do in Monmouth County, visit tourism.visitmonmouth.com.

This article is supported in part by a grant from New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

Scare up some fun at the spooktacular Jack O’Lantern Experience Sept. 23-Nov. 6 at Skylands Stadium in Augusta.

Every fall, Sussex County takes center stage in the Garden State, welcoming both visitors and residents to savor the scenic landscape as it becomes an ever-changing palette of stunning color. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy the area’s array of outdoor festivals featuring food, music, crafts and holiday delights.

“Sussex County is beautiful in all seasons, but it’s a real showoff in the fall,” said Tammie Horsfield, president of Sussex County Chamber of Commerce and the Sussex Skylands DMO. “Since all of these events are outdoors, attendees can experience a great event surrounded by stunning foliage.”

Whether you are planning family day with the kids, a get-together with friends or a date with someone special, Sussex County is the perfect destination this fall and winter. For a complete list of events and more information about planning a trip to Sussex County, including lodging, shopping and dining destinations, visit www.sussexskylands.com.

Sept. 23-Nov. 6 

Jack O’Lantern Experience

Skylands Stadium, Augusta
skylandsstadium.com
Scare up some fun at this spooktacular Halloween spectacle featuring more than 6,000 jack-o’-lanterns throughout the stadium, property and surrounding corn fields. The 45-minute walk is perfect for anyone with Halloween spirit, and kids under 36 inches tall are free. Admission includes a Fall Festival with seasonal food and drinks, a Beer Garden, carnival rides and more (food, drink and rides are an additional cost).

Sept. 24-25

52nd annual Peters Valley Craft Fair

Sussex County Fair Grounds, Augusta
petersvalley.org
This annual tradition showcases American craft made by more than 100 exhibiting artists from across the country. Browse five buildings of amazing artwork, meet the makers, watch an array of artist demonstrations and buy unique art right from craft artists. The event also offers live music, great food and kid’s art activities.

Classic shows evoking the Wild West combine with Halloween fun in October at Wild West City in Stanhope.

Oct. 1-30

Haunted Wild West Fest – Daytime

Every Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wild West City, Stanhope
wildwestcity.com
This fun daytime event features classic Wild West City shows with a Halloween twist as tales of the Wild West come to life through historical characters, live action dramatizations, and demonstrations by period craftsmen. Ride in style aboard the Wild West City Stage Coach or Train. Younger cow-boos and cow-ghouls can hop on a pony, and children also can participate in a costume contest and win prizes.

Oct. 1-29

Wild West City After Dark

Friday and Saturday Nights, 6:30-10 p.m.
Wild West City, Stanhope
wildwestcity.com
When the sun sets, it gets a little scary at Wild West City. Explore the haunted ghost town at your own risk. Endure the perilous journey aboard the Wild West City Train Line, then walk the old Frontiersman Trail, where the ghost of John West the Frontiersman lingers. The scares begin at 6:30 p.m.

For more information and a complete list of events in the Sussex Skylands, visit sussexskylands.com.

The September meet at the Meadowlands Racetrack is highlighted by the Classic A & B Series. On Sept. 10, guests can party the night away on Victory Terrace courtesy of The Past Masters.

Live horse racing returns to the Meadowlands Racetrack on Thursday, Sept. 1 and runs through Saturday, Sept. 17 with a 6:20 p.m. post time. The September meet is highlighted by the NJ Classic A & B Series.

Guests looking to dine can enjoy the Pink Restaurant Buffet featuring local, fresh ingredients for $29.95 on Thursday evenings and $49.95 on Friday and Saturday evenings. Dining reservations for the Pink buffet can be made by calling 201-The-BigM (201-843-2446) or by visiting Playmeadowlands.com/dining.

On Sept. 10, guests can party the night away on Victory Terrace courtesy of The Past Masters. There is no cover and music begins at 5:30 p.m. For more details, visit playmeadowlands.com/event/the-past-masters-live-on-victory-terrace.

The Monmouth Park at Meadowlands Thoroughbred turf meet begins on Friday, Sept. 23.

The Monmouth Park at Meadowlands Thoroughbred turf meet begins on Friday, Sept. 23 and runs through Saturday, Oct. 22. Post time for these under-the-light cards is 7 p.m.

America’s No. 1 sportsbook is the FanDuel Sportsbook located inside the Meadowlands Racetrack. It is open seven days a week and parking is free. Numerous HD TVs are spread throughout the sportsbook, along with self-service and teller-operated wagering machines so guests do not miss a moment of the action. It is the perfect place to watch and wager on all the sports action. Guests must be at least 21 to wager. For more information, visit playmeadowlands.com/handicapping/fanduel. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Now is the perfect time to start planning your football parties and holiday celebrations at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Now is the perfect time to start planning your football parties and holiday celebrations at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

The track has a selection of both outdoor and indoor party spaces perfect for watching the big game and celebrating major life events while enjoying live horseracing. A variety of beverage and food packages are available, including a delicious barbecue menu.

The East Deck and Rooftop Terrace provide exceptional sights of the racing action as well as sweeping views of the NYC skyline.

Available party spaces include:

• Skybox Suites — These private rooms overlook the track and offer private stadium-style seating. With moveable walls, these suites can fit parties up to 200 people.
• Trackside — An expansive area that is perfect for mitzvahs, corporate holiday celebrations, and receptions and tradeshows.
• The Lounge — This second-floor space has views of both the FanDuel Sportsbook and the racetrack, making it perfect for watching all the game day sports action.
• East Deck and Rooftop Terrace — This deck and terrace provide exceptional sights of the racing action as well as sweeping views of the NYC skyline.
• West Deck — With an incredible view of the finish line, the covered West Deck also has direct access to the promenade and grandstand. Its large and open layout makes it a great option for bigger parties.
• The Gallery — Coming this fall, it will be the ideal space for draft parties and game day sports parties.

Book a private tour today with Andrea Lokshin at alokshin@playmeadowlands.com or 201-842-5013. You also can view all of the spaces by visiting playmeadowlands.com/party.

Guests looking to dine can enjoy the Pink Restaurant Buffet featuring local, fresh ingredients Thursday through Saturday evenings.

The stakes-laden fall harness meet kicks off on Friday, Nov. 4 with a 6:20 p.m. post time.

Saturday, Nov. 5, will feature the popular Meadowlands Home-style Chili Cook-off. Those looking to compete can register at chilicookoff.com/cookoffs/list. Not a cook? Fans are encouraged to come out and sample the chili and vote for their favorite. Details are available at playmeadowlands.com/event/2022-meadowlands-fall-chili-cook-off.

Nov. 12 will feature the Kindergarten Finals for 2-year-old trotters and pacers. The Fall Final Four and TVG Finals highlight Nov. 26 with more than $2.5 million in purses. Fans can enter to win one of eight $5,000 win wagers. Fans must be at least 18 years old and present to win; entry is free.

The 2022 season wraps up on Saturday, Dec. 31, with fan appreciation night. Guests can enjoy $1 soda, pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, Budweiser and Bud Light from 6 to 11 p.m. Following the races will be a spectacular fireworks display to help ring in the New Year.

All racing, event and dining details are available at playmeadowlands.com.

The Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway (RWJUH) will host its 38th annual Golf Classic on Sept. 12 at the Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield. The much-anticipated event will benefit patient care services and facilities at RWJUH Rahway.

“We’re thrilled to host our 38th annual Golf Classic at the Echo Lake Country Club this year,” said Heather Hays, vice president of development for RWJUH Rahway. “Golfers will play an 18-hole scramble format with recognition for low-gross teams and low net Calloway teams. In addition, participants will enjoy brunch, on-course beverage and a dinner reception.”

The day “tees-off” at 10:30 a.m. with registration, gifts, a buffet brunch and practice time on driving range and putting green. At noon, players will assemble for a shotgun start. Golf will be followed by a dinner reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There, players will have the opportunity to network with their peers, compare notes on the day’s round and try their luck in drawings for door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.

Both men and women play in the annual Golf Classic. A contribution of $650 per player — a portion of which is tax- deductible — includes a full day of golf, carts, player gifts, gratuities, the buffet brunch, Halfway House, on-course beverages and dinner. Participants may bring dinner-only guests for a fee of $200 each.

In addition to a great day of golf and networking, the RWJUH 38th annual Golf Classics, offers many opportunities for sponsors to showcase their businesses.  Among the sponsors who will be taking part in this year’s event are NJM Insurance Group, Micropore, NJ Advance Media, Merck & Co. and Central Jersey Property Maintenance Services, LLC. Many high-profile sponsorships still are available.

According to Hays, golfers will appreciate the rich tradition of Echo Lake Country Club. The club has its roots in the Cranford Golf Club, which was founded in May of 1899. Over the years different sections of the course were designed by such famous architects as Donald Ross, Willard Wilkinson and Bob White. Since 1931, The Echo Lake Country Club has hosted 12 important national and state championships. Echo Lake’s magnificent clubhouse is an ideal setting for the annual Golf Classic’s brunch and dinner reception.

“One hundred golfers turn out every year to support The RWJUH Annual Golf Classic,” Hays added. “Besides joining in a thoroughly enjoyable day of golf, participants and sponsors raise $150,000 to promote better health services in the local community.”

For more information and to register for the 38th annual Golf Classic, visit www.rwjbh.org/rahwaygolf. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Hays at heather.hays@rwjbh.org or call 732-499-6223 or Maddie Warshauer at madeline.warshauer@rwjbh.org or 732-499-6135.

For more than 100 years, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway has been the trusted health care facility for patients and families in Union County and beyond. Its comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical center offers a continuum of care that includes diagnostics, emergency care, advanced surgical treatments, wound care center and more.

— Stan Lemond

The 42^nd National Sports Collectors Convention is returning to Atlantic City, July 27-31, for the first time since 2016. The convention will transform the 400,000-square-foot Atlantic City Convention Center into a collector’s paradise that features over 650 high-profile exhibitor booths from around the country.

“We are extremely excited that the 42nd annual National Sports Collectors Convention is returning to Atlantic City,” said Dan Berkus, NSCC marketing director.  “Atlantic City has an exceptionally strong sports tradition with very avid and knowledgeable collectors and a diversified sports fan base.”

Ray Schulte, NSCC director of communications, added that attendance expectations are high for the 42^nd National Convention which will be held July 27-31.

“Many factors contribute to the current strength and growth of the collectibles industry, most notably the fact that the entire family has become involved with collecting,” Schulte said.  “The NSCC is the ideal event where families, that cross multiple generations, can express and share their passions and sports/pop culture experiences.”

Schulte noted that the composition of the audience for collectible events has evolved over recent years. Previously, events, such as the National Sports Collectors Convention would typically draw a crowd of male sports enthusiasts. Today, women make up the fastest growing segment of the attendees at collectible-oriented gatherings.

At the NSCC, sports fans will be able to buy and sell memorabilia, have their collectibles appraised and meet some of their favorite sports stars. Schulte commented that there is something special about bringing a ball, bat or jersey to the NSCC and having it signed in person. Those who do not have collectibles to autograph can purchase a variety of items at the show.

Convention attendees will have the opportunity to meet many high-profile athletes at the TRISTAR autograph pavilion.  Among the notable athletes signing at the convention will be Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Chipper Jones, David Ortiz, Mariano Rivera, Floyd Mayweather, Alex English, Mike Piazza, Tony Olivia, Frank Gore, Brian Leetch, Bernie Parent, Michael Vick, Jim Thome, Adrian Peterson, Barry Sanders, Reggie Jackson, Bill Walton, Darryl Strawberry, to name just a few. Tickets to the signing pavilion can be purchased at www.tristarshows.com.

“With 130-plus autograph guests scheduled for the 42nd National in Chicago this is our best TRISTAR Autograph Pavilion lineup ever,” said Jeffrey Rosenberg, TRISTAR Productions founder and CEO.

This year the NSCC will partner with Signatures For Soldiers (SFS), a nonprofit organization, that raises money and creates awareness for Military Missions In Action (MMIA). Athletes and entertainers sign trading cards, memorabilia, photos and other items with 100% of the money raised dedicated to assisting military veterans with disabilities, members of the Armed Forces, and their families.

“Military Missions In Action is thrilled to team up as an auction partner, with the National Sports Collectors Convention, powered by PristineAuction.com, to support military veterans with disabilities,” said Tim Virgilio, member of MMIA Board of Directors / Founder Signatures For Soldiers. “To broaden their support, the National has generously invited military families to attend the sports/entertainment show as their guests and will be conducting an auction on-site at the Atlantic City Convention Center, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting our mission.”

The NSCC will kick off with a sneak peek on July 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. and continue Thursday through Saturday, July 28-30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The show will open on July 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The convention will be open to the public. General admission and VIP Admission tickets are available on sale online at www.nsccshow.com and will be available for purchase on-site throughout the show.  Children age 12 and under admitted free.

While tickets will be available at the Atlantic City Convention Center, Schulte suggests that attendees purchase tickets online to avoid waiting in line.