From apple and pumpkin picking at a local farm, experiencing the famed Haunted Mill, or hiking and biking over 50 trails under stunning fall foliage, Hunterdon County has something for everyone this season.
The Red Mill in Clinton has Halloween scares for adults and children schedule throughout fall.
Fall is a great time to beat the crowds and enjoy the local fall produce, cozy fireplaces, exquisite farm-to-table dining, and amazing small-town amenities, including exploring one of New Jersey’s most beautiful areas — Hunterdon County.
Just a 90-minute drive outside of both New York City and Philadelphia, the communities in “The Other Side of Jersey” are consistently ranked in the top 10 for most beautiful small towns in state and national surveys.
Here’s where you can find the summer fun this season throughout Hunterdon County:
Hunterdon County is the perfect place for an autumn adventure.
Haunted Tours And More
Haunted Red Mill – (Clinton, Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28) – The Red Mill Museum Village’s annual Haunted Red Mill draws one of the biggest scare-seeking crowds in the state. The annual experience is intended for those who don’t scare easy so grab your scream-worthy friends and be sure to grab tickets before it sells out.
Happy Haunt At Red Mill (Clinton, Oct. 14, 21 and 28) – Tailored more for young ones, Happy Haunt is a fun seasonal event also curated by The Red Mill Museum Village.
Children and their families can explore a portion of the grounds with a friend ghoul and enjoy face painting before taking a hayride.
Flemington Ghost Walk – (Flemington) – The Official Flemington Ghost Walk is a collaboration between the Nikki Steward and Toni Gushue, owners of Within Spirit, Jersey Paranormal Investigations (JPI, a 503c Non-Profit Organization) and Gus Manz who researched much of the tour. Thanks to the support and an NPP Grant from the Flemington Community Partnership, the team was able to launch the tour in June 2022 and provide an amazing experience for the guests on the tours. Tickets go on sale Aug. 12 for September and October dates.
Apples are in season at Melick’s Town Farm this fall.
Fun On The Farm With Animal Adventures And U-Pick
Fall u-pick season will be in full-force throughout Hunterdon County. Apples and pumpkins are the primary picks of the season with many farms in the area opening to pick-your-own such as Melicks, Bonacorsi Berry farm, Peterson Family farm, Cervenka, and Phillips Farm. Be sure to check the Hunterdon 579 Trail for what’s in season and availabilities as opening dates vary.
Festivals For The Whole Family
Central Jersey JazzFest (Flemington and Somerville, Sept. 9-10) – The Central Jersey Jazz Festival is a free multicity all-star jazz festival with performances by The David Gibson Quartet, Lafayette Harris Jr and Friends, Michaela Marino Lerman, the NJPAC Jazz for Teens and more.
Milford Alive (Milford, Sept. 23) – The annual Milford Alive dates back to 1982 when it was known as the Milford Fall Festival & Bed Race. Attendees can enjoy a full-day street festival of live music, street performances, vendors, food and fireworks — and don’t forget the incredible Bed Race. Past attractions included pumpkin and face painting, an antique bi-plane fly-over, a chili cook-off, crafters, an antique car display, an antique handrail car and more so keep an eye out for the full 2023 festival schedule which will soon be announced.
Beneduce Vineyards has a variety of events scheduled this season.
Get Aboard The Wine Train or Pour a Fall Brew
All aboard the wine train. Old York Cellars offers the Hunterdon Wine Express, a round trip excursion on the historic Black River and Western Railroad. The steam engine train departs from Flemington and arrives in Old York Cellars Winery in Ringoes, where you will be treated to a wine tasting and lunch with the perfect vineyard views. Currently the last train ride is Sept. 24, but keep an eye out for potential fall dates.
In addition to the wine train, Angelico, Beneduce Vineyards and Federal Twist all offer events throughout the fall from music to unique tastings. Events vary by vineyard so check individual websites for the most up-to-date offerings.
For those seeking pumpkin ales and spiced IPAs, the Hunterdon Beer Trail launched this summer and continues through the fall. Pick up a 2023 Brewery Passport at participating Hunterdon County craft breweries. To complete the passport, visit each of the six breweries and get the passport stamped: Conclave Brewing, Descendants Brewing Company, Lone Eagle Brewing, Odd Bird Brewing, Readington Bewery & Hop Farm and Sunken Silo.
From the hills of Bethlehem Township to the Delaware River Valley, the Hunterdon 579 Trail is your path to taste the wonders of Hunterdon County.
Get Active With Cycling, Hiking and More
It’s easy to get outside and leaf peep in the county that was named the “Healthiest in New Jersey” by The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. From the hills of Bethlehem Township to the Delaware River Valley, the Hunterdon 579 Trail is your path to taste the wonders of this historical agricultural region. Curate your own experience whether you want a wine trail, farmstand and CSA or markets. Or bring a bike and ride one of the over 50 bike routes available like the 15-mile Columbia Trail. Be sure to stop at Ken Lockwood Gorge, named one of the “Ten Most Beautiful Places in New Jersey” by New Jersey Monthly Magazine.
Check out the farmer’s market at Stangl Factory this fall.
Grab a Bite
If you’re looking for a local bite, Juniper Hill’s menu is curated seasonally with ingredients from local bakers, makers, farmers and more. The bar is full of New Jersey craft beer on tap, a rotating global wine list, an award-winning bourbon list and a creative team of bartenders pouring and crafting house cocktails.
For more fall flavors, the Tasting Room Menu at Ironbound Farm offers a fresh, rotating menu to pair with their renowned ciders. The dishes feature produce and proteins from their farm’s current harvest, as well as fresh and local ingredients from their local network of growers and producers.
For something sweet, Sandy’s Scoops has an ever-changing menu depending on what’s fresh in season from the local farms. Be sure to stop by and see if Apple Cider Donut or Pumpkin Cheesecake have made it onto the menu yet!
Want an easy weekend planned? Use Explore Hunterdon’s road trip guides, which include everything from the best coffee houses, thrift stores, ice cream shops, breweries and more.
For more information visit www.ExploreHunterdonNJ.com.
