5 of New Jersey's Best Fall destinations
By Lisa Fant
Fall is in the air and New Jersey is the place to be for brilliant foliage, shopping, historic sights, and a leisurely scenic stroll. Whether you’re looking for autumnal traditions like fresh apple cider, pumpkin patches, and cozy hayrides, or if you prefer fine antiques and dining, these NJ small towns are must-see destinations before the season ends.
Frenchtown
Located along the Delaware River in Hunterdon County, Frenchtown is a prime location for fall day trips. With a wide array of shopping and dining options, or outdoor activities in Frenchtown’s parks and preserves, you’re bound to find something for everyone. Show off your skills at Frenchtown Roller Rink, then stroll downtown and have lunch at Lovin’ Oven, a farm-to-table local favorite, Cocina Del Sol for Mexican cuisine, or Frenchtown Fresh if you prefer vegan fare. After enjoying a leisure walk or a hike in Frenchtown Park, consider taking a ride on the Black River & Western Railroad to watch the foliage from a locomotive window. The Black River & Western Railroad offers scenic train rides departing from Frenchtown, leading you along the Delaware River. If you’re looking to partake in fall activities, take the Pumpkin Train Tour and pick your own pumpkins, navigate a giant corn maze, and hop on a wagon ride.
Lambertville
Lambertville, another Hunterdon County favorite, is a picturesque waterside town bustling with art, historic sites, eclectic shops, restaurants and cafés, and vintage boutiques. Walk across the New Hope-Lambertville Toll Bridge where you can explore both quaint towns while taking in the vibrant foliage along the Delaware. Located minutes away from the heart of Lambertville, Howell Living History Farm, a large open-air hands-on museum, will bring you back to the 19th century to see how agriculture has transformed into the modern operations we know today. Step into Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn to dine in a beautifully restored 19th-century train station with stunning river views. Check out one of Lambertville’s many local art galleries, Jim’s of Lambertville, specializing in Impressionist and Modernist paintings, 18th-20th century American and European art, and fine antiques. Stop by one of the towns fun, quirky shops like The Black Sheep, Sojourner, and Foxy Reds. If you have a sweet tooth, Peace Pie and Owowcow Creamery are local favorites.
Knowlton Township
This small, unassuming hidden treasure is the place to be for enjoying the outdoors this autumn. Located in Warren County, Knowlton Township boasts rolling hills, streams, and preserves that are home to diverse wildlife. Knowlton Township is home to Mt. Tammany—the southernmost peak of the Kittatinny Mountains. At 1,527 feet high and a 3.5-mile trek, Mt. Tammany is one of the most popular hikes in the state. The scenic views atop the mountain overlooking the Delaware Gap are striking in any season, but especially during the time of peak fall foliage. After you’ve braved Mt. Tammany, explore some of the nearby attractions the area has to offer. Wind down at Brook Hollow Winery or Four Sisters Winery with a wine tasting, live music, even a Barefoot Grape Stomp to make your own wine. Perhaps experience an educational wildlife tour at Lakota Wolf Preserve, where you’ll learn about and observe wolves, foxes, bobcats and lynx that live at the preserve. If you’re interested in historic sites on your visit to Knowlton Township, visit Ramsaysburg Historic Homestead—a historical park with property settled in 1795 by Irish immigrants. You’ll see 50 acres of land and historic buildings such as a tavern, bar, cottage, smokehouse, and shed that were built from 1800-1870.
Princeton
Celebrate the season with some of Princeton’s many fall attractions. The Mercer County town is ideal for everything from walking trails and parks to the heart of downtown Princeton where you’ll find plentiful dining, a unique collection of shops, arts, and much more. If you’re interested in outdoor fall activities, visit Terhune Orchards for a full experience. Terhune Orchards is a large, family owned and operated farm with a year-round farm store, winery, and field where you can pick your own apples, flowers, and gourds this time of year. Walk on the farm’s discovery trail, stop by and meet the farm animals, or attend their Fall Family Fun Weekends. The farm store offers fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced gourmet foods, their award-winning wine, and homemade baked goods, including apple cider donuts and fresh-pressed cider. After exploring the farm, stroll Palmer Square and Nassau Street for the ultimate shopping and dining experience, including restaurants and shops like Chez Alice Patisserie, Mandalay Trading Co., and Mamoun’s Falafel, and Greene Street.
Montclair
Only about 20 miles from Manhattan, Montclair is an urban suburb with no shortage of fall festivities for the entire family. The vibrant town has everything from quiet nature preserves and botanical gardens, to a downtown arts district, brimming with art galleries, museums, and theatre. Head into Montclair on a Saturday morning for the Montclair Farmer’s Market where you can browse or shop for fresh, seasonal produce, prepared foods, baked goods, and even attend a food demo. Consider visiting one of Montclair’s various parks or hiking trails. Take it easy with scenic 2-mile walk at Mills Reservation Trail, or if you’re up for a challenge, head a few minutes out of town to Palisades Interstate Park for panoramic views of the Hudson River.
If you’ve worked out an appetite on your hike, Montclair has a diverse selection of restaurants. Da Pepo is where you’ll find authentic, Italian home cooking, and Raymond’s, a classic American luncheonette, is a local favorite. Unwind at Montclair Brewery, owned by a local couple, and enjoy live music, board games, and outdoor seating with fire pits.
