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More than 100 things to do in North Jersey this fall, from leaf peeping to apple picking

Liz Johnson, NorthJersey.com
Updated
4 min read

It didn't take long for fall to kick in. At daybreak on Friday, the second official day of autumn, the temperature clocked in at a chilly 48 degrees Fahrenheit.

For lovers of woolen sweaters, boots and scarves — as well as all activities fall, like apple-picking, corn mazes and cider donuts — this was very good news indeed. Who wants to pick apples wearing a tank top?

So don your flannels and vests and get out there for some fall fun. Here's your guide.

The fall leaves show their colors at Ramapo Valley County Reservation Park in Mahwah on Wednesday morning October 31, 2018.
The fall leaves show their colors at Ramapo Valley County Reservation Park in Mahwah on Wednesday morning October 31, 2018.

Do the ultimate fall bucket list: 22+ fun things to see, do and eat in North Jersey

Horseback riding at Echo Lake Stables
Horseback riding at Echo Lake Stables

From horseback riding in the fall foliage to antiquing in the country, we've put together the ultimate list of things you won't want to miss when it comes to fall fun. Check it off: Your ultimate fall bucket list: 22+ fun things to see, do and eat in North Jersey.

Visit 24+ places to get apple cider donuts throughout New Jersey this autumn

Do you like yours plain? With powdered sugar? Or sprinkled in cinnamon-sugar? How about one of each? You can choose your own apple cider donuts at these of 24 orchards and farms. Satisfy your sweet tooth: 24+ places to get apple cider donuts throughout New Jersey this autumn.

Pick your own apples at these NJ orchards

From left, Alex and Ilhwa Compton , of Bloomfield, with their 16 month old son Kanon go apple picking at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, N.J. on Friday Sept. 25, 2020.
From left, Alex and Ilhwa Compton , of Bloomfield, with their 16 month old son Kanon go apple picking at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, N.J. on Friday Sept. 25, 2020.

Corn, peaches and blueberries might get all the attention when it comes to New Jersey produce, but as summer fades into fall, it's all about apples. The best time to pick them is late August through September — so get going! Some apple orchards are open now for u-pick. Prepare your pies, people: Where to pick your own apples this fall in New Jersey.

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Futher afield 30 farms, orchards to pick your own Hudson Valley apples

Be the first to try these new restaurants

We're lucky to have some of the best dining options in the country right here in North Jersey, and you never know when another restaurant might make the scene even better. Food editor Esther Davidowitz has zeroed in on fall's most anticipated restaurant openings. Will one of those be the one? Make your reservations: Here are North Jersey's most anticipated restaurant openings for fall.

More: El Taco Bar, Boomchia & 40 more North Jersey restaurants that have opened so far this year

Take a drive to see the foliage (and make stops along the way)

Predictions for fall foliage may not be stellar, considering this summer's drought — but that shouldn't stop you from getting out and motoring around. There are plenty of destinations that will take you past beautiful landscapes, whether they're colored in brilliant reds and yellows or not. Grab those keys: Scenic, relaxing drives to enjoy fall colors (and stop for a bite!) in North Jersey.

Plan your timing for fall foliage here

Before you head out on the road, check the schedule. Here's a look at the peak season for fall foliage from Pennsylvania to New Jersey to the Hudson Valley and upstate New York. Check the map: From the Pocono Mountains to Lambertville and Cape May, here's when fall foliage will peak.

Go to the city and find these hidden gems

It's hot in New York in the summer. We can all agree: fall is the best time to visit. But don't hit up the usual suspects. Check out these hidden gems, from public gardens to live music to haunted spaces (boo!). Congestion pricing, what congestion pricing? Visiting New York? Here are 15 hidden gems that even locals don't know about.

Visit the birthplace of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' (and go to The Blaze)

This is a view of the The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.
This is a view of the The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.

The Hudson Valley has earned its title as a Halloween destination, and its attractions begin in September, not October. There's the wildly popular carved-pumpkin walk on "The Blaze," and other spooky events, including a Harry Potter interactive in the woods of Yorktown, a new musical based on “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” and a circus-themed event called “The Legend,” which promises to be a step back in time. Head up north (don't forget your cape): Halloween arrives in the Hudson Valley.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Fall 2022 things to do NJ: Leaf peeping to apples picking

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