Riamede Farm in Chester, NJ (Morris County)
Looking for the best farm in New Jersey for apple picking this fall season? This past Saturday, my boyfriend and I drove to Chester, NJ and enjoyed a lovely day at Riamede Farm. The 68-acre farm is nestled in beautiful Northwest Jersey, and is actually NJ’s first pick-your-own apple orchard! Recently, we visited Happy Day Farm in Monmouth County, which is perfect for pumpkin picking and fall photos. The only thing they don’t have is an apple orchard. Luckily, we came across Riamede Farms in Morris County, and were able to get our apple-picking in!
Tickets to the Farm
Before arriving to Riamede Farm, we purchased a farm pass online for $8 each. This pass grants you access to the apple orchard, pumpkin field, food concessions, and an apple bag. Passes are $8 per person on Saturdays and Sundays, and just $1 per person on weekdays. The farm is open from 9am to 4:30pm seven days per week.
Apple Orchard
As we entered the farm, we could smell the funnel cake and fresh cider doughnuts (my fav). The farm has a few tents where you can purchase a quick, simple meal right at the entrance. We made our way to the apple orchard which is massive and offers numerous varietals. They have a few signs throughout the orchard that specify which apples are currently ripe and good for picking. As we walked through the rows of apple trees, we snapped some aesthetic fall photos, and also tasted a few of the varietals. We went with the golden delicious and empire apples, which were perfectly ripe during our visit. Apples are $1.99 per pound here.
Pumpkin Patch
From the apple orchard, we walked to the pumpkin field. They have hundreds of pumpkins spread throughout the field ready to go. There is also a section of pumpkins still on the vine which you can cut and pick. There is even a little corn field that you can walk through in the back of the pumpkin field. Ears of Indian corn are available for picking here in addition to the pumpkins and apples.
Apple Cider Doughnuts
My boyfriend and I took some cute pictures in the pumpkin patch, and then made our way to the check-out area to pay for our picked apples. I grabbed a pint of cold, fresh apple cider as we checked out as well as a half dozen apple cider doughnuts. A box of six doughnuts is $9 and worth every penny. These cider doughnuts may just be the best I have ever eaten! They are served warm, and have the perfect amount of crisp on the outside, yet softness on the inside. I HIGHLY recommend getting some doughnuts during your visit to Riamede Farm!
Overall Thoughts
My boyfriend and I are not from Morris County, but definitely found our trip to Riamede Farm worth it! With 68 acres of farm land, a massive apple orchard and pumpkin field, and mouth-watering apple cider doughnuts, I would definitely check out Riamede Farm in Chester, NJ, if you are looking for the best farm in New Jersey for apple picking this fall!