Dan Zarrow’s Top Autumn WOW Moments in New Jersey

I say it all the time: One of the best parts of living here in New Jersey is that we truly experience all four seasons.

Fall is truly a magical time of year across the Garden State. Yes, summer is firmly in the rearview mirror as temperatures and leaves start to drop. Yes, winter is just around the corner with its short days, frigid temps, and treacherous snow/ice. But there is so much to love and so much to do in the autumn months. The whole season is just one big WOW!

It is literally impossible to partake in every autumnal activity in New Jersey. To help you make plans for this crisp, colorful season of pumpkins and apples, I have put together a little "bucket list" filled with one fall-tastic WOW after another.

This article is part of a special series brought to you by the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism.

Fall Foliage

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but New Jersey has a lot of trees. And many of them turn brilliant colors in fall. Foliage season here generally peaks in October — early October in North Jersey and late October in South Jersey.

The colors of autumn are a great excuse to go for a drive or walk and just soak in nature's beauty. There are several great options around New Jersey. High Point State Park and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will be among the spots in the state to hit peak colors first, and both offer great hikes, great views, and other recreation opportunities too.

Farther south, you might take a trip to Washington Crossing State Park or Wharton State Forecast for a touch of history with your foliage. The scenic community of Lambertville makes a great day trip too, both to admire the autumn leaves and to enjoy some quaint shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Halloween Horror

Boo! For many New Jerseyans, fall is all about Halloween. All about scaring and being scared. And luckily, the Garden State has no shortage of horrifying Halloween haunts, for all ages.

Connect with your sinister side by visiting Crystal Lake Tours, offering guided tours of the private camp where the original "Friday the 13th" movie was filmed. Find some phantoms on a Ghost Tour of Ocean City. And check out the quirky Paranormal Museum in Asbury Park.

If you dare, visit farmyard frights like Haunted Casola in Manalapan, Farm of Horrors at Schaefer Farms in Flemington, Night of Terror in Mullica Hill, Field of Terror in East Windsor, and Scare Farm in Hillsborough.

Six Flags Great Adventure has been presenting their annual Fright Fest festivities for over three decades, featuring numerous themed areas and haunted attractions around the theme park. (Check hours and admission requirements carefully.)

Hit the Farm

Fall harvest season features some of the best Jersey Fresh crops. From apples to pumpkins to corn to sunflowers, every corner of the state has fall deliciousness to enjoy.

Many NJ farms also transform into mini theme parks during the autumn season, offering family-friendly fun ranging from sprawling corn mazes to interactive pumpkin patches to apple picking. There are just too many to list here, but some of my favorites include Stony Hill Farm in Chester, VonThun's Country Farm & Market in Monmouth Junction, Howell Living History Farm in Lambertville, and Stone Tavern Orchards in Cream Ridge.

Fall Festivals

Fall fun extends far beyond New Jersey's farms to communities across all 21 counties. From street fairs to festivals to tours to carnivals, there are a ton of events going on every single weekend through September, October, and November.

Coming up, the doo-wop-loving town of Wildwood is hosting a Fabulous ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s & Beyond Weekend from October 18-19. That same weekend is the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey — can you visit all 15 of NJ's lighthouses in just two days? The Montclair Film Festival also runs from October 18 to 27 this year, featuring works from both seasoned and emerging artists and filmmakers.

Wineries

Is there a season where Jersey wine tasting isn't a good idea?

Although the refreshing payoff of the fall grape harvest will not hit shelves for several weeks or months, wineries and vineyards around New Jersey are busy preparing for the new vintage year.

I'll make it easy for you. Pick a corner of the state and try either the Northern Wine Trail, the Central Wine Trail, or (you guessed it) the Southern Wine Trail.

Cheers! (Be sure to drink responsibly and utilize a designated driver or other safe transportation arrangements.)

Hit the Beach

The air and water may be a little chilly for a full-on beach day. Even though Jersey Shore towns have officially hit the off-season, there is still plenty to do and see.

In Cape May, summer tourists are replaced by migrating birds in the fall months. Bring a pair of binoculars to the Cape May Point State Park wetlands, a popular birding destination. And while you're there, scale the famed 157-foot Cape May Lighthouse for an amazing view.

Just up the coast, Atlantic City's nine casinos are open for business year-round. Not only can you take advantage of the lighter crowds and quieter scene, but many casinos offer special deals and promotions in the off-season. Do some gambling, eat some great food, shop around, and see a show.

Pro tip: A Jersey Shore staycation is also way more affordable in the fall season too. Whether you visit a quaint bed and breakfast in Cape May, a sprawling casino resort in Atlantic City, or a rental on Long Beach Island or in Asbury Park, it is an easy getaway at a great time of year for family vacations, romantic couples excursions, or a solo trip.