Dan Zarrow’s Ultimate Fall Bucket List, Full of NJ WOWs

I know some New Jerseyans will get sad — even upset — that I am writing about fall already. Sounding summer's death knell before the heat and humidity have even subsided for the year. How dare I!

But let me remind you of one of the most glorious reasons to live in New Jersey: We get to experience all four seasons! Each has a unique array of activities and eats to enjoy across all corners of the great Garden State.

Autumn is a mighty fine time of year to savor everything that New Jersey has to offer. From family outings to date nights to weekend getaways, you can enjoy some crisp sunshine and "hoodie weather" as Labor Day fades to Halloween and then Thanksgiving.

Consider this bucket list your simple fall checklist. I'm not sure you can really consider yourself a "true New Jerseyan" if you do not complete most of these activities every year.

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

Go Down the Shore

Just because the school year starts does not mean beach season is over. Whether you call it "local summer" or "shoulder season," the ocean is still warm and 80-degree days still happen through September and even October. Plus, beaches are way more peaceful outside of the peak summer season, and most of them are free to visit. Although lifeguards are generally off-duty, many Jersey Shore amusements and attractions remain open on a limited weekend schedule through the fall.

Let me put in a special plug for an autumnal trip to good ol' Exit 0, scenic Cape May. In addition to the beautiful beaches, the fall migration season makes for excellent birdwatching at Cape May Bird Observatory and Cape May Point State Park. The picturesque Cape May Lighthouse is a favorite spot to visit — a great opportunity to check it out is during New Jersey's Lighthouse Challenge, the third weekend of October. Book a stay at a quaint bed and breakfast, and make it a full fall getaway weekend.

Peep Some Leaves

Along with changing weather comes changing leaves. The deciduous trees of New Jersey show some incredibly vivid colors in fall. Truly, our foliage is some of the best in the country, peaking between mid-October (North Jersey) and early November (South Jersey).

You can peep the radical reds, outrageous oranges, and glorious golds in any corner of the Garden State. But going up in elevation is a great way to really take in the full majesty of New Jersey's natural scenery. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has hiking trails for all skill levels, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. And High Point State Park in Sussex County has earned its reputation as one of the best leaf-peeping spots in the state.

Fun on the Farm

Fall harvest season is my favorite! With apples, pumpkins, and so much more, it is a great time to visit your local farm stand or farmer's market for some delicious Jersey Fresh produce.

Many NJ farms now turn into mini theme parks to celebrate the fall season, featuring fun for the entire family. You can find intricate corn mazes, rustic hay rides, sprawling pumpkin patches, arts and crafts, live music, food vendors, and more. Plus, you can breathe in the crisp air while enjoying the activities. My kids' favorites include Stony Hill Farms in Chester, Von Thun Farms in Monmouth Junction, and Skylands Stadium’s Annual Jack O’ Lantern Experience with more than 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins.

Get Scared

As September turns to October and Halloween approaches, New Jersey starts to get spooky.

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township presents its annual Fright Fest with scare zones and live entertainment alongside thrill rides and roller coasters. (Or attend the tamer Boo Fest during the day, perfect for little ones!)

The award-winning Night of Terror in Mullica Hill, Field of Terror in East Windsor, and Farm of Horrors in Flemington also offer frights and jump scares ranging from chainsaw-wielding lunatics to mad scientists, zombies, and homicidal clowns.

Or you could opt to meet some "real" Garden State ghosts. Asbury Park hosts a "Ghosts and Legends of the Downtown" tour. And Cape May has a trolley tour of some of its notoriously haunted sites.

Sip

There is never a bad time of year to explore New Jersey's 50+ wineries and 50+ craft breweries, many of which offer special events and special varieties to celebrate the autumn season.

Don't know where to start? Check out VisitNJ's Northern Wine Trail, Central Wine Trail, and Southern Wine Trail. And don't miss the Jersey Brews Trail passport, offering a full mobile guide, tasting tips, and even rewards for checking into participating stops.

Shop 'Til You Drop

Let's not forget that Christmas Day is just four days after the Winter Solstice. So the vast majority of the holiday shopping season falls in ... fall! Feel free to use this, and the plentiful sales around the state in November and December, as an excuse to shop 'til you drop.

Visit one of (or several) New Jersey's infamous indoor or outdoor shopping malls.

Or spend a day exploring one of the state's very local and eclectic shopping destinations like Historic Smithville in Galloway Township, Nassau Street in downtown Princeton, Golden Nugget antique flea market in Lambertville, or Washington Street Mall in Cape May.