Three can’t miss September food events in NJ

We’re a bunch of foodies here in New Jersey. It’s gotten to the point where there’s absolutely no season that doesn’t call for some fantastic food festival.

However, the best ones are outdoor festivals, where the sense of fun and camaraderie is in the air. Plus, who wants to see summer end?

September is the perfect time of year to engage in some outdoor activities. It’s usually not too hot outside, allowing for some gorgeous end-of-summer nights spent entirely outside.

I tend to eat outdoors a lot in the month of September in order to savor up all the last bits of summer.

If you are the same way but maybe looking for a new place to eat outdoors this month, you’re in luck.

Here are some of the best food events coming up this month in and around New Jersey.

Not only will you be tasting some of New Jersey’s famous food and wines, but you’ll get to extend summer for just a little longer.

Feast of San Gennaro, Spuntino Wine Bar & Tapas

Throughout the entire month of September, Spuntino Wine Bar and Tapas holds their Feast of San Gennaro which originated in Naples, Italy. The feast is a representation of good fortune and is a great way to kick off the start of a new school or work year. The menu has a ton of special dishes and wines and is $32 a person, which is quite affordable.

Rosé Wine Dinner, La Mer Beachfront Resort

If rosé is your summer drink of choice, you’ll want to head over to La Mer on September 16th for the rosé wine dinner. The dinner is four courses and will include a number of fancier plates such as a honey roasted lamb and marshmallow meringue that will all be perfectly paired with rosé. The tickets are a little pricier at $85 a person but could be a great end-of-summer splurge.

Wine & Pearls, Halifax

This restaurant is located on the waterfront of Hoboken and recently introduced its Wine & Pearls concept, which highlights wines that complement oysters. With each wine ordered comes a different kind of oysters, giving diners a unique eating and drinking experience. The menu will go a little beyond the summer, so give it a try before it’s gone.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Judi Franco only.

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

Gallery Credit: Jordan Jansson