Agritourism. Haven’t heard of it? Well, it’s something that not only exists in New Jersey, but it’s thriving and fall is a great time to explore the many opportunities. The weather is cooling and the air is dry. It’s a perfect time to get outdoors!
The New Jersey Department of Tourism is promoting the state’s agritourism industry.
New Jersey is offering a twist to traditional tourism by blending agriculture into one-of-a-kind travel experiences. From visiting award-winning alpacas to attending farm-to-table dinners, the Garden State is burgeoning with unique agritourism destinations.
Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpacas in Skillman is a perfect example. Here, visitors can “visit with and feed gentle, award-winning alpacas” on weekends or even participate in a Saturday alpaca walk. The farm’s shop offers an array of products such as “warm alpaca socks and gloves to all-natural lavender soaps” and even “lavender tea and honey,” all of which are produced on-site.
In proximity to Cape May’s historic downtown lies Beach Plum Farm, home to eco-conscious farming and a venue for special occasions. The farm offers walking tours, cottages for rent, and a farm-to-table dinner series that includes “Fall Harvest Dinners, Thanksgiving Dinner, the Holiday Dinner Series and New Year’s Eve Dinner.” For those with wedding bells on the horizon, Beach Plum Farm serves as an idyllic venue.
Gooserock Farm in Montville specializes in beekeeping and offers a plethora of honey-based products. With “about 100 colonies of honey bees in apiaries throughout the Garden State,” the farm provides “prized raw local honey,” artisan spreads, and even hand-crafted skincare products like creams and lip balms.
Rounding off the list is Laurita Winery, a sprawling 250-acre estate in New Egypt where guests can sip a variety of wines, go horseback riding at the Laurita Equestrian Center, or attend the Laurita Wine Festivals. Another farm of note is the Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse in Milford, specializing in “100% grass-fed raw cow milk cheeses, pastured meats and rustic, wood-fired heritage grain breads.”
Each of these farms not only offers a unique experience but also emphasizes sustainability and local production, making agritourism in New Jersey a fascinating blend of leisure and learning.