Jersey Fresh

In case you haven't noticed, we have a thing for barnyard animals. We also have a thing for driving way the heck out of our way for a couple of things to do.

This weekend we headed out to Jersey, Ms Outback wanted a farm expirience, walking out in the sun, Mr.Outback, he wound up chasing ducks. (Who knew, boyfriend, and hearding animal )

We went Peaceful Vally Orchards and Schaefer "We produce Smiles" Farms. Both located in the Jersey Skylands.

Early september is the last of the corn, and peach season. Schaeffer said they were still doing berry picking, but we got there too late in the day. We did find Lots of animals willing to eat out of our hands. (or more accurately, EXPECTING to eat out of our hands). Tons of heirloom tomatoes, squash, pickling cucumbers, peaches.



Peaceful valley had two sheep and a billy goat to feed. See Mr.Outbacks sticky goat hand above. In gearing up for fall they have a moon walk (remember those?)

Schaefer farms had a much larger petting zoo with Ducks, geese, swans (they bite---they're mean), goats, a pony, chickens, turkeys, pigs (kinda stinky) and more....Shaeffer is definatly set up for more family fun. Both farms have corn mazes although we only got to see Schaefer's first hand. Schaefer will also be offering free hayrides to their pumpkin patch, and turning their barn into a creepy/silly looking haunted house. Both have farmstands selling, duh, produce, and both have cut your own flowers.

Shaeffer is also doing a trilogy of fright/haunted house/night time hayride kinda thing, Fri/Sat/Sunday nights from 7-10. According the their website, it's not recommended for kids under 10 and will "scare the yell out of you,"

More good info on Jersey Farm Trips, can be found on the Jersey Fresh Site.
Also check out: njskylands.com


Getting There:
Schaefer Farms :: 1051 County Route 523, Flemington NJ 08822
Get to I-78W either by way of the VNB or Holland Tunnel
Take the CR-523 exit 24 to Oldwick (CR-517)/Whitehouse - go 0.1 mi
Take the CR-523 S ramp to Whitehouse - go 0.0 mi
Bear left at Oldwick Rd - go 2.1 mi
Turn left at US-22 E - go 0.2 mi
Turn right at Main St - go 1.0 mi
Continue on CR-523/Flemington-Whitehouse Rd - go 5.6 mi
Ph: (908) 782-2705

Peaceful Valley Orchards :: 150 Pittstown Road,Pittstown, NJ 08867
From route 78 (see above directions to Schaefer):
Take exit 15 (Pittstown exit). Turn left off ramp. Go 1.8 miles. Farm market is on right.
Ph: 908-730-7748