Whether you want to view beautiful foliage landscapes, learn history, or have an enjoyable outing with family or friends, a fall day trip is a fantastic way to experience the season. Central New Jersey offers excellent autumnal adventure opportunities, which some would even consider to be among the best fall trips in the U.S. Discover some wonderful ideas for fall day trips from the Central Jersey Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Giamarese Farm & Orchards (East Brunswick, NJ)
This family-run farm is open Tuesday through Sunday from May until December, and it holds annual fall weekends. Bring the family to pick available fruits and vegetables, including pumpkins in a patch made for photo ops. Guests can also walk through the corn maze and enjoy a hay or pony ride. What’s more, the store has excellent fall décor and gift items, as well as donuts and apple cider to enjoy during your visit.
Cheesequake State Park (Matawan/Old Bridge, NJ)
Take advantage of no park fees after Labor Day until Memorial Day Weekend to visit this beautiful, serene environment. This natural area allows you to take in picturesque scenery on one of the hiking trails or take part in a fishing session at Hooks Creek Lake. You can also learn about the land’s history and ecosystems at the Interpretive Center.
Plainsboro Preserve (Plainsboro/Cranberry, NJ)
This is another great area to experience autumnal wonder, with a vast landscape of around 1,000 open acres to explore. Optimal for watching birds or hiking, visitors can explore the grounds with a group or have a serene, solo encounter with nature. Be sure to stop by McCormack Lake and the Rush Holt Environmental Education Center, both located within the preserve.
East Jersey Old Town Village (Piscataway, NJ)
Travel back in time with this living-history area of buildings from the 1700s and 1800s, all of which can be found within Piscataway’s Johnson Park. Guests can learn Middlesex County history during a visit to a one-room schoolhouse and blacksmith shop. They can also envision yesteryear through on-site historical reenactors featuring Revolutionary War-era soldiers. To top it off, eating lunch at a park picnic table is a terrific way to enjoy the autumnal atmosphere.
Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park (Edison, NJ)
Tour this museum within Edison State Park to learn about one of America’s greatest innovators. Visitors can view exhibits of early light bulbs, Edison’s personal belongings, and a replica of his laboratory. The museum also features interpretive kiosks and hands-on activities, as well as the Edison Memorial Tower and a 36-acre natural environment surrounding the museum.
Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ)
Autumnal colors enhance the beauty of Rutgers University’s main campus. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the grounds of one of the most well-known universities in the country. Or, work in some of Rutgers’ seasonal events and experience hard-to-beat school spirit and pride.
There’s perhaps no better place to spend a fall Saturday than at Rutgers University, the Birthplace of College Football. Watch the Scarlet Knights compete for gridiron glory against a non-conference or Big Ten foe at SHI Stadium in Piscataway. If the football team isn’t playing at home, consider taking in a soccer match at Yurcak Field, also located in Piscataway.
If sports aren’t your thing, there’s still so much to take in at Rutgers Garden. This 180-acre botanical garden is the perfect setting for a beautiful fall day. This space is open year-round and free of charge. Guests can check for any educational programs taking place to help them explore the gardens, farms, and natural areas within the grounds. They can also stop by the farmer’s market for some fresh produce, making for the perfect souvenirs.
Plan Your Fall Trip With Central New Jersey Convention & Visitors Bureau
These are just some great ideas for fall trips in Middlesex County. Reach out to venues directly for information on current hours and upcoming events and let Central Jersey Convention & Visitors Bureau help you plan your visit to our area. Sign up for our email blast to stay up-to-date on area events, or contact us for more information today.