Hopatcong, Sparta: Shop Local In Pumpkin Patches

NORTH JERSEY - With small businesses struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the perfect time to eschew a big box store for a local pumpkin patch.

The ongoing pandemic has forced some of the region’s most frequented pumpkin patches to adjust hours, regulations and offerings as they head into fall.

But, don't fear: There are still many pumpkin patches in and nearby where you can have some fall fun.

Below is a list of some of our favorite local pumpkin patches.

Alstede Farms, Chester

This farm offers pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, potatoes, and more. Apple season starts in August and runs through the end of October; pumpkins start mid-September and wrap up around Halloween. There's also cider mill tours, a giant corn maze, and other family-friendly fall activities. Visit their website: www.alstedefarms.com

Bader Farm, Pine Brook

Starting in September, you can pick your own pumpkins, apples, broccoli and more at this family farm. If you miss the fall fun, they also offer Christmas trees and poinsettias after Thanksgiving. Visit their website: www.baderfarm.com

Conklin Farm U-Pick, Montville

In addition to pick-your-own pumpkins, the farm offers hayrides (both haunted and not), a snack stand with warm homemade donuts, and a field of sunflowers. Visit their website: www.conklinupick.com

Donaldson Farm, Hackettstown

Activities include 9-acre corn maze, pick your own pumpkins, apples, Indian corn and raspberries, hay rides, corn cannon, duck races, farm animals and pony rides. See their website: donaldsonfarms.net.

Middle Valley Farms, Mendham

Enjoy pick-your-own pumpkins and gourds, a corn maze, hayrides and more at this Mendham farm. Visit their website: www.middlevalleyfarms.com

Ort Farms, Long Valley

Known for their large corn maze, you can pick your own pumpkins at this Long Valley favorite. There's also hayrides, an apple cannon, and monster truck and pony rides. They are open for the season now. Visit their website: www.ortfarms.com

Parks Farm, Chester

Pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, and enjoy free hayrides. They also offer fresh cider donuts, winter squash, and decorations. Visit their website: www.parksfarmsllc.com

Riamede Farm, Chester

They offer pick-your-own apples and pumpkins at this farm. When you're done picking, they offer free hayrides. Apple picking is underway, but they suggest you call before visiting for a variety report. Pumpkin field are set to open at "the end of September." Visit their website: www.riamede.com

Stony Hill Farm Market, Chester

In addition to pumpkins and apples, you can also pick-your-own strawberries at this farm. There's a corn maze, rope maze, and tile maze, plus gemstone mining. Visit their website: www.stonyhillgardens.com

Sussex County Strawberry Farm, Andover

Sussex County Strawberry Farm opens its gates for Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins the first week in October. The farm features pumpkins grown on location, hayrides every weekend in October, fresh local apples, corn stalks, Indian corn, gourds, mums, fresh local cider, carving supplies. For more details, visit the farm website.

Wightman Farms, Morristown

Hayride, pick your own pumpkins (from hayride field), giant corn maze, Mazeland Mazes, apple picking, tote bag, picnic play area (corn pit and pedal tractors), doughnuts and pumpkin slingshot. See the website for tickets and masking protocols.

If we missed your favorite pumpkin patch, be sure to share it with readers in the comments section.

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