New Jersey has an abundance of charming smaller towns and cities. Some shine brightest in the summer (Long Branch, Asbury Park) while others stand out in the fall (Bordentown, Hammonton). One town in particular is a must-visit this season.
Chatsworth is often referred to as the "capital of the pines," and is one of the most charming towns in the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
It's surrounded by state parks including Wharton State Forest, Brendan T. Byrne State Forest and Bass River North, making it a great place to enjoy fall foliage.
A peaceful place, National Geographic's Adventure Magazine named it one of America's best small towns.
You won't find much in the way of big business here but you will find a food stand that locals love. It gives off a great, small town vibe.
But the real autumn highlight is the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival.
Chatsworth is a major producer of cranberries and they celebrate the harvest each year. According the the festival website, "The Cranberry Festival is a celebration of New Jersey's cranberry harvest, the 3rd largest in the United States, and offers a tribute to the Pine Barrens & Local Culture. The main attraction is the diverse showing of many artists & craftsmen, some of which will also be demonstrating their crafts as well as displaying them for sale."
This year's festival will be held on October 20th and 21st. There will be live music both days and a classic car show on Sunday. There will also be plenty of cranberry (and blueberry) flavored treats to enjoy. A great way to celebrate the season, you don't want to miss the festival this fall. The harvest, which is one of the largest in the United States, draws crowds of over 80,000.
Have you been to the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival before? A local tradition for over thirty years, everyone should check it out at least once.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!