Nature|Wildlife & Farms

Published Jul 17, 2020

Tour 10 Terrific Sanctuaries On This Farm Tour Featuring A New Jersey Favorite

Explore Rancho Relaxo and other farm sanctuaries across the U.S. through a virtual tour event featuring games, prizes, and adorable animals.

Published Jul 17, 2020

Written by

Nature|Wildlife & Farms

Updated Aug 7, 2024

Experience The Ideal New Jersey Fall Day When You Go Apple Picking At Eastmont Orchards

Eastmont Orchards in Colts Neck, New Jersey, offers a family-friendly apple-picking experience with no entrance fee.

Updated Aug 7, 2024

Written by

Is there a better season than fall in New Jersey? The weather is crisp, the leaves are colorful, and fun, family-friendly activities abound! One of our favorite ways to spend a fall day in New Jersey is by visiting an apple orchard. You get to experience nature, take beautiful photos, and walk away with delicious treats at the end. We've found a great orchard to do just that in the state - people of all ages will enjoy the best apple-picking experience at Eastmont Orchards in New Jersey.

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Eastmont Orchards is one of the best places to go apple picking in New Jersey.

alt — Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

Located in Colts Neck, the orchard was originally built in 1911. It's been owned by the same family since 1923.

alt — Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

The orchard is filled with apple trees, and you bring home whatever you pick.

alt — Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

Apples are priced by the pound, and you aren't allowed to put the apples back -- so be conscious of how much you pick!

These apples are so fresh and delicious, you'll want to pick pounds of them. There are nearly two dozen varieties to choose from so you can find your favorite!

alt — Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

You'll have delicious apple-based meals for weeks after visiting Eastmont Orchards.

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You can schedule a photography tour or a class trip here, too.

alt — Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

It's definitely a spot to take great photos.

People of all ages will enjoy finding the perfect apple here.

alt — Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

And don't worry! Workers at the orchard teach you how to properly pick an apple.

Apple picking season starts in September, but you can pick peaches here during the summer months.

alt — Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

From June to October, you can select the perfect peach!

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Eastmont Orchards also has pumpkins and beautiful flowers on the property.

alt — Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

It's a nice place to spend a fall day!

Whether you're planning to make some delicious apple pies, press your own cider, or just enjoy some good eating, the Eastmont Orchards reviews are in - this quaint spot has some of the best apple picking in New Jersey! And while you do pay for the fruit you take home, there is no entrance fee for visiting. This delicious orchard isn't just fun and fall-appropriate, it's affordable, too! Be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page for any weather-related closures.

Have you ever checked out Eastmont on a recent fall apple-picking outing in New Jersey? Are there any other you-pick farms that your family loves to frequent throughout the year?

We think heading to a local orchard is the perfect way to end a fall day! That's why we've rounded up a few beautiful, must-see spots to enjoy fall in New Jersey as a part of your adventures. You'll also want to make the most of your autumn outings with a gorgeous, luxurious weekend experience as well, so how does a fresh and airy beach cottage sound?

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-jersey/most-beautiful-fall-destinations-nj/

Nature|Wildlife & Farms

Published Aug 6, 2024

The One New Jersey Wildlife Center Where You Can Feed Bats

Published Aug 6, 2024

Written by

Raymond Goldfield

New Jersey has no shortage of great animal experiences, including ranches with farm animals and zoos big and small. However, for those who want something truly unique - and a little bit wild - head to the town of Garfield where you can enter...the Batcave! No, you won't be encountering any crime-fighting vigilantes with an adoption addiction, but you will be encountering plenty of small, furry flying critters at the Wildlife Conservation and Education Center. This non-profit animal exhibit holds hundreds of rescued animals and is dedicated to educating guests about some of nature's most misunderstood critters. Its curator, Joseph D'Angeli, has dedicated his life to the study of bats and this educational center even offers a unique animal encounter in New Jersey where you can get up close and personal with the little guys and give them a treat!

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This just might be the coziest wildlife center and rescue in all of New Jersey, and that's how we like it.

alt — Lauren Brandstein/Google Local

From the moment you walk in, you'll find countless small and adorable animals making the place their home. Current residents include armadillos and chinchillas.

alt — Annie Hsieh/Google Local

But for the real adventure to begin, keep an eye on the bat-symbol.

alt — The Bat Cave at the Wildlife Conservation Center/Facebook

That means you're about to enter the low-light area, where nocturnal animals reside.

alt — Patricia H/Google Local

As you arrive, you'll see tanks full of reptiles, including some small crocs and gators.

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alt — Limarie Flores/Google Local

But the real headliner is the Batcave, a large facility housing fruit bats in an environment that mimics a cave.

alt — The Bat Cave at the Wildlife Conservation Center/Facebook

The curator of the wildlife center is known as "NJ's own Batman" for his dedication to helping these misunderstood creatures thrive.

alt — The Bat Cave at the Wildlife Conservation Center/Facebook

The timed general admission, available only online for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, offers guests the chance to feed these fruit bats with sticks and see them up-close and personal. Who wouldn't love these guys - just look at that face!

alt — The Bat Cave at the Wildlife Conservation Center/Facebook

Have you visited the Wildlife Conservation and Education Center in Garfield and seen the Batcave? Let us know about your visit to this unique animal encounter in New Jersey in the comments section! You can find out more and buy your ticket online at the Batstock website, and make sure to follow the Facebook page of the wildlife center for updates on events and a possible upcoming move to a new location. While you're in the area, you're only a fifteen-minute drive from Overpeck County Park, one of our favorite county parks in New Jersey. And if you need a place to sleep after a day of fun, we recommend the Hilton Hasbrouck Heights-Meadowlands as a place right in the middle of it all.

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