Finding things to do this fall is definitely more challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some New Jersey events have been cancelled or postponed indefinitely, you’ll still find plenty of activities and events to enjoy this autumn. Here are five options you may want to add to your fall calendar.
Hopewell Valley Vineyards make it easy to decompress from a long week with its popular Music & Vino events, held Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. After all, it’s hard to feel anything but relaxed when you’re sipping fine wine and enjoying tasty snacks, like the Vineyard’s own brick oven pizzas.
Outdoor tables are available on the deck and courtyard and under the tent on a first come, first served basis. You’re also welcome to bring your own chairs and blankets and set them up in any area of the vineyard that’s open to the public, as long as you maintain social distancing.
Autumn just wouldn’t be the same without a scary Halloween experience. This year Oasis of Terror at Oasis Family Farm offers two spooky trails (The Woods Have Eyes and Blackout) and the Sawmill escape room. Armed only with a glow stick, you’ll make your way through the dark Blackout trail, where all sorts of evil surprises await you. At more than one mile long, The Woods Have Eyes trail offers plenty of opportunities for you to test your intestinal fortitude. If you love solving puzzles, you’ll want to try The Sawmill, Oasis’ frightening twist on the standard escape room experience.
All guests must wear masks and practice social distancing when participating in activities. The staff will send you out on the trails with your group only to make it easier to stay at least six feet away from fellow attendees. Oasis Island of Terror is held on Friday and Saturday evenings from October 2 through October 30.
A daytime visit to the Oasis Family Farm may be a better choice If spooky isn’t your thing, or you’re looking for a family friendly Halloween activity. Pumpkin picking, weekend wagon rides, and a fun zone will be held from September 26 through November 1.
With more than 50 miles of wooded trails, High Point State Park is the place to go if you’d like to take in the changing leaf colors while practicing social distancing. High Point Monument, located 1,803 feet above sea level, offers views of colorful valleys and forests in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. If you’ve ever wanted to hike The Appalachian Trail, now’s your chance. Eighteen miles of the famous trail crisscross the park.
Hike all 18 or take a short one mile trek on the trail. Hiking isn’t the only way to see the changing leaf colors. Several roads wind through the park and offer excellent views from your car windows.
You don’t have to have any kite-flying experience to enjoy the LBI Fly International Kite Festival on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October, 11. The free event in Ship Bottom features sport kite demonstrations, giant, 3D inflatable kites, a Family Fun Fly on Saturday, and a kite market that sells kites, tee shirts and hoodies.
Kite team performance spaces will be roped off from public areas to encourage social distancing during the event.
The Princeton Tour Company hasn’t let the coronavirus stop them from offering their popular tours. You’ll learn plenty of facts about the historic town while you walk through downtown Princeton and Princeton University. The 20-stop tour takes about an hour and can be downloaded on your smartphone for $25.
You’ll also receive discounts you can use that day at Starbucks, Princeton University Store, Hoagie Haven, The Bent Spoon, Princeton Record Exchange, Yankee Doodle Tap Room and Triumph Brewing Company. During your tour, you’ll need to wear a mask in areas where social distancing isn’t possible.
Central New Jersey provides a convenient base for day trips throughout the entire state. Get in touch with us if you’ve been looking for a brand new home that offers quality construction and plenty of thoughtful amenities.