Back Roads, Charming Towns : Retirement, Relocation, Vacation : Back Roads, Charming Towns Blog : Vikki Grodner

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NJ: Even on an overcast day, there is a glow permeating Wightman’s Farms in Harding.

Perhaps it results from the rush of activity brought on by youthful exuberance, perhaps it emanates from the brilliance of the season’s rich autumnal hues.

Either way, Wightman’s is a busy place year round, but perhaps no more so than in the months of September and October. During this time, people come from near and far to enjoy one of several activities indicative of the fall season. From hayrides to apple and pumpkin picking, from pumpkin “flings” to corn mazes, guests have been flocking to Wightman's since 1922. 

The original attraction "back in the day" was a simple stand featuring fruits and vegetables raised on this property by the Wightman family. While these origins are still evident, the produce selection at this time of year is monopolized by a dizzying array of squashes, gourds and pumpkins, that are both edible and decorative in nature (below). There is even an extensive selection of creatively handpainted pumpkins (representing every interest, local team alliance, beloved cartoon character and kooky facial expression imaginable) and gourds (fashioned as swans).

Maizeland awaits the adventure-minded, sure to challenge even the most savvy puzzle solver as they weave through seemingly endless turns in Wightman's corn fields (and for the wee crowd, a complimentary hay bale maze beckons close by).

Family hayrides  (left) are available without reservations and let participants select a pumpkin of their choosing from the pick-your-own fields.

In 1999, Wightman's opened its orchards for Pick Your Own Apples harvesting (below). Since then, Pick Your Own Club memberships, which allows parties of five to pick apples every weekend, have sold out annually.

Finish off your visit with a bit of good-natured seasonal naughtiness with a turn at the pumpkin sling shot (two shots for a dollar).

At this point, if you have worked up an appetite (and no doubt, you have), make a quick trip inside the farm stand for a snack of homemade donuts washed down with apple cider (or on a warm day, an apple cider slushie), pressed on the property at the cider mill. A fresh assortment of pies and preserves also awaits to take home as a reminder of the day.

Just The Facts
Wightmans Farms
973.425.0840
1111 Mt. Kemble Rd.
Morristown, NJ 07960
www.wightmansfarms.com

Apple Picking is offered for members of the Apple Picking Club. For a membership fee that is good for the entire season, a group of up to five can pay $10 to have access to the orchard throughout the season. Any apples picked are an additional $1.09/lb. All trees are color coded by variety and instruction is provided on what each type of apple is best for. They include: Red Delicious, Macoun, Cortland, Jonathon and JonaGold.

An assortment of pumpkins is offered for sale and range from .59 - .89 per pound depending on how fancy they are. A wide range of colorful decorative gourds is offered at 1.99 each. Small baby bear pumpkins are two for $1.25.

Homemade donuts are .65 apiece and apple cider is $1.25 for a small cup, $2.25 for a large. It also offered as an apple cider slush.

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