Bergen Country in the Fall, as those of you who visit or live here know, has an abundance of fun activities that are ripe for the picking: apple or pumpkin patch visits, football games, fire pit gatherings or scenic mountain hikes. The trending color palette of reds, oranges and yellows along with the crisp air bring a refreshing positivity to our outside living.  Fall for sure is our favorite season. And for that reason, we are sharing our quick seasonal Insiders’ Guide to living your best life locally.  We hope that you will seek out and explore all that Bergen County has to offer during this bountiful season.

1. Get Outside

The Ramapo Reservation and Palisades Interstate Park each has a vast expanse of hiking trails for all levels – easy, moderate or challenging.  Just grab a map and start a journey.  Discover waterfalls, rivers and lakes or a vision of beauty that the George Washington Bridge offers against the magnificent cliffs dotted with fall foliage as its backdrop.  

If the little ones in your life are zoo lovers, be sure to check out the Bergen County Zoo, where no visit is complete without a ride on the train. Try the Zoo Boo, October 20-22, for a little extra Zoo Halloween fun.

2. Head to the Orchards.  

With so many delicious apple recipes appearing in all of our social media feeds, we are lucky to have fresh apples at our fingertips.  We love Demarest Farms where you can pick from their 21 varieties of apples. Of course a day of apple picking is not complete without enjoying their famous apple cider and donuts.   

Stokes Farms is another one of our favorite farm stands for all seasons.  This Fall enjoy fresh produce, pick up a bunch of beautiful sunflowers from their flower bar, or take a hayride through their vast pumpkin patch.  While here, you might want to book your holiday photo session in the famous Stokes Farm Red Truck.

3. Football Fanatics Celebrate

Fall is synonymous with football here in Bergen County. Enjoy high school football at the highest level by catching a Bergen Catholic game on a Saturday afternoon. The team is ranked #1 in the Big Six and the season continues to be action packed. For college football, head down the NJ Turnpike to Rutgers for Big Ten action. Fun fact, the Rutgers coach, Greg Schiano, is a Bergen County Native.  And of course, we are lucky enough to have 2 NFL teams call MetLife Stadium home.  So whether you are team Giants and dream in blue or team Jets and cry in green (so sorry Jet fans), Sundays at MetLife Stadium are always entertaining.

To make the most of your parking lot parties, we recommend checking out the menus from AnnaMaria’s Deli,  B&M Market and Peppercorn Events for some savory tailgate treats.  

4. Enjoy the Farmer’s Markets

There are SO many amazing farmer’s markets in and around Bergen County that showcase the expertise of local farmers, and the works of many makers and artisans. What’s even better is that these markets are running almost 7 days a week across the county so there is no excuse not to enjoy locally grown produce. 

• Sunday: Ramsey, Ridgewood and Harrington Park
• Wednesday: Rutherford 
• Thursday: River Vale
• Friday:  Englewood 

5. Eat, Sip and Shop Local

Dine and sip at locally owned restaurants and eateries, breweries and bars, and shop at locally owned small businesses. 

Eat:  Our local restaurants are all adding seasonal dishes to their menus.  Some of our favorite stops are The Saddle River Inn, Carpaccio at American Dream, Elia and Fall would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful The Valley Rock Inn just minutes north of Bergen County.  

For sweet treats Petal Dust Cakery has its case full of delightful Halloween-themed cookies, scones and cakes.

Drink: The turn of the season brings Pumpkin Ale to Five Dimes Brewery in Westwood or try some “adult” cider at the Red Barn Cidery in Congers, NY. If wine is your fancy, you must try the debut of the new vintage from Benziger Vineyards at Elia. For a little taste of Munich, try Octoberfest at the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern.

Shop: Cozy sweaters, hats, gifts, candles and more can be found throughout our TSG network.  Stop into Backyard Living for your Halloween porch and patio styling – Lily & Kate for hats, gloves, fall accessories and so much more – Little Nikki’s for a cozy sweater or blanket for your little loves – Sal Lauretta for some crisp cashmeres – Tiny Kitchen Candle Co. is debuting new Fall scents.

Now is the time to get out there and celebrate the new season by loving all that LOCAL has to offer!