September 9-16

Summer’s done, no more fun. Don’t bet on it. In Northwest New Jersey, the fun just begins to crank up to speed in September. The weeks ahead will be packed with events, so keep an eye on our calendar and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.

Victorian Secret

Belvidere, New Jersey's "secret treasure" transforms into the Victorian village that it was over one-hundred years ago, celebrating with a festive two-day event every year. This weekend (Sept 12-13), Belvidere Victorian Days features antique, craft, and food vendors, quilters, lacemakers, strolling banjo players, a clown, a magician, horse and carriage rides, and bagpipers in Wall Park, Belvidere’s central green. With over two-hundred historical sites, you can spend the day realizing the ambiance of yesteryear.

The event runs on Saturday, September 12, from 9 am to 6 pm and on Sunday, September 13 from 11:30 am to 5 pm. Pretty as a postcard, Victorian Belvidere lies on the banks of the Delaware River and Pequest River, just ten miles from either Route 80 or 78. (map). Click or call 908-475-4124 for more information.

Bushels of fun

An apple orchard in autumn radiates a particular security. A walk among ageless trees laden with the mythical fruit is a trip through a special kind of garden. Apples come in many varieties, each cultivated for its own purpose. All have one thing in common; they are good for you. Visitors are often content to roam traditional orchards. Some include wagon rides to the picking area and shops filled with baked goods. Others sell local cider, and a few places make their own, just like in the old days.

More than half of New Jersey's apples ripen in September, so its time to pick yours! Here's a quick list or check here for locations and more information.

• Beemerville Orchards. Many varieties, homemade cider. Monday - Saturday, 9-6; closed Sunday. U-Pick apples on Fridays, Saturdays and Columbus Day. For more information please email or call.73 Lusscroft Road (Rt. 649), Sussex, 973/875-1029
• Brook Hollow Farm. PYO apples, several varieties including semi-dwarf trees (great for kids). Wagon rides on weekends. Winery on site. Near beautiful Delaware Water Gap, Frog Pond Rd., Hainesburg 07832, 908/496-4577
• Ochs Orchard. One of the best! Cider made on site from Red Delicious for sweetness, Winesap for tang, McIntosh and Empire for body. 4 Ochs Ln, Warwick, NY, 845/986-1591
• Pochuck Valley Farms. Family owned farm offers pick your own apples, with wagon rides on weekends. All groups welcome. Pressed cider, baked goods. Get a free glass of cider this weekend at the Cider Kickoff! 962 Route 517, Glenwood, 973/764-4732.
• Riamede Farm. 250 year old farm. Thirty varieties of traditional, heirloom and modern apples. 122 Oakdale Rd, Chester 07930, 908/879-5353
• Windy Brow Farms. Pick your own apples with wagon rides on weekends. Homemade pies and baked goods, cider. 359 Ridge Road (Rt 519), Newton, 973/579-9657

To find what you're looking for this fall, keep an eye on the QuickGuide to Farm Visits.

And this way for farmers markets!

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Northwest New Jersey and destinations just beyond those borders, in Pennsylvania and New York, are equally intriguing and convenient offer colorful ways to get out and enjoy the pleasures of the season. Keep an eye on our calendar for great things to do all the time! And we've got a crop of new stories to help you on your way.

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