Nestled in the heart of Morris County is a bucolic farm that at first glance, looks like rows of tall apple trees. But once you walk past the farmhouse and into the fields, you’ll discover that Riamede Farm – the oldest u-pick apple orchard in New Jersey – also has flowers and vegetables to pick, fall festival activities on the weekends, a children’s toy and book nook inside the market, and year-round events on the schedule.
The History of Riamede Farm
The farmhouse dates back to 1740, and the property has been a farm since then. It’s the same size now as it was 300 years ago – roughly 68 acres, 30 of which are dedicated just to apple harvesting.
Apple trees were first planted in the 1920s, in the area right outside the market. Riamede is said to be the first u-pick apple farm in New Jersey, starting in 1974 – and is also the only orchard that has 100-year-old trees still in production.
“We want this to be a place that is relaxing and has agricultural history. … We want to open up the farm and share it with people,” says Ashley Asdal, who has owned the farm for the past four years.
Apple Picking Season
There are 54 varieties of apples grown across 4,000 trees on 30 acres – including Gala and Honeycrisp, Crimson Crisp, Gala, Ginger Gold, McIntosh, Mollie Delicious, Rhode Island Greening and Zestar.
Apple picking goes from the third week of August to the second week of November, though most people visit from mid-September to early October. The reason for so many different types is to make sure there is a mix of sweet, tart, eating and baking apples, available whenever pickers come. “At all times through the season, there is a flavor profile,” Ashley says.
More Fall Festivities
Starting in September, the farm is open on weekends and on Columbus Day for festival activities like a hayride, u-pick apples and veggies, an apple slingshot, a kids’ bubble station, lawn games, live music, a beer truck and photo ops. Later in the season, pumpkin picking is open, either on or off the vine; and the very kid-friendly corn trail and Pumpkin House open. The Sweet Shed is open, too, with the most amazing apple cider donut ice cream sundae topped with apple cinnamon chips that must be tried.
During the fall, you can pick flowers, veggies and apples all week (except Tuesday, when the farm is closed to the public).
Year-Round Fun
Riamede has events planned all year to keep fans of the farm active and engaged. During the winter and early spring, you can learn about pruning, backyard orchard planting and maintenance, fungi and birds through a series of workshops.
From May to August, events include the Spring Blossom Festival craft show, line dancing, falconry info and farm-to-table dinners.
Depending on the time of harvest, you can pick peppers, three types of eggplant, a variety of tomatoes, hot chilis and even watermelon. Ashley said kids love to pick their own produce and learn how it grows.
Ashley’s secret to keeping the fields colorful? She plants new sunflower seeds every four days from June through August, so the blooms appear in waves all the way into late October. The farm also has a selection of beautifully colored celosia, zinnias and snapdragons to pick for your at-home vase.
After the apple and pumpkin season ends, come back for Christmas at the Farm.
“We want this to be a community gathering place, and be really welcoming,” Ashley says.
Supporting the Community
Through the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, Riamede has a contract to pick and sell extra produce to the Food Bank of New Jersey, so clients receive fresh produce in their food packages. Ashley said the program, in turn, supports Riamede because it provides a source of income in June she may not otherwise have. It also teaches her how to wholesale.
Riamede also supports fellow small businesses in the area, selling apple cider from Melick’s Town Farm, chocolate milk from The Creamery and yogurt from Valley Shepherd Creamery; plus Riamede has its own sparking apple cider. Check out the farm market for a variety of pies, hot sauces, cookbooks, kids’ toys and of course, apples. And nearby are Stony Hill Farm Market with its Rebel Sheep Wine Co., Hacklebarney Farm and Cider Mill, and Alstede Farms.
Riamede Farm is located at 122 Oakdale Rd. in Chester. Weekday PYO entrance is $3.50, while the weekend and holiday ticket costs $10.50; or, consider a Season Pass for $37.50.
For a preview of the fall farm season, visit our Instagram page.
Read More:
Fall Fun in New Jersey
Where to Pick Your Own Apples in NJ
Where to Get an Apple Cider Donut in NJ
Morris County’s First Farm Winery Uses Its Own Crops For Its In-House Wines
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