Amy Wydner, Junior
Despite COVID-19 restrictions, orchards in New Jersey are open to the public for visitors to pick their own apples.
During October each year, farms across the world open their doors to visitors looking to pick their own apples. Despite restrictions due to the Coronavirus, New Jersey apple picking can still take place but with social distancing and masks. Supporting local farms supports the community which gives back to oneself. Some NJ farms offering apple picking include Wightman’s Farm, Sun High Orchard, and Battleview Orchard.
Wightman's Farm, in Morristown, NJ, has been growing and selling fruits on their farm since 1922 and was started by, married couple, Albert Wightman and Laetitia. It had started as a small fruit stand and has become a third generation farm. The head farmer has worked on the farm for over 25 years and has worked to find the best farming techniques and seeds to make the farm even better. The farm provides its customers with local fresh produce and recipes to incorporate their foods into meals. Apple picking at their farm supports the current operators and honors the history that went into the creation of the farm. To anyone visiting, social distancing is enforced and masks must be worn. The farm has an average of 4.2 stars out of 5 on Google and over 850 reviews.
Another popular farm is Sun High Orchards in Randolph, NJ. This farm is open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. “Pick Your Own” apples are open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and apples are sold by the pound, $1.99 per pound. Fred and Ranghild Bostrom had started the farm back in 1945 when they planted the first fruit trees on the Sun High’s grounds. Their goal is to provide the community with “the highest quality of tree, fresh peaches and apples”. In their market they sell a full range of fresh picked fruits and vegetables as well as homemade breads, pies, salads, and ice cream. They also strive to provide “a friendly, family atmosphere”.
Battleview Orchards has been farming since 1908. It is located in Freehold, NJ and has an averaged 4.6 stars out of 5 on Google and over 1,000 customer reviews. “Pick Your Own” apples, and various other fruits, are available at the orchard and times to go are varied. They market their events as “family friendly” and provide recipes on their website to make with their produce.
Choosing to “Pick Your Own” from a local farm over buying apples from a grocery store can be much more rewarding; not only for oneself but the farm as well. Supporting local businesses is important for everyone to do, especially in times of uncertainty. Many farms have struggled after COVID-19 and it is important that as locals, everyone tries to help out their community and keep the farms running.
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