The spacious outdoors are where it’s at this summer, not only to keep your family safe but to have a little fun in the sun too. Visiting a farm is the perfect way to social distance and enjoy the beauty of what Bergen County’s surrounding areas have to offer. So grab a mask and check out what’s popping up and blooming at a farm near you.
Sunflower season starts early at Happy Day Farm, where the gorgeous stems are sure to put a smile on your face. Take a tractor ride to the flowers, and while you’re there, enjoy fresh lemonade, shaved ices and photo ops. Raspberry Picking and Lavender viewing is also available for a full-day experience. (Happy Day Farm, U-Pick Sunflowers opening July 10)
At Stony Hill Sunflower Farm, their annual Sunflower Festival gives guests 2.5 acres of gorgeous stems to roam in, shoot photos in and cut stems from to take home. Live music and attractions such as the mazes and homemade flights of ice cream are sure to please the whole fam. (Stony Hill Sunflower Farm, Sunflower Festival dates August 1-August 2 and August 8-August 9, 10 am-5 pm)
Here's a little known fun fact: NJ is home to the largest Sunflower maze on the east coast. With over 1.5 million sunflowers and 3 miles of trails, the Sussex County Sunflower Maze at Liberty Farm should definitely earn a spot on your hit list this summer. This pet friendly spot allows guests to shoot photos, pick your own and also includes the maze. (Season Starts August 22nd through September 13th, weather dependent. Sussex Sunflower Maze at Liberty Farm, Sandyston NJ, check their Facebook page for the most up to date details)
Donaldson Farms offers 10 acres of Sunflowers that you can enjoy via their scheduled tours. Each tour includes a Hayride which stops for optimal photo ops, and a chance to purchase Donaldson's gorgeous stems. The stunning farm also offer special Sunset Photography Events and private bookings based on availability. (Season begins early to mid-September, learn more about Donaldson Farms in Hackettstown, NJ here)
A short drive to the Hudson Valley leads you to Sunflower Valley Farm, where picturesque flowers fields and a sunflower maze are perfect for photo shoots that can be scheduled. This scenic farm also offers seeds to grow your own garden and a petting farm to keep the kids happy. (Sunflower Valley Farm, New Hampton, NY blooms are expected to be ready the end of July through September, check their Facebook page for up to date information)
Book their photographer or be your own at VonThun Farms Sunflower Trail. With over six acres of sunflowers, it’s safe for your family to wander as long as you like and cut your own sunflowers. Raspberry and blackberry fields are open if you want to bring home fresh fruit on your travels, too. And did we mention with a hayride tour and barnyard area there’s something for everyone? (VonThun Farms, Washington, NJ in Warren County open daily, 10 am-5 pm through August)
Round out your summer plans at Holland Ridge Farms’ U-Pick Sunflower Festival. This unique PYO festival hosts the classic yellow sunflowers you know and love, plus white, red and bi-color sunflowers – which do exist! Explore over 50 acres of sunflowers plus other beauties like lilies and dahlias, and don’t forget your photographer. (Holland Ridge Farms festival opens in September and runs for about four weeks)
