With each season you have the opportunity to think of creative ways to spend some special time with your beloved. Fall is a very special time. The leaves are bursting with color and the air is crisp. It’s warm enough to enjoy the great outdoors, but cool enough to snuggle, perfect for romance! Here are 7 fun fall date ideas in Sussex County NJ.
“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.”
— Emily Bronte
#1 – Go Horseback Riding
What better way to view the glorious fall colors than on the back of a strong, gentle horse. You’ll experience some great benefits while riding the trails, like stress slipping away with each trot. One of the biggest benefits is that you’ll be enjoying nature together, breathing in the fresh air. You can even learn together by booking a trail ride lesson with the Spring Valley Equestrian Center.
#2 – Go Apple Picking
You just have to mention fall weather and your thoughts go to apple picking and deliciously spiced cider. Walk through the orchard smelling the sweet apples and choose just the perfect ones to fill your basket. Stop at your favorite cider shop or create your own concoction to drink as you snuggle together under a warm blanket. We have several options near us. Here are two you can try: Best’s Fruit Farm in Hackettstown or Tranquillity Farms in Andover Township.
#3 – Go to a Farmer’s Market
It’s harvest season! You’ll find so many delicious home-grown veggies and a number of other delicacies at one of our local farmer’s markets, like Donaldson Farms. They feature hundreds of acres of fresh fruits and vegetables, freshly baked pies and other baked goods, dairy products, Vermont and New Jersey maple syrups, local honey, their very own jellies, jam, and salsa, and a wonderful selection of local products from local vendors. They even offer private tours and a corn maze.
#4 – Go Pedal Boarding
Do you prefer being active? That’s great! The Lake Hopatcong Adventure Co. offers peddle boarding. It’s a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the natural beauty around you. It’s a new way to combine fitness and fun. Their guided tours will show you the best of Lake Hopatcong and the surrounding area.
#5 – Go on a Driving Color Tour
Sometimes it’s good to just get in the car and drive—just the two of you and the open road. New Jersey has some amazing drives that show the stunning fall foliage. Choose the best dates and areas to see the best of fall’s colors. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch! Here are some suggested tours for your cruisin’ day.
#6 – Go on a Wine Tour
During the fall harvest, grapes are ripe on the vines. There are several wineries in the area where you can schedule a tasting and tour of the vines and facilities like at Brook Hollow Winery. Brook Hollow is open year round for tastings, 7 days a week, and no reservations are required. Saturdays and Sundays between 2-5pm bring live music. Take some food with you to enjoy while listening to music and drinking some wine, which they sell by the glass and bottle. The Winery also hosts fun events throughout the year, like Pig Roasts, Friday Night Meal Deals, Sip and Paint, Trivia Night, and Wine Slushies! Get your tickets early for these popular events. Before you leave, be sure to shop their retail section for wine to take back to your luxury suite at the Inn, or gifts for that wine lover in your life.
#7 – Stay at Whistling Swan Inn
Schedule a romantic getaway at the Whistling Swan Inn. Tucked away in beautiful Stanhope, NJ, you will love our beautifully appointed accommodations. Choose one of our luxury suites for an extra special getaway. Each suite offers a two-person Jacuzzi, fireplace, fluffy robes and a mini-fridge. During your stay, you’ll wake each morning to a full country breakfast, have access to coffee, tea, soda and juice 24/7, and enjoy fresh homemade cookies daily. Our English garden complete with a koi pond, waterfall and gazebo offer a quiet and beautiful place to stroll hand-in-hand. We also provide free use of bikes during your stay, perfect for a fall bike ride. Check availability.