New Jersey
Late-summer NJ weather perfect for outdoor fall activities. Here’s a list of things to do
3-minute read
Corn mazes opening on many NJ farms
Corn mazes, pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, and more fun activities coming this fall to New Jersey’s agri-tourism farms.
William Westhoven, Morristown Daily Record
The calendar says it’s still summer, but the weekend weather outlook is perfect for fall activities from football to apple picking and journeys through corn mazes cropping up across the Garden State.
But with rain on the way, get your outdoor kicks in while you can.
Temperatures in North Jersey will elevate to the comfortable low 80s Saturday and Sunday, says Amanda Lee, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, covering the entire state.
“The weather is going to be nice there, at least through Monday,” Lee said. “Dry conditions are expected, relatively warm temperatures.
Story continues below photo gallery.
With the chance of a low-pressure system forming off the Southeast coast of the United States, temperatures will begin to cool a bit on Monday “and the chance of showers looks to increase on Wednesday and Thursday,” Lee said.
Periods of rain are forecasted, and possibly a midweek thundershower, but no significant weather events are expected throughout the week.
Meanwhile, the Rutgers University football team is off this week, but the weekend weather is perfect for your local high school teams to hit the gridiron, soccer pitch or cross-country course. Weekend hikers can also enjoy a final excursion before the fall colors begin to transform the landscape.
Elsewhere, the Jersey Shore season may be winding down, but it’s the busiest time of the year for New Jersey’s many agri-tourism farms. Apple-picking orchards and corn mazes are open for business across the state.
Below are some New Jersey fall activities to take advantage of during warm weather:
Apple-picking in New Jersey
If April showers bring May flowers, then August showers bring apples — because, in just a few weeks, fall’s most a-peel-ing fruit is going to be back on the Jersey farm scene.
From Mcintosh to gala, ruby red beauties will be bursting from the branches of trees across the state; waiting patiently to be turned into pies, crisps or warm mulled cider by those who pick them.
Check out our story on apple-picking spots throughout the state here.
Corn mazes in New Jersey
While pumpkin picking and hayrides are fun fall activities, there’s just nothing like kicking off the season by getting lost in the trails of a corn maze. And considering New Jersey is the Garden State, there are plenty of farms operating their own variation of this classic fall attraction.
Between corn mazes that are 10 acres in size, those that are themed after beloved country singers or iconic cartoon figures and ones where you play games along the way, you’re bound to get a new experience with every place you visit.
Click here to find some of New Jersey’s best corn mazes.
New Jersey fall bucket list items
It’s almost time to put on our sweaters, cozy up under our blankets and enjoy those pumpkin-flavored drinks without shame. And it’s almost time to partake in all of the classic fall activities.
There’s so many ways to spend the season in North Jersey. Between apple and pumpkin picking, corn mazes, festivals and more, there’s an endless supply of options.
Click here for the 10 things to add to your fall bucket list to make the most of this year’s fall season.
Craft events, fairs and other things to do in New Jersey this fall
There’s nothing like fall in the Garden State.
From craft fairs and farm festivals to carnivals and Oktoberfest celebrations, there are an abundance of ways to ring in the new season right here in North Jersey.
Here is a list of local fall celebrations taking place across North Jersey throughout September and October.
Best New Jersey farms to visit this fall
It’s time to reap what the Garden State has sown. September is a prime month in New Jersey to visit your local farm or farm stand (or farmers market) and pick up a bounty of fruits and vegetables, herbs, meats, cheeses and items made from our local goods.
Click here for a handy list of farm stands in North Jersey and on-site farm markets you oughta visit this harvest season (until early October), either to pick up groceries, grab a quick bite or attend a seasonal on-farm event.
A serious crash in Hainesport, New Jersey, has forced Route 38 to close Thursday night.
The crash happened on Route 38 near Creek Road at around 9:30 p.m. Chopper 3 was over the scene, where two cars were badly damaged.
According to Burlington County dispatch, several people were injured in the crash.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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The basics:
- Bed Bath & Beyond returning through new store format with The Container Store
- 5 New Jersey locations set for redesign
- Stores will combine home goods, organization products
- Acquisition of The Container Store expected to close in July
Three years after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closing its 360-plus stores, Bed Bath & Beyond is making a retail comeback in New Jersey.
After the formerly Union-based chain’s new parent company announced plans to acquire The Container Store, it is developing a new format that will blend the two banners together.
Starting this month, The Container Store’s 98 locations nationwide will be redesigned to prepare for an integration of Bed Bath & Beyond merchandise.
Known as The Container Store + Bed Bath & Beyond, the format will focus on home goods, organization products and in-home services.
Within New Jersey, the model is coming to:
- Bound Brook – 335 Chimney Rock Road
- Cherry Hill – 2000 Route 38
- Livingston – 372 W. Mount Pleasant Ave.
- Paramus – 370 Route 17 N.
- Princeton – 3506 Brunswick Ave.
Ahead of the overhaul, The Container Store liquidated about 30% of existing inventory in a bid to “streamline assortments, improve space productivity and create room for new products expected to arrive in phases later this year.”
Making room
The Container Store Senior Vice President of Stores Jen Pape described the changes as “a reset with purpose.”
“We are actively reshaping our stores to make room for what’s next. By streamlining select categories today, we’re creating the space and flexibility needed to introduce Bed Bath & Beyond products and deliver a more complete home experience for our customers,” she said.
The move follows Bed Bath & Beyond’s announcement in April that it will acquire The Container Store for about $150 million in stock and convertible notes. The transaction is scheduled to close in July.
The Container Store filed for bankruptcy in December 2024 amid increasing competition from big box retailers and a rough housing market that reduced demand for home goods. The chain emerged from Chapter 11 with its store fleet largely intact.
Bed Bath & Beyond reborn
After winning Bed Bath & Beyond’s IP auction in June 2023 for $21.5 million, Overstock.com relaunched it two months later with a refreshed website and mobile app where shoppers can purchase home décor, furniture, bedding and kitchenware. Overstock.com renamed itself Beyond Inc. before rebranding as Bed Bath & Beyond.
Retail strategy
Find out why the new owner of Harmon, another former Bed Bath & Beyond brand, closed its Bridgewater store here.
The Dallas-headquartered company’s portfolio also includes Overstock.com and Kirkland’s. Last year, it purchased Bed Bath & Beyond’s former baby-focused banner Buybuy Baby for $5 million, too.
The purchase followed Somerset-based baby care brand Dream on Me’s attempt to revive Buybuy Baby. In addition to spending $15.5 million to acquire the chain’s trademark, domain, mobile platform and business data, Dream on Me shelled out $1.17 million to take over 11 brick-and-mortar locations on the East Coast.
Less than a year later, Buybuy Baby closed its fleet of stores in October 2024 and became a “digital-first brand.”
New Jersey
Violent teens clash with cops at NJ carnival — prompting officials to cancel beloved yearly event
Unruly teens violently overwhelmed a New Jersey community carnival, sparking several fights and cursing out police officers, forcing organizers to prematurely shutter the beloved annual event.
A large gathering of “unsupervised juveniles” descended onto the Maple Shade Tigers Youth Football Carnival at JFK Memorial Field in Maple Shade, NJ, on May 1, inundating the yearly gathering to fundraise for the youth sport organization, according to township officials.
“Officers on scene, along with event organizers, directed those involved and other unruly individuals to leave the carnival grounds in an attempt to restore order and maintain public safety,” Maple Shade officials said.
“As a result of the incident, the carnival was closed for the remainder of the evening.”
The delinquents weren’t ousted without a fight, causing problems with officials at the carnival about 15 miles east of Philadelphia.
“They were cursing at police officers. They were clearly trying to provoke physical confrontations with cops,” Maple Shade Police Department Lt. Daniel O’Brien told 6 ABC Philadelphia.
Police say several teens were charged but didn’t reveal the alleged crimes, according to the outlet.
One witness described the mass exodus as a “herd of kids” being escorted by cops, according to the outlet.
Large swarms of teens were seen on video posted online getting into fights and sprinting down the streets of the neighborhood.
One clip captured police officers chasing some of the hooligans as night fell on the Burlington County enclave.
Rumors began to spread online about weapons being brought into the carnival, but Maple Shade Police could not verify the reports, and no weapons were recovered from the scene.
Because of the Friday night mayhem, the second night of the carnival was also canceled.
“We recognize that this decision is not made lightly. The Maple Shade Tigers Youth Football Carnival is a valued tradition that supports a dedicated youth sports organization and brings the community together each year,” town officials said.
“From the outset of this event, Township officials, the Maple Shade Police Department, and the Maple Shade Youth Football organization have worked in close coordination with a shared commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees,” officials said.
“Despite these proactive efforts, the circumstances that developed this evening required immediate action.
Officials estimate that the youth football organization lost thousands of dollars after the cancellations.
“It’s a non-profit, everything that we have always goes back into the program. New equipment, uniforms, helmets,” Thomas Oshinsky told 6 ABC Philadelphia.
Following the chaos in Maple Shade, officials beefed up security measures for the upcoming St. Mary of the Lakes Carnival and Music Festival in neighboring Medford.
Fences will enclose the event, and there will only be two entrances, officials said in a statement on Facebook.
“Face coverings are strictly prohibited, hoodies cannot be worn over your head, wand screening will be conducted, and all bags will be subjected to search,” the advisory warned.
Guests over 18 will be allowed into the park free of charge, with minors taller than 60 inches needing to buy a ticket.
“Carnivals are meant to be fun, family-friendly, fundraising activities held within communities,” officials said. “In Maple Shade, we saw yet again, what happens when groups of teens come to a carnival with intentions other than riding rides, eating funnel cake or playing games.
“We are hoping the measures above will prevent anything unwanted,” the statement added.
Medford officials blasted the uptick in teenage chaos as the community events that have plagued local carnivals in the South Jersey area over the past several years.
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