The Barn at Riamede Farm
Let’s Celebrate
Join us as
we turn 100!
We realize it’s a bit early but we wanted to reach out before summer steals the show! This year marks Carla’s 47th birthday and Joe’s 53rd… presenting the unique opportunity to celebrate a “century.” The basic details (and then some) are listed below. We’d be thrilled if you would join us this October at Riamede Farm in Chester, NJ for a festive fall gathering with our nearest and dearest.
Wishing you a happy spring,
— Carla & Joe
PS. We’ll send a reminder with any updates closer to the event.
When
Saturday, October 18th
4-7pm (rain or shine)
Where
The Barn at Riamede Farm
122 Oakdale Rd. Chester, NJ
Reply
Please RSVP by 9/18
hungrycarly@gmail.com
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information.
The Orchard at Riamede Farm
About
Riamede Farm
Riamede Farm, one New Jersey’s very first pick-your-own apple orchards, opened to the public in 1974 (and it’s the farm Joe’s family visited for apple picking when he was a child!)
Riamede’s 68 acres have functioned as a farm since the late 1700s; nurturing mature apple trees planted nearly a century ago by Lowry & Maria Mead - genuine antiques that provide the farm with a 19th century feel. It’s a simple old-time orchard with a pumpkin field out back. Quaint, authentic, and without the carnival.
The orchard is open to the general public from 9am-5pm. If you’re interested in picking apples or taking a hayride we recommend arriving early and finishing your day with us in the barn. Guests will receive discount code for 20% off admission (produce paid separately).
The Pumpkin Field at Riamede Farm
Chester’s Main Street has a charming historic feel and endless little shops, but you may want to venture farther afield while in the area. Below are some of the local businesses and experiences we’ve come to enjoy (or plan to!) If you’re looking for something specific, like restaurant recommendations or scenic drives — just let us know!
Amenities
& Attractions
Plan Your Visit
Despite living just minutes from the farm we simply don’t have the room to host everyone who may consider staying overnight. Below are a few (untested!) places on our radar.
Places to Stay
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The Publick House Hotel, located on Chester’s charming Main Street, sits on the site of the historic Public House tavern, a popular stagecoach stop in the early 1800s. Maintaining the original Federal style architecture, it has earned distinction on the National Register of Historic Places. The location is now an upscale impeccable all-suites boutique hotel and home to the newly acclaimed PH Steakhouse.
111 Main St.
Chester, NJ 07930
(908) 955-7911
publickhousehotel.com -
From pre-colonial New Jersey through its grand Victorian era and its storied restoration of today, this Inn has maintained a grand presence along banks of the Raritan River’s South Branch. Once used for farming, peach basket production and family living the site has been transformed through careful restoration.
Each of the five guest rooms is unique, modern, and comfortable - perfect for the discerning traveler looking for a unique luxury experience. Wake from a restful sleep to a delicious breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients and finds from the local general store. Finish your morning with a stroll along the river as it winds its way through the property’s 24 scenic acres.
The Raritan Inn Bed & Breakfast
528 County Road 513
Califon, NJ 07830
(908) 832-6869
raritaninn.com -
Splurge! A stately escape on 500 rolling acres in New Jersey’s Somerset County where daily life is laced with inspiration and where nature guides us from season to season in splendor. A haven from the bustling tempo of the city’s pace, located just an hour outside of New York City, Natirar’s historic grounds have been reimagined into an idyllic retreat layered with luxury, comfort and endless allure. Amenities includes spa facilities, a pool, and two restaurants.
400 Natirar Drive
Peapack, NJ 07977
(908) 254-2301
pendry.com/natirar -
Surrounded by countryside, this refined B&B in a Greek revival farmhouse is just five miles from Chester.
Guests enjoy modern comforts (wifi, cable) juxtaposed against traditional furnishings, pine floors, fireplaces and 4-poster beds. Be advised, two of the four rooms share bathroom facilities.
Common areas include a living room, dining room and reading room. The welcoming front porch is home to several rocking chairs. Massage treatments are available for a fee.
143 W Mill Rd.
Long Valley, NJ 07853
(908) 876-3519
Travel home with baked goods, local seasonal produce or artisanal dairy products. Some of our favorite stops for all things delicious are listed below.
Farmstands & Local Foods
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Located on 120 rolling acres in Long Valley, NJ this old fashioned creamery has combined years of artisan cheesemaking expertise with modern equipment and age old European dairy farming practices. They educate and involve the visitor in a real working sheep dairy while creating over fifty artisan dairy products.
From three streams of milk (sheep, goat and cow) Valley Shepherd craft’s a growing list of cheeses. Many are old standards that customers have grown to love, while some are seasonal or experimental. All are made in small batches and cave-aged. Enjoy them for what they are: a fleeting snapshot of a single dairy herd, grazing on one pasture, milked to fill one vat, allowing us to create a single batch.
Cave tours are available.
50 Fairmount Road
Long Valley, NJ 07853
(908) 876-3200 -
Located down the road from Hacklebarney State Park, this seventh generation local business has been in operation since 1851. Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill welcomes guests of all ages for cider, cider donuts, an array of pies, seasonal ice cream creations and even cider-braised hotdogs! A corn maze and pumpkin patch sit along side the charming, historic mill with a large open area perfect for setting up an impromptu picnic. Don’t sleep on Carla’s favorite item - the “Cider Twist” a flaky pastry coated in a crisp, cider-infused glaze. Depending when you visit, parking may take patience and there may be lines for food… but they are efficient and it is worth the wait!
104 State Park Road
Chester NJ, 07930
hacklebarneyfarm.com -
Melick’s Town Farm is the largest apple grower in New Jersey with 25,000 apple trees and 5,000 peach, nectarine, plum and pear trees. Orchards cover 120 acres of their 650 acres of land. The farm is run by 10th generation farmers, siblings Peter, Rebecca and John Melick with the continued support of their parents George and Norma.
While there are several outposts, the Oldwick farmstand is where we prefer to buy our Jersey Corn and Tomatoes in addition to picking berries and cutting wild flowers directly from the field.170 Oldwick Road
Oldwick, NJ 08858
(908) 439-2955 -
The Bernardsville Farmers’ Market opened in 1994 and has been a fixture in the Bernardsville community ever since. Located in the NJ Transit Station parking lot on Route 202 and Claremont Road, the summer market is open Saturdays 9am to 1pm.
From delicious baked goods to homegrown produce, the market features a variety of passionate and knowledgeable local growers, food preparers, bakers, and more. Some vendors come on alternating weeks or as pop-ups.Route 202 at Claremont Rd.
Bernardsville, NJ
This area offers so many wonderfully unique activities for children (of all ages!) A few of our favorite places for animal encounters and sweet treats are below.
Activities for Children
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Ranked one of the BEST candy stores in the country, The Black River Candy Shoppe, offers a massive selection of new and nostalgic candy with more than 1000 candy varieties.
Hard candy is sold in bulk, by the pound, and many of the offerings are displayed in large barrels. There is truly something for every taste and kids of any age!
44 Main Street
Chester, NJ 07930 -
Willow Grove Farm is owned and operated by Heidi Schubert Ort and Win Lake, and is home to over thirty Clydesdale horses. Collectively Heidi and Win have over fifty years of experience covering many breeds and disciplines. Their love of the Clydesdale breed and their hard work have made it possible for anyone to come and enjoy these wonderful horses for themselves. Whether you are interested in riding one of their ‘gentle giants’ or taking a relaxing wagon ride through the country side, Willow Grove Farm has the horse power you’re looking for!
458 West Mill Rd.
Long Valley, NJ 07853
(973) 615-6745
willowgrovefarm.org -
The Raptor Trust is known nationally for the rehabilitation of wild birds and the conservation of birds of prey. The center is located near the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and not only serves as an avian rehab but also offers educational programs about wildlife. Visitors are welcome to view hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls housed in aviaries on the property.
1390 White Bridge Rd.
Millington, NJ 07946
(908) 647-1091
theraptortrust.org -
Ideally situated among the rolling Somerset Hills in Peapack, New Jersey, these animals enjoy a bucolic 15-acre farm that snugs up against more than 175 acres of adjacent farmland. The hayfields blowing in the wind along with the sight of the alpacas pronking in the pasture is a sight to behold, and only 90 minutes from NYC.
44 Willow Ave.
Far Hills, NJ 07977
(908) 625-4110
bluebirdfarmalpacas.com
Somerset County has countless parks, trails and gardens to explore. Below are some of our favorites — interesting and easily traversed by those who may not ‘hike’ regularly!
Hiking Trails & Garden Walks
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One of the premier rock gardens in the eastern United States, the Leonard J. Buck Garden began in the late 1930's, and has reached a breathtaking point of maturity. It consists of a series of alpine and woodland gardens situated in a 33-acre wooded stream valley. Named for Mr. Leonard J. Buck, who developed the garden as part of his estate, it was donated to the Somerset County Park Commission by Mrs. Helen Buck in 1976.
One of the greatest delights in visiting the Leonard J. Buck Garden is discovering its variety of plants. Tucked among the rocks are rare and exotic rock garden plants. The wooded trails connecting the outcroppings are lined with beautiful wild flowers that have flourished and multiplied through the years. Throughout the gardens grow various ferns. At the base of the valley walls, azaleas and rhododendrons produce a colorful display in May and early June. The Buck Garden's peak bloom is in spring, when favorite wildflowers, diminutive alpines, and delicate azaleas all compete for attention, but there is something interesting in bloom almost every week of the year.
11 Layton Road
Far Hills, NJ 07931 -
Natirar is a 411-acre property located in the scenic hills of Somerset County within the municipalities of Peapack/Gladstone, Far Hills and Bedminster. Formerly the estate of Kate Macy Ladd and Walter Graeme Ladd, the property is rich in culture and history. The property features extensive areas of lawn and woodland, river access and scenic views and contains historic farm buildings and various other residential structures and out-buildings dating from the mid-18th through mid-19th centuries.
The North Branch of the Raritan River and the Peapack Brook traverse the property. There is a 1.3 mile Great Meadow Trail, and a 1.0 mile Upper Field Trail that pass along the scenic North Branch of the Raritan River corridor, through beautiful wooded areas and across fields and meadows.
Natirar presents a unique opportunity for a single property to preserve, showcase and interpret many aspects of the area’s rich architectural, cultural, historic and archaeological heritage.
2 Main Street
Peapack,NJ 07977somersetcountyparks.org/natirar
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In the 19th century, this area was an iron ore mine site, but today Hacklebarney is a favorite place for avid anglers and hikers. The gushing river against the grey boulders and dark green hemlocks creates a majestic beauty in any season.
The Black River gorge, woodlands and trails provide a great escape for walkers and anglers. The freshwater Black River briskly cuts its way through rocky Hacklebarney State Park cascading around boulders in the hemlock-lined ravine. Two tributaries, Rinehart and Trout Brooks, also course their way through this glacial valley feeding the Black River. The Black River gorge provides anglers and hikers a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
119 Hacklebarney Rd.
Long Valley, NJ 07853 -
This 180-acre preserve was bequeathed to Tewksbury Township by Helen A. Whittemore, a nature lover and diarist who wanted her land and house to be preserved so that others may be awed by the natural world and inspired by its beauty.
The preserve includes 11 miles of trails for hiking, dog walking, and exploring, photographing and painting nature. Trails traverse mainly wooded areas with wetlands, ravines, and hilly terrain. The preserve also serves as the perfect stage for birders and nature lovers to view local avian species and other wildlife.
7 Rockaway Rd.
Oldwick, NJ08858
(908) 439-1201
Cheers! From fizzy seasonal ciders to unique distilled spirits and locally made beer & wine these tasting rooms make for a fun stop.
Tasting Rooms
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Enjoy ciders crafted-on-site in a relaxed atmosphere. Indoors, a cozy tasting room with oak paneling and wood furniture made from trees harvested during construction. Outdoors, a handful a picnic tables and a fire pit. Play corn hole, make s’mores or take in some sun — it’s all good. No food is served but picnics are welcome and local food trucks serve on-site each weekend.
Their core line up of year round ciders is available on tap in addition to seasonal selections, made in partnership with local farms, that are not available anywhere else.
3540 Route 206
Bedminster, NJ 07921
(908) 781-6000 -
A “nanobrewery” sources ingredients locally as often as possible, and strives to provide a relaxed, community center-vibe within Morris County where all are welcome to sit, drink (21+!) and communicate. Bring food in, play board games, read a book or attend trivia night—there's something for every type of craft beer drinker to do in our tasting room. In addition to drinking, of course. We also strive to be an educational environment where people can learn more about craft beer and the brewing process through tours and samples.
220 Franklin Rd.
Randolph, NJ 07869
(862) 397-4777 -
Bellemara is different kind of distillery with a unique approach to making spirits, blending traditional production techniques from Scotland with distinctly American innovations. Bellemara products are made grain to glass from malted barley producing versatile, nutty flavored spirits. It’s not the easiest way to make spirits but they believe hard things are worth doing. Bellemara spirits are only available to try or buy in their tasting room.
2 Clerico Lane
Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
(609) 578-9874 -
Nestled amongst the rolling hills of Warren County, Alba Vineyard is just two miles east of the Delaware River and historic Bucks County Pennsylvania in the beautiful Musconetcong Valley. The tasting room also serves as a showroom with a complete selection of wines, produced on premises. Alba Vineyard is open daily for wine flights and snacks.
269 Riegelsville Warren Glen Rd. Milford, NJ, 08848
(908) 995-7800
These small, local shops all have uniquely charming finds — lovingly selected by individual shop owners — from fashion and housewares to specialty foods and beauty products.
Retail Therapy
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Making a house a home is one of the most creative things you can do. How you decorate your rooms, what you cook in your kitchen and grow in your garden define your surroundings as uniquely yours. Larger Cross will help you create an original country home by enhancing what you already have with thoughtful additions.
The inspiration behind many of the products you’ll find is rooted in nature and the changing seasons. In spring that might mean spending time in the garden, prepping the beds and planting flowers and vegetables. In summer it’s harvesting what you've grown, preparing delicious meals with it and serving them at a wonderfully set table. Pies go in the oven and sweaters come out of the closet in autumn and in winter, it's a refreshing walk in the snow or relaxing on a cozy sofa in front of the fire. Throughout the seasons, there’s a dog or cat at one’s feet. Products are sourced with care to enhance these activities with style and beauty.
3 James Street
Oldwick, NJ 8858
908-572-7631 -
Opened in 2021, Branch Home is a general store, meeting place, and grocery in historic Far Hills, NJ. Specialty goods are handmade, small batch and artisanal. Whether you're looking for a beautiful plant, a one-of-a-kind-gift or a picnic basket full of culinary delights, there is something for everyone - even kids!
21 US Highway 202
Far Hills, NJ 07931
(908) 306-4474 -
Antiques, local artwork, vintage toys, and more! Inspired by a childhood filled with fairies, “where magical things happened,” and the World War II necessity of making your own toys, sisters Lib Schley and Mayor Watts Hitchcock opened The Magic Shop in 1947. The original store was in two separate houses on Main Street, Oldwick. One was a 1773 clapboard house and the other an early 1800s General Store. In the 1950’s they were connected, as they are today.
60 Old Turnpike Rd.
Oldwick, NJ 08858
(908) 439-2330 -
A beloved little boutique chock full of unique treasures loving selected by the owner... artisan jewelry, handcrafted gifts, women’s clothing + more.
157 Main St.
Peapack, NJ 07977
FAQs
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BY CAR
If you will be driving from NYC and can take additional passengers please let us know.
For those driving, you can navigate via Google Maps by clicking here. Riamede offers free parking — just follow the guidance of Riamede’s experienced parking crew! Handicapped parking is available for those with tags. If you plan to use one, please be sure it is easily visible.
BY TRAIN
Given the farm’s distance from any train station, driving is encouraged, however we realize this may not be feasible for everyone. At just over an hour from New York’s Penn Station, the Morristown stop on New Jersey Transit is the ‘closest’ direct option — however the farm is an additional 25 minute drive from there. If several people take public transportation we may specify a certain train time and hire a van to get everyone to and from the station.Please reach out to us if you are considering this mode of transportation.
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Absolutely! From diapers to diplomas kids of all ages are welcome.
Should you want to bring your children apple picking we recommend arriving early and finishing your day with us in the barn. A 20% discount code for admission to the orchard will be provided (produce paid separately).Other ideas for local activities kids may enjoy are listed in the “Plan Your Visit” section above.
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Unfortunately the farm does not allow dogs. Bummer!
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Your presence is our present! While we appreciate the thought, we ask that you not bring gifts. If you feel strongly you’d like to do something we would happily welcome you to:
bring guests from similar geographies who may not have means of transportation
make a donation in our honor to The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ), a non-profit organization that strives for children and adults to achieve victory over mental illness and substance use disorders through advocacy, education, training and services. It seeks to break down stigma and other barriers that prevent people from seeking treatment and builds a strong base of support and network of services for people coping with behavioral health issues and their family members.
mhanj.org/donate