68-Acre Farm Is Now Open For Apple Picking In Chester  

CHESTER, NJ — As the summer days are coming to end and give way to cool fall weather, it is time to look forward to one of the best fall activities in North Jersey: apple picking.

Riamede Farm, a 68-acre apple farm located at 122 Oakdale Road, has officially opened for the 48th season.

According to Riamede Farm owner Ashley O'Keefe, the apple season will begin with early varieties such as Gala, Ginger Gold, McIntosh, Mollie Delicious and Zestar.

During apple season, Riamede's farm market is packed with specialty items such as local honey, sauces, small batch ice cream, locally grown flowers, and even charcuterie boards made from Riamede's own apple wood.

According to farm manager James Bourgeois, visiting Riamede during harvest should not be a one-time event.

“Not many people realize that each apple variety has its own ripening time. We grow over 35 kinds, from heirlooms to modern favorites. You could visit us weekly and have a different picking and flavor experience each time,” Bourgeois said.

Although nothing beats a picnic lunch outside in the crisp fall air with a bag full of apples and delicacies from the farm shop, Riamede employees prefer that guests bring their picnic to one of the nearby parks, such as Hacklebarney State Park, or Grove Street Park.

"Picnicking is not allowed in the orchard, which is a food production area. We don't have the space to allow picnicking by our salesroom or in the parking lot. Grab some donuts and cider and keep your outside day going at the park," officials said.

This year, in addition to apples, Riamede will also offer sunflower and tomato picking, according to O'Keefe.

Riamede Farm opened its doors to the public in 1974 as New Jersey's first pick-your-own apple orchard. Riamede has a distinct atmosphere because half of its orchards still nurture large old seedling apple trees planted over a half-century ago.

"Farms used to be integral parts of communities. By working with other local creators and businesses, we’re supporting our community and getting great products in front of our customers who may not have found them otherwise,” O'Keefe said.