Autumn is a time of baggy sweaters, beautiful foliage, relaxing bonfires, Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown movie nights, fall scented candles, tailgates, pumpkin carving, and lots of delicious food. Fall reintroduces superfoods such as apples, pears, butternut squash, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. In New Jersey, there is an abundance of farms and restaurants, but only a select few are must visits before the fall season comes to a close.
1. Gronsky's Milk House, High Bridge
Nothing says a fall breakfast like a pumpkin pie pancake with pumpkin spice butter. This is the place to come when you want a really large portion of an utterly delicious pancake (seriously this pancake can feed you and a friend). Not to mention this restaurant is located in front of a brook. If you want a scenic breakfast then you can eat outside with a peaceful view; or if your the type of person that'd rather take photos of nature then I recommend using the brook as a nice backdrop for some fall candids.
2. Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Did someone say apples? Yes, lots and lots of apples; apple pie, apple cider, apple cider donuts. You take your pick of how you want to consume them; after all "an apple a day keeps the doctor away". While Terhune Orchards is famous for their apple cider donuts, you truly can't go wrong with any of their apple offerings. If you're not an apple person perhaps indulge in a sweet potato or pumpkin pie. Also, make sure to walk around the grounds; they have a store that sells farm fresh produce as well as a beautiful winery. I would suggest planning your visit soon and taking advantage of the last couple of weekends in October for Terhune's Family Fall Fun Weekends.
3. The Farmer and The Chickpea, Whitehouse Station
The motto of this restaurant is "ingredients matter". The food is fresh, simple, and delicious. Everything in this place is seriously yummy, but their roasted pear caramel bread pudding is a must eat fall dessert. If you are looking for a heartier dish I recommend their sweet potato crust pizza topped with roasted kale, goat cheese, walnuts & sage.
4. The Bent Spoon, Princeton
This is the place where your ice cream fantasies become reality, while managing to be healthy (yes, I recognize how frightening it is to see healthy next to ice cream). All of the Bent Spoon's ice creams and sorbets are made with local, organic ingredients. During the fall, they have fabulous ice cream and sorbet flavors based on seasonal produce. The pumpkin ice cream is a must eat; however, since their ice cream flavors rotate daily, follow their Instagram @thebentspoon to see when their pumpkin ice cream is in. If your schedule isn't flexible then no need to worry because ever flavor is equally as delicious. From pear sorbet to apple cinnamon ice cream you will definitely find tasty fall sweets.
5. Teaberry's Tea Room, Flemington
Teaberry's has the sophistication of a London tea room with a cozy ambience. When you walk in you meet the sight of leaves and Halloween ornaments dressed on an upside down Christmas tree (yes, this place has an undeniable quirky charm). Their warm maple roasted butternut squash sandwich is a must eat. To fully enjoy the flavors of fall I would order hot mulled cider or one of their fabulous chai teas to accompany your meal. If you are looking for a lighter lunch the Autumn Salad (field greens topped with roasted sweet potatoes, bacon, dates, hazelnuts, manchego, shallots & baguette croutons with a cider vinaigrette) is another delicious option.
