APumpkin picking in modern times usually includes bounce houses, petting zoos, and many other distractions. But Riamede Farm in Chester offers a quiet old apple orchard with a pumpkin patch in the back. This simple, authentic farm offers classic pick-your-own opportunities for many fall harvest crops and products.
Riamede Farm consists of 68 hectares, about 40 of which are apple orchards dating back to the 1950s. These older acres still support apple trees planted by the original apple farmer, Lowry and Ria Mead. “The trees are big and old-looking, which is unique,” says Ashley O’Keefe. She runs the farm with her husband, Christopher. In fact, Riamede is believed to be New Jersey’s first apple orchard; first opened to the public during the harvest of 1974. However, customers today can pick not only apples, but also pumpkins, tomatoes, sunflowers, winter squash, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.
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Picking apples at the Riamede Farm
The farm’s extensive orchard boasts 44 varieties of apples, ranging from traditional classics and heirloom specialties to modern favorites. Of course, apples ripen at different times during the fall season. Also, Mother Nature changes the apple ripening schedule every year. This means the O’Keefe family never knows exactly when each variety will be available. However, your phone message is updated daily with data on what is ripe and ready for picking. In addition, its website offers daily reports of the “What is Ripe?” page.
Their apple flavors range from very sweet (Galas and Ginger Golds) to very sour (Winesaps and Greenings). But Ashley suggests choosing something outside of the typical options and potentially finding a new favorite. “We focus on teaching about apples and farming, which is a great experience for families and children,” he adds.
Pumpkin picking at the farm
At Riamede Farm, most of their pumpkin patch features traditional jack-o’-lantern pumpkins of various shapes and sizes. Early in the pumpkin season, customers can carve a pumpkin straight from the vine. For those who prefer to pick one, they also offer pre-cut pumpkins of all sizes in their pumpkin patch. They also offer both pumpkins and gourds for sale in the farm shop.
They even grow cheese and sugar pumpkins for cooking, as well as fun artisanal varieties. Anyone who visits the pumpkin patch will also see colorful decorated mini pumpkins growing and can walk the corn trail.
Other Delights
Riamede Farm offers their own freshly made cider doughnuts, which Ashley says are the best. Donuts are available at the farm shop during the week and at their donut stand on the weekends. The farm shop also highlights items from local small businesses. Plus, it’s where the O’Keefe family sells unique farm products. For example, a local craftsman made wooden cheese boards and other products from the pruned branches of his apple trees. They offer apple cider courtesy of Melick’s Town Farm, their friends down the road.
Remember to ask about the farm membership which offers discounts on purchases, access to members-only events and more.
Visit Riamede Farm at 122 Oakdale Rd in Chester. (Click here to find them on Google Maps.) For more information: Click here to visit their website | Follow them on Facebook | Click to call them.
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All photos: © Riamede Farm
