Shannon & Jason's Wedding

October 9th, 2005

Things to Do — New Jersey

Duffield's Farm Market

You can't spend time in Gloucester County, NJ in the fall and not visit Duffield's Farm Market! The market sports farm-fresh produce and a fantastic bakery. (Make sure you get some of New Jersey's freshly pressed apple cider!) Once you've had a snack or two, stop off in the pumpkin patch and pick any pumpkin in the field. Don't forget to stop by pumpkinland, located just off the parking lot — the kids (and grown-ups, too!) can play on the hay bales and challenge themselves to make it through the a-maize-ing corn maze. On the way out, stop by and feed the animals in the petting zoo!

  • Location: 280 Chapel Hill Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080, T: 856-589-7090. (This is the closest "attraction" to the hotels, if you don't want to wander far from home or don't have much time, this is your best bet!)
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 12:30 to 4:00pm, Saturdays 10am to 4pm. Closed Sundays.
  • Admission: For pumpkin picking: $6.00 per picker, $2.50 per non-picker. Children 12 months and under free!

New Jersey Aquarium*

The New Jersey Aquarium is one of the jewels of South Jersey. It's currently undergoing major renovations, but should be open in plenty of time for the wedding weekend. New features will allow visitors to explore a state-of-the-art West African river exhibit with crocodiles, free-flying birds and hippos; surround themselves with sharks in a 40-foot walk-through tunnel; see and feel the wonders of the underwater world in a 4-D theater; and even swim with the sharks! Check the Aquarium's website as the weekend approaches for more information!

Battleship New Jersey*

Attention history buffs! The Battleship New Jersey, the most decorated battleship in the history of the United States, is now a floating museum along the Camden Waterfront. During the month of October, the New Jersey is open every day from 9 am until 3 pm. Visitors can select a self-guided tour ($13.50 for adults), a two-hour guided tour ($15 for adults), or the extended "Firepower Tour" ($17 for adults).

Camden Children's Garden*

The 4-acre interactive Camden Children's Garden includes two indoor exhibits, the Philadelphia Eagles Four Seasons Butterfly House and the Tropical Exhibit, Plaza de Aibonito. The Garden has amusement rides, such as the Commerce Carousel, and the Arrow River Train Ride surrounded by the Railroad Garden. Other exhibits include a Dinosaur Garden, Maze, Picnic Garden, Tree House, Amphitheater and Storybook Gardens. Storybook Gardens include: 3 Little Pigs Garden, the Giants Garden from Jack in the Beanstalk, Secret Garden, Frog Prince Grotto and Alice in Wonderland's Garden. Call 1-856-365-TREE (8733) for hours of operation and admission information.

Walt Whitman House*

Step back in time to the humble dwelling of the "Good Gray Poet," Walt Whitman. Constructed in 1848, this modest wooden-framed structure built in Greek-revival style was the only home ever owned by Walt Whitman. Here is where Whitman grew to international fame as the author of Leaves of Grass, hosted visitors from around the world and completed his last comprehensive volume of poetry before his death in 1892. Today, as a New Jersey State Historic Site and a National Historic Landmark, the restored Whitman House welcomes visitors from around the world who come to experience the last worldly surroundings of America's great "Poet of Democracy."

  • Location: 328 Mickle Blvd, between 3rd and 4th Streets, Camden, NJ, T: (856) 964-5383. The house is 2 blocks east of the Camden Waterfront. (Maps and directions here.)
  • Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday. You are encouraged to telephone to confirm hours or schedule your visit.

* These four attractions are part of the Camden Waterfront, and are very close together.

"Pick Your Own" Orchards

Check out the list of Pick Your Own in Southern New Jersey to find orchards that will let you and your kids pick whatever you want; pumpkins, apples, and tomatoes will be in season during the first two weeks of October.

Fall Foliage Tours

The New Jersey tourist board has a three-day driving tour for fall foliage buffs who want to see fall's colors. Scroll down to "Day Three" for suggestions on where to go in South Jersey to get an eye-full! And if leaf peeping's not for you, then check out the entire list of tours suggested by the folks at the tourist board. Others include "National Treasures in New Jersey" and a lighthouse tour...

Creamy Acres Farms

In 1968 Larry and Jeanne Ambruster started a dairy farm with a herd of 30 cows, and they called it Creamy Acres. Much has happened since then: the family grew to include 4 children, and the herd grew to 100 cows. 1985 saw the addition of the flower business that today includes 20 greenhouses serving both retail and wholesale customers with annuals, perennials, herbs, hanging baskets, potted containers and garden gift items. In addition to being a working dairy farm, Creamy Acres also has haunted houses and haunted hay-wagon rides, which are the thrill of October for older children and "young at heart" adults. They also offer visits with barnyard pals, a play area, wagon rides, pumpkin patches, the "cow train" and greenhouse and dairy tours. The tours provide an opportunity for children and adults to get a first hand look at plant production and dairy farming.

  • Pumpkin Patch and Haywagon Ride: The "individual" patch has been seeded with pumpkins weighing from 4-25 pounds; each pumpkin is priced at 35 cents per pound. The cost for the ride is $2.00. This patch is available Saturdays only starting October 2, from 11:00AM to 4:00PM. Appropriate for all ages; children 2yrs and under ride free.
  • Cornfield Maze: Every year, an 8 acre corn field is cut into a new design with about 3 miles of trail and includes a maze game requiring 1 to 2 hrs to play. (Check out aerial views of previous years' designs!) The maze is available starting October 2, Thurs-Sat (10am-4pm) and Mon-Wed (10am-5pm). Appropriate for ages 5 and up, admission is $7 (kids under 4 are free). Remember to bring water with you into the maze!
  • Nighttime Activities: October is spooky season, and Creamy Acres rises to the occasion with nighttime train rides, corn maze games, and the famous Night of Terror attractions, which were Voted best Haunted House 2 years in a row by the Philadelphia Inquirer!

Location: 448 Lincoln Mill Rd, Mullica Hill NJ 08062, T: 856-223-1669. Maps and directions here.

Berlin Farmer's Market

The Berlin Farmers Market was established in 1940 by the Giberson Family and is still family owned and operated three generations later. It began as a livestock and produce auction and has evolved into one of the east coast's oldest and largest markets. The indoor market now boasts approximately 150,000 square feet of temperature controlled shopping, with over 85 stores with discount prices and something for everyone. Some of the features include an old fashioned butcher shop, produce, candy, floor coverings, furniture, jewelry, footwear, leather goods, automotive supplies, and brand name clothing for the entire family, just to name a few.

The outdoor flea market is held every Saturday and Sunday and has grown to over 700 vendor spaces. It features items such as fruits and vegetables, a wide selection of shrubbery and blooming plants in season. It also has an ever-changing variety of new merchandise such as ladies, men's , and children's clothing, sweatshirts, jewelry, handbags , crafts, and antiques. Multi-family yard sales are a weekly event!

  • Location: 41 Clementon Rd., Berlin, NJ 08009, T: 856.767.1284
  • Hours: Thu and Fri, 11am–9:30pm, Sat, 10am–9:30 pm, Sun 10am–6pm (Outdoor market open Sat and Sun, 8am–4pm, weather permitting)

Antique Row (Mullica Hill)

Mullica Hill is a nearby town with a great selection of antique stores. Mullica Hill was originally founded as a Quaker community in the late 17th Century. It evolved into a farming town, the businesses of which served the needs of the farmers in the area. While agriculture today is still an important local industry, Mullica Hill's businesses are no longer locally-oriented. The town has emerged as a major antiques and crafts center, and is widely known for its nostalgic charm. Historic homes have been restored and the streets now bustle with visitors. In 1991, the entire village was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey State Register of Historic Places in recognition of its historic and architectural significance.

  • Location: Mullica Hill is about 20 minutes from the hotels where most of you will be staying. More information on getting to Mullica Hill can be found here.

The Garden State Discovery Museum

The Garden State Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum for infants to 10 year olds and their favorite adults. The Discovery Museum offers fifteen larger-than-life, kid-powered, interactive exhibit areas. Every exhibit is an invitation to touch, explore, and create.

  • Location: 2040 Springdale Road, Suite 100 in Cherry Hill, NJ, T: 856-424-1233. (Directions found here)
  • Hours: Tues-Sun 9:30am to 5:30pm (Saturdays 9:30am-8:30 pm October thru May)
  • Admission: $8.95 for adults and children 12 months and over; $7.95 for seniors. All programs are free with admission unless otherwise noted.

Deptford Mall

Forgot something important? Feel like you need to experience and honest-to-goodness New Jersey shopping mall? The Deptford Mall is nearby to your hotels and features four department stores: Sears, JC Penney, Macy's and Strawbridge's. In addition, dozens of specialty shops, restaurants and services are located throughout the mall.

  • Location: 1750 Deptford Center Road, Deptford, NJ 08096 (Directions here.)