Explore Hunterdon County, New Jersey, this Summer

This summer, travelers head to Hunterdon County in New Jersey to experience a new kind of fun. Just a 90-minute drive from both New York City and Philadelphia, the county’s communities consistently rank in the top 10 for the most beautiful small towns in state and national surveys. Here are some examples of summer fun ahead this season

Fun on the Farm

With more than 120,000 farmland assessed acres, Hunterdon County offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Snuggle with and feed baby goats at Bubbly Goat or get on the trails with them for a hike at Gorgeous Goat. Take part in Goat Yoga at Mad Lavender Farm or pet and feed mini highland cattle at Deer Run Hay Company. Throughout June, WoodsEdge Farm, home toone of the largest suri llama herds in the country, hosts Lunch with The Llamas.

© Mad Lavender Farm

June marks the start of the u-pick season in Hunterdon County. Strawberries signal the first crop of the season, with many farms ,such as Melicks and Bonaccorsi Berry Farm, opening for guests to pick their own fruit. As the months turn warmer, guests can pick flowers, peaches, plums and nectarines at Peterson Family Farm, Cervenka and Phillips Farm.

Festivals

Sourland Mountain Festival

Every year, Sourland Mountain Festival brings the communities of the Central New Jersey region together and presents the best in musical talent, local food and drink, and fun. Proceeds from the festival benefit Sourland Conservancy, a non-profit organization working to protect its mountain region.

New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning

Celebrating its 40^th year, the renowned New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning features headlining concerts, family entertainment, crafters, vendors, fireworks and more than 100 hot-air balloons.

© Explore Hunterdon

Local Wineries and Beer Trail

In addition to wine tastings, Angelico, Beneduce Vineyards, Federal Twist and Old York Cellars host events throughout the summer featuring live music, karaoke, food trucks and picnics. The Ciderhouse at Ironbound offers a full menu in its tasting room made with ingredients sourced from its regenerative farm.

For beer-loving travelers, try Hunterdon Beer Trail, where you can earn a commemorative hat. Grab a 2023 Brewery Passport at any of the craft breweries and visit all seven. Don’t forget to get your passport stamped while there. Participating breweries include Conclave Brewing, Descendants Brewing Company, Lone Eagle Brewing, Odd Bird Brewing, Readington Brewery & Hop Farm and Sunken Silo.