We know, we’re sad about summer coming to an end too. But there’s one more encore before the winter officially rolls in, and that’s the colorful, crisp beauty of fall. We’re thinking of crunching into apples fresh off the trees, leaf-peeping along Ivy grounds, and sipping Spiced Apple Cider with other cheering fans on football sidelines. That and so much more is why we love to fall, and we know you will too. To fully embrace this wonderful season, we have your checklist to complete right here. Pumpkin spiced lattes are optional.

Your Fall Check List for Mercer County

 

 

Fall Family Fun Weekends

Terhune Orchards

330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ

When: Saturdays & Sundays, September 18 - October 31st

We’re starting with a classic, of course. Eight wonderful weekends of apple picking, pumpkin picking, live music, wagon rides, farm animal fun, and plenty more of fall goodness. Try their apple cider donuts & slushies, fresh pies, and hot or cold cider to make this day complete. Tickets can be purchased in advance on their website!

Young child eating an apple at Terhune Orchards

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/terhuneorchards/

 

Small World Coffee

14 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ, or 254 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ

If you find yourself walking around Princeton on the perfect crisp, fall day, you have to grab a hot beverage to go with it. We recommend small-world coffee that has put just the right amount of love into their seasonal favorites (and regular ones). If you go, don’t forget to grab a pumpkin scone as well!

Cup of coffee from Small World Coffee

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/swcoffee/

 

Princeton Tiger Football

Princeton University

Nothing quite marks the start of fall as the beginning of football season. Come cheer on our champions while enjoying the beautiful Ivy League stadium and campus. Just make sure you bring your orange and black to fully support the Tigers! 

Check out their recent football schedule.

The Princeton Tigers football team holding up a large bowl trophy

 

Halloween Cemetery Visits and Ghost Hunts

Princeton Tour Company

116 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ

When: Fridays and Saturdays, October 15th - 30th

Did you know that Princeton is haunted? There’s quite a lot of history along these streets, and you’ll have a blast finding it all out. Get into the season of spook by finding unsettled spirits throughout one of the most prestigious cemeteries in America using science and technology. Don’t worry, there are no ghouls jumping out on you during this tour.

Four young men standing with ghost hunting equipment in suitcases

 

Fall Picnic

Laurita Winery

85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt

Prefer to do things during the non-spooky hours of the day? Pack a picnic! One of our favorite spots to do that during the fall is a vineyard. Laurita has tons of great events throughout the year, or if you just prefer to stop by and enjoy some wine you can do that too. It would be the perfect complement to any lunch.

A picnic spread of wine and cheese

 

Leaf Peeping

https://www.visitprinceton.org/blog/post/the-best-places-for-fall-leaves/

Lastly, we simply can’t finish a fall checklist without appreciating what makes it so special… the incredible changing colors of the leaves. Check out the best spots for seeing (and photographing) fall leaves. Just note that the peak time for viewing the leaves is October.

A row of red leaved trees

 

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Did we miss something? Leave us a comment and let us know! We love hearing your feedback and knowing what else we can share next time. Check out more autumn activities around Mercer!