- Attraction: Eastmont Orchards
- Location: 321 Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
- Industry: Farm
- Website: https://eastmontorchards.com
Picture this: a crisp fall morning spent wandering through rows of apple trees, the sweet scent of ripe fruit hanging in the air, and the simple joy of plucking your own harvest straight from the branch.
Since 1911, Eastmont Orchards has been giving families exactly that experience right in the heart of Monmouth County.
The Barclay family took over this slice of agricultural heaven back in 1923, and they’ve been perfecting the art of fruit growing ever since.
What makes Eastmont stand out in an era of over-commercialized farms is its refreshingly simple approach: no entrance fee, no mandatory hayrides, no forced entertainment packages. You simply show up, grab a cart, and head out to pick the freshest fruit you’ll ever taste.
What You’ll Pick Throughout The Season
Summer Peaches: From mid-July through September, the peach orchards become the star attraction. You’ll find over 15 varieties ripening at different times, including Glengold, Sentry, and Encore. These aren’t your average grocery store peaches with waxy skin and bland flavor.
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Keep Exploring →We’re talking about fruit so juicy it drips down your chin, with that perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that makes you understand why people rave about them.
Apple Abundance: When late summer rolls into fall, nearly two dozen apple varieties take center stage. Early season picks like Gala and Ginger Gold give way to later varieties including Stayman Winesap, Arkansas Black, Fuji, and Rome.
Each variety has its own personality, from the crisp, sweet eating apples to the tart baking champions. Clear signage throughout the orchard directs you to each variety, and you’re encouraged to sample before you pick, ensuring you take home exactly what you’re craving.
Nectarines: Don’t overlook these smooth-skinned cousins of the peach. They make appearances throughout the summer season and offer that same tree-ripened sweetness without the fuzzy exterior.
Brussels Sprouts: For those who want to round out their harvest with something savory, you can pick your own Brussels sprouts when they’re in season. There’s something satisfying about harvesting these little green gems right off the stalk.
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Discover MorePumpkin Paradise: Come autumn, acres of pumpkins spread across the fields in every color and texture imaginable. Orange, white, bumpy, smooth, green, yellow – the variety is stunning. While these pumpkins are placed in the field rather than vine-grown on site, the selection and photo opportunities are unbeatable.
Seasonal Corn: Keep your eyes peeled for the corn sign out front. When the timing is right, the orchard offers incredibly sweet bicolor corn that visitors consistently call the best they’ve ever had. It’s not available every year, making it an even more special treat when it appears.
The Picking Experience
No Entrance Fee: This is huge. You pay absolutely nothing to enter the orchard and wander the grounds. You only pay for what you pick, with fruit priced by the pound. This approach keeps things affordable and accessible for families who want to pop in multiple times throughout the season.
Bring Your Own Bags: Due to New Jersey’s plastic bag ban, the orchard encourages you to bring reusable bags from home. Don’t worry if you forget – mesh bags are available on-site. You can even have your bags weighed before picking to ensure accurate pricing afterward.
Rolling Carts Available: Grab one of the sturdy carts stacked near the entrance. These make it easy to haul your bounty, especially when you’re loading up on heavier pumpkins or multiple bags of apples. The terrain is mostly flat and stroller-friendly, though some areas get a bit hilly.
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Keep Exploring →Clear Directional Signs: As you wander the orchards, helpful signage points you toward different fruit varieties and tells you which trees are currently ready for picking. This eliminates the guesswork and helps you maximize your harvest time.
Weekend Hayrides: For an extra dose of autumn charm, hop on one of the hayrides offered on select weekends for five dollars per person. These take you deeper into the fields and add a festive touch to your outing.
Atmosphere & Setting
Rustic Photo Opportunities: The orchard has thoughtfully placed Instagram-worthy props throughout the grounds. Giant hay bale sculptures shaped like cows, chickens, and farmers create perfect backdrops for family photos.
A miniature windmill, cutouts where you can stick your head through for silly snapshots, and the endless rows of pumpkins provide countless photo opportunities.
Working Farm Aesthetic: This is a real working orchard, not a themed amusement park pretending to be a farm. The atmosphere feels genuine and unpretentious. You’re surrounded by actual fruit trees laden with real produce, not decorative props.
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Discover MoreSpacious Layout: The orchards span considerable acreage, giving you room to roam without feeling crowded. Even on busy weekends, you can usually find your own space among the trees. The pumpkin patch alone stretches for what seems like forever, offering plenty of elbow room for pumpkin hunting.
Fresh Country Air: There’s something restorative about spending time in an orchard. The air smells like earth and fruit, the scenery is naturally beautiful, and the whole experience feels like a break from everyday life.
Practical Details To Know
Pricing Philosophy: Fruit prices hover around two to three dollars per pound, which is higher than supermarket prices but significantly more reasonable than many pick-your-own operations.
More importantly, the quality justifies every penny. You’re getting fruit that was literally on the tree minutes ago, picked at peak ripeness.
Call Ahead: Weather and harvest conditions change quickly. The orchard strongly recommends calling ahead at (732) 542-5404 or checking their Facebook page before making the trip. Nothing’s worse than driving out only to find the fruit you wanted isn’t quite ready yet.
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Keep Exploring →Operating Hours: Weekdays run from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, with extended weekend hours until 5:30 PM. Remember that these hours shift based on weather and crop availability.
Parking Situation: Free parking is available in grassy fields on the property. On extremely busy fall weekends, you might have a short walk from your car to the orchards, but parking is generally plentiful.
Facilities: Portable toilets with hand sanitizer are stationed throughout the grounds. While they’re not luxurious, they’re adequate for the purpose and better than nothing.
Footwear Advice: Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. If there’s been recent rain, boots are your best bet – the grassy paths can get muddy. Flip-flops and sandals aren’t ideal for navigating an orchard.
Best Times To Visit: Weekdays tend to be quieter, making them perfect for a relaxed picking experience. Weekend mornings are busier but offer that festive community atmosphere.
Columbus Day weekend and other holiday weekends can get genuinely packed, so plan accordingly if you prefer a calmer visit.
What To Do With Your Haul: The orchard’s website features recipes for everything from Peach Crumb Cake to Apple Spice Cake, helping you transform your pickings into delicious creations. Most families report making multiple pies, gallons of cider, and plenty of sauce from their apple hauls alone.
Farm Stand: Even when picking season is over or you don’t feel like venturing into the fields, stop by the farm stand. It offers a rotating selection of seasonal vegetables and pre-picked fruit.
Eastmont Orchards
📍 321 Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
