A dozen ways to fall into the season
Take advantage of Ocean City’s beautiful autumn with activities and events geared toward this picturesque time of year
AS WARM GOLDEN SUNSETS GIVE WAY to gold-tinged leaves, summer slides into fall in Ocean City. And as we have professed time and again in Ocean City Magazine, there is something really special about the shoulder seasons on the island.
We compiled a dozen ways you can enjoy the last gasp of summer (fall officially starts September 22) and early days of fall in Ocean City and surrounding towns – and make sure to check out the print issue’s calendar on page 20 for more fall fun.
Fall Block Party
Fall wouldn’t be fall in Ocean City with the annual Block Party. Set for October 11 this year, the event packs artisans and vendors along Asbury Avenue from Fifth to 14th streets, along with food vendors and music along the way. Find a new fall wreath, pumpkin-scented candle or a bevy of other beautifully-crafted items.
Apple picking
Head down to Stiles Farm and Nursery in Cape May Court House to fill your basket with apples – handpicked by you! The farm offers in-season picking of Jersey fresh berries, pome and pit fruits, with a variety of apples depending on the week. Note: Stiles is cash only. Find more info on the farm’s Facebook page @stilesupickblueberries.
AppleFest
Speaking of apples, take a quick trip over the 34th Street Bridge to Upper Township for the Historical Preservation Society’s annual (and free!) AppleFest on Saturday, October 4. Held at the historic Gandy Farmstead in the township’s Greenfield section, the festival features traditional craft artisan demonstrations, an apple pie baking contest, live music, activities for the kids and, of course, an array of apple-themed refreshments, from fresh apple cider to warm apple shortcake. Check out @UpperTwpHistory on Facebook for more info.
Ghost tours in Ocean City
If the spookier side of the fall is your “boo” thing, you may want to take a ghost tour in town. Ghost Tours of Ocean City offers candlelit walking tours Downtown, and the newer Ghosts by the Coast explores several areas in Ocean City. Both will regale visitors with historical haunted tales – all family-friendly, of course. Learn more by searching the groups on Facebook and by visiting ghostsbythecoast.com.
Boo at the Zoo
On Saturday, October 25, Boo at the Zoo returns to the Cape May County Park and Zoo. Held from 10am to 2pm at the Cape May Court House park, the event showcases a costume contest, activities for little ones, a craft station, games, entertainment and, of course, candy. And while the candy is for human guests, make sure to stroll the zoo to check out the Halloween enrichment for the animals. Visit capemaycountynj.gov for more details.
Explore nature
With the beautiful tapestry of fall colors as a backdrop, take time to explore nature this season. There are a number of nature trails on the island and a stone’s throw away, and it’s easy to find something for every skill level, from moderate hikes to paved pathways. Need ideas of where to explore? Visit southjerseytrails.org.
HSOC Howl-o-ween Parade
In Ocean City, there aren’t only dog days of summer – there are dog days of autumn, too! The fifth annual Dog Day and Howl-O-Ween Parade will take over the Boardwalk (leashed pooches only, please) on the weekend of October 25 and 26. Check out all the fun, including how to register your furry friend for the parade, at ocnj.us.
Fall coffee sampling
Is there anything more fall than a toasty mug of pumpkin spice coffee? We have some amazing coffee shops on the island, and you can find pumpkin spice – and other tasty fall flavors – at all of them. Swing by Ocean City Coffee Company for Apple Cinnamon Strudel or Chocolate Hazelnut beans – roasted right on the beach! Or try the Cinnamon Pecan Roll – it’s like that perfect slice of pecan pie on Thanksgiving, except it’s better because it has caffeine.
Make an OC-themed scarecrow
If you’ve never made a scarecrow before, take this as your sign that now’s the time! They’re so easy and fun to put together, and you can go with any theme. Why not make it Ocean City-styled? Think lifeguard (whistle, sunglasses, OCBP sweatshirt), beach bum (swim trunks, floppy hat, innertube), Downtown shopper (bags from shops on Asbury, wallet, coffee cup) – the ideas are endless! Make sure to send us a photo of your OC scarecrow by emailing editor@ocnjmagazine.com.
Trail of Two Cities 5K
Race the length of the Route 52 causeway during this Ocean City-Somers Point fall tradition. The causeway is closed to traffic for this 5K, which is to step off at 8am on November 1 this year. You’ll start at the Ocean City Transportation Center at Ninth and Haven, and finish off at John F. Kennedy Park in Somers Point. Buses will transport participants back after an awards ceremony. Register at ocnj.us.