Wander a Giant Field of Sunflowers at This NJ Farm’s Festival

I feel a little suspicious of the mild temperatures we’ve experienced as summer’s bittersweet end draws nearer. I worry that just as we’re expecting fall, global warming is going to play a cruel trick and curse us with swampy September weather — but mostly, as I start eyeing my sweaters, I can’t help but eagerly await cooler days and all the seasonal treats they bring.

That’s right, this one’s for the Instagrammers who can’t wait to share with the world their first #pumpkinspicelatte of the season: Remember when spring arrived earlier this year, and everyone on your Facebook feed celebrated the flowers and the birds and the warmth by documenting their visits to a viral tulip farm in New Jersey? We’re now pleased to inform you that the same farm will soon offer another opportunity to indulge in the changing seasons — à la sunflowers.

Holland Ridge Farms, which is located in Cream Ridge, plans to hold its annual sunflower festival between September 21st and October 27th. (The exact dates, however, will vary depending on Mother Nature, as stated on the farm’s website.)

Back in April, as mentioned, the 153-acre property showcased nearly two million colorful tulips, attracting droves of visitors. The display blossomed as, across the country, Californians infamously trampled fields of precious poppy “super blooms” outside Los Angeles, leading the owners of Holland Farm to frame their property as a safe, nature-approved means of snapping those coveted flower pics.

The farm is owned and maintained by the Jansens, a Dutch American family whose tulip-tending skills trace back four generations. They host two festivals per year: Tulips in the spring, and sunflowers in the fall.

Starting on September 21st, you can visit the sunflower festival between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week, as the blooms last. Tickets will vary in price between $5 to $10, depending on the day of the week and the age of the person attending. (Prices are cheaper for children and seniors.) You might want to note that the ticket window at Holland Ridge closes promptly at 5 p.m. You can also pay for entry in advance online (and sign up for festival updates and offerings here).

Holland Ridge Farm is located at 86 Rues Road, about 20 miles east of Trenton. If you want to look for closer options — or if you want to snap some flower pics sooner — you’re in luck. Turns out New Jersey is home to a plethora of sunflower farms and mazes.

Here are a few more options:

Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm
2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, NJ
Sunflower September Festival; visit on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month. More information here.

Johnson’s Corner Farm
133 Church Road, Medford, NJ
Sunflower Stroll; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the last two weeks of September. More information here.

Happy Day Farm
106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ
“U-Pick” Sunflowers; August 27th through September. More information here.