Demarest Farms - Your Place For Farm Fun And Freshness
Imagine a spot where the air smells of fresh earth and sweet fruit, a place where generations have made happy memories. That's a bit like what you'll discover when you step onto the grounds of Demarest Farms. For well over a century, this special farm has been a beloved part of the Bergen County community, giving folks a chance to connect with where their food comes from and enjoy simple, wholesome fun. It's really a place that feels like home, even if it's your first time visiting.
This year, the farm is celebrating its 128th season, which is, you know, quite a long time to be doing something so well. They've been a go-to for many families looking for a delightful day out, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a wide array of seasonal activities. Whether you're hoping to pick some fresh produce right from the plant or just soak in the cheerful vibe, Demarest Farms has become a spot people look forward to returning to, season after season.
From the delicious tastes of their farm market to the bright, sparkling displays of their light shows, there's always something happening here that brings a smile. People talk about the fresh baked goods and the beautiful flowers, and so the whole experience just feels good. It's a place where you can gather your loved ones and make some new traditions, or just enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by nature's bounty.
Table of Contents
- The Story of Demarest Farms - A Community Fixture
- What Can You Do at Demarest Farms?
- Is Demarest Farms Good for Family Visits?
- When Can You Pick Your Own at Demarest Farms?
- Demarest Farms - A Look at the Seasonal Fun
- What's the Farm Market Like at Demarest Farms?
- Planning Your Trip to Demarest Farms
- How Do I Make a Reservation for Demarest Farms?
The Story of Demarest Farms - A Community Fixture
Demarest Farms has been around for a very long time, actually since it first opened its doors in 1886. That's a lot of years, isn't it? For all that time, it's been a really important part of the Bergen County area, a place where people have come to get their fresh food and enjoy a bit of farm life. It began as just a small place, more or less a fruit and vegetable stand, which was set up across the street from where it is now. Over the years, it grew and grew, but it always stayed a family-run business. This history, you know, gives the place a kind of special feeling, a sense of roots.
The fact that it's been a family business for so long means there's a lot of care and tradition that goes into everything they do. You can sort of feel that when you're there, that long-standing dedication to bringing good things to people. It's not just a place to buy produce; it's a piece of the community's story, a spot that has seen many seasons and countless smiling faces. It's pretty cool, really, how a simple farm can become such a cherished part of people's lives over generations.
What Can You Do at Demarest Farms?
There's a whole bunch of things you can get into when you visit Demarest Farms, depending on the time of year. For many, the main draw is the chance to pick your own fruits and vegetables, which is a very hands-on way to get your food. You can walk through the rows and select exactly what you want, which is, you know, a different experience than just picking something off a store shelf. Beyond that, they have a farm market that's always full of good things, from fresh baked goods that smell amazing to all sorts of produce and lovely flowers.
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When the holidays come around, especially in the fall and winter, Demarest Farms really puts on a show. They have what they call the Orchard of Lights, which is a guided tour through 32 acres that are just filled with bright, colorful holiday light displays. It's quite a sight to see, actually, with lights adorning the home and twinkling displays of snowmen, Santa figures, and all sorts of winter scenes spread out across the orchard. During this time, you can even visit with Santa, which is a big hit for the little ones, and enjoy some warm treats like s'mores and hot cocoa. It's a very festive atmosphere, and people really seem to enjoy it.
Then, when Halloween rolls around, they transform the Orchard of Lights into a Halloween light show. It's still the same idea, but with a spooky twist, offering an amazingly spooktacular experience. This means you can join them during the most spooky time of year and see the farm in a completely different, fun way. So, there's always something going on, making each visit a bit of a new adventure, depending on the season.
Is Demarest Farms Good for Family Visits?
Absolutely, Demarest Farms is, you know, considered an excellent place for family enjoyment. The activities they offer are really set up with families in mind, providing a range of things that can keep everyone happy, from the youngest kids to the grown-ups. For example, the chance to pick your own peaches, apples, and pumpkins is something that many families really look forward to doing together. It’s a way to spend time outside, get a little active, and then have some fresh food to take home.
The seasonal events, like the Orchard of Lights, are also very much family-focused. Seeing the holiday lights or the Halloween displays, visiting Santa, and enjoying treats are things that create lasting memories for families. The atmosphere itself is generally very welcoming, making it a comfortable place for people of all ages to just hang out and have a good time. So, if you're looking for a spot where everyone can find something to smile about, Demarest Farms tends to be a good choice.
They even welcome groups and other organizations, which is pretty neat. If you're planning a school trip, for instance, they have specific arrangements for that, with a minimum of 20 people required and reservations needed. This means they are set up to handle larger groups of children, making it a viable option for educational outings or just a big get-together. It really shows that they think about how different kinds of visitors can best enjoy their farm.
When Can You Pick Your Own at Demarest Farms?
The timing for picking your own fruits and vegetables at Demarest Farms depends quite a bit on the season and what's ready for harvest. For example, if you're keen on peaches, you'll want to stop by Demarest Farms this July for their pick-your-own peaches. They're known for having some great peach varieties to choose from, making it a favorite spot for many. Looking ahead, pyo peaches will be back again in June 2025, so you can plan for that if you miss out this year or just want to come back for more.
For other picking opportunities, like apples or pumpkins, the farm announces updates on their social media pages, so that's where you'll want to look for the most current information. They share pick your own (pyo) updates on Facebook and Instagram, which is a pretty convenient way to stay in the loop. This means you can check what's available and when before you head out, which, you know, saves you a trip if the timing isn't right for what you're hoping to pick.
It's important to remember that there are some guidelines for picking, like with apple picking and pumpkin picking, they generally don't allow dogs, except for service dogs. Also, for certain activities, especially those involving picking or special events, you often need to make a reservation on their booking system. This helps them manage the number of people on the farm and make sure everyone has a good experience. For school groups, reservations for things like pumpkin picking usually begin on September 22, 2025, and that includes any size pumpkin you select, plus a hayride.
Demarest Farms - A Look at the Seasonal Fun
Demarest Farms really shines when it comes to seasonal activities, offering different kinds of fun as the year goes by. In the fall, pumpkin picking is a big deal, and it's a tradition for many families. You can wander through the pumpkin patch and pick out just the right one, which is, you know, a very classic fall experience. The farm also has hayrides, which are always a hit, especially with the little ones. It's all about getting into the spirit of the season and enjoying the crisp air.
As things get a bit colder, the focus shifts to their holiday light shows. The Orchard of Lights is a truly delightful experience, where the farm is transformed into a sparkling wonderland. Driving or walking through the 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays, you get to see all sorts of festive scenes. I mean, it's pretty magical, especially when you see the twinkling snowmen and Santa figures. This event often includes chances to visit Santa himself, and you can enjoy warm treats like s'mores and hot cocoa, which just adds to the cozy, happy feeling.
Then, in October, they bring out the spooky side with the Halloween light show. It's the same idea as the holiday lights, but with a fun, slightly eerie theme. It's a way to celebrate the most spooky time of year and experience the farm in a completely different, but still amazing, way. So, really, no matter what time of year you visit, there's a good chance Demarest Farms has something special going on to make your trip memorable.
What's the Farm Market Like at Demarest Farms?
The farm market at Demarest Farms is, you know, a central part of the whole experience, offering a really nice selection of fresh items. It's where you can find a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, often picked right from their own fields or sourced locally. People often talk about how good the produce is, saying it's some of the best foods and produce you can find in the Pascack Valley area. So, if you're looking for ingredients for your next meal, this is a pretty good spot to check out.
Beyond just the raw produce, the market also features fresh baked goods, which, I mean, often smell absolutely wonderful as you walk in. There are also flowers, which can brighten up any home or make a lovely gift. It's more than just a place to buy things; it's a place where you can really see and taste the quality of what they offer. The market is usually a bustling spot, with people browsing the different sections and picking out their favorites. It's just a nice atmosphere, very much like a traditional country market.
They've also made some changes over time, apparently, to how they operate, including updating their hours and offering takeout and delivery options. This means they're trying to make it even easier for people to get their hands on their fresh items, even if they can't always make it to the farm in person. It shows a bit of an effort to adapt and serve the community in different ways, which is, you know, pretty helpful for busy folks.
Planning Your Trip to Demarest Farms
If you're thinking about visiting Demarest Farms, there are a few things that are helpful to know to make your trip go smoothly. First off, it's a charming destination that offers fresh produce and fun activities, so it's worth a bit of planning. You'll want to learn how to plan your visit, what activities might be available when you go, and the best times to head over. This can help you make the most of your time there, especially if you have something specific in mind, like picking peaches or seeing a light show.
As mentioned, for pick-your-own activities, it's always a good idea to check their social media, like Facebook and Instagram, for the latest updates. This is where they announce what's ready for picking and any specific guidelines. Also, for many of their popular events and picking opportunities, you'll need to make a reservation on their booking system. This is a pretty common practice for farms these days, as it helps manage crowds and ensures everyone has a pleasant experience.
If you're wondering where Demarest Farms is located, it's at 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642. You can also find their phone number if you need to call them directly with any questions. Knowing the address and having their contact information handy can make your trip planning a bit easier, which is, you know, always a good thing. They also offer free parking with your admission for certain activities, which is a nice bonus.
How Do I Make a Reservation for Demarest Farms?
Making a reservation for Demarest Farms is pretty straightforward for most activities, especially for things like picking fruit or attending their special light shows. You must make a reservation on their booking system, which is usually found on their website. This is the main way they manage attendance, so it's a step you really can't skip if you want to ensure you get in, particularly for popular times or events. It helps them keep things organized and prevents too many people from showing up at once.
For school groups or other larger organizations, the process is a bit more specific. The school group minimum is 20 people, and reservations are absolutely required for these bigger gatherings. For instance, reservations for their pumpkin picking events, which often include a hayride and a pumpkin of any size you choose, usually begin on September 22, 2025. So, if you're organizing a trip for a group, it's a good idea to look into these dates well in advance and get your spot booked. This helps them prepare for your visit and ensures everything runs smoothly for your whole party.
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DEMAREST FARM - Updated October 2024 - 800 Photos & 340 Reviews - 244
DEMAREST FARM - Updated June 2025 - 823 Photos & 355 Reviews - 244
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