Author: Donaldson Farms

Harvest Weekends at Donaldson Farms

Harvest Weekends

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Join us for our Harvest Weekends at Donaldson Farms and enjoy a day of fall fun! You’ll enjoy all the quintessential fall farm activities set in the backdrop of our 500 acre, modern-day family farm and surrounded by stunning vistas and mountain views.

Harvest Weekend Activities: Sat. & Sun. 10am – 5pm

  • Pick-your-own pumpkins and Indian corn
  • Pick-your-own apples
  • Hayrides to and from the apple orchard and pumpkin patch
  • Corn maze
  • Corn cannon
  • Pony rides (Noon-4PM)
  • Duck races
  • Delicious food (fresh off the grill hamburgers, hot dogs, cheese steaks, mac & cheese, and more)
  • Vendors (a variety of artisan and craft vendors each weekend)
  • Music
  • Candy and Caramel Apples
  • Fresh baked cider donuts, pies and breads
  • Hot apple cider and hot chocolate
  • Visit the farm animals
  • Large sandbox for children

Farm Market Weekend Hours: Saturdays  & Sundays 8am – 7pm

DATES: Click here to view dates

COST: No entry fee. Activities and food priced individually. PYO activities are priced by the pound.

2019 Corn Maze - Dedicated to the Hackettstown-Mansfield P.B.A. Local 369

2019 Corn Maze

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Each fall, we create a new maze design in support of a charitable organization that makes a difference in our community. This year’s theme is “A Season of Support: PBA 369.” Donaldson Farms is proud to announce that our 2019 Fall Corn Maze is dedicated to the Hackettstown-Mansfield P.B.A. (Police Benevolent Association) Local 369! Their mission is to provide volunteer service and support to those in need in the local communities of The Town of Hackettstown, Mansfield Township, and throughout the State of New Jersey. Their organization is a non-profit made up of the union members of The Hackettstown and Mansfield Township Police Departments in the Northeast Region of Warren County, NJ. We will be donating $1 from every corn maze entry this season in support of their annual Shop with a Cop holiday program! Join us this fall in support of the Hackettstown – Mansfield P.B.A, Local 369 as they continue the valued traditions of police-community relationships!

Learn more >
Black-Oil Sunflowers

Sunflower Tours have ended! Thanks for a great season.

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Our 2019 season has come to an end. We’re looking forward to 2020!

Donaldson Farms is pleased to offer fun and picturesque tours of acres of Black-Oil Sunflowers that are planted throughout our farm during the summer and fall! The black oil seeds of the sunflower have very thin shells, easy for virtually all seed-eating birds to crack open, and the kernels within have a high fat content, extremely valuable for birds, especially as food during migration and winter. They also attract more of a variety of bird species than use of other seeds. Come enjoy the bloom of acres and acres of sunflowers in and around our farm!

Our educational and fun tours include:

  • Hayride with optimum photo locations – at just the right time of day – to capture these gorgeous, happy flowers at their best!
  • Ample time to enjoy and photograph the sunflowers
  • Farm-fresh fruit & water provided during tour
  • Pollinator Safari Hunt for kids. How many pollinating insects can you find?
  • Sunflowers are available for purchase: $3.00 each.
Learn more >

How to Cook Spinach

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The secret to how to cook fresh spinach properly is to not overcook it.

HOW TO SAUTE SPINACH – SIMPLE RECIPE

  1. Saute spinach uncovered – to really get best spinach results, you cook it just enough to wilt – don’t overcook.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic when the oil is hot, and saute the garlic for about a minute to release the flavor, stir constantly to keep garlic from burning.
  3. Add spinach, a handful at a time, and adding another handful as the spinach wilts, cook uncovered, on medium-high heat for about 1 minute, uncovered, constantly stirring.
  4. Remove the spinach from heat and cover – let sit for 2-3 minutes. Uncover and mix. Squeeze just a touch of fresh lemon juice (about 1/4 lemon). Do not use bottled lemon juice as it is too acidic.

Taste the spinach, and add a pinch of salt, if needed, and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Top with fresh lemon zest.

Spring & Summer at Donaldson Farms

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The market is now open! Stop by to shop our wide variety of NJ-fresh produce and many items you can’t find anywhere else in the area! Fresh produce, local milk and cheese, sauces, salsa, jams, jellies, pot pies, premium meats, pies, baked goods, gift baskets, John Deere toys, and more. [learn more]

Also, don’t miss our other upcoming spring and summer events including the Strawberry Harvest Weekends, strawberry picking, educational school tours, private group tours, and more.

Reopening April 10th!

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We are currently closed for the winter season and will reopen on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. Thank you for another wonderful season of support, helping keep our community green and growing! We couldn’t continue our mission to provide fresh produce and an authentic family farm experience without the support of our regular and seasonal customers, our Healthy Bites Buying Club Members, and the schools and groups who visit our farm throughout the year. Our Farm Market will reopen April 10th and Pick-Your-Own Berries should reopen in late May, depending on weather and crop conditions. We wish you all healthy beginnings in 2019 and look forward to seeing you again soon!
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