More than 100 things to do in North Jersey this fall, from leaf peeping to apple picking

For the first time this fall — after buckets of rain and a bit of a heat wave — the temperature this week dropped below 50 degress.

For lovers of woolen sweaters, boots and scarves — as well as all activities fall, like apple-picking, corn mazes and cider donuts — this was very good news indeed. Who wants to pick apples wearing a tank top?

So don your flannels and vests and get out there for some fall fun. Here's your guide.

Do the ultimate fall 2023 bucket list: Fun things to see, do and eat in North Jersey

Horseback riding at Echo Lake Stables
Horseback riding at Echo Lake Stables

From horseback riding in the fall foliage to antiquing in the country, we've put together the ultimate list of things you won't want to miss when it comes to fall fun. Check it off: Your ultimate fall bucket list: Fun things to see, do and eat in North Jersey.

Head out to a 2023 fall fair or festival

When we think of October, many of us think of Halloween and all of the festivities that go along with it. But there are a lot more that goes on in October, from street festivals and light shows to music festivals and craft fairs. Caramel apples are calling your name: Fall fairs and festivals in New Jersey 2023

Visit 30+ places to get apple cider donuts throughout New Jersey this autumn 2023

Do you like yours plain? With powdered sugar? Or sprinkled in cinnamon-sugar? How about one of each? You can choose your own apple cider donuts at these of 24 orchards and farms. Satisfy your sweet tooth: 24+ places to get apple cider donuts throughout New Jersey this autumn.

Pick your own apples at these NJ orchards

From left, Alex and Ilhwa Compton , of Bloomfield, with their 16 month old son Kanon go apple picking at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, N.J. on Friday Sept. 25, 2020.
From left, Alex and Ilhwa Compton , of Bloomfield, with their 16 month old son Kanon go apple picking at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, N.J. on Friday Sept. 25, 2020.

Corn, peaches and blueberries might get all the attention when it comes to New Jersey produce, but as summer fades into fall, it's all about apples. The best time to pick them is late August through September — but it's not too late! Some apple orchards are open now for u-pick. Prepare your pies, people: Where to pick your own apples this fall in New Jersey.

Futher afield 30 farms, orchards to pick your own Hudson Valley apples

Raise a stein of beer at Oktoberfest for fall 2023

Can you get drunk on beer cheese? We're about to find out, because the liquid gold sauce — along with Bavarian pretzels, sauerkraut and IPAs — is getting ready to head to Jersey by the gallon. That's right 20-somethings: it's Oktoberfest season. Prost: Every Oktoberfest in New Jersey this fall.

Sip craft beer while cheering your favorite team

Jonathan Fernandez and Sean Stampfl turned their love of craft beer from a hobby to a business with Two Villains Brewing in Nyack.
Jonathan Fernandez and Sean Stampfl turned their love of craft beer from a hobby to a business with Two Villains Brewing in Nyack.

Who doesn't love to spend football Sundays enjoying your favorite fall-inspired beverage at the local brewery. North Jersey has a slew of breweries to choose from across its five counties, each with TVs so you can watch your favorite team with a cold beer in hand. Pour your IPA: Craving a craft beer this football season? Eight local breweries in North Jersey to visit

Be the first to try these new restaurants

Dumplings from Kinjo.
Dumplings from Kinjo.

We're lucky to have some of the best dining options in the country right here in North Jersey, and you never know when another restaurant might make the scene even better. Food editor Esther Davidowitz has zeroed in on fall's most anticipated restaurant openings. Will one of those be the one? Make your reservations: Here are North Jersey's most anticipated restaurant openings for fall.

Sample the best fall 2023 menus at local restaurants

Honeynut Squash Cappelleto at Fiorentini Restaurant.
Honeynut Squash Cappelleto at Fiorentini Restaurant.

With corn and tomatoes on their way out — and apples, squash and spinach rolling in — farms aren't the only local businesses changing their offerings. Jersey's restaurants, of course, are preparing to revamp their menus, too. Short ribs, anyone? Here are the fall menus of 11 of Jersey's best restaurants

More: El Taco Bar, Boomchia u0026 40 more North Jersey restaurants that have opened so far this year

Take a drive to see the foliage (and make stops along the way)

Predictions for fall foliage may not be stellar, considering this summer's weather— but that shouldn't stop you from getting out and motoring around. There are plenty of destinations that will take you past beautiful landscapes, whether they're colored in brilliant reds and yellows or not. Grab those keys: Scenic, relaxing drives to enjoy fall colors (and stop for a bite!) in North Jersey.

Follow these 6 routes to see great fall leaves

Don't feel like stopping for a meal? While you're likely to get a great view from wherever you go, there are some stretches of roads and trails where you can get the most memorable fall foliage experience. Here are six of North Jersey's best roads for a scenic view of fall colors. Wind these roads: 6 routes to drive to experience North Jersey's brilliant fall foliage

Plan your timing for fall 2023 foliage here

Before you head out on the road, check the schedule. Here's a look at the peak season for fall foliage from Pennsylvania to New Jersey to the Hudson Valley and upstate New York. Check the map: From the Pocono Mountains to Lambertville and Cape May, here's when fall foliage will peak.

Share your fall photos with us

Autumn is among the most beautiful times of the year in North Jersey. With hayrides, foliage, pumpkins, mums and more, the scenic possibilities abound. We want to showcase this beautiful time, along with its hayrides, foliage, pumpkins, mums and more, through your fantastic fall photographs. So, if you see a scary house decked out for Halloween or spend the weekend apple picking or on a leaf-peeping drive, just take some snaps and then upload your best fall shots along with a detailed caption at northjersey.com/eyesacross, and we might just publish it in The Record and on NorthJersey.com. Shutterbugs, start your engines!

Go to the city and find these hidden gems

It's hot in New York in the summer. We can all agree: fall is the best time to visit. But don't hit up the usual suspects. Check out these hidden gems, from public gardens to live music to haunted spaces (boo!). Congestion pricing, what congestion pricing? Visiting New York? Here are 15 hidden gems that even locals don't know about.

Visit the birthplace of 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' (and go to The Blaze)

This is a view of the The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.
This is a view of the The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.

The Hudson Valley has earned its title as a Halloween destination, and its attractions begin in September, not October. There's the wildly popular carved-pumpkin walk on "The Blaze," and other spooky events, including a Harry Potter interactive in the woods of Yorktown, a new musical based on “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” and a circus-themed event called “The Legend,” which promises to be a step back in time. Head up north (don't forget your cape): Halloween arrives in the Hudson Valley.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Fall 2023 things to do in NJ: Leaf peeping to apples picking