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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The Little-Known Nature Center In New Jersey Where, If You’re Patient Enough, You Can Hold Butterflies

The Tenafly Nature Center in New Jersey features a seasonal butterfly house where visitors can interact with butterflies in a natural setting.

Published Jun 13, 2023

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Insects are a huge part of the New Jersey ecosystem, and they play an important role in biodiversity - but we all like some insects better than others. I know I'm ready to kiss the entire mosquito species goodbye a few weeks into summer! But if there's one insect that has a 100% approval rating, it's the delicate, nectar-drinking butterfly - and you can meet this beautiful insect up close and personal at a unique butterfly house in New Jersey! The Tenafly Nature Center has become beloved for its seasonal butterfly house, where butterflies fly freely and enjoy a rich garden of treats while visitors watch - and wait for one to perch on them! The house is now open for the season, and the Nature Center has so much more to explore, so it's the perfect time to put Tenafly on your summer bucket list.

The Tenafly Nature Center is full of unique features that make it the perfect day trip for nature-lovers.

Wooden signpost in a forest with directional arrows for bathroom, visitor center, pavilion, and trails.
Menahem Mendel Avaid/Google Local

You'll definitely want to explore the many trails around the area on a peaceful hike...

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A serene forest scene with tall trees and vibrant yellow leaves covering the ground, illuminated by soft sunlight.
Tenafly Nature Center/Google Local

And on a cool day, it doesn't get any better than relaxing by one of the small bodies of water that dot the center.

A serene river scene with lush green trees and a blue sky reflected in calm water, dotted with clouds.
Tenafly Nature Center/Google Local

The center also serves as a Rescue, and you never know what feathered residents you'll see while you're there.

A barred owl perched on a wooden stump inside a fenced enclosure, surrounded by gravel and leaves.
Sanghee Lee/Google Local

However, during the summer, there's no question what the star attraction is - it's the butterfly house!

A large, black mesh greenhouse in a wooded area, with people inside tending to plants.
Tenafly Nature Center/Facebook

The center is home to a pollinator garden, which means these little guys are always well-fed and helping out the environment.

A large moth and two butterflies feeding on watermelon slices at a colorful feeder in a lush garden.
Tenafly Nature Center/Facebook

Tenafly's butterfly program is especially important when the Monarch migration comes to town, so keep an eye on the sky.

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A yellow and black butterfly perched on a cluster of purple flowers, with a soft, blurred background.
Tenafly Nature Center/Facebook

For butterfly lovers, there is no greater moment than when one delicately decides to land on you - and it just might happen while you're inside the house!

A colorful butterfly perched on a person's wrist, with hands and a bracelet visible in the background.
Tenafly Nature Center/Facebook

Have you visited the Tenafly Nature Center? Tell us about your visit to this popular butterfly house in New Jersey in the comments section! The Tenafly Nature Center has all the details on hours and pricing on the website. The center also holds many special events during the summer, so keep an eye on the Tenafly Nature Center Facebook page for all the details! For another summer adventure in the area, head south to this stunning waterfront restaurant.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The Audubon Center in New Jersey Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

Bird-watching in Cape May is a great adventure, and the charming shore town has an Audubon Center and a trail to enjoy.

Published Oct 12, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Cape May is one of the most beautiful towns in New Jersey, and this stunning shore destination is also one of the state's best hubs for bird-watching. Migrating birds come through the shore regularly, and its unique marshy ecosystem makes it an ideal spot for native birds to live and nest. For those who love these delicate creatures, there are plenty of opportunities for bird-watching in Cape May, and many center around the town's Audubon Center. The Cape May Bird Observatory, Northwood Center, is one of the hubs of nature in town, and it's next to the beautiful Higbee Beach and one of the best trails in town, the South Cape May Meadows. Join us for a look into the ideal spot for your next bird-watching adventure.

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A small bird with a gray head, yellow chest, and white underparts perched on a branch against a blurred green background.
Taxon name: Northern Parula
Taxon scientific name: Setophaga americana
Location: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Florida, USA

The Cape May Bird Observatory offers a unique opportunity to see dozens of birds, depending on the season. The area features beaches and observation platforms, but our favorite way to explore is to wander onto a nearby trail.

A flock of birds takes flight over a wetland, with a lighthouse visible in the background among lush greenery.
Doug Reese/AllTrails

The South Cape May Meadows Trail is a roughly one-mile loop trail, rated easy by AllTrails. This is a very popular birding trail, with a well-maintained path. You will have to leave the dogs at home. A bird haven isn't the best spot for them.

A wooden observation deck with a slatted roof, overlooking a natural landscape, featuring informational signs on the walls.
Donald Harrison/AllTrails

Along the way, you'll encounter several observation spots offering you shelter, along with diagrams to make it easy to identify the most impressive birds you see.

A scenic view of a wetland with a calm river, surrounded by tall grasses and trees under a clear blue sky.
Eric Bono/AllTrails

Some of these platforms offer an incredible vantage point of the area, allowing you to see the birds as they take off. The trail is usually pretty busy, but it's worth it for this rare view of nature in action.

A soaring eagle with outstretched wings against a clear blue sky.
Golden Eagle adult in flight taken in SE MN

The diversity of bird species here is truly stunning, so keep your eyes on the sky. This entire area is heaven for those looking for a rare sighting. When you're done on the trail, head back to the Northwood Center if it's open to find out the activities of the day.

Have you gone bird-watching in Cape May? Let us know your favorite spots and activities in the comments section! You can find out more on the website of the Cape May Bird Observatory, and check out the AllTrails trail listing for more pictures of this trail. We think Cape May is a wonderful town in New Jersey to visit, whether you're solo or with a group, and we highly recommend a stay at Elaine's Cape May, one of the most unique hotels in New Jersey.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

Experience The Ideal New Jersey Fall Day When You Go Apple Picking At Eastmont Orchards

Eastmont Orchards in Colts Neck, New Jersey, offers a family-friendly apple-picking experience with no entrance fee.

Updated Aug 7, 2024

Written by 

Rebecca

Is there a better season than fall in New Jersey? The weather is crisp, the leaves are colorful, and fun, family-friendly activities abound! One of our favorite ways to spend a fall day in New Jersey is by visiting an apple orchard. You get to experience nature, take beautiful photos, and walk away with delicious treats at the end. We've found a great orchard to do just that in the state - people of all ages will enjoy the best apple-picking experience at Eastmont Orchards in New Jersey.

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Eastmont Orchards is one of the best places to go apple picking in New Jersey.

Colorful hay bales form a sign for Eastmont Orchards, surrounded by autumn trees and a clear blue sky.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

Located in Colts Neck, the orchard was originally built in 1911. It's been owned by the same family since 1923.

A dirt path lined with apple trees under a cloudy sky, leading into the distance.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

The orchard is filled with apple trees, and you bring home whatever you pick.

A fruit orchard with fallen apples scattered on the ground beneath the trees.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

Apples are priced by the pound, and you aren't allowed to put the apples back -- so be conscious of how much you pick!

These apples are so fresh and delicious, you'll want to pick pounds of them. There are nearly two dozen varieties to choose from so you can find your favorite!

Close-up of green apples hanging from a tree branch against a blue sky.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

You'll have delicious apple-based meals for weeks after visiting Eastmont Orchards.

You can schedule a photography tour or a class trip here, too.

A sunny orchard with apple trees, featuring signs for "Red Delicious" and "Granny Smith" varieties.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

It's definitely a spot to take great photos.

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People of all ages will enjoy finding the perfect apple here.

Sign reading "Golden Delicious" in an apple orchard with green apples on trees.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

And don't worry! Workers at the orchard teach you how to properly pick an apple.

Apple picking season starts in September, but you can pick peaches here during the summer months.

Close-up of red apples hanging from a tree branch, surrounded by green leaves in bright sunlight.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

From June to October, you can select the perfect peach!

Eastmont Orchards also has pumpkins and beautiful flowers on the property.

A vibrant field of orange and red flowers under a clear blue sky, with greenery in the background.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

It's a nice place to spend a fall day!

Whether you're planning to make some delicious apple pies, press your own cider, or just enjoy some good eating, the Eastmont Orchards reviews are in - this quaint spot has some of the best apple picking in New Jersey! And while you do pay for the fruit you take home, there is no entrance fee for visiting. This delicious orchard isn't just fun and fall-appropriate, it's affordable, too! Be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page for any weather-related closures.

Have you ever checked out Eastmont on a recent fall apple-picking outing in New Jersey? Are there any other you-pick farms that your family loves to frequent throughout the year?

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We think heading to a local orchard is the perfect way to end a fall day! That's why we've rounded up a few beautiful, must-see spots to enjoy fall in New Jersey as a part of your adventures. You'll also want to make the most of your autumn outings with a gorgeous, luxurious weekend experience as well, so how does a fresh and airy beach cottage sound?

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-jersey/most-beautiful-fall-destinations-nj/

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