Two words.
Tomatoes. Corn. (Well, lots more, really.)
This is the season – every summer fruit and vegetable growing in the Garden State is at its peak, and super delicious. I may be doing my food shopping this weekend, but I will not be picking up any produce at the supermarket. That I will get at one of the local farmstands, several of which are within a few miles of where I live.
New Jersey gets a bad rap. The first thing that many people see when they arrive in NJ is a massive array of oil refineries in Elizabeth and nearby areas. Visitors come from New York or the Newark airport, and sadly, this dirty, smoke-spewing sight is sometimes all they ever get to see.
But they don’t call us the Garden State for nothing! Right about now there are stands by the side of the road packed with fresh, delicious produce of every kind imaginable. Sometimes it’s from a farm; sometimes it’s just a local gardener sharing his or her backyard bounty.
Always accompanying these unattended and smaller stands is a lock box for you to put your money in. We’re all on the honor system out here – to put in the right amount and not take the contents. That’s another reason why my part of the state is so wonderful. That actually exists.
My guess is I’ll stop by Phillips Farm in Holland Township, which is looked over 24/7 by the Jersey Fresh guy, pictured here. Looking for fresh and delicious? Pass on by the refineries; drive across the state aways; take a scenic backroad, and that’s where you’ll find it. I’m already thinking tomato sandwich.
Still A Dreamer 
These look delicious Jeanne, it’s great that you have some much wonderful produce to choose from.
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It really is, and it goes right through the day after Thanksgiving. Makes me wish I had my own personal chef to take even better advantage of it! :-)
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Years ago I visit Longwood Gardens and it was really wonderful. I won’t judge NJ if you won’t judge NC. You have the housewives and such. We have news people who must search for the folks to interview with the heaviest southern accent and the worst grammar. We are actually a state famous for its universities, mountains and beaches, farming and sports. Enjoy your veggies. I’ll hit my stand down the road tomorrow and load up on freshness. Yum.
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Hi Lisa – I have no judgment of NC at all. When I hear those Southern accents you describe, I always think of Alabama and Mississippi – deep South. I know NC is a pretty progressive state. Enjoy your veggies! (Oh – I have never watched – and never will watch – the Jersey or any other housewives. It can only be a waste of my time, I’m quite sure.)
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Ha. Oh how many shows could waste our time. Have a happy Sunday.
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Isn’t this a lovely time of year with all the produce coming in? I remember driving through rural NJ and seeing the rich, dark soils. It is a very good growing area.
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It is really just heavenly. I’m glad you once had the chance to drive through this beautiful part of our state – even the seemingly endless fields of wheat,corn and soy – they warm my heart.
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It’s a time of plenty. And I love honour boxes.
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I’ve never heard that term – honor boxes – but that’s definitely what they are. It gives one a bit of faith in the human race, eh?
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What a wonderful time of year in the northern hemisphere…it seems as if everywhere is full of fresh fruits and vegetables bursting to be eaten.
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It is quite wonderful – wish I had time to make pie! Thanks for stopping by.
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I was raised in the Garden State. And I know, for sure, there are no better tomatoes or corn then NJ tomatoes and NJ corn. And gladiolas – I love getting NJ glads from the farm stands on the way to the ‘shore.’
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Ahhhh – you DO know! My neighbor just yesterday brought me a big handful of her own tomatoes – soooo delicious. I can’t say I’ve seen many gladiolas about though, but now, it’s all apples and pumpkins – fall’s delight. Thanks for stopping by.
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