October 2018 – Griffey's Great Adventures

Apples, Crisp Air That is Nice, and Everything Pumpkin Spice

It’s almost Halloween and we are deep into the fall season, which means apple and pumpkin picking is in full swing! Believe it or not, they call it the “Garden State” for a reason. You are never too far from farm land. Growing up in Northwest New Jersey we frequented Mackey’s Orchard in Belvidere, NJ. Although I have moved from this part of the state, we are sure to make a trip back here every fall for apple cider doughnuts that are unmatched. Functioning from their 96 acre farm for over 100 years, Mackey’s has an onsite bakery offering items such as apple crumb cake, pumpkin bread, apple pie, apple cider doughnuts, and my old favorite apple crumb pie, each made in house with love. Homemade pumpkin ice cream is offered from their ice cream stand throughout the fall (but only on weekends!). The Greenhouse holds hundreds of mums and pumpkins for purchase and the farm stand is loaded with locally grown produce (apples, tomatoes, squash, peppers, and much more!). On fall weekends, regular tractor rides take you into the orchard where you can pick your own apples. Lastly, it would be a sin if I didn’t tell you about their homemade apple cider, which is still the best I’ve ever had!!

Assortment of pies offered at Mackey’s onsite bakery

Visit Mackey’s for delicious fall family fun!

For more information, visit Mackey’s website at www.mackeysorchard.com

The Farm Stand is open 9am-6pm daily. Mackey’s is located at:

284 South Bridgeville Road

Belivdere, NJ 07823

908-475-1507

Purchase your fall mums and pumpkins at Mackey’s Greenhouse

A collection of salsas and sauces inside the Farm Stand

Large selection of locally grown produce

Tractor “Hayride” that takes you into the Apple Orchards

Follow the #therealnewjerseydeal hashtag or our page griffeysgreatadventures on Instagram for more New Jersey posts!

Happy Birthday George Washington Bridge!!

If you live in the Bergen County area, it is likely that you pass by or over the GWB on a regular basis. If you don’t live in the area, you are probably familiar with the iconic George Washington Bridge from movies, TV shows, or art work. Opening at the beginning of the Great Depression, the GWB is a double decker suspension bridge with 14 lanes that connect Fort Lee, New Jersey to Washington Heights, Manhattan. The bridge itself sits 212 feet above the Hudson River and spans 4760 feet in length. At the time of its opening in 1931 it was the largest bridge in the world, but would be outdone in length when the Golden Gate Bridge opened in San Francisco in 1937. With over 103 million vehicles crossing the GWB each year, it is the world’s busiest motor vehicle bridge. It may be difficult to appreciate its beauty and magnificence if you sit in the daily traffic associated with the bridge but it is rich with history.

The GWB was named for George Washington, First President of the United States. During the American Revolutionary War in 1776 General Washington attempted to deter occupation of New York City. He would eventually evacuate and cross the Hudson River with his troops between Fort Washington and Fort Lee, now the site of the G.W. Bridge.

Today, the GWB is home to the largest free flying American Flag in the United States, which is flown from the steel towers on National Holidays. On special occasions each suspension tower comes to life with 380 lighting structures and illuminates the night sky. On the New Jersey side of the Hudson River great views of the bridge can be accessed from Fort Lee Historic Park or at the bridge’s base in Palisades Interstate Park (close to the Ross Dock Entrance). The GW Bridge has pedestrian and bike sidewalks on the North and South sides and offers stunning views. This creates a one of a kind back drop for a walk or jog, and is particularly beautiful in the early morning shortly after the sun rises.

Take a leisurely walk on the pedestrian sidewalks and wish this beauty a Happy 87^th Birthday!

For more information on visiting the George Washington Bridge, visit www.panynj.gov !

View of George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee Historic Park in Fort Lee, NJ

Winter Sunrise over the George Washington Bridge from the Palisades

New Jersey: More Than You Think!!

“Which Exit?”, “So how is it being from the swamps?”, “The Armpit of America”.

Yes, I have heard it all from the outsiders. Fine, we have to take credit for the “Sopranos”, the oil refineries, “Jersey Shore”, and the “Housewives” but New Jersey is my home state and I am determined to show you that we are so much more. We may be sandwiched between Philadelphia and New York but I will sporadically highlight the best of NJ, the real deal from a New Jerseyan herself and I promise you will see that New Jersey is a small state that packs a big punch!!

Follow our Instagram page griffeysgreatadventures and the hashtag for this segment #therealnewjerseydeal for monthly highlights. I will post them under the “New Jersey” Category on the home page! I hope you enjoy!