Category Archives: Family Fun

U-pick Aromatic Lavender

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Pleasant Valley Lavender Farm

Lavender Blooms in Morganville

That fancy lavender cocktail you ordered may be be made from blooms harvested at Pleasant Valley Lavender Farm in Morganville, NJ.  The farm supplies restaurants and bars throughout the NY metropolitan area with the English Lavender used in culinary concoctions from desserts to libations.  Oil from aromatic French Lavender is used in sachets, soaps, and body lotions.

Ten lovingly cultivated acres are located on quiet country road and offer an opportunity to pick your own lavender or purchase products made from the aromatic oil of these beautiful plants.  Bath and body items as well as honey and chocolates are available at the gift shop.

The season is short – usually a few weeks around July 4th. COVID 19 restrictions requires you to make appointments online for visits to the farm.  Check it out if you get the chance.

Alpacas Await in Howell and Wall Township

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Alpaca Farm

Alpacas are domesticated members of the camel family native to South America and raised for their exquisite wool-like fiber coats.  Smaller than llamas, alpacas are grazing herd animals that use body language to communicate.

New Jersey boasts a number of alpaca farms with three located right here in Monmouth County.  Cedar Lane Alpacas in Howell, and Arrow Acres Farm and Edel Haus Farm in Wall Township offer tours, educational seminars, special events, in some cases beautiful apparel made from alpaca yarn.  Check the websites at the links above for visiting hours and other information.

Horse Sense in Monmouth County

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Monmouth County horses are part of a thriving industry.

New Jersey boasts more horses per square mile than any other state and most are found on horse farms and ranches in Monmouth and Hunterdon Counties. In 1977, the horse was designated the official state animal and a horse’s head appears on the state seal.

A drive through Colts Neck and Middletown offers scenic views that harken back to a time when New Jersey truly was the Garden State.  In addition to horse racing at Monmouth Park, Monmouth County is also home to The Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown which offers a full calendar of events from Barrel Racing to Dressage.  It’s reassuring to know that horse lovers can find a lot to love here in Monmouth County.

The horse industry is New Jersey’s fifth largest agricultural activity.  Equine operations contribute to a billion dollar economic engine that includes racing and show horse operations, training, lessons, veterinarians, feed and tack suppliers, and recreational riding stables.  Forty-six percent of horses are stabled on residential properties.  Learn more about the economic impact of New Jersey’s equine industry here.

 

Alpacas Await in Howell and Wall Township

Leave a reply

Alpaca Farm

Alpacas are domesticated members of the camel family native to South America and raised for their exquisite wool-like fiber coats.  Smaller than llamas, alpacas are grazing herd animals that use body language to communicate.

New Jersey boasts a number of alpaca farms with three located right here in Monmouth County.  Cedar Lane Alpacas in Howell, and Arrow Acres Farm and Edel Haus Farm in Wall Township offer tours, educational seminars, special events, in some cases beautiful apparel made from alpaca yarn.  Check the websites at the links above for visiting hours and other information.