Terhune Orchards, Princeton

New Jersey rules when it comes to fresh produce in the summer... tomatoes, blueberries, corn (just to name a few)... I mean, hello... we're not 'The Garden State' for nothing. Matt, my Sister and I discovered an awesome farmers market one morning, and while there were several farms displaying their goods there, we were immediately drawn to the Terhune Orchard stand. We grabbed some blueberries and some home made farm stand salsa and went merrily on our way to sample the goods at the rest of the tables. When we got home we dove into our purchases and packed half of the salsa away on the spot. It was SO fresh and SO flavorful, and it was made solely with ingredients from their farm! The bluberries barely lasted the day, too... big plump and fresh... the perfect combo of sweet and tart. YAY! FRESH PRODUCE

Matt and I could not wait until the following weekend to hope that we chanced upon this place again, so we sought out the farm itself. Terhune Orchards is beaaaaauuutiful. The grounds are so well maintained, the staff is super freindly, it's colorful and clean... it just makes you FEEL happy upon first glance!

The smell of baked goods was thick in the air... it smelled like cinnamon and butter and fried things... all good. We walked into the farm stand and were face to face with some of the most delicious looking pies, cookies and tarts I have ever seen. We turned left and were smack dab in the middle of a color explosion of fresh produce... berries, squash, greens, herbs... it smelled earthy and fresh and I loved it. We debated for a good 15 minutes before finally deciding on which sweet treat to try, and in the end, the donuts won. These Apple Cider donuts are made using their fresh pressed apple cider (from their fresh picked apples, from their on site orchards... WOO!) We grabbed one and split it, and while it was delicious, we were confused why the smell in the air was not matching the taste in our mouths. That's when the cashier (so friendly!) noticed what we were eating.

"Wait! Stop... put that down. Let me go get you some that are fresh out of the oil! They're a million times better when they're warm!" She didn't have to twist our arms! While we waited we drank a cup of cider, perused through their selection of home made soups and dips (fresh Gazpacho? Corn and tomato salsa? It all looked insanely good) She came back with the donuts (a half dozen on the house, because we were new to her farm...so generous!) and they were INSANE. They were hot and fresh and smelled like heaven. Upon first bite they literally fell apart in our mouths.. like warm puffy clouds of cinnamon happiness. Needless to say we are now lifelong fans.

The grounds are gorgeous, they have live animals that kids (or grown ups) can feed, a pond, some picnic benches, and the orchards themselves. Make a day of it! Head over to Terhune Orchards with the whole family, pick your own produce (you can see the schedule of what's available to pick on their website!), grab a healthy lunch, feed some animals, have a donut, take a walk. It's all worth it!

Terhune Orchards

http://www.terhuneorchards.com/

330 Cold Soil Road

Princeton, NJ 08540

609.924.2310