The UC Scoop - July 14, 2025

In partnership with

Kick off your week with the UC Scoop’s summer sampler: we’ve got a couple of suggested day trips, a new restaurant opening outside our county lines as well as community concerts, outdoor movie nights, and farmers markets lighting up Union County under the summer sky. Whether you seek adventure, flavor, or culture, we’ve got your guide to make this week unforgettable.

Day trips for nature lovers

Hemlock Falls
South Mountain Reservation

Hemlock Falls is a 25-foot cascade where Hemlock Brook spills over a rocky ledge into a shaded gorge, accessible via the red-dot-blazed Hemlock Falls Loop—a 0.6-mile out-and-back trail perfect for a quick nature escape . The wide dirt path winds through towering hemlocks and hardwoods, with a bench at the falls’ base for taking in the view and enjoying a snack before returning . Well-marked and family-friendly, this short hike rewards visitors with cool mist and forest tranquility year-round.

Pick Your Own Flowers at Ward’s Farms

Enjoy a relaxed evening among blooming sunflower and wildflower fields at Ward’s Farm. Bring your favorite bottle and a picnic dinner (or order takeout) to savor at picnic tables nestled in vibrant blooms. Your ticket includes farm admission, a picking cup, and freshly cut flowers to craft your own bouquet—just don’t forget scissors. Pack a blanket, gather friends or a date, and toast summer under the open sky.

Picking Your Own Fruit

If you’re looking to pick your own fruit, here’s what’s currently in season. From July 15 through July 31, New Jersey’s pick-your-own season bursts into full swing with a bounty of summer fruits: juicy blueberries, plump blackberries, sweet raspberries, ripe plums, and peaches and nectarines all reach peak ripeness, offering plenty of opportunities for picking your perfect basket of seasonal goodness.