The UC Scoop - September 8, 2025

Bringing you eats and arts around Union County, NJ.

September 08, 2025

In partnership with

September is in full swing, and Union County is buzzing with energy. From community bike rides and farmers markets to heartfelt 9/11 memorials, this week is all about connection — honoring the past, celebrating the present, and savoring every moment close to home.

Last week, we asked how many times you would buy coffee or breakfast outside the home. The clear majority would prefer to have their first cup of coffee (or tea) at home. Here’s what you said:

Here’s this week’s new poll question:

Which town in Union County do you live in?

New Openings

Geamos Café
21 Elm Street, Westfield

Geamos Café, which opened its doors on August 17, 2025, brings the flavors of Georgia to downtown Westfield. The cozy new spot specializes in traditional Georgian pastries, breads, and sweets, offering a unique addition to the local café scene. With its warm atmosphere and authentic menu, Geamos is already drawing attention as a fresh destination for both adventurous food lovers and casual coffee seekers.

The Cranford Bookstore
1 South Avenue East, Cranford

The Cranford Bookstore officially opened its doors on September 6, 2025, bringing a new chapter to downtown’s small business scene. Founded by local residents Kate Lydon and Lauren King, the shop offers a curated selection of books for all ages alongside gifts and community events. With its welcoming atmosphere and hometown roots, it’s already becoming a favorite gathering place for readers and neighbors alike.

Almost Home General Store
719 Central Ave., Westfield

Almost Home General Store is having its soft opening. It’s at the former AlphaFit gym space on Central Avenue, bringing a cozy new café and lunch spot to town. The shop will serve coffee, light bites, and casual fare in a warm, welcoming setting designed to feel like an extension of home. With its mix of comfort and community vibe, it’s set to become a favorite gathering place for Westfield locals.

Union County Weekly Weather Forecast (Sep 8-14 , 2025)

Plenty of late-summer sunshine is in store this week, with mild mornings and warm afternoons. A quick midweek shower may pop up Wednesday, but otherwise expect comfortable, outdoor-friendly weather.

Monday ☀️ — Low 56° / High 74°
Pleasant with plenty of sunshine

Tuesday 🌤 — Low 61° / High 76°
Sunny to partly cloudy and mild

Wednesday 🌧 — Low 62° / High 72°
Mostly cloudy with a couple of showers

Thursday ☀️ — Low 62° / High 83°
Warmer with bright sunshine

Friday ☀️ — Low 62° / High 78°
Mostly sunny and comfortable

Saturday 🌤 — Low 59° / High 75°
Partly sunny and comfortable

Sunday ☁️ — Low 60° / High 76°
Mostly cloudy but mild

Ideas for things to do outdoors to enjoy the gorgeous weather this week

Pick-Your-Own Adventures
September is peak season for apple picking in New Jersey, and Union County families don’t have to travel far to enjoy it. Nearby favorites like Alstede Farms (Chester), Eastmont Orchards (Colts Neck), Terhune Orchards (Princeton), and Melick’s U-Pick (Califon) are all open for harvest fun. Expect crisp apples, late-season peaches, fall raspberries, and even grapes ready for picking. Whether you go for the fruit, the cider, or the hayrides, it’s the perfect way to savor the season outdoors.

Farm	Location (from Union County)	What’s Pickable in September
Alstede Farms	~45 min (Chester)	Peaches (late), early apples, raspberries, grapes
Eastmont Orchards	~1 hr (Colts Neck)	Honeycrisp, McIntosh apples (early season)
Terhune Orchards	~1 hr (Princeton)	Apple picking, cider, pies, winery tastings
Melick’s U-Pick	~1 hr (Califon)	Apples, plus early glimpse of pumpkins

BeRunning Club
Union Township, NJ

BeRunning Club is a free, community-focused running group based in Union that welcomes all levels, from casual joggers to seasoned runners. Meeting regularly for group runs, the club blends fitness with camaraderie, making it easy to stay active while connecting with neighbors. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just want a social jog, BeRunning offers a supportive way to hit the pavement.

Cranford Canoe Club
250 Springfield Avenue, Cranford

A true Union County gem since 1908, the Cranford Canoe Club lets you paddle the Rahway River by canoe or kayak for a peaceful outdoor escape. Rentals are available daily, and at around $30 for two hours, it’s an easy way to enjoy the water with friends or family. This season even comes with a sweet perk—on Tuesdays, every rental includes free ice cream. Whether you’re after fresh air, a touch of local history, or just a fun summer adventure, the Canoe Club delivers.

Reeves–Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Avenue, Summit

Reeves–Reed Arboretum is a 13.5-acre public garden and historic estate listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Once the Wisner family estate, the grounds feature formal rose and azalea gardens, a sweeping daffodil bowl, and nearly six acres of shaded woodland trails shaped by noted landscape designers. Visitors can join free guided tours on Saturdays from April through mid-October or take part in volunteer horticulture sessions like Ground Force and Woodland Restoration. With its blend of history, seasonal beauty, and hands-on programs, it’s one of Union County’s most treasured green spaces.

How 433 Investors Unlocked 400X Return Potential

Institutional investors back startups to unlock outsized returns. Regular investors have to wait. But not anymore. Thanks to regulatory updates, some companies are doing things differently.

Take Revolut. In 2016, 433 regular people invested an average of $2,730. Today? They got a 400X buyout offer from the company, as Revolut’s valuation increased 89,900% in the same timeframe.

No wonder 10K+ everyday people are taking the chance on Pacaso.

Founded by a former Zillow exec, Pacaso’s co-ownership tech reshapes the $1.3T vacation home market. They’ve earned $110M+ in gross profit to date, including 41% YoY growth in 2024 alone. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

The same institutional investors behind Uber, Venmo, and eBay backed Pacaso. And you can join them. But not for long. Pacaso’s investment opportunity ends September 18.

Invest While You Still Can

_{Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at}_{invest.pacaso.com}_{. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.}

September 11 Memorial Events around Union County

This Thursday marks the 24th anniversary of September 11, and communities across Union County will gather to honor and remember. Here are the local ceremonies where you can pay tribute.

Town / Locale	Time	Location & Details
Union County	6:00 AM – 9:00 PM	Echo Lake Park (Mountainside/Springfield border) – County memorial with Honor Guard standing watch all day; candles welcome and provided.
Westfield	6:30 PM	9/11 Memorial (North Ave & E. Broad St.) – Community remembrance with prayers, wreath presentation, “Taps,” and reading of names.
Summit	9:45 AM	Summit Fire HQ (281 Broad St.) – Ceremony with remarks from Mayor Fagan and first responders, plus a bell-ringing tribute.
Township of Union	8:30 AM	Fire HQ (1 Bond Dr.) – UPD/UFD ceremony with bell chimes and name reading.
Cranford	6:30 PM	9/11 Memorial Park (Springfield Ave & N. Union Ave) – Candlelight service with music and community remembrance.
New Providence	7:00 PM	Centennial Park – Evening remembrance hosted by the New Providence Fire Department.

Arts & Culture Events

Linden Summer Entertainment Series
September 9, 2025 (7:00 PM) - Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Avenue, Linden
Epic Soul will be performing soul/R&B this week.
Sweet Sounds Encore in Downtown Westfield
September 12, 2025 (6:00 - 9:00PM) – Quimby Street, Westfield
The Glenn & Oria Band at Quimby St. from 6-9pm.
Rahway Live at the Paseo
September 12, 2025 (6:30 - 8:30PM) - 1501 Main St, Rahway
FnA will be performing this week.
Rahway Arts District Performances
September 6, 2025 (6:00 - 8:00PM) - Arts District Park, Rahway
Suburban Legend will be bringing the music this week.
Tour de Westfield
September 14, 2025 (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) – South Side Train Station, Westfield
Pedal into fun at Westfield’s 4th annual family biking event! The morning kicks off with free Learn to Ride lessons for kids (ages 5–10) offered by EZRide, followed by a 3-mile community bike parade led by the Westfield Police at 10:00 AM. This free event encourages healthy movement and togetherness, with music, activities, and giveaways—the first 300 registered participants to check in will receive a hat. Helmets are required, and parking is available at the North Side Train Station lot.
Plein Air Painting Festival
Saturday, September 27, 2025 (All Day) – Deserted Village of Feltville, Watchung Reservation
Set among the historic cottages and autumn landscapes of the Watchung Reservation, this festival invites artists of all levels to paint outdoors and capture the beauty of the season. Visitors can stroll through the village, watch the artists at work, and experience a unique blend of art, history, and nature in one of Union County’s most atmospheric settings.

Farmers Markets This Week

Scotch Plains Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM – 430 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains
Celebrating over three decades of Jersey Fresh bounty, this beloved market runs rain or shine each Saturday.

Summit Farmers Market
Sundays, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM – 22 DeForest Avenue, Summit
One of the state’s most praised markets, this lively Sunday gathering spotlights NJ farms and artisanal goods.

Springfield Farmers Market
Mondays, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM – 66 Mountain Avenue, Springfield

Roselle Park Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Michael J. Mauri Park, Roselle Park

Plainfield Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Gavett Place, Plainfield
A long-running, downtown favorite offering fresh produce midweek.

Union Farmers Market
Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM – 1980 Morris Avenue, Union
A vibrant evening market perfect for after-work visits—complete with live vendors and seasonal finds.

Rahway Farmers Market
Thursdays, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM – 40 E. Milton Avenue, Rahway
This community staple brings Jersey-grown produce and local vendors downtown each Thursday.

Roselle Farmers Market
Fridays, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM – 210 Chestnut Street, Roselle
A Friday mainstay showcasing fresh, local goods—even into early fall.

Know of someone else who might enjoy The UC Scoop? Send them over to theucscoop.beehiiv.com

We’d love your feedback. If you discover a new restaurant/cafe or event we should know about, email us at hey@theucscoop.com

P.S. Want to sponsor The UC Scoop, feature an event, offer a reader’s deal? Let’s chat! Email us at hey@theucscoop.com

The UC Scoop - September 8, 2025

Subscribe to keep reading

Keep Reading

The UC Scoop