October 2026: Fall Day Trips

Anyone who’s experienced the magic of Cape May likely knows the beauty of a summer day along the water or the charm of streets filled with colorful Victorian homes. But to the birding community, fall is a must-visit season. Our state’s southernmost point is one of the top birding destinations in the world, providing a pit stop for a variety of birds as they fly south for winter.

For our Fall Day Trips issue, senior editor Jacqueline Mroz experienced the phenomenon for the first time, visiting last October with her son, a birding enthusiast. The pair’s sightings included a palm warbler, a widgeon, a broad-winged hawk, a golden crowned kinglet and an American kestrel. It was a truly magical trip for both of them, and in these pages you’ll find a number of ideas for planning your own birding getaway.

But that’s just one of the ideas featured in this issue. Looking for something family oriented? Head to Pennington in Mercer County for the annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve, which certainly delivers on its name. Into antiquing? Spend the day in charming Lafayette perusing the shops. And if you’re looking for something truly spirited this season, don’t miss our piece on Jersey’s most haunted spots.