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North America, Travel
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May 28, 2013

A Walk Through History at Duke Farms, NJ

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Oh, New Jersey. You never cease to amaze me. We’ve enjoyed finding more and more ways to spend time outdoors, in nature. But most of all, we’ve been able to enjoy it all at minimal cost, if not free. We’ve such enjoyed these awesome finds that when we aren’t traveling or running around doing errands, we delight in the opportunity to discover something new.

This past weekend was no exception and our newest discovery led us to Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ. Duke Farms is 2,740 acres of diverse, protected, and beautifully preserved habitats, and is one of largest privately owned parcels of undeveloped land in the state, owned and managed by The Duke Farms Foundation.

Start your visit at the Orientation Center which is housed in the Farm Barn, what used to be the main house of this historic farm. There visitors can learn about the area’s wildlife and plants through interactive exhibits and literature. This is also where community events are held, such as educational programs and short film showings. And it is where the cafe is located as well.

Duke Farms_GirlGoneTravel

The area provides 18 miles of paved, wood-chipped, and grass and pathways for hiking, all easy to navigate, with beautiful finds and scenery along the way. Preferably however, and to better see it all, I would recommend biking the grounds – something which a lot of guests really enjoy doing. For those walking, there are shuttles that stop at designated pick up points and leave guests where they wish to get off along the way (though the wait can be long if there are not seats on the shuttle and you have to wait for the next one).

Duke Farms_GirlGoneTravel

There are different activities to take on as a group or family, such as scavenger hunts and geocatching, and tons to see, such as the Orchid Range and Hay Barn.

Duke Farms_GirlGoneTravel

Duke Farms_GirlGoneTravel

For me, the most interesting spot on the property is the Old Foundation, which consists of remnants of an old foundation, with its basement entries and windows, slowing being taken over by trees and other greenery as it lays abandoned. In 1913 J.B. Duke started construction for a lavish mansion there, but soon decided against it and the site was left non-completed. The reasons for why he left are unclear, but the view of the site is eery and interesting, an unfinished skeleton of what was without a doubt going to be something grand.

Duke Farms_GirlGoneTravel

I absolutely loved this latest find and the day to take it all in couldn’t have been more perfect. Next time however, we will bring our bikes, as there was a lot more left to be explored.

Admission to the site is free, as is parking. For more information, please visit www.dukefarms.org.

All photography is property of GirlGoneTravel.com and may not be used without consent of the publisher.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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8 Comments
  • Ally
    May 29, 2013

    Duke Farms allows you to rent a bike and helmet free of charge dukefarms.org/en/Visit/Plan-Your-Visit/Free-Ride-Bikeshare/

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Ally
      May 29, 2013

      Awesome! We totally missed that. Thanks Ally!

      Reply
  • Tara
    May 29, 2013

    Duke Farms is quite the treasure! So glad you were able to visit. I run there quite a bit and I always feel like I’m back in time. Beautiful place to unwind. Wonderful article!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Tara
      May 29, 2013

      Thank you, Tara! I can't wait to return : )

      Reply
  • mithriluna
    May 29, 2013

    Very nice! We were just there last weekend.

    My recent post Poppies at Duke Farms

    Reply
    • caincarol
      mithriluna
      May 29, 2013

      Very cool! Going to read your post right now!

      Reply
  • Anna
    May 31, 2013

    Definitely adding this to the list of summer spots to go to – thanks for sharing this great find!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Anna
      May 31, 2013

      My pleasure, Anna! Hope you get out there soon! Enjoy it!

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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