Farm Fresh: Mullica Hill Edition

One of my favorite things to do, when visiting our family in Jersey, is to check out the latest and greatest at the local farm stands and markets. Near my parent's house, there are numerous flower stands, nurseries, honor wagons, and farm markets where you can select from freshly picked fruits, veggies, potted plants and/or homemade jams, cider donuts, etc. What a delight! New Jersey goes by the "Garden State" for a reason ;) Here are a few of my favorites spots in Mullica Hill, NJ. xo RCN

 

Mood's Farm Market: located at 901 Bridgeton Pike Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

In Fall time, it's the perfect place to take the kids on a hayride for apple or pumpkin picking. There's a corn maze, too! This charming farm market has a stocked pantry of jams, pickles, ciders, etc. The interesting selection of gourds, including Apple Gourds, is one of my favorite offerings. Almost any day of the week, make sure to get there early to score some fresh apple cider donuts - delish! Bring those home, and then order the peach slushy for there.

 

Bast Brother's Garden Center: located at 1214 Ellis Mill Rd Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

This garden center may have only opened in Spring 2015, but this dreamy floral haven is already a favorite of mine. The family run business is on a precious plot of land with a hand built barn gift shop and separate succulent/cacti house - where the pumpkin painting station is located in Fall (only $2, the price of your pumpkin). And, worth mentioning, the Bast Brothers have the most beautiful pumpkin offering I have seen in all of South Jersey. The ornamental pepper plants are pretty rad, too. 

 

Rosie's Farm Market: located at 317 Swedesboro Rd Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

I go here for the fruits and vegetables, and I usually walk away with sunflowers, mums, and pumpkins, too. There's nothing better than buying farm fresh food from a hard working family run farm. Rosie's has been around since the 70's officially, but Rosie herself has been selling under an umbrella, roadside, since the 60's. If I am ever unsure of what veggies will be available when I pull up to the red barn, surrounded by colorfully painted signs by the grandchildren, I can always check the availability chart online before I hop in the car. Thanks Rosie!

More Is More At The Wolfsonian

 

I enjoy going to a museum. Depending upon what type, art mostly, I can get very caught up in my surroundings and spend a bit' of time wandering an exhibit. My latest visit was to The Wolfsonian, here in South Beach. I visited with my museum guru cousin, Sara, who works as a Curatorial Associate at a museum in NYC.

This particular visit to the Wolfsonian was in perfect timing, as one of the temporary exhibits, was one I was most interested in seeing, More Is More: An Installation by Christie van der Haak. Literally, this exhibit is eye opening. For any textile and print pattern obsessors out there (like me!), well this is our dream come true! The astounding tapestry and batik inspired pattern work is busy and intricate in the most interesting ways. The colorful and detailed design is displayed by covering the exterior facade of the musuem building, and the interior floors and walls of the lobby. Amazing! Talk about a great spot for some fun Insta photos. The artwork will be on display through June 11th, so catch it if you can! The museum itself is quite manageable, with only a few floors of temporary and permanent collections. It's a perfect stop for a couple hours, if that is all you have to spare.

I'm hoping to be off to The PAMM this weekend for another artful weekend to view some new exhibits I have yet to see on the other side of the bridge. xo RCN

Wynwood Wandering

 

There are many things to enjoy in Wynwood. A stroll around the neighborhood is never dull. Numerous amounts of street art and graffiti surround your every move. Right in the heart of Wynwood, Panther Coffee, is a great spot to begin your explorations. Grab a delicious Miami famous cold brew, and begin your adventuring. My wandering usually ranges from popping in a few of the art galleries along 2nd Ave, stopping in for a peek at the adorable and well merchandised Frangipani, and searching Plant The Future for new and inspiring terrariums. A walk through the Wynwood Walls is always on the agenda, as well. The gated in art statement (art park), full of commissioned graffiti and street art, allows for the continuous discovery of new and international artists. If visiting Wynwood on a Saturday, I highly recommend trying a tropical flavored popsicle from the Farmers Market (only on Saturdays 11am-6pm) and shopping the street vendors with local artisan jewelry, prints, soaps and more. The best way to finish off any visit, is to settle in at Wynwood Kitchen And Bar, Wynwood Diner, The Butcher Shop, or Joey's Italian Cafe. All are great places to end the wandering and relax with a cocktail in hand. Your next visit to Miami must definitely include a visit to this artistic community, covered in the color and vibrance that well represents the city of Miami. Don't forget your camera! xo RCN