I took my daughter to pick a Christmas tree on Saturday afternoon, November 30 2013. We drove from Edgewater NJ. It took us about 1 hour 10 minutes by car. If you are from Manhattan, I assume 1 hour 30 minutes.
Prior to the visit, I researched a lot of farms where you can pick and cut. This farm said it had a gift shop, hot drinks, and a fireplace where you wait for a hayride to the tree field. I was looking for a farm which has a little more welcoming atmosphere than just a tree field only place, so I decided to go to this particular farm.
Upon the arrival, I felt that I came to the right place. The main house was decorated with Christmas ornaments. The gift shop was charming. People were friendly and welcoming. I saw lots of other families with kids.
This is how it works; you first go to the fire place next to the gift shop where you can ride on hayride. It takes about 2-3 minutes to the field. (btw you can also walk to the field. It takes about 5-15 minutes depending on how far you want to walk.) Once you are in the field, you can pick and cut a tree that you like. You drag your tree to nearest tractor path. They put it on the back of their tractor and bring back to the loading area near the fire place. You go to the gift shop to pay for it and give the receipt to the guy who can secure your tree on the roof of your car. I didn't need any tools for this matter. They had everything. It was a pretty easy and pleasant experience throughout. One tree is $63 regardless of their sizes, except the trees of 15 feet or higher, a lady at the gift shop said.
Based on my observation in the field, this farm is a good place to find trees of at least 5 feet and taller, but not smaller trees. We live in a small apartment in NYC so I was originally looking for a 4 foot tall tree but I didn't see a lot of smaller size trees that looked good. I got a 5 foot tall Douglas fir which took me about 30-40 minutes to find. On the other hand during the time I saw lots of good looking large trees from 6 feet to 12 feet sizes.
I brought my own saw but you can also borrow one.
If you are thinking to pick your own tree, it is a good idea to go there soon. Good looking trees are always taken first.
Overall my daughter and enjoyed very much. I liked the atmosphere of the farm. I will probably go there next year too. read more