{"id":6691,"date":"2023-10-30T01:54:36","date_gmt":"2023-10-30T01:54:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/?p=6691"},"modified":"2023-10-30T01:54:45","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T01:54:45","slug":"alstede-farms-3-powerful-reasons-to-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/alstede-farms-3-powerful-reasons-to-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"Alstede Farms: 3 Powerful Reasons to Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>I am visiting my brother in New Jersey, USA. Even in my lowest point in life, I have the privilege to take a trip to the biggest and picturesque farm of New Jersey &#8211; <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alstedefarms.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.alstedefarms.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alstede Farms.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_The_Drive\"><\/span>1. <strong>The Drive<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66387560af751\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66387560af751\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/alstede-farms-3-powerful-reasons-to-visit\/#1_The_Drive\" title=\"1. The Drive\">1. The Drive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/alstede-farms-3-powerful-reasons-to-visit\/#2_Fruit_Picking\" title=\"2. Fruit Picking\">2. Fruit Picking<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/alstede-farms-3-powerful-reasons-to-visit\/#Apple_Picking_at_Alstede_Farms\" title=\"Apple Picking at Alstede Farms\">Apple Picking at Alstede Farms<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/alstede-farms-3-powerful-reasons-to-visit\/#3_Mental_Health\" title=\"3. Mental Health\">3. Mental Health<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>The drive from West Orange to Alstede Farms in the fall season is a scenic journey through the rolling hills and charming small towns of northern New Jersey. The urban landscape of West Orange gradually transforms into a rural and vibrant display of autumn colors. Along the way, you&#8217;ll encounter roadside farm stands selling pumpkins and apples, while the scent of fallen leaves and wood-burning stoves fills the air. As you approach Chester, the roads are lined with trees showcasing a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow leaves, and the sound of leaves crunching under your tires adds to the ambiance. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"alstede farms\" class=\"wp-image-6692\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3333333333333333;width:436px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-1920x1440.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-580x435.jpg 580w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/1-320x240.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>The first view of the fruit picking area<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Fruit_Picking\"><\/span><strong>2. Fruit Picking<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon arriving at Alstede Farms, they give you a basket to collect fruits and vegetables on the farm. These baskets are typically offered to make the picking process more convenient for visitors. They provide a way to gather the produce while keeping it organized and protected.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"alstede farms\" class=\"wp-image-6698\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3333333333333333;width:476px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-1-1920x1440.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-1-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-1-580x435.jpg 580w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-1-320x240.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>The apple picking area<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>While enjoying apple picking, you can soak in the fresh air, the natural surroundings, and the pleasant ambiance of the farm. The experience is not only about gathering apples but also about connecting with the orchard and the land. It&#8217;s a family-friendly and enjoyable activity, perfect for creating lasting memories and enjoying the bounty of the fall season. I got to learn about the different kinds of apples: <strong><em>Honeycrisp, Fuji, Empire<\/em><\/strong> (to name a few)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-huge-font-size\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Apple_Picking_at_Alstede_Farms\"><\/span>Apple Picking at Alstede Farms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"alstede farms\" class=\"wp-image-6699\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.75;width:282px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-1-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-1-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-1-580x773.jpg 580w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/3-1-320x427.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-2-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"alstede farms\" class=\"wp-image-6700\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.75;width:283px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-2-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-2-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-2-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-2-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-2-580x773.jpg 580w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4-2-320x427.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:34% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/15.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6701 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/15.png 540w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/15-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/15-320x427.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>There are tractor-pulled wagons to transport visitors from one area to another. These are especially popular during busy times and can add to the rustic and enjoyable farm experience.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6702\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.75;width:334px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5-580x773.jpg 580w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/5-320x427.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Corn-maze field<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6703\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.75;width:332px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-580x773.jpg 580w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/6-320x427.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Tomatoes<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:47% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/7-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"alstede farms\" class=\"wp-image-6704 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/7-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/7-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/7-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/7-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/7-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/7-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/7-580x773.jpg 580w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/7-320x427.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>You can feed these ponies (at your own risk. Alstede Farms also offers pony rides (couldn&#8217;t take a picture of that).<br><br>Visitors, particularly children, often have the opportunity to enjoy short pony rides in designated areas of the farm. This can be a fun and memorable experience for kids, allowing them to interact with gentle ponies and enjoy a ride under supervision.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"alstede farms\" class=\"wp-image-6705\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.75;width:427px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-580x773.jpg 580w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/9-320x427.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Pumpkin Picking Area<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">The pumpkin picking area offers a great picture setting for Instagram \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The farm typically provides a diverse selection of pumpkins in various sizes, shapes, and colors, along with informative guidance to help visitors choose the perfect pumpkin for their specific needs, whether it&#8217;s for carving, decorating, or cooking. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"alstede farms\" class=\"wp-image-6706\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.75;width:337px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-580x773.jpg 580w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/10-320x427.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Me and my pumpkin against the world! <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Mental_Health\"><\/span><strong>3. Mental Health<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:46% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/12-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"alstede farms\" class=\"wp-image-6707 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/12-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/12-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/12-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/12-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/12-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/12-1920x1440.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/12-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/12-580x435.jpg 580w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/12-320x240.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><br>Took a walk here and practiced <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/balance\/what-is-box-breathing\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/balance\/what-is-box-breathing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">box breathing.<\/a> Box breathing helps promote relaxation and reduce the &#8220;fight or flight&#8221; response associated with stress and anxiety. It can be used in various situations, such as before a stressful event, during meditation, or as part of a daily mindfulness practice to help manage stress and enhance mental clarity and focus.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/13-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"alstede farms\" class=\"wp-image-6709\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3333333333333333;width:427px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/13-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/13-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/13-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/13-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/13-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/13-1920x1440.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/13-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/13-580x435.jpg 580w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/13-320x240.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Peaches can be picked during springtime<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/14-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"alstede farms\" class=\"wp-image-6711\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.75;width:383px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/14-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/14-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/14-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/14-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/14-1-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/14-1-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/14-1-580x773.jpg 580w, https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/14-1-320x427.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reminded me of Uncharted &#8211; a game I used to play<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Concluding my first trip to fruit picking at Alstede Farms, I can say that the experience was not only enjoyable but also remarkably refreshing for my mental health. The picturesque setting, the act of connecting with nature, and the simple pleasure of picking fresh fruits amid the scenic landscape provided a sense of calm and tranquility that was truly therapeutic. It&#8217;s a wonderful reminder of the healing power of nature and the benefits of taking time to savor the beauty of the outdoors. I highly recommend a visit to Alstede Farms for anyone seeking a mental health boost and a delightful escape into the natural world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To read about my other posts on my mental health journey, head over to: <a href=\"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/\">https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instagram: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reasonstolivefor.insta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reasonstolivefor.insta<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Trip to Alstede Farms:<br \/>\nThis family-owned farm provides a variety of activities, including apple and pumpkin picking in scenic orchards, pony rides for kids and fun for all! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"[]"},"categories":[410],"tags":[413,118,275],"views":32,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6691"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6691"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6691\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6716,"href":"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6691\/revisions\/6716"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6691"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6691"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reasonstolivefor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6691"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}