OLD BRIDGE – Cheesequake Farms will no longer offer their retail portion of their business after this season.
Owners Bob and Linda O’Connell announced the news on social media on Nov. 14. Since their announcement, people have been leaving comments and photos of their time at the farms.
“It is with deep contemplation, much sorrow, but great happiness that Cheesequake Farms announces after 49 years we will no longer be doing the retail portion of our business,” they said. “The much sorrow will be from missing the creative aspects of making a wholesome, family-orientated environment. We will miss growing the finest crops for your table and pleasure.”
Further they stated “the great happiness is from knowing that we have had such a loyal, generational customer base. We have made many friends over the years and cherish these memories. We thank all our employees, many of whom have been with us for decades. They have been responsible for much of what you have seen and enjoyed over the years.”
In their announcement, the O’Connells said they will continue to farm producing grain crops. Most of the fields will still be green with cover crops, wheat, rye and soybeans.
The O’Connells are fourth and fifth generation farmers in the Old Bridge area with two farms – one on Route 9 and one Highway 34, according to their website.
At the farms, they grew flower and vegetable plants, hanging baskets, perennials, bedding plants, pumpkins, gourds, squash and many other crops. Family fun activities were held during the fall and Halloween season including hayrides, corn mazes and pumpkin picking.
During Christmas time, the farms offered fresh cut trees, custom wreaths, grave blankets, kissing balls and mailbox swags. Also available were fresh cut greenery, undecorated wreaths, pine roping and poinsettias.
As of Nov. 15, the Route 9 Old Bridge Market will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with produce and sale items until further notice.