👩🏻‍🌾 Duke Farms

Hello! Today I want to share a place that is near and dear to my heart. 

Duke Farms is located in Hillsborough, NJ and is the estate of James Buchanan Duke, who owned both power and tobacco companies. He passed the estate on to his daughter, Doris Duke, and in 1964 she opened Duke Gardens to the public. 

It was closed in 2008 and underwent a $45 million renovation. It’s now called Duke Farms and is part of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. 

Duke Farms is home to 4 of the oldest 10 trees in NJ, as well as 9 endangered species, including the bald eagle. The farm spans over 2740 acres, which is larger than Central Park and Disneyland combined, and there’s even a stunning Orchid House on property. There is also a café, bike rentals and trails, community gardens, walking paths, and even a farmers market. There are also tons of classes and events for both children and adults, everything from waterfall hikes to salsa making to guided meditations!

I enrolled in the volunteer program at Duke Farms, and I’ve been having an absolute blast learning more about the property, as well as lots about sustainability and wildlife ecology. I’ve been working as a property ambassador, as well as helping out with reservations and information at the front desk. It’s been really lovely spending helping out such a good cause, and spending time with such awesome people!

If you’re ever in the area and want an amazing place to spend a few hours (or even an entire day!), I can’t recommend Duke Farms enough. Here’s the website if you’re interested in learning more. 

Thanks for reading, have a fabulous day! :)