🍁 The Hero Walk, a Haunted Hayride, and Mocktails to End the Night!

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South Jersey is not letting go of fall without a fight! With Halloween just around the corner, every weekend feels like a decision-making Olympic sport: where do we go next?! 

🎃 Fall Fun Fest at Somers Mansion

We kicked things off at the Somers Mansion Fall Fun Fest filled with food trucks, costume-clad kiddos, spooky vendor vibes, and even ghost tours inside the historic mansion. Have you ever been inside? Drop a comment because I’m dying to know if it’s actually haunted… 

While I scoped out the snacks, Joe braved the epic Sip-a-Latte line so we could secure their famous BOO Bucket coffee. Was it worth the wait? YES. Sip-a-Latte never misses. Always a 10/10 Sober Party Girl Score. 

After a stroll through the vendors we came across a food tent. The surprise star of the day: Angeloni’s from Atlantic City was serving up fresh pasta. Joe got some twisted noodles tossed in spicy cheese sauce and I opted for some odd shaped ball pasta in pesto. OHHH MY GOD!! Hooked for life. Someone take my wallet because I am already planning a proper pasta date night. 

🚶‍♀️🚓 The Hero Walk on the Ocean City Boardwalk

Next stop: Ocean City for the Hero Walk, a fundraiser that supports designated drivers and safe nights out. 

Boardwalk views, sea breezes,  a parade of wrapped police cars in Hero Campaign decals? The new Hero Campaign Tow Truck was revealed along with the new Atlantic County prosecutor’s vehicle in a Hero Campaign wrap. Along your walk on the boardwalk were over a dozen wrapped police cars with Hero Campaign messages and logos. Pretty inspiring. And yes, we rehydrated the only way possible… with pumpkin ice cream from Kohr Bros. That counts as water, right? 

😱 Terror in the Junkyard at Scullville Fire Company

Later that night, it was time to scream our heads off! The Scullville Fire Company transformed Fleming’s Junkyard into the ultimate haunted hayride. Every year the volunteer fire fighters transform this space into a haunted hayride and labyrinth. We grabbed a slice of pizza, some popcorn, and a drink and waited in line. We were pretty early so by the time we ate our snacks we got to the front of the line. This year was so much fun! Just like every year tbh. I have a genuine fear of chainsaws so, if you heard shrieking in the distance, I don’t want to talk about it. 

Would I do it again next year? Absolutely. 

🍔 Mocktails + Comfort Eats at Vagabond

To bring our heart rates back down, we headed to Vagabond at McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links. The original Vagabond is located in Atlantic City, and once the restaurant at McCullough’s opened, they had to jump at the opportunity. The current owners purchased the AC property after super storm Sandy, and turned the tragic storm-hit restaurant back into a rockin restaurant. So, naturally, days after opening the golf course eatery, COVID forced everyone everywhere to shut down. Thankfully that didn’t put a damper on their success. With the original location being recognized nationally for its good food and amazing views, the newest Egg Harbor Township location was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives in 2023. A classic place serving up classics like wings and burgers along with their special creations like turkey apple brie sandwiches and tequila shrimp. Basically: it’s a local legend.

There wasn’t a printed mocktail list, but our server said the words every sober girl dreams of:
 “The bartender can make whatever you want.” Dealer’s choice!

A few minutes later, the server came back, placed down some mysterious pink drinks and straight up said “I’m not going to tell you what’s in it… unless you’re allergic.” Which LOL alright, but Joe is allergic to cherry. No cherry was involved, so we are good! Fortunately, I was able to vaguely hear the bartender explain to him what was in the drinks: Cranberry and orange juice was all I could make out. 


Citrusy, slightly fizzy, totally refreshing. Perfect post-hayride chill potion.

Food rundown:
 ⭐ Hummus Platter – HUGE.  It came with a mountain of hummus, a dollop of tzatziki, celery, carrots, red peppers, pita, and cucumber. The odd garnish of a single lettuce leaf stabbed in the middle of the hummus was an interesting voice, but also delicious. 


 ⭐ Spicy Corn Chowder – Creamy, crabby, crunchy. GET THIS. The chowder was full of crab meat and corn. It was topped with breadcrumbs for a pleasant crunch along with the creamy soup.


 ⭐ Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese – Curly pasta = destiny. A cheesy hit with just enough kick.

We left happy, full, and ready to crash into pajamas the second we got home. Next time, we will have to do a whole dinner at Vagabond. It was so good, and I want more! Especially now that I know there is a mocktail mixologist that can make a good creation or two! 

Until Next Time,

The Sober Party Girl

 Final Sober Party Girl Score: 9/10!


Your Turn!

Have you:
 ✅ Survived a haunted hayride this year?
 ✅ Sipped a spooky seasonal drink?
 ✅ Walked the OC boards for a good cause?

Tell me your fave fall spot in South Jersey — I need ideas for next weekend! 👇🎃🍂
 And if you want more mocktail adventures, don’t forget to follow along! ✨

Pros & Cons of Our Fall Adventure Weekend

Pros

  • ☕️ Sip-a-Latte BOO Bucket = worth every second in line

  • 🍝 Surprise gourmet pasta find (Angeloni’s = yum!)

  • 🌊 Beautiful boardwalk stroll for a great cause

  • 🍦 Pumpkin ice cream = the perfect “we ran out of water” excuse

  • 🚜 The hayride setting in a real junkyard is unmatched

  • 🍹 Mystery mocktails crafted on the spot

  • 🍲 Corn chowder worth writing home about

Cons

  • 🔪 Chainsaws… my personal nightmare

  • 📜 No dedicated mocktail menu (yet!)
Location: Egg Harbor Township, NJ, USA

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