June 28 - July 4

Bonfires and Illuminations!

June hands off to July, and summer starts to roll. Firecrackers, fairs, picnics and independence! There's always a link to good old summer time. Pay attention, the days are already getting shorter!

Kutztown Folk Festival

The Kutztown Folk Festival, opens this Saturday, June 29 and runs through Sunday, July 7, over in Berks County, PA. One of the country's most celebrated festivals, the Kutztown Festival is the oldest continuing folklife event in the nation, featuring folk art and crafts by 200 craftsmen, the largest exhibition and sale of authentic Pennsylvania Dutch quilts in the country, six stages of continuous entertainment, music, a wide array of children’s activities, and the best Pennsylvania Dutch food found anywhere.

Click for special offer!

Print this discount admission coupon or download here. It’s worth three bucks; almost a gallon of gas, depending on the day. Fill up your car with some more people (and coupons) and you end up with maybe a couple of free gallons!. The festival is worth the trip. Rt. I-78 or Rt. 22 West to Exit 49A, Rt. 100 South to Rt. 222 South to Kutztown (map).

Fruity Loop

There is nothing like a tall, cool glass of Sangria on a hot summer day. This weekend (June 29-30), wineries along the Vintage North Jersey Wine Trail will blend up their best Sangria recipes for you to sample; from tropical white wine potions to deep fruity brews. Find out what each participating member has in store and plan your day (or two)! You'll taste a wide range of Sangria styles, and maybe find a recipe to mix at home. Here's a map and directions to each winery. It’s a Sangria sipping adventure along the Vintage North Jersey wine trail!

Morris Canal Lock #7 West at New Village

Homeward Bound

Read about a canal boat captain and her two daughters as they navigate the Morris Canal in June, 1863. With your imagination properly stimulated, make time this summer to introduce yourself to the Morris Canal and all its wonders!

A full scale canal boat model is on display at Bread Lock Park.

The canal's 102-mile meander across northern New Jersey, from Phillipsburg to Jersey City, was walked by every mule driver for every team that pulled a canal boat from 1831 to 1924. A number of partners have turned portions of the canal into recreational paths so that you can learn about the canal while spending time along its route. At this Saturday's (June 29) Canal Day at Waterloo Village , then on alternate Saturdays throughout the summer, the Canal Society of New Jersey will offer guided tours of Waterloo Village in Stanhope, a restored town along the canal, along with special presentations, exhibits and craft demonstrations. The Waterloo Canal Heritage Days run from 11am - 5pm and are free. Other sites along the Morris Canal Greenway include Bread Lock Park and the Jim and Mary Lee Museum.

Independence Days

John Adams predicted how Americans would spend our future Independence Days when he wrote on July 3, 1776: "It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." Read more...

In New Jersey we are fortunate to be able to celebrate this most patriotic of holidays on hallowed ground, the Crossroads of the Revolution, where so many crucial moments in the war took place. In Morristown, this year's expanded activities on July 4 will begin on the historic Morristown Green to accommodate what is expected to be a record-setting crowd, and also to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the National Historical Park. The reading of the Declaration of Independence by a costumed reenactor will inaugurate an event known as Revolutionary Times, a day-long schedule of activities that culminates with evening fireworks. For more information, Click or call the Morris County Tourism Bureau at 973/631-5151

Fourth of July patriotic exercises also traditionally occur at the 20-acre park at 1761 Middlebrook Rd., in Bridgewater, that commemorates the two major Continental Army encampments at Middlebrook, in spring of 1777, and winter of 1778-79. For well over a century a solemn Independence Day Ceremony there, well-attended by dignitaries, has consisted of a changing of the 13-star flag and the reading of the Declaration, followed by a keynote speaker and an historical address. Ceremonies begin at 10:30am.

If somehow you miss the fun on the Fourth, the folks at Shawnee Mountain just across the Delaware River in Shawnee, PA, do a great job, this year on Friday, July 5. An outdoor DJ, Uncle Sam Stilt Walker, Mark Clark's "All American Magic Show", various food & craft vendors, and a delicious Hickory Licks barbecue precede fireworks at 9pm.

And if you plan to be out of town on the Fourth, you can join the parade down Main Street and gather at the green for a patriotic speech at Millbrook Village in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area this Saturday, June 29. The event starts at 10am. Click or call 908/537-7079.

More Independence Days...

Liberty Village Premium Outlets

Sales!

Do your patriotic chore and take advantage of the tradition of good bargains at the July 4th Summer Sale at Liberty Village Premium Outlets in Flemington runs from Thursday July 4 - Monday, July 8. Find additional discounts off the everyday savings of 25% - 65%. Visit the top names in fashion designers, jewelry, specialty gifts, shoes, and more. There will also be live music in the courtyard on Thursday. For sale event markdowns visit the website. Church Street, Flemington. 908/782-8550.

Click for canoe, kayak, raft, or tubing discounts
and stay cool!

Photo by Bob Thompson

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Think Skylands! Tap our calendar for the best events for you and your family, or check our summer stories. Stay tuned to our Day Trip Map for good ideas for a scenic drive! Or use the Outdoor Map for links to all sorts of hikes and outdoor fun! Northwest New Jersey and destinations just beyond those borders, in Pennsylvania and New York, offer brilliant ways to get out and enjoy the pleasures of the season.

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