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May 1 - 8

May Day Alert!

Photo by Dan Bacon.
May Day invokes a certain emotional and sensual liberty, summoning waves of Spring Fever and the happy feeling that this most stirring season still lies largely before us, sometime when the rain stops. Time to get out and smell whatever you can! And what better place to do your sniffing than New Jersey’s Great Northwest Skylands? Take advantage of a calendar bursting with colorful things for you and your family to enjoy. Or check the Skylands outdoor destinations map.

Mansion In May

The Blairsden chateau and property in Gladstone-Peapak.
If ever C. Ledyard Blair sat on his granddaddy’s knee, it would have been in a plain two story white frame house with green blinds on a hill behind the post office in the Warren County town that bore his family’s name. The boy might have heard about the early days of the nineteenth century when his grandfather, John Insley Blair, began to make his way from the meager means of the farm where he was born on the banks of the Delaware River to prosperity that ranked him one of the world’s wealthiest men. A year before his grandfather died in 1899, C. Ledyard began the construction of a 62,000 square-foot, five-story Louis XIII style mansion atop a cropped hill in Somerset County. He called it Blairsden. More...
Since 1974, the Women's Association of Morristown Medical Center has transformed sixteen of the most elegant and historic estate homes and mansions in Morris and Somerset counties into breathtaking showhouses that have delighted thousands of visitors over the years. The month-long events, known as The Mansion in May, have raised over six million dollars in support of The Gagnon Heart Institute, Goryeb Children's Hospital, the Carol Simon Cancer Center, the Emergency Department and other departments at Morristown Medical Center. Blairsden is by far, the largest structure undertaken by the organizers, one you don't want to miss! Check the website for more information and tickets.

Curtains

RVCCArts nears the end of this season's fabulous schedule of theatre, as The International String Trio takes audiences on a cultural musical journey tonight (May 1), performing music from countries around the world. On Saturday, kids can enjoy Circus Incognitus, as clowning and acrobatic feats are brought to life in a story of a man who has something to say, but can't quite get it out. And on Sunday, the classic tale, Peter Pan, brings you and your family back to Neverland.
Purchase tickets on-line, or call 908/725-3420. Rt. 28 and Lamington Road., North Branch.

Mother's Day Alert!

Hungry Moms deserve a glorious meal on their day (next Sunday). The Olde Mill Inn is sure to please, with either a Mother's Day Buffet Brunch in the Washington Ballroom (menu) or a Mother's Day Dinner at the Grain House Restaurant next door. (menu & details). Perhaps she'll want to stay for both! The Chef has designed special menus so that you can treat your Mom to a wonderful meal and turn it into a memorable family occasion. Call 908-696-2335 for reservations. The Olde Mill Inn is located just south of Morristown at 225 Route 202 in Basking Ridge.

Open Book

Bevans
A selection of a dozen artists will have booths set up and be selling their work.

On Sunday, May 4, Peters Valley Crafts Center showcases its mission with studio tours and demonstrations, craft exhibitors and an exhibition of work by the area's most talented artists. Hop on the bus and spend some time touring the Peters Valley Studios: Blacksmithing, Ceramics, Fiber, Fine Metals, Photography, Special Topics, Weaving and Woodworking. In addition, there will be artist demonstrations scattered throughout campus and professional artists selling their wearables, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, and more! This is the day to visit the center and plan your summer eduvacation! Peters Valley is in the Delaware Water Gap NRA: 19 Kuhn Road (Rt. 615), Layton. 973/948-5200.

On top of old Morris

On the southeast side of the park, a broad and colorless swamp is eerily populated by a host of beaver cut and half fallen, decaying trees
Rising beyond the eastern shore of the Rockaway River stands the Tourne, a modest mountain known for its rocky terrain and spectacular New York skyline views. A woodsy retreat dotted with glacial deposits, it overlooks historic country landscapes, long favored by bikers, hikers, naturalists, horse and aviation enthusiasts: a recreational and picturesque oasis in the middle of busy Morris County. More...

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Magazine
We were delighted when Hunterdon County artist, John Crouse, offered to paint the cover for this spring issue. With reference photos taken on thin ice in the dead of winter, he created this scene, looking north on the Delaware River towards the bridge at Frenchtown.
This spring, think Skylands! 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.
Meanwhile, tap our calendar for the best events for you and your family, or check our current 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.
Sign up to receive a Skylands Visitor magazine for each season here . Enjoy a year round supply of great things to see and do in Northwest New Jersey!
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