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December 12 - 17

Deck The Halls!

santa
Morristown's Macculloch Hall Museum is the repository of much of Thomas Nast's work.
For a number of years, Thomas Nast’s studio overlooked the Morristown Green, and his bountiful output of nationally published Christmas drawings that frequently included images of his children and his home on Macculloch Avenue undoubtedly spurred Morristown’s celebration of Santa and Christmas. The famous illustrator and political cartoonist -- who also created Uncle Sam, the Democratic Donkey, the Republican Elephant and other famous icons -- had produced a drawing for Harpers Weekly that established the image of Santa Claus that we know today. He embellished the Santa Claus legend by adding the ideas of Santa keeping lists of the good little boys and girls, and of a workshop at the North Pole. Today, Santa's proliferation confirms tenacious grips on traditions that glue Americans together, regardless of religious beliefs.
You’ve got your lists, you’ve got your Christmas music on the radio… and Santa’s scheduled to fly in less than two weeks! Pick from hundreds of handmade, original items from any number of gift shops and galleries on the Main Streets of Northwest New Jersey. Or how about a gift certificate at a special destination in our area?

World Class

The gallery shows work by the most renowned wildlife artists from around the world, such as that of Carl Brenders and Fuz Cafario (above) as well a wide range of regional artists. Here's a list...
Decoys and Wildlife Gallery contains an extensive collection of original paintings by some of the world's most renowned artists, as well as the area’s largest selection of hand carved decoys, representing carvers across the U.S.. Choose a gift for a lifetime for the most discerning art-lover or collector. 55 Bridge St., Frenchtown; 908/996-6501.

While you're in Frenchtown, stop at the National Hotel for a bite and consider a membership in the National Wine Club as a viable gift option. Club members receive exclusive benefits such as special events and tastings, as well as generous discounts. For more information click or call 908/996-3200.

Local Flavor

A selection from any of the Vintage North Jersey wineries will go well on your holiday table or under the tree. There are several Holiday Trails that you can follow, and combine your winery trip with antique and crafts shops, Christmas tree farms, and restaurants. For example, here's a trip through the lower Musconetcong valley. Here's a map and directions to each winery. Or check for offers and order by phone or online:

All Spruced Up!

Cut your own Christmas tree! Choose from 20,000 beauties at Evergreen Valley Tree Farm. The farm is located at 77 Jackson Valley Road in Washington Township, just off of Route 31. Click or call 908/835-0557.
Opting for a real Christmas tree helps the local environment, local economy, even rural landscapes. Cutting your own Christmas tree can be a day-long and memorable event for your family. Remember to wear boots and bring a warm jacket as the conditions could be muddy and it is always chilly.

To Be Jolly!

The Ship Inn is New Jersey's First Brew Pub, and there is a generous assortment of freshly brewed beer in addition to 14 British ales and hard cider on tap. The Ship's menu proudly features locally grown produce and locally pastured meats. Housed in a classic Victorian era building that retains a tin ceiling, beams and handmade brickwork, as well as marine artifacts from across the oceans, a visit to The Ship makes a great gift, and if you purchase a gift certificate for someone this holiday, you get a complimentary reward! For every $25 dollars that you spend for someone else, you will receive an additional $5 in reward, valid for redemption (food purchases only) from 01/02/15 until 03/15/15. Click or call 908/995-0188 (reservations highly recommended). 61 Bridge St., Milford, NJ.

Picture This!

A wolf-watch at the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia makes an outstanding gift. From an observation area in the center of four packs of wolves, visitors learn about the social structure of wolf packs, their eating habits, their interaction with man and many other interesting facts. Lakota also offers private, guided photography sessions that focus on each group, even separate individuals. Through portal openings in the fencing, you can take unobstructed pictures of the wolves as they go about their business, roaming deep in the woods, or almost close enough to touch (please don’t!). You’ll get to know each personality and each pack’s dynamic. Photographers range from serious amateurs and professionals to point-and-shooters who just want to be as close as possible to the wolves. All come away with pictures that make them proud, delighted with the additions to their personal portfolios and the one-on-one experience with their subjects. A perfect gift for the photographer in your life! Call toll free for gift certificates or more information: 1-877-SEE-WOLF or go to Lakota Wolf website. The preserve is located at Camp Taylor Campground, 85 Mt. Pleasant Rd in Columbia.

High Class

How about something really over the top? Like an exciting hot-air balloon flight packaged with a cozy bed and breakfast and an elegant dinner. Let the experienced professionals at In Flight Balloon Adventures make all the arrangements. Hot air balloon rides fly 365 days/year weather permitting. Enjoy your sunset or sunrise bird's eye view of beautiful picturesque hills, fields and historic homes, followed by a complimentary champagne, non-alcoholic drinks and hors d'oeuvres tailgate party. Combine your adventure with the romance of elegant dining, followed by a comfortable night in a charming country bed and breakfast. Sunrise flight, evening flight, dinner before or after - your choice. Click or call toll free 1-888-301-ADVENTURE (2383)
Now that we've seen our first snow , you might consider a gift card at Shawnee Mountain Ski Resort. There's spectacular skiing and snowboarding on twenty-three trails with nine lifts and a snowtubing park. Shawnee pride's itself on being beginner-friendly with special starter packages as well as affordable Ski & Stay packages with families in mind. Give a gift at the Pocono’s favorite ski resort!
For holiday shopping that's always worth the trip, Liberty Village Premium Outlets in Flemington is the place. You can download this gift guide for ideas, then go find the exceptional brands you love at extraordinary savings. If you're over 50 you can save an extra 10% at selected stores on Tuesday!
Check here for hours, store promotions and other holiday events, and while you're at it, see if you can win a $10,000 shopping spree!

Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Think Skylands for the Holidays! Sign up here for a year round supply of great things to see and do in Northwest New Jersey! (Easy gift.)
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.
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.
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