November 8 - 15
November Song
Photo by Trish Romano
Some
days unfold slowly, but listen carefully to catch their
rhythm, and you may
enjoy the tune. There is
much to do; bundle up and enjoy!
Can you believe it? Two weeks until Thanksgiving!
Measures of Devotion
General Robert McAllister’s grave at Belvidere Cemetery
58,000 New Jersey men served in the Civil War. With reenlistments, the state would eventually receive credit for more than 80,000 terms of service. The legacies of General Robert McAllister, Charles Hopkins, Daniel Bailey, Henry Ryerson and other
heroic figures from the Civil War are told by monuments, museums, and living history groups.
Monuments to patriotic service decorate Northwest New Jersey in prominent and tucked away places. They are statues and plaques, fine-crafted or natural rock, some are pedestaled and others are so discreet as to appear part of the natural landscape. They all commemorate a part of our history, and often remind us of courageous men and women who have served our country. Remember them Saturday (Nov. 11) on
Veterans Day.
Big Skylands Country
Merrill Creek Reservoir
Warren County's Scott's Mountain, so named since at least 1885, is known locally as
Montana Mountain, named for the small hamlet that sits on its scenic plateau. Nearby Merrill Creek Reservoir, with its vast open waters and network of wooded trails, is deserving of any excursion up the mountain. The trip back down into and through the
Pohatcong Valley is equally rewarding for students of history and devotees of the outdoors.
Welcome to Kinney Land!
Built on a tiny Lake Kinnelon island in 1886, St. Hubert’s Chapel is accessible only by boat. Photo: Corrine Kline
It began with a tobacco fortune and country retreat carved out of New Jersey hills and farmland. From high elevations — socially, financially and geologically speaking — the Kinney family, founders of the Kinney Tobacco Company, could look back toward New York City, where the money was made.
Read more!
Southern Exposure
Part of the former the Kuser Estate on top of Bald Pate Mountain.
Just a few miles south of Lambertville lies an area ripe for weekend adventure and exploration. At
Bald Pate Mountain, components of local, national, and natural history are well represented, as well as brilliant prospects for craft seekers, hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and picnickers. To get there, head south from Lambertville on Route 29, enjoying glimpses of the Delaware & Raritan Canal feeder and the Delaware River along the way.
Canned Sunshine
Not so long ago, every family had a root cellar, and canning of all the excess bounty, whether from the home garden or the farm stand, was standard practice. With the advent of the home refrigerator in the 1900s, freezing produce at the peak of just-picked freshness became a simple chore, and cooks filled their freezers with these delectable delights for use all winter long. It's not too late to take advantage of the fall harvest, and
"put up" some food for healthy, nutritious eating during the long winter months.
November 2 - 9
Time waits for no one...
The
peak fall foliage bloom
is moving steadily through the Delaware Water Gap.
except for this weekend when they turn the clocks back and shorten the days up real quick.
Daylight Craving Time!
But there are still plenty of
glory days left, and still plenty of fun listed on our
calendar.
Flight Patterns
A visit to the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, PA, during the fall
raptor migration of 1964, inspired Len and Diane Soucy's special interest in birds of prey, and led to their life's work at
The Raptor Trust in Millington. Although watching birds of prey doesn't have to define your life, you may find yourself with a bit of
raptor fever after a taste of the annual fall migration. Some species, like the northern goshawk, golden eagle, and red-tailed hawk actually increase in numbers in November, but each species has its own window of time. You can start with this
primer
for watching these magnificent and magical birds. Then head for
Merrill Creek Reservoir,
Raccoon Ridge,
Wildcat Ridge
or several other prime spots in the region.
Blueberry Hill
Find your thrill walking the Monument Trail in
High Point State Park. The path along the forested mountain top at the top of New Jersey at 1,800 feet offers palettes of color and texture that only the shallow-soil ridges of High Point can. Let the stillness and quiet of this blueberry-clad mountain top forest on ancient rock fire your imagination!
Botanical Spell
A peaceful scene at the Bamboo Brook Education Center.
Even as they retreat, gardens seem to procure new life in the fall. Plan to spend a day
on an easy walk along
Patriot's Path--garden to garden--from Kay Environmental Center to Bamboo Brook to Willowwood Arboretum. Get to know the richness and pleasures of their natural and cultivated diversity.
Packed to the Rafters
Learn something everyday, even if it's about roof-lines! How about this Dutch Gambrel? Ain't she a beauty?
Early Dutch settlers wandered through the Raritan Valley in the mid 1700s and put down roots in what is now Readington Township in Hunterdon County. One of those old farmsteads later became a summer retreat for a famous actress and her acclaimed playwright husband. Today the
Bouman-Stickney Farmstead and surrounding sixty-acre park, which is always accessible for walks or peaceful respite, is worth noting for a late fall destination. And the
Open House this Sunday (1-4pm) is the perfect introduction!
114 Dreahook Road in Stanton, 908/236-2327
.
On the Trail
Each of the fourteen sites along this weekend's
Explore Warren History Trail offers visitors a special activity. At Knowlton's
Ramsaysburg Historic Homestead, trail-goers will enjoy the annual
Riverside Fall Festival along with docent tours of the grounds on
Saturday, November 4 (10am-4pm). Visit
Ken's Famous Apple Tent to taste an assortment of locally-grown apples, as well as cider pressed on-site, and choose from an array of homemade baked apple goods at
Ye Olde Bake Sale. E&R Mathez Farm will offer samplings of their delicious honey and
River Valley Community Grains offer locally-grown grains, milled flour, and other items. There will be wool spinning, lace tatting and kid’s activities that will include making corn husk dolls. And Belvidere gallery
Infloressence will display a large sample of unique folk-style fine art. As always, visitors can enjoy the natural allure of the property and relish magnificent seasonal views along Delaware River. The Ramsaysburg Homestead is located at
140 Route 46 at Ramseyburg Road in Delaware, NJ.
October 25 -31
Scare Tactics
Halloween means chilly days and barren limbs are not far ahead, so get out and tear up the terrain this weekend. Check our
calendar
for local
tricks and treats.
In
Washington Borough the festivities begin on Thursday evening (Oct. 26)
with the
Day of the Dead--Dia de los Muertos Celebration. Celebrate with a traditional Mariachi Band, sugar skull face painting, vendors, sending a message to your deceased loved ones in the fire pit and more! Then follow up on Tuesday (Oct. 31) at the annual
Hometown Halloween activities.
Master of Horror
It's an evening of suspense as Daniel Hall Kuhn brings
Alone, Stories by Edgar Allan Poe to
Centenary Stage. This multi-disciplinary immersive show brings six stories and poems by Poe, including The Raven, Tell Tale Heart and Annabel Lee to life in a way you will never forget! The performance is part of CSC's
Fringe Festival, a selection of limited engagement modern professional theatre pieces straight from NYC featuring exciting solo performances and exhilarating productions to deliver an engaging one-of-a-kind theatrical experience in the intimate
Kutz Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center at
715 Grand Ave, Hackettstown. For tickets,
click
or call 908/979-0900.
Eminent Remains
A visitor walking around the
Burying Ground of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown will recognize two things right away: a lot of gravestones corresponding to Morristown street names such as Mills, Cutler, Condict, DeHart, Vail and Phoenix (to name a few); and what the ravages of time and nature can do to a place.
The Blair Trail
This triumvirate of stately buildings—the National Bank, Water Works and Old Mill—lends a certain gravitas to the village of Blairstown in keeping with the prominence of its namesake.
In 1839, the Warren County village known as Gravel Hill renamed itself in honor of its most celebrated citizen, 37-year-old John Insley Blair. Today, Blairstown's Historic District, which retains many buildings built during John Blair's lifetime, reminds us not only of the man's profound influence on the development of transportation and industry in America, but also suggests a virtual trail of his life through the places where he learned to make his way.
Follow John I. Blair's life through Blairstown, Hope, Belvidere and Delaware.
The timing couldn't be better ––
Blairstown's Fall Festival returns to Footbridge Park on Saturday, Oct. 28.
Autumn in the boundary waters
The Division of Fish and Wildlife stocks only larger two-year old trout in the fall.
As the autumn brisk takes hold,
fish regain their ambition. In the Delaware River,
big bass come into season, fattening up and settling down for winter.
The big fish, cool water, great weather and spectacular scenery combined to make the fall season what many consider to be New Jersey’s premium fishing season.
October 18 -25
Foliated again!
The annual fall foliage bloom is dependent primarily on moisture and the first frost, but peak leaf viewing in Northwest New Jersey normally occurs right about now. So, do yourself a favor and leave it all behind for a couple of hours on the road, lined with good things to do and
colorful panoramas for leaf peepers.
On the north side of
Branchville is a 15,482-acre playground known as
Stokes State Forest. It's mountains of gorgeous woods and clean water, and it's mountains of fall fun.
Pick from a multitude of
daytrip itineraries and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
Taste Test
On Saturday (Oct. 21) the twelfth annual
Sussex County Harvest, Honey and Garlic Festival
will celebrate the agriculture, heritage and outdoor attributes of
New Jersey's Great Northwest.
The annual Sussex County autumn celebration features a
farmers’ market, family activities, craft demonstrations, agricultural exhibits, food vendors, local artisans, and live music. The
Sussex County Beekeepers Association will have educational displays, materials and an array of honey products. For those who love all things garlic, we’ll have the
Garden State Garlic Growers. The
free, family oriented event runs from 10am - 4pm at the
Sussex County Fairgrounds,
37 Plains Road in Augusta. For more details,
click here!
Wonders of Nature
Wood-fired rustic breads and delicious natural artisanal cheeses at Bobolink
Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse makes regenerative and sustainable foods that nourish people in harmony with the innate processes of the earth - true Wonders of Nature! Happy cows that live outside, eating grass and being milked seasonally, make delicious natural cheese, the artisanal cheeses that Bobolink is known for. The farm offers regular tours, but
this Sunday (Oct. 22) looks to be a
down-home educational farm fun morning! Come and see the cows in the barnyard anytime after 9, then mosey on over to the farm house lawn at 9:30 where you can purchase a house-made morning snack! Then at 10,
Annie and the Natural Wonder Band begin an interactive show that includes songs all about the wonders of Nature.
Kids will be engaged, and the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles will have a great time, too!
369 Stamets Rd, Milford (Hunterdon County) 08848, 908/86GRASS.
Or order online.
Denville Detour
Jonathan's Woods. Photo by Dan Balogh.
Even today, if you needed a natural hideout—a really good one—
Jonathan’s Woods could work. This six hundred plus acre pocket of undeveloped property, speckled with high and low ferns and Indian paintbrush, crossed by slender streams and marked by sharply rising rocky outcroppings, lies not far from one of Morris County’s busiest highways: Interstate Route 80. And yet the tract offers unexpected isolation. You could, as they say,
get lost here!
Pequest Pilgrims
Bucolic pasture along Long Bridge Road.
Immerse yourself in autumn beauty, the region's heritage, and a spectrum of natural features along this
forty-mile loop
that parallels the
Pequest River
through its upper reaches. Some of the things to look for: swamp islands, black dirt, a Quaker burial ground,
Logg Gaol, the Lackawanna Cutoff, Muckshaw Ponds, Moody's Rock, Yellow Frame,
Dark Moon Cemetery, an octagonal house, Devil's Kitchen cave, the
White Pilgrim, Jenny Jump, Ghost Lake, and
Shades of Death. You'll need a designated driver to
see all this stuff!
October 12 -19
Get Lost!
Generally, the color works its way down, north to south, so start at the top and don't miss some of the prettiest vistas on the East Coast throughout the Walpack Valley, a wild and scenic countryside.
Indian Summer is sweet and short. Chilly days and barren limbs are not far ahead, so get out your walking stick and hit the road, lined with
good things to do and
colorful panoramas for leaf peepers. Pick from a multitude of
daytrip itineraries and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
Park Place
One day this fall you are likely to find yourself headed to New Jersey’s northernmost corner in search of autumn adventure. You may be guided by way of either of two well-known parks; both the
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and
High Point State Park are automatic answers for where to go for memorable vistas, scenic hikes through brisk autumn air, or drives shrouded in seasonal color and rural mystique. The parks converge at the top of the state in the township of Montague, and although few visitors care what zip code they’re in, some exploration beyond the park borders can be
quickly rewarded.
Time To Kill
The Paulina Dam, an early hydro-electric structure built circa 1896, is one of the last dams on the Paulins Kill. After the recent removal of the Columbia Lake Dam nine miles downstream, the river now flows freely to its outlet at the Delaware. Photo: Mary Jasch
The
Paulins Kill is New Jersey’s third-largest tributary of the Delaware River, and its watershed covers a total area of 177 square miles. The river flows north from its source near Newton in Sussex County, and then turns southwest toward the Warren County townships of Frelinghuysen, Hardwick, Blairstown, and Knowlton.
Follow the river!
Trickle Down
Spruce Run Creek is a sparkling ribbon of natural beauty whose course through rich agricultural land interspersed with hardwood and evergreen forests still embodies the area's early history and provides sanctuary for many species of wildlife. The spring rises along the ridge of Schooley's Mountain, ten miles northeast of the reservoir near the boundary of Washington Township, in Morris County, and Lebanon Township, in Hunterdon County.
Harvest Kings
The restored Nesbitt's Mill in Mendham is open for public visitation.
By the time the mill at Ralston squeezed its first drop of cider, the brandy industry in New Jersey was more than 130 years old, having begun in Morris County in 1773. Of all the
cider mills in New Jersey, Nesbitt's is the
only survivor. This Saturday (Oct. 14) is
Annual Pressing Day at the mill.
Bringing it all back home
Natalie Burger with her herd of treasured fiber livestock at Hidden Pastures.
Women make up twenty-two percent of New Jersey's 15,936-plus farmers, and their rate is steadily increasing (USDA Census). They come with ideals and energy to make the world a better place. They earn a living being outdoors doing what they love, and they come to educate. They all come with grit, knowledge and spirit.
Meet a couple...
October 5 -12
The Hunt For Orange October!
The
annual fall foliage bloom is dependent primarily on moisture and the first frost, but peak leaf viewing in Northwest New Jersey normally begins in the first half of October. So, do yourself a favor and leave it all behind for a couple of hours on the road, lined with good things to do and
colorful panoramas for leaf peepers.
Pick from a multitude of
daytrip itineraries and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
Meadow Walks
A walk in an autumn meadow — make it simple and bring just your senses! Look at the vibrant golden and purple wildflowers and luminous oranges of butterflies like the Buckeye and Monarch. Smell crisp and pungent aromas of Mountain Mint and Wild Bergamot seed heads. Listen to the song of our state bird, the Gold Finch. Or bring some gear like a camera and binoculars, perhaps a magnifying glass or loupe to bring your findings into close focus. Whatever your approach, make sure to
take a slow ramble this fall.
Roadside Attractions
Van Campen Inn on Old Mine Road in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
A casual stop at the Isaac Van Campen House (or Van Campen Inn) blossoms effortlessly into a
full day of exploration and discovery. The Inn is among the most prominent "official” destinations along the Old Mine Road, but it is not at all apparent how many features actually wait here for discovery. You can find out this Sunday (Oct. 8) during
Van Campen Day when the
Walpack Historical Society holds demonstrations of early crafts and preparing foods when Walpack was on the edge of the frontier. A parade lead by the Colonial Musketeers takes visitors on a tour of nearby historical sites and markers: a former fort and cemetery, as well as the Van Campen Inn itself.
A special day in a special place!
In the Loop
An abandoned shaft at the site of the old Weldon Mine
Present or past, time in
Jefferson Township
is easy to enjoy. You can get a feel for northwest corner of Morris County and have a nice afternoon adventure on a loop more or less around Bowling Green Mountain, starting in and up the Berkshire Valley to Petersburg, over the mountain through Milton and Jefferson (town), and back through the Weldon Brook Valley along Weldon Road towards Lake Hopatcong.
Drive it!
Homeward Bound on the Morris Canal
Morris Canal Lock #7 West at New Village
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 to
introduce yourself to
Lock 7 West, also known as Bread Lock, as home made potato bread and pies were sold at a little shack located at the foot of the lock. At today's
Bread Lock Park, located on
Route 57E (mile marker 4) in New Village, a short section of the canal towpath and canal prism has been cleared and offers a lovely walk. The park and museum, one of many sites along the
Warren County Canal Greenway will be open this Sunday afternoon (Oct. 8) from 1-4.
Golden Morning
Early morning fog is slow to fade as I pull the fly rod from its cotton sleeve. When the sun breaks through the shroud, leaves of poplar, black birch, oak, and shagbark hickory appear to glow.
Awash in color, the surrounding hills complement the two sections of golden cane.
September 21 - 28
eQuality!
Lisa Madson transfers the colorful impressions of flowers, leaves, grass and bark and other bits of nature onto heavy-duty watercolor paper; much as nature, over time, leaves images of animals and plants on rock.
As the sun heads south across the equator, Northwest New Jersey will prove itself a popular stage for quality arts, crafts, natural and historical celebrations all season, as
autumn arrives early Saturday, Sept 23
(2:50 am) with a schedule of colorful programs. Soft and mellow autumn days can be intoxicating. For now, at the equinox,
night and day are equal partners, but the balance begins to tip! So make sure to keep an eye on our
calendar
for this and coming autumn weekends. Pick from a multitude of
daytrip itineraries and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
Three Hundred Years of Solitude
The Solitude House stands as a testament to our collective history as a new nation, as well as testament to all those who persevered in the face of overwhelming odds to succeed.
The Hunterdon County Borough of
High Bridge would on its face appear little different than any of the other many municipalities in New Jersey. However, the sign, “Settled in 1700”, which welcomes those who pass through this sleepy little town, implies a long abiding heritage: a story of the longest continually operating iron and steel company in United States and the workers who helped shape our country's history and destiny.
Read about the Union Forge and walk the Taylor Steelworkers Historic Greenway...
The Franklin Marble
The wilds of Sparta Mountain begin at Ryker Lake. (Dan Balogh)
The sustained productivity of the Sparta Mountain iron mines, which began in the late 1700s, attracted the attention of Thomas Edison, who built a massive experimental plant to process iron ore and a namesake village in 1889. Today, the
Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) includes thousands of acres managed cooperatively by the New Jersey Audubon Society and the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife. The result is an extensive network of trails that beckon outdoor lovers in search of birds and other wildlife, hikers looking for challenging terrain, hunters and fishers, photographers pursuing remote panoramas and seasonal color, or explorers tracking the signs and scars of historical endeavors.
Gear up!
Rushing Water Places
Known to generations of local school kids as the Rock House, the Parsippany Rock Shelter is a collection of titanic glacial boulders that tumbled to form a rudimentary shelter.
Passing through at 65 miles per hour (or not, as many a commuter will tell you) doesn't give much hint about what open space might be on the other side of those familiar acoustic barriers along the highway, but Parsippany's Colonial past and agricultural, and industrial heritages have left some
interesting places to see.
Carping
A Grass Carp caught by James Dempsey, Jr of Ewing New Jersey on May 12, 2011 is the official state record. The huge fish weighed an astounding 55 lbs. 8 oz.!
No, we are not talking about complaining here. To an angler, in particular, a fisherman from Great Britain, the word denotes someone who is dedicated--no, devoted--to the fine art of seeking and catching what some Americans foolishly call "Trash Fish". Carp! You see, more people fish for carp in the world than for any other species. Here in New Jersey, we have countless lakes, rivers, ponds and streams that hold carp.
Go fishin!
September 13 - 20
Don't Miss a Thing!
On this final summer weekend you might consider a drive through the western reaches of the Skylands in search of early autumn flavor.
No doubt, fall is the most precious season. It
looks good, especially with Northwest New Jersey's usual spectacular crop of
fall foliage. And it
tastes even better, thanks to the efforts
all kinds of farmers.
You never really know when autumn's gonna end, but you absolutely know what's coming behind it... SLUSH! Don't miss a thing this fall. It comes and goes so fast, so keep an eye on our
calendar
and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
Crafts in the Country
Nothing announces the arrival of autumn like a good old craft show, just like the one at
Wilbur's Country Store this weekend (Sept. 16 & 17). The annual
Fall Craft Fair at Wilbur's barn-style complex brings
craftspeople and artisans from four states to set up their wares in a
real country setting. For more information about Wilbur's or the fair, located at
735 Route 94 in
Frelinghuysen (between Newton and Blairstown),
click or call 908-362-8833.
Festival in the Borough
This
Saturday, Sept. 16, Warren County’s largest music and street festival features three stages of entertainment with an array of musical genres. Dozens of vendors, children's activities, rides, and a tasty assortment of food will permeate downtown
Washington Borough. The great
Stanley Jordan will head a musical line-up on three stages that also includes Philadelphia Funk Authority, the Hi-Risers, Gina Royale, Water Street Band, JerZgirls, Diamond Eye Jack, Walt Bibinger, Diana Dove, and many more. The
Festival in the Borough is
free to attend and includes plenty of
free parking.This event takes place rain or shine, 10am - 10pm. For information, please call 908/689-4800, or click the Washington Business Improvement District
website.
Dogdom
A remnant of the Dodge Estate, in private hands for well over a century, is now accessible for public recreation.
Of all the things that
Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge left behind—the thirty-five room mansion, hundreds of acres of prime real estate in one of the nation's wealthiest counties, a Fifth Avenue townhouse, enough sterling silver trophies and bronze sculptures to sink a small ship, museum quality paintings, and a forty-four carat sapphire,
St. Hubert's Giralda may have been the one she valued most; a haven for unhappy dogdom.
More...
Hikes, Bikes, and Tykes
Deer Park Pond sits atop Allamuchy Mountain.
Together,
Allamuchy Mountain and Stephens State Parks include 9,600 acres in Morris, Sussex and Warren counties. Allamuchy Mountain State Park lies mainly on the uplands, rising to over 1,100 feet, while Stephens lies in the valley below, along the Musconetcong River. Despite being bisected by Interstate Route 80, there is plenty of space to find your own special spot in this picturesque and diverse landscape. Or immerse yourself in any of the fascinating historical aspects of the park that range from pre-historic to the industrial eras. More than thirty-six miles of old roads and trails connect these sites, weaving a tapestry of natural features that beckon any lover of the outdoors.
More...
Pump It Up!
Canal path from Milford to Stockton in Hunterdon County
Strap on a helmet, pump up the tires and take a bike ride. Go it on your own, bring the family or join a club, but start pedaling folks, because there's no better way to work out the
cardiovascular while observing the sights and sounds of Northwest New Jersey along a variety of specific trails and open road routes. Here are some suggestions from several bike enthusiasts -- among the more passionate hobbyists on earth -- about how to enjoy your wheels. Here are closer looks at some biking routes in
Hunterdon,
Warren, and
Sussex counties.
September 6 - 15
Primetime!
Honey Time! The sweetest part of the year.
In Northwest New Jersey, there's so much going on in September, we need to add a few more days to the end of each week. Otherwise you'll have to make some choices! Keep an eye on our
calendar
and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
King Of Drakesville
The King Store Museum on Main Street in Ledgewood, once known as Drakesville.
Just off Route 10, near the old, now-vanished, Ledgewood Circle, a stone's throw from the mall, the
Drakesville Historic Park
pays tribute to Morris County's pedigree of innovative pioneers.
Ledgewood's historic district consists of
three museums
located on Main Street —the King Store, flanked by the King Homestead and the Silas Riggs House—all in the vicinity of the Morris Canal's Inclined Plane 2 and 3 East and two canal basins.
Read more about Drakesville,
then plan on a
first-hand visit with Ben Franklin who will speak on his inventions, his businesses and his role in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution on the porch of the King House this Sunday (Sept. 10), at 3pm.
209-213 Main Street in
Ledgewood.
Manorism
Shippen Manor
Built in 1741, the
Oxford Furnace was the third furnace in Colonial New Jersey, the first where iron ore was mined, and the operated the longest of any of the Colonial Furnaces. Oxford Furnace and the surrounding historical district are listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Located on a terraced hill overlooking the village, Shippen Manor was built as the iron master’s residence in c. 1754 on the four-thousand-acre estate of Dr. William Shippen, Sr. and his brother, Joseph Shippen, Jr..
Today's
Shippen Manor Museum is open for visitation and offers
public programming on the first and second Sundays of the month. This Sunday (Sept. 10), renactors from the 2nd NJ Regiment, Helms Company will portray the times during the War for American Independence.
8 Belvidere Ave., Oxford, 908/453-4381.
Music Is The Journey
The 45th Annual Celebration of the Arts takes place this weekend, inspired in large part by Phil Woods.
Before his passing in September, 2015, the great alto saxophonist and jazz composer,
Phil Woods, made his home in
Delaware Water Gap, eschewing the city life for the rural serenity of the Pennsylvania Poconos. While the jazz master maintained a busy schedule of performances all over the world, Phil always made time for young aspiring musicians and the local jazz community which has achieved national renown. He was essential to the creation of the town's annual
Celebration of The Arts,
which takes place this weekend, as well as the formation of many local jazz ensembles. We were fortunate to
spend some time with one of the greatest jazz musicians of the modern era.
Wildlife Tracking
When you go for a walk, seek the not-so-obvious. Examining scat and peering through "runs" in the bush, listening to the warning calls of birds, or locating the area where deer slept the night before are the kinds of things that make a hike worthwhile. You need no destination or deadline, just wander. Look closely and you'll feel like you have lived an entire day in a single hour.
More...
Rooms With A View!
Camping doesn't have to end with the summer. In fact,
Kymer's Camping Resort makes a perfect home base for most outdoor fall activities such as
leaf peeping,
bird and wildlife watching, hunting and fishing. The campground offers park model, cabin and luxury tent rentals as well as trailer or tent campsites with water, electric and cable TV hookups. And each weekend, there's
something special going on: Fall Harvest Weekend on September 24, and three big Halloween Weekends right through October! Located on
two-hundred scenic acres in Sussex County near the Kittatinny Mountains, at
69 Kymer Road in Branchville, you won't find a better spot to
enjoy fall outdoors!
August 30 - September 6
So much to do, so little time!
Before you know it, you'll be
picking apples and making pumpkin pie. So live easy while you still can.
It's Labor Day!
Floral Royal
Interested in the lore of unusual as well as common herbs? Want to know more about native plants? How about citrus, jasmine, figs and other funky plants? Looking to plant some fall perennials but not sure what plants to select? Make your way over to
this weekend's (Sept 2-3)
Fall Flower Festival where you'll find tours of spectacular gardens, live music, and a wide selection of curated craft vendors and food at
Well-Sweep Herb Farm! And schedule of
presentations and demonstrations by Well-Sweep's expert staff will be sure to answer all your questions and entice your imagination.
Find out more on their
website or on
facebook, or
call 908/852-5390. Well-Sweep is located between Hackettstown and Washington at
205
Mt. Bethel Rd. in Port Murray.
Find the Way
As wild as its name, the land of "winding, winding water" is home to Indian shelters and some of the best bear dens in NJ, a lake to swim and boat on, great gobs of pudding stone to climb, rock to scramble, ledges for leaping, primeval forest, twenty miles of Appalachian Trail and so much more.
Wawayanda State Park
is a 16,679-acre garden-like jungle gym, a land of natural marvels and a dynamic showcase of human history. Its wildness survives us.
More...
Your Neighbor's Cow
A gallon of milk from the supermarket is a combined effort of thousands of cows, raised on any number of farms who knows where. But
single herd milk is just that: milk exclusively from the cows that reside on one dairy farm.
Northwest New Jersey is now home to a few dairy farmers who sell their milk directly to the consumer. It may not seem like much, but it is an important step forward in developing a more direct relationship between food and farm.
Cream at the top! Read more and go get some!
