Warren County Wanderings

All-American August 2024

“There's something that feels so all-American about a county fair.” - Anna Wilkerson

If you haven't visited the Warren County Farmers' Fair featuring the Hot Air Balloon Festival yet, what are you waiting for? The fun continues through August 3. Congratulations to the following winners of last month's Warren County Wanderings trivia contest: Eileen S. of Westfield, Diana B. of Stewartsville, and Diane J. of Belvidere. All won passes to the Fair, and Eileen S. and her daughter went up for a hot air balloon ride with our compliments! Our cover photo was taken on the opening day of the Fair (with parental permission, of course), and you can clearly see that kids and animals enjoy seeing each other!

Other upcoming family-friendly events include National Night Out and A Day Out with Thomas (which, incredibly, does not appear to be sold out yet). We've got a bit of a vintage theme, too, with an antiques show and vintage baseball game this month. Summer concert series and farmers' markets (sunflowers!) are in full swing (refer to the "Continuing" section for details). So much more, so without further ado...

Happy August and Happy Wanderings!

Coming Up

This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum know as “the relationship.” Through sketches and songs, Act I explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newbor

Along with all the rides, games, animals and food expected from a country fair, the Warren County Farmers' Fair includes the Hot Air Balloon Festival and Traditional Arts Expo. Be sure to come to the "Warren County and You" building behind the main grandstand, where you can pick up tourism information from Explore Warren and see the displays and get free stuff froms other county government departments and agencies.

Celebrate sunflower season with food trucks, live music, and a walk through the Sunflower Trail. Bring your lawn chair and blanket and join us for delicious food from our lineup of food trucks, live music, games and activities for all ages!

This weekend Villa Milagro features Peachy Sangria made with local, freshly picked fruit and its popular "porch wine" - Rosita. Taste it on site, buy your Rosita and get some Jersey peaches to make more at home. ​

Argyle Restaurant is back at Brook Hollow serving up another delicious clam bake, specializing in the highest quality Scottish Fish n' Chips!

Gather friends and family to join in a day of fun at Brook Hollow Winery with incredible live music, prizes, wine, and food.

The Full Grown Men play Classic Rock and music from the British Invasion with extraordinary musicianship and outstanding harmonies. The great hits of the sixties, seventies and eighties and beyond rock and roll that will keep you singing along all night!

Tickets recommended.

“Shippen Talks” presents Henry Skirbst, who will be discussing "Our Icy Past" in the Lower Dining Room. This will be located in the lower dining/speakers room located off of the east-facing porch on the lower level (outside access only with a few steps up to the porch).

Shippen's August concerts bring Dave Keller 8/4, Fish Eyed Blues 8/11, Out Past Curfew 8/18 and Alex Radus Band 8/25. Bring your chairs or blankets, food and non-alcoholic drinks and join us at Shippen for a musical good time! No admission required and family-friendly.

National Night Out is a nationwide, annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, and celebrated in a number of Warren County communities:

Carrie is a living example of “it’s never too late!”  In 2004 she left a job as a talent agent in NYC, moved to Pennsylvania with her husband and Portuguese Water Dog, Grappa and began training to teach yoga. 

Trivia night is taking a turn towards the North Pole this month as Buttzville beertender, DJ, will be hosting a fun night of quizzes and games to test your knowledge.

Win prizes, have fun with friends, and support local craft beer.

The tournament includes 24 teams on 4 fields vying for the championship including the two-time defending champion – The Rookies. The tournament is held, rain or shine, at the Franklin Township Fire Department in Asbury, NJ.

A day of free community fun at the Borough Park & Pool Stadium will feature The Neshanock Base Ball Club of Flemington as they face off against the Warren Hills Varsity Baseball Team at a vintage game with 19th century rules from the 1800s. The day will also feature a car show with vintage cars, antique fire apparatuses, artisan vendors, food trucks and music.

Enjoy a choice of white or red Sangria made with fresh fruits and served icy cold. Recipes and tips for making a great sangria will be provided. Enter a chance to win a sangria pitcher with matching glasses to use at home to achieve the perfect blend of fruit and wine.

“Shippen Talks” presents Wayne McCabe from Sussex County Historical. Topic TBA. This will be located in the lower dining/speakers room located off of the east-facing porch on the lower level (outside access only with a few steps up to the porch).

Day Out With Thomas is a family event that offers children and their grownups the opportunity to ride with classic storybook friend Thomas the Tank Engine. Thomas train ride is 25 minutes and each child receives a Jr. Engineer Certificate. Thomas trips leave on the hour from 10am - 5pm.

Propagate Studio is thrilled to host a special "Golden Summer Starving Artist Dinner Club" after going viral from a reel of Propagate's art supply thrift shop gained them over 13,000 followers in one month. Plus, that reel has over 1 million views.

Tranquillity Farms, Marketspace Vendor Events, and Czig Meister Brewing has fun for all ages with a sunflower trail, food trucks and live music.

Cheryl Karcher of Hilltop Herbals will discuss the benefits of herbal teas and how botanical abundance supports well-being during high summer by virtue of their cooling therapeutic properties.

Enjoy iced herbal tea while learning to blend your perfect summer sip and take home a sample.

Are you craving some delicious seafood? Head to Buck Hill for a meal complete with lobster, clams, shrimp, sausage corn and potatoes! Also included is a dessert of choice and a drink.

$69.95/ person plus tax.

Call to reserve your spot!

Chef Jason, owner of Hagan Catering & Hospitality, creates a Southern comfort dinner with a fancy flair to titillate your taste buds with flavors reminiscent of classic French and New Orleans dishes. Three courses served as the sunsets. You will feel "down home" with his Cajun creations.

Can you name every song title and artist that comes on the radio? Grab some friends for a night of greatest hits bingo.

Win prizes, sing along with your favorites, and, of course, enjoy great beer!

Get creative with ART-stitution on the farm while you learn, step-by-step, how to paint this rustic pickup truck! Each participant will be painting on a 14″ X 14″ stretched canvas with acrylic paint. Afterward, explore the blackberry fields to pick your own!

First Responders Day at Phillipsburg Farmers Market by McWane Ductile. Touch-A-Truck, Foam Zone at 11 am, and more!

Laugh the night away with two amazing headliners, Joey Kola and Patty Rosborough. Food truck available at the tasting room, starting at 6pm - Chef D's, specializing in artisan grilled cheese and loaded fries

This event is limited to the first 200 people who purchase tickets. (21+ only)

Held at the scenic Warren County Fairgrounds, the event offers a weekend in the country shopping for the best in antiques. Delicious food, free parking, easy access and much more make this the "show of shows" for all who love antiques.

Knowlton Fire and Rescue presents their 2nd annual Food Truck fest complete with music, line dancing lessons, a super 50/50 raffle, beer and wine from Brookhollow Winery, and food trucks!

Free admission so bring your family and your friends.

Made up of the four section leaders of the New Sussex Symphony, the Loni Bach Quartet features principal cellist Loni Pilshaw Bach, principal violist, Laura Schock Lopez, principal violinist, Chryselle Angderson Yang and principal second violinist Emily Gaab Moorhead. 

This scholarship fund was established to help Belvidere High School seniors fund their post-secondary education in memory of Brian Duckworth, a long-time Warren County Buildings and Grounds employee who succumbed to cancer in 2013 at age 51.

Elasae Douglas (vocals) and Sadiki Pierre (bass) are a class act, performing in New York to California to London. This dynamic duo is in high demand for their original style and music, much of it written by them.

Come enjoy a weekend of free informative lectures, free informative lectures and presentations, tours of Well-Sweep's spectacular gardens and a craft market featuring a wide selection of curated vendors and food brought to you in partnership with Marketspace Vendor Events.

The Jazz standards canon has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s. The Hip Replacements, long-time area musicians, decided it was time to reimagine it for the 21st century.

Dive into the enchanting world of 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' at anexclusive Trivia Night, indulge in Faerie Wine and themed mocktails while enjoying light appetizers including a curated charcuterie board, bruschetta, and a fresh veggie tray.

Enjoy a selection of  New Orleans, blues, folk-rock influenced music, plus some originals by Moon Dwellers. Their renditions include those of The Neville Brothers, Bob Dylan, Otis Redding, The Texas Tornados, Prof.

Marc Douglas Berardo’s songs mine the deep feelings and lessons gleaned from real-life characters and situations. It’s his songs combined with an onstage presence that uses humor and deft storytelling to rally an audience and lead them into a deep and sometimes spiritual experience.

Who doesn't love a good pub trivia night? Buttzville's own Colleen and Dave will be hosting a fun night of quizzes and games to test your knowledge. Win prizes, have fun with friends, and support local craft beer!

The Jazz standards canon has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s. The Hip Replacements, long-time area musicians, decided it was time to reimagine it for the 21st century.

Pop’ on board a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine! Day Out With Thomas: The Party Tour complete with Celebration Station for party-themed games and activities! Spend the day creating memories and celebrating 80 years of Thomas!

The tournament includes 24 teams on 4 fields vying for the championship including the two-time defending champion – The Rookies. The tournament is held, rain or shine, at the Franklin Township Fire Department in Asbury, NJ.

Celebrate August with a Sunflower Fest every weekend at VonThun Farms, featuring a different theme, such as fruit, brews, flowers and more! Bring your lawn chair and blanket and enjoy delicious food from a lineup of food trucks, live music, games and activities for all ages!

Continuing

The Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID) is bringing back Late Night Thursdays each week in July through August. Live music or a children’s activity at the Main Street Gazebo. Shop, eat and drink locally with business specials throughout the Hackettstown Business District.

Join the Phillipsburg Chamber for the Shappell Park Concert Series presented by First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union! Concerts are held every Thursday night from 6-8pm through September 12.

Lineup:
Aug. 1: Joyous

Barnyard Buddies is a program that was designed for kids ages 2-8 who have an interest in farm life and love the outdoors.

Relax and enjoy outdoor dining and live music (weather permitting) while surrounded by the stunning views of Donaldson's. James on Main, Czig Meister Brewing Co., Little Ridge Vineyards and Va Fa Napoli Pizza & select food and activity vendors will be on site.

Start Spring off right with the opening weekend of the Arbor! Live music and great wine!

Saturday and Sunday Evenings: 6-8:30 p.m. 

Blairstown's 17th annual Farmers Market is in full swing. Come see your favorite local farmers, food producers and vendors at the Blairstown Farmers Market!

Held each Saturday in downtown Washington borough through September 30, the market runs along Route 57, anchored in the Pocket Park located at 44 E. Washington Ave.

The Warren County winery train rolls on, Sat.-Sun.,continuing through October. Take a scenic trip along the banks of the beautiful Delaware River, then tour the vineyard and winery to learn how grapes are grown and wines are made, followed by a wine tasting paired with tasty appetizers.

All music is free, no tickets necessary.

Start Spring off right with the opening weekend of the Arbor! Live music and great wine!

Saturday and Sunday Afternoons: 1- 4:30 p.m. 

Little Ridge has live music in August!

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting.

Phillipsburg's first open air market is in its 3rd year with vendors including farms, arts, bakery, flowers, herbs and more.

Hackettstwon welcomes the 2nd Annual West End Farmers Market operating every Sunday until Oct. 27 from 9:30am-1pm.

Looking for a chance to get off the couch and do some cycling with a local group? Want to reward yourself with craft beer after your ride? Head out to Buttzville every other Sunday through October 28. Arrive by 9:30am and rides leave at 10am sharp.

Warren County Arts presents their newest exhibit, Man and Nature, open to the public. Reception August 4.

Funding made possible in part by Warren County Cultural and Heritage Division.

Interested in joining a fiction book club and drinking great beer? Check out the new monthly fiction book club.

Check out the wesbite to sign up and find out more about the book selections.

Free yoga select Tuesday evenings at Thomas Stewart Park by Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Mary Walker-Golden.

Lopatcong is back with its weekly summer music series. Funding has been made possible, in part, by the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Division.

2024 Line Up

Taught by Country Fusion Certified instructor, Jennifer Horsey! Great for all levels of dancing abilities!

This event is limited to the first 100 people who purchase tickets. Option to purchase buffet meal will be available the night of, must be done before 8:30pm.

Are you ready for a smashing good time? The Barefoot Grape Stomping is a one of a kind experience, sure to intoxicate all your senses. The event begins with a formal wine tasting followed by a mouth-watering Chicken Parmesan dinner served with roasted vegetables, salad, bread and dessert.

Joe's Steak Shop is hosting their 20th season of Cruise night.

Plan on meeting old friends, making new ones, see outstanding cars, and live music. Bring a friend, a chair, and enjoy the music, cars, and delicious food and drinks.

Music Line Up 2024

It’s not a typical who done it. It’s the guests in the audience that create a witty, weaving story line. As the plot thickens, the victim falls prey and the detectives investigate with deductive reasoning to reveal the murderer.

Friends and veteran families are invited to participate in this Weekend Warrior Yoga Program under the pavilion at Lopatong Park (will be held at an indoor location if thunderstorms loom). Bring your mat, water and a friend.

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting.

Blairstown's 17th annual Farmers Market is in full swing. Come see your favorite local farmers, food producers and vendors at the Blairstown Farmers Market!

Held each Saturday in downtown Washington borough through September 30, the market runs along Route 57, anchored in the Pocket Park located at 44 E. Washington Ave.

Phillipsburg's first open air market is in its 3rd year with vendors including farms, arts, bakery, flowers, herbs and more.

Join the Phillipsburg Chamber for the Shappell Park Concert Series presented by First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union! Concerts are held every Thursday night from 6-8pm through September 12.

Lineup:
Aug. 1: Joyous

Hackettstwon welcomes the 2nd Annual West End Farmers Market operating every Sunday until Oct. 27 from 9:30am-1pm.

Alba continues their weekend of music under the Arbor with live music and great wine!

Start Spring off right with the opening weekend of the Arbor! Live music and great wine!

Saturday and Sunday Afternoons: 1- 4:30 p.m. 

Warren County ARTS presents Forms of Water exhibit, open to the public through January 4, 2025. Reception is October 20, from 2-4pm.

Funding made possible in part by Warren County Cultural and Heritage Division.

Joe's Steak Shop is hosting their 20th season of Cruise night.

Plan on meeting old friends, making new ones, see outstanding cars, and live music. Bring a friend, a chair, and enjoy the music, cars, and delicious food and drinks.

Music Line Up 2024

Board the train for a trip along the banks of the Delaware River to visit Villa Milagro winery.

Little Ridge has live music in October!

Warren County ARTS presents Forms of Water exhibit, open to the public through January 4, 2025 will have a reception and a chance to meet the artist. If you see a piece you like, they will be sold reasonably priced.

It’s not a typical who done it. It’s the guests in the audience that create a witty, weaving story line. As the plot thickens, the victim falls prey and the detectives investigate with deductive reasoning to reveal the murderer.

Joe's Steak Shop is hosting their 20th season of Cruise night.

Plan on meeting old friends, making new ones, see outstanding cars, and live music. Bring a friend, a chair, and enjoy the music, cars, and delicious food and drinks.

Music Line Up 2024

Alba continues their weekend of music under the Arbor with live music and great wine!

Start Spring off right with the opening weekend of the Arbor! Live music and great wine!

Taught by Country Fusion Certified instructor, Jennifer Horsey! Great for all levels of dancing abilities!

This event is limited to the first 100 people who purchase tickets. Option to purchase buffet meal will be available the night of, must be done before 8:30pm.

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting.

Little Ridge has live music this November!

November 2 - Scott Messina
November 9 - Jeff Bellfy
November 16 - Peter Amadeo
November 23 - John Cain
November 30 - Katy Gerhold

Blairstown's 17th annual Farmers Market is in full swing. Come see your favorite local farmers, food producers and vendors at the Blairstown Farmers Market!

Taught by Country Fusion Certified instructor, Jennifer Horsey! Great for all levels of dancing abilities!

This event is limited to the first 100 people who purchase tickets. 

$10 cover.

It’s not a typical who done it. It’s the guests in the audience that create a witty, weaving story line. As the plot thickens, the victim falls prey and the detectives investigate with deductive reasoning to reveal the murderer.

Little Ridge has live music in March.

March 1 - Dave Read
March 8 - Jeni Hackett
March 15 - Katy Gerhold
March 22 - Peter Amadeo 


March 28 - FRIDAY NIGHT TRIVIA & GARA's PIZZA

Interested in joining a fiction book club and drinking great beer? Check out the new monthly fiction book club.

Check out the wesbite to sign up and find out more about the book selections.

Live music will be inside our cozy, heated Barn Parlor & Tasting Room for winter months & early Spring.

Live music will be inside our cozy, heated Barn Parlor & Tasting Room for winter months & early Spring.

May 3 - Eric Lear
May 4 - Dave Read

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting.

Start Spring off right with the opening weekend of the Arbor! Live music and great wine!

Live music will be inside our cozy, heated Barn Parlor & Tasting Room for winter months & early Spring.

Live music will be inside LR cozy, heated Barn Parlor & Tasting Room for winter months & early Spring.

July 2 - Walt Kosar 2-5pm
July 3 - Dave Read  1-4pm

Looking for a chance to get off the couch and do some cycling with a local group? Want to reward yourself with craft beer after your ride? Head out to Buttzville every other Sunday through October 26. Arrive by 9:30am and rides leave at 10am sharp.

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

UACNJ provides free public programs at the astronomy club in Jenny Jump State Forest from April through October on Saturday evenings.

The live presentation is followed by stargazing on the telescopes until 10:30pm, weather permitting.

Community Corner

Be an agent of change volunteering with Ridge and Valley Conservancy at one of their many perseves. It is recommended you bring water and wear gloves, sturdy shoes, long pants, a head covering, and tick/bug repellant.

 

Camp Musky is an educational and fun day camp for kids ages 5 to 12-plus with an outdoor learning experience, and hands-on, river-based programs.

Farm Camp is an opportunity for your child to experience what it is like on a daily basis at Donaldson Farms.

Get ready for another great summer at Rutherfurd Hall! One week sessions beginning in June and running through August featuring sports, nature, arts and crafts, offsite trips to the pool and more!

Register online!

Warren County Library invites everyone to view the sun through a solar telescope while learning about the universe.  During this solar observing session, three types of telescopes will be used to view the sun including white light to see sunspots, the light of hydrogen to see surface detail

Warren County Park Naturalist, Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, will share the stories behind wildflowers from the area while learning about medicinal purposes, how certain flowers represent protections, and how they got their names. 

The Warren County Garden Club will be demonstrating how to create a beautiful arrangement with a few simple rules at Northeast Library.

Please register everyone in your group who will be attending.

Do you want to give back to your community in a meaningful way by becoming a licensed resource caregiver? Learn the ins and outs of being a foster parent or adopter and help a child in need.

This presentation will be followed by an opportunity for questions. 

Be an agent of change volunteering with Ridge and Valley Conservancy at one of their many perseves. It is recommended you bring water and wear gloves, sturdy shoes, long pants, a head covering, and tick/bug repellant.

 

Camp Musky is an educational and fun day camp for kids ages 5 to 12-plus with an outdoor learning experience, and hands-on, river-based programs.

Farm Camp is an opportunity for your child to experience what it is like on a daily basis at Donaldson Farms.