Warren County Wanderings

Memorial Montage

"This nation will remain the land of the free only as long as it is home of the brave." —Elmer Davis (1890-1958), American reporter and author

It’s time to fire up the grill, get your pool floaties out and enjoy this kick-off summer weekend. This issue is brimming with music, outdoor activities, and of course, Memorial Day fun!

On a serious note, Memorial Day is a day to pause and reflect upon the many service members who risked and ultimately lost their lives fighting on behalf of the United States. Warren County offers three Memorial Day parade options this holiday weekend - in Blairstown, Hackettstown and Phillipsburg. The patriotic cover photo above is courtesy of American Legion Post 258's (Blairstown) Facebook page.

Festival season is ramping up with two weekends devoted to VonThun Farm's Strawberry Festival. The 7th Annual Arc of Warren County Food Truck Fest is back with food galore, vendors, live music and Czig Meister Brewing Co. And don’t forget Washington Borough’s Sustainability Green Music and Arts Festival honoring ways to stay healthy and live a sustainable life.

Confidentially to our Warren County residents, June 7 is the annual paper shredding event (scroll down to the Community Corner section, where you will also find fabulous farmers markets listed). We even have some Father’s Day events. Papas are important too! And, as always, much more!

With all that said, get to wandering around Warren!

Happy Memorial Day, Happy Father’s Day and Happy Wanderings!

Coming Up

Charlotte's Web: The Musical

Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Music and lyrics by Charles Strouse
Based on the book by E.B. White

Memorial Day weekend opens up the traditional summer travel season, and what better way to kick it off than with a visit to Alba Vineyard!

Regular menu of freshly made wood-fired pizza, salad, paninis, and other specials available for purchase.

$10/ person - Sat/Sun/Mon

New location (the Middle School), this ceremony will remember and honor local veterans and first responders.

Picnics have always been a favorite activity. Unlike going to a restaurant, you never know what you will encounter when you picnic.

From hand blown glass to freshly spun wool to handmade jewelry to antiques galore, by the river and under the trees at Ramsaysburg for a day of treasure hunting with a blending of 30 artisans and antique vendors, indoors and out, utilizing a large historic barn and the natural riverside amphitheater. Food truck will be on site. Free admission, rain or shine.

A retreat for crafters to unwind, create, and recharge. Step away from the everyday hustle and immerse yourself in a creative escape designed just for you.

There is no other ensemble playing the music of Joni Mitchell with the dedication and imagination that BYT brings to every show.

Don't miss the 29th annual car show presented by the Hackettstown Rotary Club at Mars Wrigley. Gates open at 7:30am for this rain or shine event. Vehicles registered in advance (by May 17): $20; day of show: $25. Spectator fee: $5 (children under 12 free accompanied by an adult).

Enjoy this free event with live music with multiple artists from noon through 6pm, Humpty Juniors Food Truck, and wine available by the glass and bottle. Red, White, and "Blue" Merlot Milkshakes! (While Supplies Last).

Seating available on our covered porch by reservation.

Blairtown's 2025 Memorial Day Parade hosted by the Givens-Belet American Legion Post 258 starts with the Cedar Ridge Ceremony across from Tractor Supply and steps off at 1 p.m. This year's parade will be honoring the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II.

Hosted by American Legion Post 164, the annual Memorial Day Parade and Observance steps off at the corner of Grand Ave. and Main St.at 10am and proceeds down Route 46 to Mountain Avenue, concluding with a service at Union Cemetery.

Stepping onto the stage as Jimi Hendrix, world-renowned guitarist Stanley Jordan has developed a new live show called "Stanley Plays Jimi." This is a tribute show, building on Jimi's legacy in a creative way.

Craft, farm, and food vendors, plus free garden tours. Greenhouses are open (plants are available), along with the gift shop.

VonThun Farms Strawberry weekends are back!

Project Linus provides love, security, warmth & comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets/afghans.

Evening Star Quilters’ Guild of Belvidere, New Jersey presents “Quilts in the Vineyards,” amazing quilts made by local artists will be available to view while you enjoy your wine tasting and personal charcuterie boards.

Food Truck festival poster

Summer will be in full swing so let's bring the trucks back to the farm! Donaldson Farms has partnered with great organizations for a great event featuring up to 11 food trucks, live music by Brian Dean Moore Band, games and activities for all ages! Czig Meister Brewing will also be on site.

You're invited to Invertase for a free performance by The Grey Man Group, featuring musical legends Jimmy Leahey, Scott Ward, Don Plowman and Eric Troyer!

"Death of a Salesman" shares the last days of Willy Loman, a struggling salesman, who cannot understand how he failed to win success and happiness. Through a series of tragic, soul-searching revelations of the life he has lived with his wife, his sons, and his business associates, the audience discovers how his quest for the “American Dream” kept him blind to the people who truly loved him.

First Phillipsburg PRIDE Celebration! PRIDE Flag Raising at Shappell Park, 9:45-10:15am; PRIDE Activities at the Phillipsburg Farmers Market, 10am-2pm; PRIDE Crafts at 163 S. Main St, 4-5 pm; PRIDE Bash at 140 S.

Shippen Manor's season opens with annual museum tours celebrating Warren County's Bicentennial. Docents will be available to greet visitors and share the history of the Manor, its people, and the local industrial history of Oxford. Tours are offered on the main floor of the building.

MOC has joined NJDEP on their 10th Annual Hooked on Fishing – Not On Drugs Youth Fishing Challenge. This FREE event includes prizes and giveaways provided by NJDEP.

Pack a lunch or grab one at the Visitor Center, and enjoy a day of fishing and family and/friend fun!

In support of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, ride any of the three planned routes around beautiful, rural Northwest New Jersey.

Celebrate the beginning of summer with a fun, family-friendly outdoor adventure at the beloved Gnome Hollow Preserve to search for hidden gnomes, hear from our stewardship coordinator about caring for our planet, and enjoy time in nature with family and friends.

ORIGINIALLY SCHEDULED FOR 6/7, THIS EVENT WILL NOW BE HELD ON THE 6/8 RAIN DATE. Hackettstown Community Day will be held at Hackettstown High School and the Hackettstown Recreation field, Sheldon Field, Warren St.

Balloon fest season begins as the Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Arts & Crafts Festival returns to Warren County Community College for a weekend of fun! In addition to balloon activities like the daily Mass Hot Air Balloon launches and tethered balloon rides, the festival also offers live music, a car & truck show, chalk art contest, June Jumble Combat Robot Competition with up to 75 robots, children’s entertainment with Balloons the Clown and Grins & Grins juggling, food trucks, vendors, and free activities at Fascination Place; plus drone exhibits by WarrenUAS featuring air, ground, and underwater vehicles, and meet SPOT, the robot “dog.”

Join Scott for a fun-filled afternoon of mozzarella-making and wine tasting! You'll learn the art of crafting fresh mozzarella balls to take home, all while enjoying a wine tasting featuring Four Sisters' finest selections.

Set in France circa 1860, La Boutique Fantasque tells the story of a world famous toymaker who has created exquisite dancing dolls in her toyshop.

Join Pequest Natural Resource Education Center staff as they explore the local trails at night. Come for an easy hike up the mountain to start, take a seat at McDowells Pond to see what wildlife comes out.

Create and personalize your planter with the herbs you enjoy, something to be used over and over again. Bring in your own container or purchase one at Flowerland with a large selection of herbs and edibles to choose from.

According to mythology, the number 13 has long been considered unlucky. But thanks to the Friday the 13th franchise, horror lovers around the world have reclaimed this day as a celebration.

Washington BID celebrates sustainability and healthy living options. Attendees can enjoy live music and activities for children while parents can browse for renewable product options offering green living solutions and art and craft vendors. Held concurrently with opening day of the Borough's Farmers' Market. Free admission and held rain or shine! 

Phillipsburg is celebrating its 37th annual Ole Town Festival in Walters Park. This festival, which initially began as a way for a variety of local non-profit organizations to make money in support of their causes, has grown into a yearly tradition that simply cannot be missed.

Chef's Catering is wishing all fathers a special day by firing up the grill with Prime Rib, Au jus, horseradish cream, salad bar, baked potato, kids menu, cash bar (Dine-in Only). Dads receive 1 free beer or wine.

Live music by Blue Emerald Band.

Celebrate Dad in style at Villa Milagro Vineyards’ annual Father’s Day celebration — a beloved tradition for over 10 years and the perfect way to kick off summer!

The ultimate event for all those remarkable men in your lives! The event and live music starts at 4pm with food service between 4:30pm and 6:30pm.

$50/per adult, $20/child (7 to 12 years) and free for kids under 7 years.

Join Historian of Rutherfurd Hall, Joan Leckie Salvas, and a team of knowledgeable docents for an immersive experience that will transport you through the grand rooms, rich stories, and remarkable legacy of the Rutherfurd family - and their impact on local and national history. Reserve

Historian of Rutherfurd Hall, Joan Leckie Salvas, explores one of the most poignant chapters in American history with the final days of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his enduring connection to Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd.

Join Historian of Rutherfurd Hall, Joan Leckie Salvas, and a team of knowledgeable docents for an immersive experience that will transport you through the grand rooms, rich stories, and remarkable legacy of the Rutherfurd family - and their impact on local and national history. Reserve

Join Historian of Rutherfurd Hall, Joan Leckie Salvas, and a team of knowledgeable docents for an immersive experience that will transport you through the grand rooms, rich stories, and remarkable legacy of the Rutherfurd family - and their impact on local and national history. Reserve

Join Scott for a fun-filled afternoon of mozzarella-making and wine tasting! You'll learn the art of crafting fresh mozzarella balls to take home, all while enjoying a wine tasting featuring Four Sisters' finest selections.

Join Historian of Rutherfurd Hall, Joan Salvas, and a team of knowledgeable docents for an immersive experience that will transport you through the grand rooms, rich stories, and remarkable legacy of the Rutherfurd family - and their impact on local and national history. Reserve your sp

Entertainment

Tiptons will be rockin' in May!

Enjoy Sunday brunch with live music.

May 18 - Gary Reed
May 25 - Bob Piccola
June 1 - TBA
June 8 - Joe Cassady
June 15 - Brian Molnar

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

Tiptons will be rockin' in August!

August 15 - Scott Messina 
August 16 - Uncle Rocco
August 17 - Hannah Noel 
August 22 - 2 Way Street
August 23 - Naked Jake
August 24 - Chuck Shubert & Co. 

Tiptons will be rockin' in September!

September 5 - Rob & Marty
September 6 - Gearbox
September 7 - Ten Gallon Matt
September 12 - Truth & Soul
September 13 - Jeff Bellfy & Co
September 19 - Chuck Shubert & Co 

Tiptons will be rockin' in October!

October 3 - Jimmy & the Parrots Duo 
October 4 - Radio One
October 10 - George Grillo & Chris Condel
October 17 - Bottlecaps 
October 18 - Bobby Clark
October 24 - Stevie Vicks 

Tiptons will be rockin' in November!

November 1 - Naked Jake
November 7 - Ted Donatelli 
November 8 - Skin of My Teeth
November 14 - Truth & Soul
November 15 - Dirty Laundry
November 21 - Chuck Shubert & Co.

Tiptons will be rockin' in December!

December 6 - Whiskey Mansion 
December 12 - Tim VG
December 13 - Harmony Garage Band  and UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY
December 19 - Cowboy and The Hippies 

Continuing

How well do you know music, bands or singers? Get your trivia on for a chance to win prizes, sing along and enjoy some great beers!

Have you have ever wanted to try your hand at making wine but were too intimidated by the entire process? Now is the time to throw all those fears right out of the window and sign up for our Wine Making Course, taught by Paul Ritter, owner/vintner of Brook Hollow Winery and Event Facility.

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

American Legion Post 164 Woman's Auxiliary will be giving a special presentation about the important history and meaning of the Poppy flower followed by a fun coloring activity!

This program is appropriate for ages 5-11. Please register all children who will be participating.

Hackettstwon welcomes the 2nd Annual West End Farmers Market opening May 4 and runs every Sunday until Oct. 26 from 9:30am-1pm.

Phillipsburg's Open Air Market, open every Sunday through October, showcases farms, crafters, baked goods and artisans vendors, along with live music and food.

Come out to opening day of the 18th annual Blairstown Farmers Market. Come see your favorite local farmers, food producers and vendors at the Blairstown Farmers Market!

Warren County's semiannual Paper Shredding event is a free service to Warren County residents (not for businesses, and proof of residency required). Confidential/sensitive materials only (medical records, billing statements, any documents containing personal information).

Join the community of Phillipsburg for a day of recovery and remembrance at Walters Park. There will be a tricky tray, vendors, DJ, speakers, local resources, food trucks and more! Volunteers are always welcome.

Presented by P.E.A.C.E, Parents Educating Awareness Community Effort

Held each Saturday in downtown Washington borough through September 27, the market runs along Route 57, anchored in the Pocket Park located at 44 E. Washington Ave.

Enjoy Washington's Summer Music Series while you're at the farmers' market! 

Hackettstwon welcomes the 2nd Annual West End Farmers Market opening May 4 and runs every Sunday until Oct. 26 from 9:30am-1pm.

Held each Saturday in downtown Washington borough through September 27, the market runs along Route 57, anchored in the Pocket Park located at 44 E. Washington Ave.

Enjoy Washington's Summer Music Series while you're at the farmers' market! 

Hackettstwon welcomes the 2nd Annual West End Farmers Market opening May 4 and runs every Sunday until Oct. 26 from 9:30am-1pm.

The Blairstown Farmers' Market is in their 18th season with your favorite local farmers, food producers and vendors!

Held each Saturday in downtown Washington borough through September 27, the market runs along Route 57, anchored in the Pocket Park located at 44 E. Washington Ave.

Enjoy Washington's Summer Music Series while you're at the farmers' market! 

Experiment with coffee as a powder or as a pigment as a painting medium that not only smells good but gives you the best sepia tones to create magic in monotones. This program is appropriate for adults 18+.