Home of the Free November 2024

Warren County Wanderings

"Talk is cheap, voting is free; take it to the polls." - Nanette L. Avery, author

We usually try to focus on a theme in our Wanderings opening, so this November we’re going with an all-American vibe!

Here we are on the verge of a major election; Veterans Day (Thank you to the anonymous photographer for this month's photo as seen on Hope Goings On Facebook page); the Explore Warren History Trial, followed by the commencement of Warren County’s bicentennial year; Thanksgiving and the kickoff of the holiday season.

Wow! And that’s just scratching the surface! Please support local businesses by shopping small. And this issue is long so keep referring back to it as the month rolls on and you’re ready to tackle each theme.

Above all the fun and frivolity, let us remember to honor our veterans, country, and county!

Happy Wanderings!

Coming Up

Learn the benefits of keeping honeybees, the dangers facing them, and the aspects to consider before becoming a beekeeper.

Light refreshments will be served, registration is required and space is limited!

Registration fee is $10.

Experience a delightful selection of French dishes, expertly prepared to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of France. Sip on exquisite wines from Alba Vineyard while you enjoy live music, mingle with fellow foodies, and soak up the gorgeous vineyard views.

Back by popular demand! Brook Hollow invites you to a Friday night Meal Deal, perfectly paired with live music and extended happy hour specials. Talk about the ultimate pairing for your night out! Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

The play, based on the Bram Stoker novel and adapted by Steven Dietz, is the story of the vampire Dracula, a Transylvanian Count who moves to England in order to stalk his prey and feed on the blood of the local population. The show is under the direction of Gina Scurato.

Come for a "bloody good time" as the Haunted Halls at Blairstown Masonic Lodge #165 are ready to make your nightmares come to life in their maze of hallways!

 

 

The first weekend in November brings the 4th Annual Explore Warren History Trail - a self-guided driving tour - with 14 participating historic sites throughout Warren County open to greet visitors!

Visit Ken's Famous Apple Tent to taste an assortment of locally-grown apples, as well as cider pressed on-site.  E&R Mathez Farm will be on hand to explain the benefits of river-friendly farming as well as offer samplings of their delicious honey.

Visit Well-Sweep Herb Farm at a time of year when garden fairies transform the Gift Shop into a Christmas wonderland. The greenhouse is stocked with a selection of attractive windowsill herbs, tender perennials in bloom, and unique topiaries.

Starting at Footbridge Park in Blairstown. For event updates and questions, contact Christine Dunbar, Paulins Kill Watershed Coordinator, at 908-798-0697 or e-mail chrisdunbar@foodshedalliance.org.

Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) for a group hike stepping off at Blairstown Airport. The PVTC, a Friends Organization of the Kittatinny Valley State Park, will host the hike.

Czig Meister is celebrating a day of 20+ barrel aged beers, specialty bottle pours, live music from The Noble Brothers & food vendors!

Join cone9colab artists Robert Diken, Simon Keller and John Marron for a workshop celebrating the Art of Wabi-Sabi, sometimes described as the beauty that is imperfect, impermanent and incomplete.

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.

The Golden Girls are hosting a dinner party, courtesy of Delaware Chapter #50, OES of NJ and Phillipsburg Masonic Lodge #52 F. & A. M. and things get a little out of hand. Grab your friends to help to solve the mystery of the classic 'whodunnit'! This event is open to the public.

Propagare is bringing a little bit of Stars Hollow to Stewartsville with projects all day, prices ranging from $5 - $25, goodies and surprises all inspired by the fast talking, coffee drinking daughter duo and their charming town.

Enjoy a live concert  by the Dust Bowl Faeries as they perform a faerie-tale fusion of dark cabaret and gothic polka music.

The United States Navy Band Commodores (Washington, D.C.) Premier 18-piece Jazz Ensemble will perform 7-8:30pm, with the Phillipsburg HS Jazz Band joining them on the stage for one song!

Learn about the dramatic history of major coastal storms, including the 1962 March storm, the hurricane of 1944 and Superstorm Sandy. Join Historian Scott Mazella as he talks about the mythic nature, personal accounts from survivors and environmental impacts of coastal living.

Daniel Gerroll is Dr. Glas in Jeffrey Hatcher's adaptation of the classic Swedish novel by Hjalmar Soderberg. Dr.

In recognition of National Native American Heritage Month, Dove Environmental Education will speak to us about the Lenape. There will be a demonstration of how corn husk dolls and clay pinch pots are made where attendees will also participate in a craft. 

Doors open at 6pm and bidding ends at 7:15 pm. Wine tasting will be available. Seating is limited.

Admission: $10 by Oct. 28. Registrations after Oct. 29 are $15. Cash only at the door.

Auction proceeds benefit education, service projects, and charitable donations.

 

Join Buck Hill for another wild game dinner which includes a four course meal with Buck Hill's Beer pairing. $69.99/ person, plus tax and gratuity.

Call to make reservations, 908-854-5300

It’s that time of year. Guests are dropping in unexpectedly, office and school events to which you need to bring something. Come on out to sample delicious recipes from the Vineyard’s appetizer cookbook.

Taste Villa's Holiday wines including Feliz Navidad and mead and Mi Cariño.

WC Arts invites you to experience the intense colors and flowing nature of alcohol inks. Discuss the unique qualities of the medium and learn techniques for moving and mixing the inks on tile and Yupo paper.

Come spend a delicious afternoon creating several tasty herbal accompaniments including Blueberry cobbler, a Lavender salad dressing, a Zucchini-Pineapple-Ginger marmalade, and a Cranberry-Walnut-Sherry relish.

Live entertainment, appetizers, dinner in the orchard, amazing desserts and pies, as well as beautiful sunsets. This is a BYOB event. Hosted with Redwoods Premium Catering from Chester, NJ.

In a Pinch is Classic Rock band that will play all of your favorites!

Multi-instrumentalist and producer Professor Louie (aka Aaron Hurwitz) is primarily known for his long-standing association with The Band and his influence on the Woodstock, NY, music scene during the ’90s.

Give our veterans the thanks they deserve with a free lunch and refreshments for veterans, active military and family at The Pavilion at Harmony Recreation Fields. And while you're there, check out the new outdoor gym.

Hosted by the Fred T. Grotenhuis Veterans Community Center Project.

A free Veterans Day celebration at the Community Center will be complete with a free breakfast buffet.

Please RSVP by November 6.

Learn about the life and times of the Continental Soldier in New Jersey in 1780. The presenter will speak about the uniform he wears, his gear and weapons, rations, pay, and daily life in the Army as a soldier during the Revolutionary War. 

SOLD OUT. Help celebrate as the county kicks off its bicentennial year!

Legendary comedian Buddy Hackett is brought to life in My Buddy, a live musical, theatrical production, told by the person closest to him, his son, Sandy Hackett, taking the audience on a journey that explores the deep bond between a father and son.

This spectacular cabaret will feature an incredible lineup of vocalists, including the renowned Alison Bolshoi, alongside Kevin Patrick, Kate DiFonzo, Erin Pach, Jane Baduini, Jordan Sievert, and introducing the rising talent of Joshua Bezerra.

"Night at the Races Beefsteak" promises an exhilarating evening featuring professionally narrated horse races from the '90s, presented on a large screen with commentary from some of America’s most acclaimed announcers.

Fireside Collective emerged seven years ago from the fertile roots music scene of Asheville, North Carolina.

Vendors, live music, crafting for the kids, food and holiday spirit for this market! And a special appearance by the one and only Santa Claus.

Free parking and free admission.

Come out to Shappell Park for a weekend of holiday fun, kicking off Phillipsburg's Holiday Market with cookie decorating contest and gift wrapping contest for Adults & Children, Fairy Hair (Sat only), LOTS of Holiday Photo Ops, Elves workshop to make & take gifts and Santa!

Unleash your creativity at our Nutcracker Paint Party, a fun-filled event where you can choose to create a male or female nutcracker masterpiece! It's the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones & friends while indulging in a creative and enjoyable activity.

Courage is John Pielmeier's one-person adaptation of the life of J.M. Barrie. The story revolves around the man who first told Peter Pan's version of this story and whom Hook hates with a passion. Pielmeier began his career with the internationally acclaimed play and movie Agnes of God.

Grab your lunch and join via Zoom to learn about the science behind composting, and how to turn your kitchen and yard scraps into ‘black gold.’

Lelica (pronounced Laleesa) is a pop/folk singer/songwriter from northern NJ who has been singing and picking up instruments and plunking around since she was five. Lelica took her love for music into recording studios, and by age 19 was a session singer.

Brook Hollow has too many amazing vendors to fit in just one day so they made it a whole weekend! Knock out your holiday shopping while perusing local vendors, drinking wine, and enjoying live music!

This is Propagate's holiday party and is open for anyone to join, especially if you are an instructor. This will be a standard potluck, and art swap.

Czig Meister's is hosting their first ever Harvest Pop-Up Market along with the West End Farmers' Market. Fresh and locally sourced meat, eggs, flowers, baked goods, holiday gifts, live music by Maribyrd and so much more!

Trays of turkey, mashed potatoes, veggies, stuffing and cranberry sauce

Spend more time with family & less time in the kitchen this year! Architects is offering family-style and single-serving Thanksgiving take- out meals.

This year’s Thanksgiving Dinner will be served buffet style. Reservations are required and seating is limited.

Holiday traditions continue at Harkers Hollow Golf Club with a Thanksgiving feast. All the fixings!

Reservations required. Call 908-454-1884, option 2

$49.95/ person
$41.95/ seniors 65 and older
$22.95/ Kids 4-12

 

Let Mohican Outdoor Center do all the cooking this Thanksgiving for you with vegan and GF options available.

Celebrate thankfulness with Buck Hill. Their four course menu include salad, soup, stuffed mushrooms, ham, turkey, desserts and more. Items are posted online.

$49/ person, $35/ child under 12. Seatings begin at 12pm, 3pm and last seating is 6pm.

Well-Sweep invites you to experience the serenity of their greenhouses, filled with unusual blossoms and exotic scents. There will be an informative lecture and tour as this is a wonderful way to learn about the rare and unusual.

Reservations are required for this free event.

Back by popular demand! Brook Hollow invites you to a Friday night Meal Deal, perfectly paired with live music and extended happy hour specials. Talk about the ultimate pairing for your night out! Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

Back by popular demand! Brook Hollow invites you to a Friday night Meal Deal, perfectly paired with live music and extended happy hour specials. Talk about the ultimate pairing for your night out! Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

Lynn Waclawski, Horticulture Program Assistant with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, will be discussing several gardent topics.
2/21 - Gardening 101

Back by popular demand! Brook Hollow invites you to a Friday night Meal Deal, perfectly paired with live music and extended happy hour specials. Talk about the ultimate pairing for your night out! Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

Back by popular demand! Brook Hollow invites you to a Friday night Meal Deal, perfectly paired with live music and extended happy hour specials. Talk about the ultimate pairing for your night out! Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance.

Entertainment

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

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Outdoor wine service resumes this weekend.  You are welcome to bring your own snacks or lunch - we are Carry-in-Carry-out. If you forget food, we do offer pre-packaged cheese and charcuterie plates.

Reservations are for 1 1/2 hours seatings.

Tiptons will be rockin' in November!

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Tiptons will be rockin' in December!

December 7 - Mr. T Band
December 13 - Stevie Vicks
December 14 - Harmony Garage Band
December 20 - Gruvitune
December 21- Doubletime Paradigm
December 28 - Bobby Clark

Brook Hollow never stops with free live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Tiptons will be rockin' in December!

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

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

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Tiptons will be rockin' in March!

March 1- Project 9
March 7- Scott Messina
March 8- Blaming Amy
March 14- D&B Acoustics
March 15- Say It Ain't So
March 21- Gruvitune
March 22- Avenue 16
March 29- Bobby Clark Band

 

Brook Hollow never stops with the live music! Enjoy weekend music. Wine will be available by glass or bottle purchase.

Tiptons will be rockin' in April!

Continuing

After avenging the death of her lover, a young samurai girl named Dewdrop, along with her faithful sidekick Cert, must now battle through vampire-infested Brooklyn to make it back home.

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!

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.

FOUND The ART of HOME is the host of this inaugural FOUND FEST! FOUND will be OPEN along with FOUND coffee and fresh baked goods. FOUND will be joined by the following for this fun block party event:

Shippen Manor continues their museum tours in November with the Warren County History Trail, 27th NJ Baileys Boys (lower drive/porch) and Oxford United Methodist Church.

The Hope Creative Team encourages you spend the evening in the village shopping, supporting local eateries, playing games, taking in an Art Show, and helping celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Hope Historical Society!

Next Stop Comedy brings top stand-up comedians to Invertase Brewing Company.

"Buns on the Go"food truck will be vending the night of the show.

*Formerly Boston Comedy Club

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.

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.

Next Stop Comedy brings top stand-up comedians to Invertase Brewing Company. The Champ's Dogs will be vending.

*Formerly Boston Comedy Club

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.

 

Belvidere UMC is offering a roast beef dinner complete with mashed potatoes, gravy, string beans, homemade coleslaw, roll and apple or pumpkin pie. Take out or Eat In.

It's that time of year for fall craft fairs! Washington United Methodist Church is hosting a Fall Craft Bazaar featuring 20 vendors, lunch and baked goods available for purchase.

This is a free event in the Fellowship Hall and Education building.

Plan Ahead

"Cubano Be, Cubano Bop" pays homage to the groundbreaking compositions of jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie and Chico O’Farrill.