Celebrating our Independence

Warren County Wanderings

“Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all! By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.”John Dickinson (1732-1801), a Founding Father of the United States, solicitor and politician known as the "Penman of the Revolution" for his twelve Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania

Like so many other things in 2020, Independence Day is going to be different this year. But we can keep thinking outside the box, count our blessings, and find new ways to celebrate! It has been inspiring to see all the innovative and creative ways our businesses - particularly restaurants - have answered the call to survive, thrive, and welcome customers once again. 

The vintage photo above depicts Shippen Manor in Oxford, which hopes to reopen in August. Click here for the latest on other openings in New Jersey, as we continue to navigate through Stage Two. 

So read on, make plans if you wish, and please join us in the spirit of gratitude and celebration as we commemorate the 244th anniversary of the adoption of our great nation's Declaration of Independence.

Happy 4th of July, and Happy Wanderings!

 

 

Coming Up

Warren County's preeminent Water Park and Amusement Park is now open and ready to welcome you with "Acres of Fun & Miles of Smiles"! Bring a picnic and remember face masks and social distancing.

Relax under the Arbor every Friday, 12-9pm through September 25, weather permitting. No one under 21 will be admitted
Customers must wear masks inside the building
Seating for 2-4 people on a first come, first serve basis
Groups of 5-7 MUST make a prior reservation

Come out and celebrate your patriotism with a glass of your favorite red, white, or blueberry wine! Live music, food, and fun all weekend long: Bill Ihling Friday, 1:30-5:30pm; Ava Hoffman Saturday, 1-5pm and Jeremiah Sunday, 12:30-5pm.

Brook Hollow Winery and Event Facility welcomes back Stan and Elise. No Friday Meal Deal this week, but they invite you to purchase takeout from a local restaurant to enjoy on the outside covered porch patio with a bottle of Brook Hollow Wine! Call  908-496-8200.

Live music returns to Flynn's with the Dr Dick Show! Plenty of food and drinks will be available; please leave yours at home.

 

Come see your favorite local farmers and food producers at the Blairstown Farmers Market! Open every Saturday from 9:30am-1pm, June through October. Local vegetables, herbs, fruit, meat, eggs, dairy, baked goods, honey, and prepared meals from 25 miles of Blairstown.

This weekly Farmers’ Market offers quality fruits and vegetables as well as specialty items with special events throughout the season, from 10am-2pm every Saturday through September 26. The market runs along Route 57, anchored in the Pocket Park located at 44 E. Washington Ave. 

Villa Milagro Vineyards invites you to a quiet getaway from crowds, loud music and congestion to come grab a glass of wine and  experience nature at its best! Pack a picnic, enjoy spectacular views and great wines as you relax at the Villa.

Brook Hollow Winery and Event Facility hosts Live Music both weekend days from 2-5pm: Scott Messina on Saturday, John Cain on Sunday.

A venue where local farmers, producers, and artisans come together to provide a variety of fresh produce and related products directly to the consumer, located in the parking lot of White Township School (corner of Rts. 46 and 519), Belvidere. Open every Sunday, June-September.

Uncle Floyd is a NJ comedy legend and a national treasure. The Uncle Floyd Show aired in New Jersey and New York from 1974 to 1998. It can be read as a children's show or a parody of a children's show. Much of the humor has a twist aimed at adults, in the style of Soupy Sales and Pee Wee Herman.

This weekly Farmers’ Market offers quality fruits and vegetables as well as specialty items with special events throughout the season, from 10am-2pm every Saturday through September 26. The market runs along Route 57, anchored in the Pocket Park located at 44 E. Washington Ave. 

This weekly Farmers’ Market offers quality fruits and vegetables as well as specialty items with special events throughout the season, from 10am-2pm every Saturday through September 26. The market runs along Route 57, anchored in the Pocket Park located at 44 E. Washington Ave. 

This weekly Farmers’ Market offers quality fruits and vegetables as well as specialty items with special events throughout the season, from 10am-2pm every Saturday through September 26. The market runs along Route 57, anchored in the Pocket Park located at 44 E. Washington Ave. 

More Things to Do

The Warren County Library System is offering Curbside Service and Grab and Go Bags! Visit the library website to request books, DVDs, magazines, and more! Once your items arrive, you may make an appointment to pick them up. Not sure what to request? Try the library's newest service, Grab and Go Bags! Fill out a quick questionnaire with your interests, and library staff will pull together a bag of items for you. Complete information about these services, including Frequently Asked Questions, can be found on the library website.

A variety of activities continue to be offered online; please refer to the events calendar and Facebook to find out about all the activities for kids and adults you may have been missing!

Plan Ahead

The Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID) is bringing back Late Night Thursdays each week, July 9-September 24. Businesses will be encouraged to stay open until 8pm so that visitors can stroll through town, have a bite to eat, and do some shopping.

Stop in and take a look at all the plants that butterflies are attracted to while learning about metamorphosis and monarch butterflies! Wander through the perennial gardens and bring home a few favorites with you!

This being an unusual year, Well-Sweep decided to merge its annual Open House and Midsummer Herb Festival into one big event: the Midsummer Open House! Lectures, tours and vendors will be available.

Relax and restore in a lavender field. Bring balance to the body while practicing Hatha yoga amidst the gorgeous, aromatic lavender field of Orchard View Lavender Farm. $30/person.

Villa Milagro's first in-person, social distancing Paint 'n' Sip at the Vineyards! Painting outdoors is so relaxing and adding a touch of wine makes it even better! Wine tasting, 11x14 canvas painting, and complimentary etched wine glass will be given to all attendees.

Are you ready for a smashing good time? Formal wine tasting followed by a chicken parmesan dinner served with roasted potatoes, vegetables, tossed salad and bread. Dessert is introduced and paired with two dessert wines.

United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory, located in Jenny Jump State Forest in Hope, NJ, begins holding public programs on July 11 with Al Witzgall.

What could be better than spending a relaxing evening on a lavender farm, eating delicious food and listening to great music while waiting for what (we hope) will be a spectacular sunset?

Discover the wizarding world of Harry Potter in beautiful Warren County! Rutherfurd Hall, a spectacular Tudor mansion in Allamuchy, will be transformed into Hogwart’s Castle and becomes the setting for a Harry-themed camp from 9am-1pm each day.

Designed for ages 6-9, this camp will include a variety of activities including 1-2 days of boating, hiking, science and arts and crafts projects, sports and games. Cost: $140.

Designed for ages 9-13, this camp will include a variety of activities including 1-2 days of boating, hiking, science and arts and crafts projects, sports and games. Cost: $140.

The magic continues as young wizards and witches participate in new activities, attend new classes, and experience plenty of surprises. Wizarding folk will also enjoy many old favorites such as Quidditch, dueling, and competing for the house cup.

Are you ready for a smashing good time? Formal wine tasting followed by a chicken parmesan dinner served with roasted potatoes, vegetables, tossed salad and bread. Dessert is introduced and paired with two dessert wines.

Are you ready for a smashing good time? Formal wine tasting followed by a chicken parmesan dinner served with roasted potatoes, vegetables, tossed salad and bread. Dessert is introduced and paired with two dessert wines.

United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory, located in Jenny Jump State Forest in Hope, NJ, continutes it public programs with "Stellafane for Beginners" hosted by Bill Murray.

United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory, located in Jenny Jump State Forest in Hope, NJ, continues it public programs with "What’s Up in the August Sky?" Space artist, space animator, and author Lonny Buinis will take us star hopping around the August sky.  The Milky Way spa

Hackettstown Businesses are encouraged to stay open until 8pm all summer. There are too many highlights to list here; click "MORE" to see what treats and discounts await you this week:

Mama's Cafe Baci - FREE appetizer for the tables

Hackettstown Businesses are encouraged to stay open until 8pm all summer. Keep an eye on the Hackettstown BID social media and website for updates!

United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory, located in Jenny Jump State Forest in Hope, NJ, continues it public programs with "The Anatomy of a Star" presented by Paul Fischer, NWJAA. Reservations are required.

United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory, located in Jenny Jump State Forest in Hope, NJ, continues it public programs with "New Glenn vs. Old Glenn" presented by Dale Skran, NSS. Reservations are required.

LIVE MUSIC UNDER THE OUTDOOR DINING TENT LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT NEXT TO DAVILA’S AND STELLA G’S:  half Nelson will be performing 5-8pm, back by popular demand!

Businesses throughout Hackettstown are encouraged to stay open late each week. Among the many promotions and specials this week, there will be live music from Jukebox Trio.

United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory, located in Jenny Jump State Forest in Hope, NJ, continues it public programs with "The Northern Lights" presented by Gregg Waldron, NWJAA. Reservations are required.

Order dinner from one of the local restaurants, bring a growler from your favorite brewery (or BYOB), and listen to the great sounds of Roni James under the outdoor dining tent!

Particpating businesses and promotions include:

 

United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory, located in Jenny Jump State Forest in Hope, NJ, continues it public programs with "How the Stars Got Their Names" presented by Bill Murray, AAAP.

Order dinner from one of the local restaurants, bring a growler from your favorite brewery (or BYOB), and listen to some live acoustic rock (under the outdoor dining tent located in the parking lot next to Davila’s and Stella G’s) courtesy of  Bippart, Reed & Ryan from 6-8 pm.

Bring balance to the body while practicing Hatha Yoga amidst the tranquil, aromatic lavender field of Orchard View Lavender Farm. Afterwards, shop, savor and surrender to the picturesque summer sunset as Mother Nature paints vivid colors across the sky's canvas.

Embark on your journey towards inner balance and restored peace within the mind, body and soul while practicing Hatha Yoga amidst the tranquil, aromatic lavender fields. Afterwards, stay to celebrate the 4th annual anniversary of Lunar Lavender Yoga.

Embark on your journey towards inner balance and restored peace within the mind, body and soul while practicing Hatha Yoga amidst the tranquil, aromatic lavender fields. Afterwards, stay to celebrate the 4th annual anniversary of Lunar Lavender Yoga.