Warren County Wanderings

Hint of Summer September 2024

"Happily we bask in this warm September sun, which illuminates all creatures." -Henry David Thoreau

We know, we know. The last thing you want to see is a bus and the hint of school in the air, but it’s safe to say this issue of Wanderings still has those summer vibes. Thanks to Donaldson Farms for capturing this beautiful photo, found on their Facebook page and a reminder to check out their Sweet Corn and Garlic Festival and another Sip n’ Solve murder mystery.

You’ll also find an array of festivals, including Warren County’s Hot Air Balloon, Fun and Games Festival, the last one of the year and Washington’s Festival in the Boro featuring three stages and live music, vendors and food all day.

Centenary Stage Company will be kicking off their new season with Curtain Up! featuring SOULbook, a high energy tribute to Motown and R&B.

We invite you to help us celebrate the creation of Warren County with a Bicentennial Gala at David’s Country Inn November 12 featuring live music, auction, dinner and dancing! Get your tickets today!

There is plenty of live music, winery and brewery events and several outdoor activities to get you out in nature this month.

Happy Labor Day and Happy Wanderings!

Coming Up

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.

Paddy and the Pale Boys play the traditional songs and music of Ireland and Scotland, along with some good ol' boy country and rock 'n' roll. These lawn concerts are free to the public.

Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) for a group hike at Footbridge Park in Blairstown, NJ.  The PVTC, a Friends Organization of the Kittatinny Valley State Park, will host the hike.  The length of the hike will be 4-5 miles.  The trail is cinder-based which provides

This tribute to American music will be exemplified by New Jersey artists through those years with a multimedia presentation by Professor Melissa Ziobro, Specialist Professor of Public History at Monmouth University, and Curator of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music. Open to the public with light refreshments.

Every Friday, bring your classic cars, modern marvels, and unique rides – all makes and models are welcome!

 Vote for your favorite car and see who drives away with the top 3 prizes, Groove to live music, and savor delicious bites from a food truck during happy hour.

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!

Alba is celebrating the best of Greek cuisine with grilled entrees that will tantalize your taste buds paired with Estate Wines.

There are three different entrees to choose from, each $49.

Get ready to have fun learning about forensic science and performing the testing required to solve the 'Rain on the Scarecrow, Blood on the plow...' mystery!

Celebrate Belvidere's Heritage and History! Victorian Day will include a Vintage Car Show, Fashion Show, Historical Walking Tour at your own pace, Plein Air Art Competition, Tea Garden Party (tickets required), horse-drawn carriage rides and the opportunity to stroll through Garret D. Wall Park, which will be filled with Artisan/Craft/Antique vendors. 

Celebrate the season's best at Donaldson's Sweet Corn & Garlic Fest! This family-friendly event is packed with fun activities, delicious food, and live entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

The Arts at St. Luke's presents “Les Paul – the Godfather of the Electric Guitar” a tribute show by Tom and Sandy Doyle. Tom Doyle was Les Paul’s right-hand man for 45 years. In his tribute shows he plays Paul’s hits and other songs.

Experience Billy Hector’s musical genius, from the raw, acoustic beginnings through the high-voltage thrill of his electric sets, culminating in a grand finale with the Midnight Horns.

Visit the library for an evening of amazing entertainment. Gladius is an award-winning composer and accomplished classical/flamenco style guitarist who soulfully “shreds on the electric" (Phil Keaggy).

Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County’s Park Naturalist, will present on the National Wildlife Federation Garden for Wildlife program.

Help Warren County Habitat for Humanity celebrate 25 years of serving the community by attending its annual Beams and Dreams Fundraiser! Good food and drinks, outstanding entertainment, live and silent auctions, and games of chance.

Hosted by Hawk Pointe Golf Club.

You can tour Camp Crystal Lake before and after Friday the 13th! Tickets are on sale now!

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.

Gear up for the 12th Annual Tour de Farm and Fondo Cycling Tours through the northwest NJ farmlands! Thousands of  participants have absolutely loved this event over the years, which helps promote NJ farmers and their farms.

Celebrate the fall season with family fun for all ages at Vonthun's Fall Festival Weekends, running September 14-October 27.

"Celebrating 172 Years of Railroad." Enjoy food, vendors and music with three areas to explore: Shappell Park, Phillipsburg Union Station and Delaware River Railroad Excursions. The first railroad to arrive in Phillipsburg was the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) which opened on July 2, 1852. The Phillipsburg Railroad Historians will host an open house from 10am- 4pm. The museum and car shop will be open for inspection and the Centerville and Southwestern miniature railroad will be in operation!

Grandparents get in free when you bring the grandkids to enjoy hayrides, U-pick berries & summer flowers, barnyard animals and the farm market. Make family memories that will last a lifetime.

Warren County ARTS presents "Drawing the Light" with artist Carl Ohlson. Free for members, $25 for non-members.

 

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.

One listen will tell you there is no other Steely Dan Tribute that comes as close to recreating the meticulous sound, musically and vocally, as GOOD STUFF.

Get ready for a night of uproarious comedy with John Lombardi. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Gemini's journey into comedy began at the young age of eleven, captivating audiences with his quick wit and energetic charisma on the streets of New York City.

Rob Stoneback and his 7-piece combo, Trombosis, will be at the Performing Arts Center at Rutherfurd Hall. It will be a great afternoon of jazz entertainment as four Trombones join a great rhythm section.

One of Buck Hill's most popular events! A four-course meal, each paired with beer and bourbon. Limited seating; reservations required and held with a credit card by calling 908-854-5300.

$115 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Mums, kale, cabbage, grasses, asters, rudbeckia & all the stunning fall colors are waiting for you to create an Autumn planter. It's the perfect event for families & friends.

Northwest Jersey's largest street and music festival returns to Downtown Washington, with live music, vendors, a kids fun area, food trucks and more! Three stages with 18 acts, plus dozens of vendors and local businesses will provide hours of shopping along with children's games and activities. This event is free to attend and includes plenty of free parking, and takes place rain or shine.

Free admission for all scouts and leaders in uniform with lots of opportunities for photos, a hayride, picking raspberries, and visiting the farm animals.

Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival returns to Warren County Community College for a weekend of fun. In addition to balloon activities like daily Mass Hot Air Balloon Launches and tethered rides, the festival features games, vendors, food trucks, car & truck show and more! Celebrate Warren County's upcoming 200-year birthday with the America One - US Flag Balloon! The balloon will inflate and glow around 7:15pm, along with Fred G Monster, the RE/MAX hot air balloon and a few others. In addition, kids can pick up their LED wristbands at the Balloon Ride Tent, prior to The Balloon Glow Show, to make it an interactive glow! And learn about some Warren County history each day when Henry Skirbst presents will delight (and maybe even scare) all ages as he tells tales of Warren County, including a few ghost tales.

Although best known for serving 26 years as Conan O’Brien’s musical director, guitarist and bandleader, his experience in the music business predates that by 20 plus years.

The Great American SOULbook delivers a journey through the decades of Motown, R&B and other iconic Soulful music that inspired generations. This is no oldies show. It is a high energy tribute that highlights the music that made us groove, made us move, and filled dance floors and concert halls in the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, and beyond!

This is a full afternoon event complete with pre-harvest blessing of the grapes, a tour to see how wine is made, traditional Italian music by Lou Pompilio, dance the tarantella, learn some useful Italian phrases and eat appetizers and tiramisu.

Price in advance: $30 - $15 kids over 10

Student Grace Campbell discovers there has never been a female president, asking "Where are the girls?" Frustrated by the lack of female faces in the White House upon seeing a poster of all 46 US presidents presented by her third-grade teacher, Grace decides she wants to be president and inspires

This uplifting event aims to create awareness about the correlation between animal abuse and domestic violence while promoting empathy and compassion within our community.

Fall is the perfect time to visit Donaldson Farms to enjoy apple and pumpkin picking and corn maze, hayrides, corn cannon, fresh-cooked food, apple cider samples, and more. There is no entry fee as activities and food priced individually. PYO activities are priced by the pound.

Ready to kickoff the fall season with one of Hackettstown's biggest town-wide events of the year? Join the Hackettstown BID, Czig Meister Brewing Company, Man Skirt Brewing Company, and Grand Avenue Tavern as they host events throughout the weekend that include food, activities, vendors, and contests.

Enter Roy's Hall for an extraordinary night where the past and the present beautifully collide, featuring Box of Rain and Boris Garcia.

This event has sold out. Orchard View Lavender Farm and Chef Ed Oliveira of The Angry Chourico BBQ are teaming up again to bring you their final Sunday Supper of the season, an exclusive and intimate dining experience.

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.

Pack a picnic and come experience nature at its best!

Jeff Finegan delves into these personal stories of George Washington, the first Founding Father of our country as told by historic figures of that time.

This is a free presenatation and open to the public.

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.

Celebrate the fall season with family fun for all ages at Vonthun's Fall Festival Weekends, running September 14-October 27.

Featuring the pre-eminent Jazz harmonica and vibraphonist, Hendrik Meurkens will perform with his quartet. Without a doubt, Hendrik is one of the best on jazz harmonica. He doubles on vibraphone and will be backed by piano, bass and drums.

Step into a world of Spanish flair with a feast inspired by the vibrant flavors of Spain. Alba's menu is set to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of España!

There are three different entrees to choose from, each $49, plus tax.

 

Get ready to savor a sumptuous selection of Argentine-style barbecue, or asado, featuring perfectly grilled meats, traditional sides, and the bold, vibrant flavors that Argentina is known for.

There are three different entrees to choose from, each $49, plus tax.

 

Featuring the pre-eminent Jazz harmonica and vibraphonist, Hendrik Meurkens will perform with his quartet, plus a free showing of the PBS documentary written and directed by Jim Burns, looking at the remarkable life and music of four-time Oscar-winning songwriter Jimmy Van Heusen, one of the most accomplished songwriters in history.

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.

Jan Findlay sings jazz and blues classics from the Great American Songbook that were made famous by Ella, Billie, Peggy, Sarah, Nat, Frank, and other artists. The lineup will feature Jan’s voice accompanied by Bob Himmelberger on piano, Rick Crane on standup bass, and Larry Maltz on guitar.

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!

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.

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.

The Hope Creative Team encourages you spend the evening in the village shopping, supporting local eateries, playing games, with chair yoga and line dancing. Join friends an neighbors doing any/all of these things, and help plan the next Fun Friday!

The Hope Creative Team encourages you spend the evening in the village shopping, supporting local eateries, playing games, with chair yoga and line dancing. Join friends an neighbors doing any/all of these things, and help plan the next Fun Friday!

Free admission for all scouts and leaders in uniform with lots of opportunities for photos, a hayride, picking raspberries, and visiting the farm animals.

Grandparents get in free when you bring the grandkids to enjoy hayrides, U-pick berries & summer flowers, barnyard animals and the farm market. Make family memories that will last a lifetime.

Free admission for all scouts and leaders in uniform with lots of opportunities for photos, a hayride, picking raspberries, and visiting the farm animals. Parents and anyone else accompanying their Scouts should pre-purchase their tickets online.

Mums, kale, cabbage, grasses, asters, rudbeckia & all the stunning fall colors are waiting for you to create an Autumn planter. It's the perfect event for families & friends. Bring your own basket or use on of our fall bushels! Perfect for groups, garden clubs & kiddos!

Entertainment

All music is free, no tickets necessary.

Sep 21: 10 Gallon Matt
Sep 22: Anker
Sep 28: Rich Berry
Sep 29: Joe Izen

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. 

Tiptons will be rockin' in September!

September 20 Chuck Shubert & Co.
September 21 Freaks & Sinners
September 22 Kyle Yankowy

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

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

Architects is featuring live music and an optional dinner buffet all summer.

Tiptons will be rockin' in October!

October 4 - Jimmy & the Parrots Duo
October 5 - Naked Jake
October 11 - Last Shot
October 12 - Smooth Retsina Glow
October 18 - Avenue 16
October 19 - Time Whys
October 25 - Scott Messina

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!

Tiptons will be rockin' in November!

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

Tiptons will be rockin' in December!

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

 

Tiptons will be rockin' in April!

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

Tiptons will be rockin' in May!

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

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

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

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

Shippen Manor will be holding tours in September.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Shippen Manor continues their museum tours in October featuring "Shippen and the Revolutionary War" with 2nd NJ Helms Co. (soldiers, camp followers, activities and displays), firing demonstration, and activities for all ages and "Autumn at the Manor."

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

Join one of three county libraries for a sensory-filled adventure, bringing books to life through interactive activities and more. These storytimes are specifically designed for children with sensory sensitivities and are perfect for kids ages 3 and up.

Registration required.

Debbie Naha-Koretzky, "The Wild Edibles Lady," will be at the Southwest Branch library for a foraging adventure to discover the edible plants found in the local area.

A slideshow/discussion will be followed by a plant ID walk.  Enjoy a wild tea tasting and take home a few recipes.

Come out to Zeek's Place for the 2024 season of Cruise Night with Blood Moon Performance automotive. This event is open to all types of cars, from classic to modern muscle, tuners and trucks. Lot fills up quickly.

Tastefully British Fish n' Chips or Chicken n' Chips Dinner offered by Belvidere United Methodist Church. Grab 'n' Go OR Dine In. Each $19 dinner includes choice of Fish & Chips or Chicken Tenders & Chips, coleslaw and cake.

Weather permitting, bring your paddling device, paddles and life jacket for an evening paddle at White Lake.

Reservations are required. Call 908-763-1760 or email Whitelakeinfo@gmail.com

The veterans of The American Legion, Carl D. Archer Post 528 of White Township will be holding a Recognition Day ceremony at the established permanent POW/MIA memorial, located at the Oscar Unangst Memorial Fields. The ceremony will honor former POWs, and include the POW/MIA empty chair and the Missing Man table and Honors ceremony along with a bench dedication kindly donated to Post 528 by The General William Maxwell Chapter NSDAR members.

The Blairstown Town Wide Yard Sale will be hosted by the Blairstown Elementary School PTG and sponsored by Re/Max Ridge this year. Declutter your home while supporting our local elementary school!

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.

 

Celebrate your local (White Twp.) community with great food, kids games, inflatables, trackless train, face painters, DJ, dunk tank, touch a truck, ice cream, vendors and more!

Mohican Outdoor Center will be hosting a Fall Fest complete with live music from East Branch Revival Band from 12 - 3pm, hikes, including to Catfish tower at 9:30am, a 1/2 mile nature center hike, and Coppermine - Kaiser loop, a 4.6 miles round trip.

Weather permitting, come out for Fall craft fair and find some gifts and treasures.

Join in the free fun at Knowlton Community Day at Tunnel Field! Activities include bounce house, train ride, petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, fire trucks, food, vendors and live DJ!

Tastefully British Fish n' Chips or Chicken n' Chips Dinner offered by FPC of Blairstown. Take Out Only.

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.

 

The Blairstown Town Wide Yard Sale will be hosted by the Blairstown Elementary School PTG and sponsored by Re/Max Ridge this year. Declutter your home while supporting our local elementary school!

Tastefully British Fish n' Chips or Chicken n' Chips Dinner offered by FPC of Blairstown. Take Out Only.

Weather permitting, bring your paddling device, paddles and life jacket for an evening paddle at White Lake.

Reservations are required. Call 908-763-1760 or email Whitelakeinfo@gmail.com