Warren County Wanderings

A September to Remember

“History never looks like history when you are living through it. It always looks confusing and messy, and it always feels uncomfortable.” - John William Gardner (1912-2002), President of the Carnegie Corporation and Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) under President Lyndon Johnson

Fans of history will find plenty to like in this issue! As our nation prepares for its 250th birthday, the Town of Belvidere steps back in time this weekend for its 37th Victorian Day; Invertase Brewing welcomes immersive Revolutionary War-era Tavern Talks (cover photo above); and historic Shippen Manor hosts tours and activities the next two weekends.

Speaking of taverns, a new craft distillery will have its grand opening in Hackettstown later this month.

Also on the horizon is the Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival! For a chance to win a tethered balloon ride - including free admission and parking - drop us a line at Tourism@co.warren.nj.us that includes your name and phone number, with “Fly Me Away” as the subject. To win it, you’ve got to be in it!

Other major happenings in September include Washington’s Festival in the Borough; Centenary Stage Company’s 40th Season opening; a Railroad Festival and an Oktoberfest! There is so much more, so read on, and Happy Wanderings!

Coming Up

This evening book club will meet on the first Thursday of every month to discuss one of the classics, the first of which will be chosen at the first meeting. Light refreshments will be provided. Open to adults only.

Registration is required.

Have you wanted to get into fly fishing but didn’t know where to start?  Join the staff at the Pequest Natural Resource Education Center for a full-day Fly Fishing Bootcamp.  We will cover everything from regulations, gear, casting, where to go, and much more.

Lisa Desire of Prime Suspect is back, hosting a thrilling evening of fun on the farm while participants unlock another mystery - Torture in the Orchard - by learning and using real forensics! It would be a crime to miss this unique opportunity! $75/person includes buffet dinner.

Celebrate Belvidere's Heritage and History! Things to see and do at Victorian Day include a vintage car show, historical walking tour at your own pace, Plein Air art competition, Garden Tea Party (tickets required) and the opportunity to stroll through Garret D.

Sunset concert at "The View" at Little Ridge Vineyards with Jeff Bellfy.

Another FOUND Fest, usually the first Saturday of each month. Incredible food trucks, great live music, family fun, corn hole, chair massage, and its evening Farmers Market is back and growing! The FOUND family is working hard to bring the community together and invite everyone to

Anticipating the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey, Revolution NJ brings its Tavern Talks to Invertase Brewing. Imagine being in a tavern during the American Revolution and having to decide which side to take.

Shippen Manor's season opens with annual museum tours celebrating Warren County's Bicentennial. Docents will be available for tours and talks about the history of the people and the local industry of Oxford.

The public is invited to commemorate the events of 9/11/2001 by coming together for a ceremony to stand together in solidarity to remember, reflect and reaffirm a commitment to unity and resilience in the face of adversity. Music and refreshments will be provided.

The Hope Creative Team encourages you spend the evening in the village shopping, supporting local eateries, playing games, and socializing! This month features a chili contest from 5-6pm; then ballroom dancing at 6pm (group class followed by practice party)!

Alba's flavorful evenings under the Arbor are back as The Reverie Kitchen chefs fire up the grill for Friday Steak Nights! A three course grilled dinner is $75/person + tax.

Regular menu also available. Table service – pay when you order. Wine sold separately by the bottle or glass.

Next Stop Comedy brings the best comedians, with new lineups every time, straight to your neighborhood for an unforgettable night of laughter! These shows feature top-tier talent from across the country, delivering high-energy performances in intimate, local venues.

Gear up for the 13th 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.

Learn all about it with David Anderson. $10/person at the door for nonmembers. 

 

Take a ride back to the Jurassic Period and discover the magic of dinosaurs! Take the train to The Susquehanna Mining Company and have an afternoon of activities to enjoy. While on site, pan for real fossils at the mine and marvel at the history of the Susquehanna Mining Company. Explore three corn mazes, one of which is a dinosaur exploration maze where you can find 4 different dinosaurs! Train departure times are 10am, 12pm and 2pm.

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.

Let's raise a glass! The Living Spirits team has poured their hearts into creating a space in Hackettstown that is more than just a distillery; it will be a community hub for coming together and truly LIVING.

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.

Savor the flavor, one bite at a time. Hors d’oeuvres Night awaits at Chefs Catering & Events, an interactive evening where gourmet small bites are passed fresh from the kitchen, designed to to surprise your palate and delight your senses.

Rock out to classic tunes from the Beatles, Stones, and more with Full Grown Men Band. Pack a picnic and enjoy wine by the bottle. Advance tickets $20; $25 at the door. Tickets guarantee table and chairs.

Rutherfurd Hall is offering an opening reception and first viewing of an exhibition of portraits by Elizabeth Shoumatoff, featuring her 1943 portrait of President Franklin D.

One of Buck Hill's most popular events! A four-course meal, each paired with beer and bourbon.

Limited is seating. Reservations required and held with a credit card by calling 908-854-5300. 

$120 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Make a resin paw print jar, pumpkin jar, mushroom jar, solid heart, skull or solid ghost, or piggie your style. You pick the moss, flowers and twigs etc, and then make your little casted project. The jars can be made into a nightlight.

Indulge in a five-course dinner crafted by Chef Eric of Hudson Table, with each dish artfully paired to showcase the beauty of Alba's wines.

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.

This event started as a way to gather and get to know local artists and has become a wonderful outlet for creatives of all kind to gather, get to know each other, share woes of the industry and support each other.

You be the judge!! Discover your inner film critic by casting your vote for Best Film and Best Actor in the 27th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival screening.

Mohican Outdoor Center will be hosting their annual Fall Festival complete with live music, hikes, canoeing, kayaking, family activities and food.

 

 

The festival features three walkable areas and celebrates the rich history of 173 years of transportation in Phillipsburg! The main festival, complete with live music, food and crafts, is at Shappell Park. Walk over to Phillipsburg Railroad Historians to tour their museum and ride their free miniature train. Stroll down South Main Street to the Phillipsburg Union - PU Tower and tour this ex-CNJ railroad switch tower, and continue on to Delaware River Railroad Excursions!

Kick off 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.

Celebrate with Stella G's for a German fare buffet dinner! $30/person + tax and beverages. 
Menu
Appetizers:
Cucumber Salad
German Potato Salad

Entrees:
Schnitzel
Bratwurst
Sauerbraten

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.

An immersive murder mystery experience that promises an evening of excitement and entertainment. Begin with an indulgent wine tasting featuring a selection of 8 exquisite wines, followed by a Chicken Parmigiana dinner with pasta, salad, bread and dessert.

Shippen Manor's season opens with annual museum tours celebrating Warren County's Bicentennial. Docents will be available for tours and talks about the history of the people and the local industry of Oxford.

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.

Shippen Manor continues to celebrate Warren County's Bicentennial with Victorian Candlelight tours. Registration is now open. Please contact Gina by email or call the office 908- 453-4381 during office hours for more information.

The Hope Creative Team encourages you spend the evening in the village shopping, supporting local eateries, playing games, and socializing! This month features a costume contest with prizes at Miss Becky's line dancing. The Community Center will have cards, board games, news and more.

Do you have what it takes to be a CSI?? Prime Suspect will bring the tools; you'll work the crime! They'll teach you to use real forensics to solve a staged crime. Fun & educational!

Tickets are $35 per person and covers all supplies. Seats are limited.

Next Stop Comedy brings the best comedians, with new lineups every time, straight to your neighborhood for an unforgettable night of laughter! These shows feature top-tier talent from across the country, delivering high-energy performances in intimate, local venues.

An immersive murder mystery experience that promises an evening of excitement and entertainment.

Entertainment

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

Sept. 5 - Rich Ortiz
Sept. 6 - Ally Brown
              Katy Gerhold
Sept. 7 - Scott Messina

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 

No Reservations Required. Admission Fee $10/person at the gate (age 2 & under free). Live music lineup:

September 7 - Dave Read
September 13 - Rene' Avilia
September 14 - John Cain 
September 21 - Jeni Hackett 

Joe's Steak Shop is hosting its 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.

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

Oct 3 - Rich Ortiz
Oct 4 - Ally Brown
Oct 5 - Elizabeth Gillen
Oct 10 -  OPEN MIC NIGHT
Oct 11 - Lee Larson

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 

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

Nov 28-  OPEN MIC NIGHT
Nov 29 - Katy Gerhold
Nov 30 - Ashley Marquez

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

Dec 5 - Water Street
Dec 6 - Katy Gerhold
Dec 7 - Rich Ortiz
Dec 12 - OPEN MIC NIGHT
Dec 13 - Scott Messina

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.

No Reservations Required. Admission Fee $10/person at the gate (age 2 & under free). Live music lineup:

November 1 - Dan DeChellis 
November 8 - Jeff Bellfy
November 15 - Chuck Schubert

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

May through September, Brook Hollow is making Saturdays even better with live music (no cover!), a tasty food truck, and your favorite Brook Hollow wines. Grab a cozy seat around the fire pit (first come, first served), or reserve a spot on our covered porch for a more intimate vibe.

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

Indulge in a memorable day filled with wine, food, and the fun of barefoot grape stomping at Four Sisters Winery. Cost is $51.58/person + tax, which includes a formal wine tasting, a delicious dinner with dessert, and concludes with a tasting of specialty dessert wine. 

Set out on your kayak or canoe and enjoy the crystal clear waters of the lake. FREE open kayaking, Tuesdays (4-7pm) through September. A limited number of kayaks are available. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.

Come out to Zeek's Place for the 2025 season of Cruise Night with Blood Moon Performance automotive. This event is once a month and open to all types of cars, from classic to modern muscle, tuners and trucks. Lot fills up quickly.

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

Food, drinks, rides, activities for kids and adults, live music, exhibitors, Car and Bike Show, fireworks at dusk! Previoulsy scheduled for a week earlier, but will occur on the Rain date of Sept. 13.

 

 

Phillipsburg's Open Air Market has moved to Riverside Way near the "Free Bridge" connecting Phillipsburg and Easton, and is held on Saturday from 9am-1pm (formerly Sunday). Enjoy vendors with farm, arts, bakery, flowers and other goodies along with live musi

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

Hosted by Bloom & Grow Coaching, a youth life coaching and mentoring program, Rise & Thrive is a 10-week free program for youth ages 16–19, aimed at helping them build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace and beyond.

Tastefully British Fish n' Chips or Chicken n' Chips Dinner offered by Belvidere United Methodist Church. Grab 'n' Go OR Dine In. Each $20 dinner includes choice of Fish & Chips or Chicken Tenders & Chips, coleslaw and cake. Orde

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! 

Hosted by Bloom & Grow Coaching, a youth life coaching and mentoring program, Rise & Thrive is a 10-week free program for youth ages 16–19, aimed at helping them build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace and beyond.

The veterans of The American Legion, Carl D. Archer Post 528 of White Township conduct a Recognition Day ceremony at the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action memorial, located at the Oscar Unangst Memorial Fields (across from Flowerland).

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!

A variety of vehicles will be on display including fire, police, emergency, farm, along with vendors. Lots to see and do for all! Free hot dogs, chips and baked goods. Free parking and admission.