Starting August 31, 2022

Warren County Wanderings

“I learned the value of hard work by working hard.”- Margaret Mead, 20th century American cultural anthropologist, author and speaker on imprinting child behavior.

As this Labor Day weekend approaches, we can’t help but think of those who came before us to secure fair wages, time off and a three-day weekend to commemorate it all. Take a page from Villa Milagro’s distinguished tuxedo gentleman, Francisco, and do some good lounging!

Here at Explore Warren we’re kicking off the weekend a tad early Thursday evening at Garret D. Wall Park with Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society, a hot jazz combo out of Philadelphia. The first of many events leading up to the county’s 2025 bicentennial, this concert is presented by the Board of County Commissioners and various county entities, including yours truly, the Explore Warren County Tourism Partnership. Meanwhile, Shippen Manor is hosting their last two concerts of the free summer series this weekend with Pine Leaf Boys on Friday and Paddy and the Pale Boys on Sunday. Fortunately for all the Wanderings music lovers, there are plenty of artists and venues hosting live music in our Continuing section.

Well-Sweep Herb Farm will be hosting their Fall Flower Festival and Craft and Farmers' Market, a two-day free event complete with lectures, tours and shopping. There's another opportunity for the Buttz In Gear Bike Rides presented by Buttzville Brewing on Sunday, and you can also get moving with the Labor Day Hike on the Paulinskill Valley Trail on Monday.

Looking ahead, Belvidere is home to the 34th Annual Heritage Day (aka Victorian Days) September 10, bringing the Victorian era of the town to life, while the first-ever Phillipsburg NJ Railroad Festival is the same day. September is shaping up to be a busy month so check our Plan Ahead section and keep your eyes peeled!

Relax and enjoy this long weekend! Happy Labor Day, Happy Back to School and Happy Wanderings!

Coming Up

This is a chance for kids to get out of the house, meet new friends, and have some fun! Enjoy a bonfire, s’mores, and BBQ. This is for teens in the small surrounding towns of Belvidere, Liberty, Washington and Hope.

Warren County will look forward to its bicentennial just a few years away with a look back to the County’s centennial era in the Roaring Twenties with a free, outdoor concert in the town square in front of the Courthouse, featuring  Drew Nugent and The Midnight Society, a “hot jazz” combo ba

In addition to Chef Anthony’s regular menu of freshly made wood-fired pizza, salad, paninis, and charcuterie there will be Lobster Specials (Lobster Pizza, Lobster Roll, or a Crab/Corn Pizza) at Alba Vineyard! Stop on by and relax with friends and family this Labor Day Weekend.

The lawn concerts are free to the public. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, family and friends to Shippen and enjoy the easy going, relaxing and toe-tapping atmosphere. This is an alcohol, drug and tobacco-free, family-oriented event. Please come ready to enjoy the music.

Labor Day Music

Sep 2 - TBD

Sep 3 - SAGE, Scott Messina and Ted Lyons

Sep 4 - John Cain, Joe Janci and Kyle Baker

Sep 5 - Ted Lyons, John Cain and Rich Ortiz

The Amish Outlaws return to the Boat Stage!

$15 cover charge at the door.

 

Come enjoy a weekend of free informative lectures and tours as you browse for fall perennials and shop in our Craft & Farmers’ Market! Event held rain or shine. Free admission and parking.

 

Nourish your body and soul - and treat your taste buds! $55/person includes one-hour yoga class, a guided wine tasting of six wines, and a bottle of either Delicado or Rosita. Instructor is Jackie Herman, owner of Holistic Flows Yoga, Carpentersville, NJ.

Reservations required. 21+

Shoresyde Duo is from Brick, NJ and covers a variety of music from the '50s to today including Rock, Motown, R&B, Country, Top 40 and more.

Music from the '80s, '90s and today, plus some classic rock.

Come out and meet your first responders at Sycamore Park!!! Free food and drinks! Bounce houses, Atlantic medical helicopter landing and more!

Looking for a chance to get off the couch and do some cycling with a local group? Want to reward yourself with craft beer after your ride? Head out to Buttzville every other Sunday through October 30. Arrive by 9:30am and rides leave at 10am sharp.

Groove to this renowned Blues, Swing and Boogie band while savoring your favorite FSW wine on the outdoor deck overlooking the picturesque 250-acre farm. Vineyard View Bistro menu items available, as well as wine tasting ($5 for up to 8 wines).and/or purchase wine by the glass or bottle.

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

Everyone is invited to a dicussion on herbs. You can bring hints, tips, reciepes and anything else that help everyone learn.

Bring a chair and refreshments are welcome.

Louisiana's finest and a world-renowned group that, along with youthful exuberance, blend the sounds of Cajun, Zydeco, Swamp-Pop, Country and Soul.

Enjoy live music with multiple artists from noon through 6pm, food truck (Humpty Jr's) on site, and wine available by the glass and bottle. And back by popular demand, Red, White, and "Blue" wine slushies!
12 - 2:30pm - Lauren Christine
3 - 5:30pm - SAGE

Celebrate Labor Day weekend with our salute to a great summer!

Self-Guided Wine Flights priced at $22, $28, and $34 per person, 21+ - includes cover for music.

Come enjoy a weekend of free informative lectures, presentations, spectacular garden tours, handmade artisan market and live music by Rupert and Scheetz, with their soulful blend of bluegrass and Americanas. Browse for fall perennials and shop in Well-Sweep's Craft & Farmers’ Market!

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

Continuing

Lopatcong's weekly summer music series. Funding has been made possible, in part, by the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Division of Land Preservation.

September 15 - VooDudes
September 21 - Mark Hanning (reschduled from prior date due to rain cancelation)

Shappell Park will be rocking this summer with their 2022 concert series!

 

 

Barnyard Buddies is a program that was designed for kids ages 2-8 who have an interest in farm life and love the outdoors.

Relax and enjoy outdoor dining and live music while surrounded by the stunning views of your local farm! James on Main collaborates with Donaldson Farms to create delicious farm-fresh and locally sourced cuisine for our guests.

Market Price - Choice of: 6 oz. Filet $60, Dry Aged Pork Chop $50, Salmon Fish $45.

All served with seasonal vegetables, potato, and salad. Charcuterie A La Carte- $20.

Celebrate the changing seasons at Alba with September evening music!

Every Saturday this summer, Waterloo is open and showcasing the Canal Museum and Highlands Boat Exhibit. In addition, the Gristmill and Smith Store will be open, and village tours will be given.

Other buildings will also be open, as well as the village Visitor Center.

Pack a picnic, invite some friends and enjoy some time with great wines, music and spectacular views! ​ $15 cover charge includes seating, music & wine tasting. Seating for 1-3 is first-come basis. Seating for 4-5 is by reservation/prepaid. ​

Enjoy an afternoon on a September weekend at Alba's for live music.

Enjoy music at Little Ridge with great wines.

September 3 - Jeff Bellfy
September 17 - Allan Willcockson
September 18 - Chuck Schubert 
September 24 - Jeff Bellfy

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 10:30 PM, weather permitting.

This market is in full swing this September! 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.

Phillipsburg's first open air market is starting in July and runs through October. There will be vendors, baked goods, farms and artisans.

Enjoy Sunday brunch at Asbury Coffee Mill.

Aug. 28 - Peter Amaedo
Sept. 4 - Jack Pierone
Sept. 11 - AMC Music Day
Sept. 18 - Matt DeBlass
Sept. 25 - Peter Amaedo
Oct. 2 - Brian Molnar

Joe's Steak Shop is hosting their 18th 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.

Enjoy an afternoon of music this October.

Enjoy an evening of live music at Alba's!

Enjoy Sunday brunch at Asbury Coffee Mill.
Oct. 2 - Brian Molnar
Oct. 9 - Thomas Johnston
Oct.16 - Matt DeBlass
Oct. 23 - Bob Piccola
Oct. 30 - Carson DeAngelis

Pack a picnic, invite some friends and enjoy some time with great wines, music and spectacular views! ​ $15 cover charge includes seating, music & wine tasting. Seating for 1-3 is first-come basis. Seating for 4-5 is by reservation/prepaid. ​

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 10:30 PM, weather permitting.

Enjoy Sunday brunch at Asbury Coffee Mill.

Nov. 6 - Joe Cassady
Nov. 13 - Nick Cerniglia
Nov. 20 - Thomas Johnston
Nov. 27 - Joe Frame
Dec. 4- Jack Pierone
Dec. 11- Caren Kennedy Duo
Dec. 18- Avoiding Foreclosure

Enjoy Sunday brunch at Asbury Coffee Mill.

Jan. 8 - Peter Amaedo
Jan. 15 - Brian Molnar
Jan. 22 - Matt DeBlass
Jan. 29 - Bob Piccola
 

Relax and enjoy outdoor dining and live music while surrounded by the stunning views of your local farm! James on Main collaborates with Donaldson Farms to create delicious farm-fresh and locally sourced cuisine for our guests.

Relax and enjoy outdoor dining and live music while surrounded by the stunning views of Donaldson's. James on Main and Czig Meister Brewing Company will be on site as well.

Dinner/food schedule - 5pm-8:30pm, Music 6pm-9pm. Admission tickets are required for guests to attend the event.

Relax and enjoy outdoor dining and live music while surrounded by the stunning views of Donaldson's. James on Main, Czig Meister and Va Fa Napoli Pizza Truck will be on site as well.

Chef Jack as he fires up the grill for a special evening under the Arbor!

Menu includes an entree which comes with a twice baked potato and a summer vegetable medley

Plan Ahead

Heartsaver CPR AED provides students the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of CPR, and use of an AED. This course empowers students to act with confidence in the event of an emergency at work, home, or in the community.

Cost is $50. Registeration required.

Warren County ARTS announces its meeting program will be a color pencil workshop with Jeff Green. See website for list of materials to bring.

Celebrate Belvidere's Heritage and History! This annual event, previously called Victorian Days, will be a one-day affair this year.

Genesis Farm welcomes everyone to participate in a seed saving workshop collecting seed from the field for use in the 2023 season, processing kale seed, and tomato seed to name a few.

The falling leaves and shorter days are a great time for relaxing yoga. Choose from classes on Wednesday @ 6:30pm and/or Saturdays @ 9am at Footbridge Park Pavilion. Bring a mat & any extra props. Classes start 9/10 through 10/12.

"Celebrating 170 Years of Railroad" The first railroad to arrive in Phillipsburg was the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) which opened on July 2, 1852.

Hackettstown's own, locally loved 'James On Main' will be serving up an amazing farm fresh menu and stop by the Czig Meister Brewing Company's 'Can Shack' where they will be sampling and selling their award winning craft beer & Czeltzers!

Come to the center to see photos, documents, artifacts and memorabilia of historical Belvidere with a special media presentation, "A Walk Down Memory Lane" starting at 2pm.

Filmed partially in Belvidere, this film will have two showings during Belvidere's Heritage Day.

Community Day is shaping up to be a great event! Music all day at Veterans Rally Point and a spectacular fireworks display at dusk, thanks to generous donors! Vendors are invited to apply to be part of the fun. 

 

 

The Asbury Coffee Mill hosts an outdoor music event featuring four different local performers outdoors in their courtyard. Featured performers include Coo Coo Cachoo, Joe Cassady, Caren Kennedy Duo & Brian Molnar.

Experience great craft beers and bike the beautiful countryside of Warren County while supporting a good organization. Ride from Buttzville Brewing Company in Washington Borough to Invertase Brewing Company in Phillipsburg and have a pint, then ride back and have another pint.

Welcoming the 'Alex Kerssen Jazz Trio' for a night of memorable music, delicious wine, and mouth-watering food! Cost per person includes dinner, dessert, coffee/tea, non-alcoholic drinks, and jazz show.

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.

The 4th Annual Northwest New Jersey Rivers conference is the premier forum connecting community, ecotourism, and the environment in Northwestern New Jersey.

Northwest Jersey's largest street and music festival will keep the excited vibe of summer going in Downtown Washington, with live music, vendors, kid's fun area, food, beer garden, and more!

Chef Kayla, owner of O'Kaysions Katering, creates a Southern comfort dinner with a fancy flair to titillate your tastebuds and make you feel at home. Four courses served as the sunsets.

This is the next to last alfresco dinner of the season.

$80 per person

The House of the Good Shepherd is hosting a charity golf outing at the prestigious Robert Trent Jones designed Panther Valley Country Club.

The Warren County Hot Air Balloons, Fun & Games Festival returns to Warren County Community College for three days of fun.

This event helps promote our NJ farmers and their farms. The Warren County Cycling Tour starts and ends at:

Race Farm
87 Belcher Road
Blairstown NJ

Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED provides students the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of first aid, CPR, and use of an AED. This course empowers students to act with confidence in the event of an emergency at work, home, or in the community.

Heartsaver CPR AED provides students the highest quality training in the lifesaving skills of CPR, and use of an AED. This course empowers students to act with confidence in the event of an emergency at work, home, or in the community.

Cost is $55. Registeration required.

"Celebrating 171 years of Railroad." The first railroad to arrive in Phillipsburg was the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) which opened on July 2, 1852.

Northwest Jersey's largest street and music festival will keep the excited vibe of summer going in Downtown Washington, with live music, vendors, kid's fun area, food trucks and more!

Genesis Farm welcomes everyone to participate in a seed saving workshop collecting seed from the field for use in the 2024 season, processing kale seed, and tomato seed to name a few. Leave with enthusiasm and confidence to practice seed saving on your own.

Bring your mat and any extra props you'd like to Footbridge Park in the pavilion for a relaxing yoga session. Choose from classes on Wednesday @ 6:30pm and/or Saturdays @ 9am. Classes run through June 15, 2024.

Bring your mat and any extra props you'd like to Footbridge Park in the pavilion for a relaxing yoga session. Choose from classes on Wednesday @ 6:30pm and/or Saturdays @ 9am. Classes run through August 17.