Warren County Wanderings

Starting July 24, 2019

"Summertime is always the best of what might be." - Charles Bowden (1945-2014), American non-fiction author, journalist and essayist

And the best of the summer is here right now! Local produce like sweet corn and peaches is available, and after all the rain we've had, the sun is out and so are the sunflowers! The Sunflower Trail at Von Thun Farms in Washington, pictured here, opens today. They've got raspberries and peaches for the picking, too. And the big event of the year, the Warren County Farmers' Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival, starts Saturday, running until the following Saturday at the Fairgrounds in Harmony Township. We'll tell you a lot more about the fair in a special edition of Wanderings later this week, but look for Explore Warren there, we have lots of giveaways and a contest with great prizes from our tourism partners. So get out there and enjoy summer's bounty! Happy Wanderings!

Coming Up

The band cites a variety of influences, infusing Gulf Coast, Zydeco, Rock, Blues, Country & Honky-Tonk, at times creating a “JerZydeco” concoction. Funding has been made possible, in part, by the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Division of Land Preservation.

Bring your little farmer(s) to Donaldson Farms for a very special Little Learning Farmers session including fruit & veggies tasting and story time led by the author and illustrator of the children's book, 'Dolphins Don't Eat Donuts' by Julianne Stokes.

Video Daze '80s Tribute Band will be performing at the Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series with some '80s music! Come back every Thursday in the summer at Shappell Park in conjunction with the Community Farmers Markets. 

Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy stellar vocals, blazing guitar solos anchored by a vibrant horn section - That's Brass Roots! The fresh sounds of this local cover band provide you with a variety of classic rock, oldies, country and current hits.

Summer Nights on the Farm is Friday night neighborhood favorite featuring farm-fresh food, live music, kid activities, and good friends! Bring your own picnic blanket, favorite lawn chair, and beverage.

Join us for our extra Friday Night Deal, bigger, better, and more delicious! $10 half rack of ribs, cole slaw and corn bread and live music.

Unwind from the week and relax under the arbor enjoying great wine, food, and music. Starting at noon, Chef Anthony Fiore of Trattoria Di Fiore will have the following culinary treats available for purchase: freshly made wood-fired Pizza, Caprese Salad, Paninis, and Charcuterie.

Please join Kathy's Kove for a monthly Cultural Fund Raiser dinner for Ghana 4E. Ghana 4E is a non-profit organization working with students in Ghana, Africa. This month is a Soul Food dinner prepared by Celestine’s in Washington.

Flynn's will have plenty of food and drinks; please leave yours at home.

 

This band is top notch and is the closest thing you will get to see the Piano Man himself! 

The big event of the year is in full swing! Four days in and there are four more days to go, jam-packed with fun for the whole family! Ride the rides, see the farm animals, check out the power events like today's tractor pull, tomorrow's truck pull, Friday's Demolition Derby and Saturday's famous Mud Bog, visit the vendors, take in the free musical performances, see the displays and sample all the tasty food. There's a mass hot air balloon launch every evening at 6:30 p.m., too. Go right to the full schedule here.

Our wildly popular Camp Musky is no longer just for kids! The programs are just as fun as kid camp, but designed for busy adults - one day long! They are for ages 15 and above (younger children with adults; seek approval from Kyle Richter). Pick and choose one program or all eight!

Well-Sweep’s 30th annual Midsummer herb festival celebrates – Agastache, the 2019 International Herb Association’s Herb of the Year. In honor of our 50th Anniversary we will be having a guest speaker with extensive herbal knowledge – Delaware State University Professor Emeritus Dr. Arthur O.

Come enjoy free live music with family, friends, and delicious wines! 

Anker is a singer, songwriter from East Windsor, NJ. He Plays Acoustic Rock, Americana and Folk and is influenced by Collective Soul, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and John Mellencamp.

Pack a lunch, bring food to grill, carry a lawn chair or blanket, or grab a table and chair under the pergola to enjoy the Music at Milagro series. 

 

It's Stomping Time! A bit of nostalgia, a tasting of wine, something to do with friends for a special time! There will be a formal wine tasting, Italian spaghetti with meatballs, garden salad, bread, dessert, coffee, tea and sweet tea.

Experience a delicious farm-fresh dinner and views of growing fruit in the rolling Warren County hills that is home to TreeLicious Orchards. Hosted and prepared by the farm owners, the Kesler Family, this three-course meal features fresh fruits and vegetables such as asparagus and rhubarb.

Celebrate the peak of the summer with an exceptional 4-course, seasonal dinner prepared by Chef Anthony Fiore. Each course will be paired with a glass of Alba’s estate wine.  The dinner will be located in our new Tank Room.

The CC Coletti band is an amazing music experience for all ages.

Enjoy the beautiful view and live music on the deck with Rich Goldberg. Rich Goldberg is a one man band, singing and playing the piano. He uses backing tracks and voice harmonizer to create a full band sound. Rich sings covers from the Beatles and hits from the '60s through today.

Relax to the sounds of the BC Combo. Wood-fired pizza, estate premium wine, and music will be available. Admission is as follows: ESTATE - $15 per person, flight of eight wines from our primary production and estate cuvées and music.

Kinderhook plays a unique blend of original music mixed in with their own takes on classic cover songs. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic basket if you'd like to enjoy the free concert.

Don't miss the free concert in the Main Arena by Adam Yarger, with Lenny Martelli opening.

Campers will spend the majority of time outside engaged in a variety of outdoor education themed activities. During the week campers will get to experience boating, hiking, arts & crafts, science activities and adventure games.

The annual All Wizard Tournament is coming to America at the Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Are you ready to compete?

ShopRite’s 6th Annual Farm Tour leaves ShopRite of Greenwich at 10am and returns at 3pm. Kids will enjoy a hayride tour, petting zoo, duck races & BBQ lunch at Donaldson Farms in Hackettstown, NJ.

Rock Creek Tavern has a gorgeous, spacious outdoor dining area set up, and this band is the closest thing you will get to see the Piano Man himself! Treat Dad!

Continuing

Hackettstown celebrates its diverse and exciting dining options with the 6th Annual Restaurant Week “Passport to HKTWN” from Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 28, 2019.

It's Sunflower season! The sunflower trail is a great place for pictures, an afternoon out or to cut your own sunflowers! Event dates are anticipated and approximate, as Mother Nature will determine when the Trail will open & close. For questions, call 732-986-6816.

Relax and do some yoga every Wednesday evening beginning June 12 through September 18. Find your breathe and peace of mind as you practice yoga in the fresh air with sweeping views of our vegetable crop fields and fruit orchard and a chance to view a spectacular sunset!

Ever wanted to learn how to fish? Learn about fish biology and identification, casting techniques, equipment, knot tying and more. Discussions will be followed by an actual trout fishing experience in their Education Pond. This program is geared for ages 8 years and above.

Come see your favorite local farmers and food producers at the Blairstown Farmers Market! Open every Saturday from 9:30am-1pm.

The Farmers’ Market offers quality fruits and vegetables as well as specialty items with special events throughout the season. The weekly farmers’ market takes place every Saturday through the end of October, from 10am-2pm.

Saturday evenings between April and October 2019, the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) Observatory, located in Jenny Jump State Forest in Hope, NJ will be open.

Relax and unwind with some tapas, delicious drinks and some smooth sounds. Mama's & Cafe Baci offers live entertainment seven nights a week, including Monday Acoustic Cafe, Rising Stars, and a new Late Night Menu, relaxing cocktails & tapas in their 201 Fifth bar.

Join certified Yoga Teacher Kate McGuiness for a one hour, all levels Hatha Yoga class. All levels of experience are welcome. Wear comfortable clothing, bring water and a yoga mat. 

Enjoy some breakfast before you go on a ride! Fresh made to order breakfast from Chefs Catering.

Join us every Sunday for a great day of farm fresh food, amazing rustic decor, beautiful flowers and some adorable adoptable dogs. Open each Sunday 9am to 1pm until August 25.

A venue where local farmers, producers, and artisans come together to provide a variety of fresh produce and related products directly to the consumer. Open every Sunday, June-September.

Open Mic Night is available to single or duo acoustic players and vocalists. No amps, drums or bands allowed. Check their website for more details.

Parents can enjoy a morning off while their kids enjoy a fun and educational morning filled with healthy activities and cooking! Class will include 25 minutes of fitness activities followed by recipe review, grocery shopping skills, nutrition lessons, food preparation and a healthy lunch.

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.