Starting July 31, 2019

"We're A Little Bit Country. That's How We Roll"

This week's quote comes directly from the website of the Warren County Farmers' Fair, now in its 82nd year and featuring the Hot Air Balloon Festival. It's Warren County's big annual get-together, where there's not only lots to do (read on to find out about that) but lots of people to see as well. Including your friends from Explore Warren! Welcome to all the new Wanderers who have visited our booth in the "Warren County And You" building at the fair and signed up for this newsletter, and hello to everyone who has entered our contest for one of the great prizes donated by our tourism partners. Congratulations to Jen LaParch who won a hot air balloon ride this week, Denise Klein who will be going to Saturday's Mud Bog, and Joe Sedlacek, who won tickets to the Funny Car Throwdown at Island Dragway in Great Meadows. There are still lots more prizes to be awarded after the fair ends, including gift certificates or tickets from Acasia Thai, Mama's Café Baci, Land of Make Believe, Well-Sweep Herb Farm, Rutherfurd Hall, G&G's Closet, and Centenary Stage Company, a t-shirt from United Astronomy Clubs of NJ, a big jar of their own honey from Woodsedge Tree Farm, and a fabulous gift basket from Abilities of NW Jersey. So come and see us while you're at the fairgrounds. Happy Wanderings!

Coming Up

Warren County Farmers' Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival

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.

Carly’s Healthy Cooking Camp JUNIOR (ages 4-6) at Shop Rite in Washington

Parents are welcome to do their grocery shopping while their kids enjoy a fun and educational morning filled with healthy activities and cooking!

Cosmic Jerry Band at Lopatcong Music in the Park

Cosmic Jerry Band plays everything Jerry Garcia. Funding has been made possible, in part, by the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Division of Land Preservation

Family Fishing Basics at Pequest Trout Hatchery

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.

Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series: Cunningham & Associates

This six-piece rhythm and blues, rock n' roll band, led by former Bethlehem Mayor and Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham on guitar and vocals, is a staple at Lehigh Valley festivals and special events.

Summer Musical Festival: Jesus Christ Superstar at Centenary Stage Co.

What’s the buzz? The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 40 years. This timeless rock opera is s et against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.” A true global phenomenon, Superstar continues to touch new generations of audiences and performers. Opening Thursday and continuing this weekend and next, through August 11.

Young Audience Series: A Year with Frog and Toad at Centenary Stage Co.

Waking from hibernation in the spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe...

Evan & Dennis Acoustic Duo

Dennis Thatcher and Evan Rohrs-Dodge have been playing music together in Warren County and beyond for years, both as an acoustic duo and in a rock and roll band, First Time Offenders.

Fridays under the Arbor at Alba Vineyard: Bev and Wayne of BC Combo

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.

Free Lawn Concert at Rutherfurd Hall: Jukebox Trio

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a Free Lawn Concert sponsored by the Friends of Rutherfurd Hall. Performing unique acoustic arrangements of classic and eclectic cover songs. Music from the '80s, '90s and today, plus some classic rock.

WC Farmers' Fair Free Concert: Bobby Clark and the "Play It Hard" Band

Enjoy the music of Bobby Clark and the "Play It Hard" Band, performing on stage, free for your enjoyment.

Wine Cocktail Party at Villa Milagro

We love cocktails made of wine and other ingredients to create lower-alcohol drinks. In these hot summer months, it is refreshing to have recipes for cocktails that are unique, delicious, cooling and safe enough to drink several! Join us for our wine cocktail party. Bring your friends.

Volunteer Day

Help the Ridge and Valley Conservancy stewards with a variety of tasks such as trail clearing and invasive plant removal. Tools will be provided.

Annual Clam Bake at Brook Hollow Winery

Argyle Restaurant will be joining us for the fourth year as we present to you our annual Clam Bake! Specializing in the highest quality Scottish Fish n' Chips, you won't be disappointed!

Alba Vineyard's Music under the Arbor: Jeff Bellfy & Co.

Relax to the sounds of Jeff Bellfy & Co. - wide variety of music blending songs from the '70s through today's hits. Wood-fired pizza, estate premium wine, and music will be available.

Music & Wine at Four Sisters Winery: Henry Wieczorek

Come and join us with live music on the deck with Henry Wieczorek. His renditions of Rock & Roll classics and Pop songs, as well as his own original music, will have you dancing with the beat.

WC Farmers' Fair Free Concert: Leah Marie Fuls

It has been four years since singer and songwriter Leah Marie Fuls won the "Country Idol" contest at the Warren County Farmers' Fair, and she hasn't stopped impressing audiences.

The Nerds & Bobby Clark at Draught House

It's a Double Header at the Draught House! Bobby Clark Band on at 8pm-9:30pm, followed by The Nerds from 10pm-12am. $15 tickets on sale now! 21+ event, first come first serve, we recommend bringing your own beach chair, extra parking in the Abilities parking lot.

Phido at Rock Creek Tavern

Come on out and have fun with Phido at Rock Creek Tavern offering the best food, drinks and wait staff!

Paddle Meditation at White Lake

Join yoga teacher Kate McGuiness for a 30-minute paddle on the quiet, early morning water of White Lake. With no focus on destination, we will explore rhythmic breathing and paddling, as well as quiet meditation on the water. Registration limited due to number of kayaks/canoes available.

Island Dragway's Funny Car Throwdown

Island Dragway celebrates its 59th anniverssary with a day of funny cars - nostalgia and modern, drag races and a car show. Gates open at 9am.

Music & Wine at Four Sisters: Dylan Carter

Enjoy the vocal/piano stylings of Dylan as he plays songs from the '60s, '70s and more. From Billy Joel to Elton John to the Eagles, Dylan plays a variety of styles that we like to affectionately and reverently call classic rock, keeping alive the signature sounds of the period.

Sunday Polka Funday at Four Sisters Winery

Polka down to Four Sisters Winery. It's a New Generation with sounds of the past. Box On is the culmination of time in the life of one family.

Music under the Arbor at Alba: Eric Mintel Trio

Wood-fired pizza, premium estate wines, and music! Every weekend from mid-April through mid-November.

Shippen Manor Lawn Concert - Pyrenesia

Watercolor the Watershed!

Attendees will meet at Doris Ettlinger’s art studio – an historic mill on the banks of the Musconetcong River. Using the beauty of the river as inspiration, you will begin a watershed sketchbook journal. All materials are provided and no previous experience is needed!

Continuing

Warren County Library's Summer Reading Program: A Universe of Stories

Reading is important all year!

The Sunflower Trail at VonThun Farms

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.

Sunset Yoga at Donaldson Farm with Larissa Harm

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!

United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey Presents: What's Up in the August Sky?

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.

Lite Jazz at Mama's & Cafe Baci

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.

Open Mic Night at Mama's & Cafe Baci

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.

Reviews

“Love all the events you cover. I had no idea so much goes on in Warren County.” - Gene S., new Warren County resident

“The return of Warren County Wanderings this year was one of the best things that could happen to Northwest New Jersey! With its vast coverage of all the many wonderful events - both community and professional - which make our region such a special place to live, the Wanderings is a guidepost of discovery and a nexus of community in a culturally rich and environmentally singular area.” - Catherine Rust, General Manager, Centenary Stage Company