By Liz Johnson
Believe it or not, the days are already getting shorter, even if they’re not quite yet getting cooler. With only a few more weeks until school starts up, here are a few must-do ideas before fall sets in:
Watch Fireworks
It just doesn’t feel like summer until you watch fireworks! If you didn’t get your fill on July 4th, you can still get your chance.
There will be fireworks between New Hope and Lambertville on August 2. For the best view of the fireworks, join the party at the Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn. Your $30 tickets ($40 at the door) includes 2 drinks and live music by The Strange Brew Crew.
Tube Down the River
There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting back in an inner tube and letting the river do all the work of getting you downstream. Grab a cooler, some drinks, snacks and flotation devices and you’re set. There are several parking lots that serve as good launching points along Route 29. Or take part in a ride organized by Delaware River Tubing, just north of Frenchtown.
Go to a Festival
Hunterdon County seems to always have something going on. Here are a few worth checking out:
Corn, Tomato and Beer Festival, Aug. 10 noon – 8 p.m.,Stangl Road, Flemington
Hunterdon County 4-H Fair, Aug 21-25, 10 a.m.- 10 p.m., County Fairgrounds, Route 179, Ringoes
Vintage North Jersey Food & Wine Festival, Aug. 24th and 25th, noon- p.m. All Hunterdon County vineyards are included in the event that features food trucks, craft vendors and music.
Prallsville Mill Antique Show, Aug. 31, Route 29, Stockton
Lambertville Station (Photo by Michelle Reese)
Dine Waterside
You don’t need to travel to the shore to find waterside dining. Try Hunterdon Happening List winners Lambertville Station in Lambertville or the Clean Palate in Clinton, both of which have outdoor seating looking over a river or stream.
Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking at Sunset
Round Valley Reservoir in Lebanon offers both kayak and paddleboard rentals. Spruce Run Reservoir in Clinton Township offers kayak rentals as well as patio boat rentals for a larger group. Sunset cruise anyone?
(Lambertville Cavallo Park, photo by Michelle Reese)
Discover a New Park or Playground
Hunterdon County prides itself on land preservation, which means there are thousands of acres of parkland available for hiking or biking. Check out this list of trails and sidetracks: https://hunterdon.happeningmag.com/bike-or-hike-hunterdon-county/
Have you been taking your kids to the same playground all summer? Mix things up by visiting somewhere new! If you’re looking for a fun day outdoors, here are a few parks worth a visit: https://hunterdon.happeningmag.com/parks-and-playgrounds-in-hunterdon-county/
Pick Your Own Vegetables
Summer is the time to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables and Hunterdon County farms have plenty to offer. Some farms, such as Hunterdon Happening List Winner Schaefer Farms just outside Flemington, will even email you to let you know what’s ready for picking.
The Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market
Go to a Farmer’s Market
If you don’t want the hassle of picking your own but still want locally grown, fresh produce, check out a local farmer’s market. Check out this guide for a list of options: https://hunterdon.happeningmag.com/2019-hunterdon-county-farmers-market-guide/
(Photo from Beneduce Vineyards Facebook Page)
Visit a Vineyard
Sip a glass of locally produced wine while listening to music overlooking a verdant valley. Hunterdon County is home to four vineyards, including Hunterdon Happening List Winner Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown which hosts a weekly “group therapy” with live music each weekend.
(photo via flemingtoncarshows.com)
Check Out Classic Cars
Flemington hosts a classic car show every third Saturday of the month. New Hope’s Auto Show is Aug. 10. For anyone nostalgic for tailfins and chrome, both are a bucket-list must.
Go to a Polo Match
If you missed this year’s Hunterdon Polo Classic in June, a Hunterdon Happening List winner, no fear. Just across the river from Frenchtown, Tinicum Park plays host to polo matches through October. Go early and tailgate with a gourmet picnic lunch.
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