Fall is arguably the most beautiful season in Hunterdon County – bookmark this handy guide to help you experience, taste and celebrate all things autumnal!
Family
Flemington Opa! Festival
Where: St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, 85 Voorhees Corner Road, Flemington
When: Friday, September 6th, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, September 7th, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, September 8th, noon-7 p.m.
A three-time Hunterdon Happening Best Foodie Event winner, this family cultural event features authentic Greek food and taverna. There will be amusements, games, children’s activities, Greek folk dancing and Greek music. An international marketplace offers jewelry, home decor, fine art, home improvement, toys, and Greek imports. Parking is free. Suggested entrance donation is $2 for adults and children over 12.
24th Annual Sheep & Fiber Festival
Where: Hunterdon County Fairgrounds in Lambertville
When: Saturday, September 7th, 9 a.m.—5 p.m. & Sunday, September 8th, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This event is hosted by Garden State Sheep Breeders, a fun, non-profit, educational organization promoting sheep and wool products throughout New Jersey.
High Bridge Community Day
Where: Union Forge Park, Washington Ave., High Bridge
When: Saturday, September 7, 1 p.m.- 5 p.m.
A fun-filled day with free snacks, face painting, live music and lots of community vendors.
Milford Alive!
Where: Downtown Milford
When: Saturday, September 21 from noon to 5:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Milford Merchants Association, the Happening List winning event features street music, art, food, crafts, a wacky “bed race,” puppet show, duck race and topping it off – fireworks. Celebrate the history, culture and promise of this quaint Delaware River town in Milford, NJ. For more information visit milfordalive.com.
New Jersey Storytelling Festival
Where: Howell Living History Farm, 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville
When: Saturday, September 14 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Join storytellers from throughout the tri-state area as they convene at Howell Living History Farm to spin some yarns. The event is free, registration required. For more information, visit www.njstorynet.org
Tewksbury Harvest Festival
Where: Christie Hoffman Park, 108 Fairmount Road West, Califon
When: Saturday, September 21 from noon to 5 p.m.
The Tewksbury Harvest Festival kicks off this year with a concert by Green Planet. Patrons pay $20 per carload, which includes hot air balloon rides, pony rides, hayrides, petting zoo, live entertainment, children’s crafts, exhibitions, classic car show, free snacks and the handmade craft show. Proceeds benefit Tewksbury First Aid and Rescue Squad and the Friends of the Tewksbury Library.
Frenchtown Community Campout
Where: Frenchtown Borough Park, Route 12 and Creek Road, Frenchtown
When: Saturday September 28 at 4 p.m. through Sunday September 29 at 10 a.m.
Spend the night in Frenchtown Park enjoying a potluck dinner, movie and camping out under the stars in this third annual fundraiser for the borough park.
Fall Nature Club for Kids
Where: Echo Hill Park 42 Lilac Drive, Lebanon
When: Tuesdays, September 10 to October 29
Session A Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. (3 to 5 year olds)
Session B Time: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (3 to 5 year olds)
Session C Time: 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (kindergarten – third grade)
Park Naturalist Debra Reed guides children on hikes to discover the diverse field, forest, and pond habitats at Echo Hill. Other hands-on activities include science experiments, field games, and take-home craft projects. Children will sharpen attention to details such as colors, shapes, textures, and the sounds of nature. Old clothes and sneakers/boots that can get dirty are recommended, as Nature Club meets rain or shine. $90 for all 8 lessons.
Hunterdon Fall Festival
Where:Horseshoe Bend Park, 198 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Frenchtown
When: Saturday, October 5 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kickoff the festivities with HippoCrossCyclocross which features some of the best amateur cyclists in the area. Enjoy great music and food from local restaurants, food trucks and a beer garden hosted by River Horse Brewing. For cyclists wanting to enjoy the fall foliage, sign up for one of three routes that take you through the best roads and scenery in Hunterdon County. For more information, visit hunterdonfallfest.com.
Night Before Party
Where: Alba Vineyard, 269 Riegelsville Warren Glen Road, Milford
When: Friday, October 18 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
The kickoff event for the Pohatcong Historic House Tour. Tickets are $75 per person and include an evening of fine wine, great food, music, silent auction and a complimentary ticket to the self-guided historic house tour on Saturday, October 19. All proceeds benefit the Pohatcong History & Heritage Society.
17th Annual Touch-A-Truck Day
When: Saturday, November 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Deer Path Park, 120 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington
Described as a parade that stands still, more than 40 dump trucks, fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, and military jeeps are parked so kids of all ages can get a close-up look. Sponsored by Hunterdon County Division of Parks and Recreation, the event is free with no pre-registration required; however, donations are appreciated to help defray costs. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Halloween Fun
Halloween Walking Tour of Lambertville
Where:James Wilson Marshall House, 60 Bridge Street, Lambertville
When: Saturday, October 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join Lambertville residents Bambi Kuhl and Lou Toboz, Lambertville’s town historian, as they sare famous Lambertville tales and lore while strolling past homes decorated for Halloween in a town that celebrates the holiday like no other. For more information, visit revolutionarynj.org/event/halloween-walking-tour-lambertville.
The Red Mill Haunted Village
Where: Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main Street, Clinton
When: Every Friday and Saturday from Oct 11 – October 26 from 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
When: The 29th annual Haunted Village will take place at the historic Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton and will include 10 acres of frights and scares guaranteed to be the highlight of your Halloween. For times and schedule, go to www.redmillhauntedvillage.org.
Scare Farm
Where: 116 South Branch Rd, Hillsborough
When: Friday, September 27 through Sunday, October 27
Scare Farm, in nearby Hillsborough, has three haunted attractions, Creepy Hallow, The Slay Ride, and Paranoia and a not-so-scary corn maze to ensure Halloween fun for the whole family.
Pumpkin Picking and Frightfest
Where: Schaefer Farms, 1051 County Route 523, Flemington
When: Beginning in late September and running through October.
During the day, enjoy a scenic hayride to through 40 acres of homegrown pumpkins, free with the purchase of a pumpkin. At night ride, walk, then run through 200 acres of fright and horror, including a Massacre Maze and Carnival of Chaos. Check out www.schaeferfarms.com for details.
It Happened at the National – A Murder Mystery
Where: The National Hotel, 31 Race Street, Frenchtown
When: Tuesday, October 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Hosted by Bryce Culver Drag King and The National Hotel, partake in a murder mystery that takes place at a private party held at a jazz club in the late 1920s. Seats are limited. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Arts & Culture
4th Annual Califon Classic Car Show
Where: Califon Island Park, Bank Street, Califon
When: Saturday, September 7 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Featuring stock cars, muscle cars, and trucks, the annual Califon Classic Car Show is a fundraiser benefitting U.S. military veterans. Proceeds will benefit the Califon Veterans Memorial.
Rock & Blues Festival for Veterans
Where: Schaefer Farms, 1051 Route 523, Flemington
When: Saturday, September 7 at 1 p.m.
Enjoy a day of music with food and drink. Proceeds benefit local veterans. Tickets are $10 – $20, available at www.eventbrite.com.
The Central Jersey Jazz Fest
Where: Somerset County Courthouse, Main and Grove Streets, Somerville
When: Sunday, September 15 from 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
Nat Adderly, Jr., Brianna Thomas and Javon Jacksonheadline the Central Jersey Jazz. For more information, visit centraljerseyjazzfestival.com.
Prallsville Mill Art Shows
Where: Prallsville Mill, 33 Risler Street, Stockton
What: Annual Artsbridge Clothesline Art Sale
When: Sunday September 15 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
What: Distinguished Artists Series with Dan Burstein
When: Thursday, September 19 at 7 p.m.
What: Arts for Healing with Roxy Ballet
When: Sunday, September 22 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
The historic mill will serve as host to several art shows this fall. Visit prallsvillemills.org for more information.
Hunterdon Art Museum Fall Exhibition
When: Sunday, September 22nd, 2019-January 5, 2020
Where: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center St., Clinton
Sponsored by Rago Auction, Hunterdon Art Museum’s fall exhibit features Cliff Lee:Porcelain Master , a show of meticulously carved and glazed porcelain pieces by a neuroscientist turned sculptor. An artist reception will be held on Sunday, September 22 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.For more information visit hunterdonartmuseum.org.
Food & Drink
Basil Bandwagon
Clinton- 38 Old Hwy 22 (908) 735-3822
Flemington- 276 US Hwy 202/31 (908) 788-5737
Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7 Days a Week
www.basilbandwagon.com
Basil Bandwagon Natural Market has everything you need for a happy and healthy start to the school year! That’s why they were voted Best Grocery Store in the 2019 Hunterdon Happening List! They’ve thought of everything you could need for your kids’ lunches, after-school snacks, and even supplements to help them all year round. Head to their website for handy back-to-school checklists. Plus, be on the lookout for seasonal favorites! Basil Bandwagon offers weekly sales and are open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with convenient locations in Flemington, Clinton and soon Lambertville.
Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn
11 Bridge Street, Lambertville
(609) 397-8300
www.lambertvillestation.com
The Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn is a repeat Winner and Finalist on the 2019 Happening List, earning the top spot for Late Night Drinking and Appetizer and Finalist for Outdoor Dining, Brunch, Wine List and Beer Bar. Before the temperatures drop, enjoy lunch by the canal. And in the cooler months, experience the wine cellar with over 50 boutique wines and fireside seating.
Stangl Farmer’s Market
Where: Mine Street and Stangl Road, Flemington
When: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Stangl Factory hosts an indoor, year-round farmers’ market featuring more than 30 artisanal vendors, including locally-grown vegetables, grass-fed meats, artisan breads and cheeses, pastured eggs, specialty prepared foods and desserts. There’s also a selection of crafts, including handmade baskets, turned wood, soaps and bath products and handspun yarn.
Hunterdon Land Trust’s 23rd Farm to Table Gala
Where: Beaver Brook Country Club, 25 Country Club Road, Annandale
When: Sunday, September 22 at 5 p.m.
This year’s event features a full-course dinner prepared by Chef Matt McPherson of Matt’s Red Rooster Grill and desserts by Nicole Martini of Sweetini’s Cake Shop. Tickets cost $150 each. Proceeds benefit the Hunterdon Land Trust. For more information, visit hunterdonlandtrust.org.
3rd Annual Hot Sauce Festival at Schaefer Farms
Where: 1051 County Rd 523, Flemington
When: Saturday, September 21, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 22, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
This event has something for everyone: Hot sauce eating contest, pumpkin patch hayrides, salsa making contest, hot pop lick-a-thon, corn and hay mazes, hot spiked sweet corn eating contest, daisy belle bounce house, laser tag shooting gallery, corn cannons and more. $10 per carload. Visit saucetoberfest.com.
Califon 7th Annual Street Fair
Where: Borough of Califon
When: Sunday, October 13 from noon -4 p.m.
Stroll through Califon’s picturesque downtown and enjoy great live music on two stages and a variety of tasty food vendors. The event will kick off with the Jon Slusher Memorial Bridge to Bridge 5K Run/Walk.
Flemington Fall Restaurant Week
When: Sunday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m.-Friday, Nov. 15 at 9 p.m.
Restaurant week features fabulous seasonal fare with prix fixe dinner menus ranging from $25 to $35 at participating restaurants. Visit www.loveflemington.com for more information.
Health & Beauty
Zanya Salon Spa
287 S Main St, Lambertville, NJ 08530
609-773-0770
info@zanyaspasalon.com
The kids are back in school, and it’s time to treat yourself! Kick off the school year by pampering yourself with a signature treatment from Zanya. Or, update your look for the new season. The Zanya Spa Salon Team is skilled in the latest techniques to give you whatever you’re craving this fall.
9th Annual RTFC 9/11 Firefighter Stairclimb
Where: Hunterdon Medical Center (Parking Garage) 2100 Wescott Drive, Flemington
When: Sunday, September 8 from 8 a.m. – noon
Hosted by the Raritan Township Fire Company and Hunterdon Medical Center, the annual 9/11 Stairclimb honors the fallen on 9/11/01. The challenge mimics the number of stairs that New York City firefighters climbed in the World Trade Center prior to the towers’ collapse. The strenuous climb takes approximately 1.5 hours. Light snacks and drinks are provided. The event is open to the public with firefighter registration honored first, maxing out at 343 climbers. Proceeds benefit the FeelGood Foundation.
Delaware River Grand Prix and Regatta
Where: Delaware River Tubing, 778 Frenchtown Road, Milford
When: Saturday, September 14 at 8 a.m.
Choose from a 7-mile, 5k or 1-mile course along a flat, quick, cinder trail while enjoying the scenic surroundings of the Delaware River and Canal State Park. Unwind afterwards with a tubing trip down the river and BBQ at Delaware River Tubing. Proceeds benefit the Binnacle House. For more information, visit runsignup.com.
Vibha 5k Walk/Run
Where: Skillman Park Main Blvd, Skillman
When: Saturday, September 14 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
This is the third year of this 5K walk/run in Skillman Park. Proceeds benefit Vibha, CHOP and the Bag Project. Music, post-race snacks and awards are provided. For more information, visit vibha.org or nj-nyc.vibha.org.
Main Street Half Marathon of Hunterdon
Where: Main Street Clinton to Main Street Flemington
When: Sunday, October 13 at 7:30 a.m.
This second annual event links two favorite Hunterdon County main streets, starting in Clinton and ending in Flemington. For more information, visit www.mainstreetmarathon.com, where training programs and challenges can be found. Swag included.
Run the Vineyards
Where: Unionville Vineyards, 9 Rocktown Road, Ringoes
When: Sunday, November 3 from 9 a.m. to noon
Choose betwen an 8k or 5k course. Finish with a relaxing after-party featuring award winning wines, live music, awards, food trucks and more. For more information, visit runsignup.com
Girls On The Run of Hunterdon, Bucks, and Warren Counties 5K
Where: New Hope Upper Elementary School, 186 West Bridge Street, New Hope
When: Saturday, November 16 from 8 a.m. to noon
GOTR inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident through running. Training groups are encouraged to form prior to the race, which begins at 10 a.m. For more information visit gotrhunterdon.org.
Thanksgiving Day Two Towns Turkey Trot
Where: Lambertville Station, 11 Bridge Street, Lambertville
When: Thursday, November 28 at 8 a.m.
Before you sit down to your Thanksgiving feast this year, work off some pre-dinner calories by running or walking the Two Town Turkey Trot which traverses New Hope and Lambertville. For more information, go to www.delawarerivertowns.com/turkey-trot/.
27th Annual CEA Annual Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, November 28 from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Main Street, Flemington
Voted Best Fundraiser by Hunterdon Happenings, the CEA/Johanna Foods Turkey Trot 5K run and 2M walk has become a beloved holiday tradition. Join more than 6,000 runners and walkers on Thanksgiving morning to work up a holiday appetite. Proceeds benefit the Center for Educational Advancement which facilitates careers and employment for people with disabilities since 1970. For more information visit cea-nj.org/events/turkey-trot.
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