By Liz Johnson
If you find yourself in need of a recharge, but don’t have the time or money to plan a big vacation, consider a Hunterdon County staycation. Here are eight fun ways to spend the day enjoying local sights.
Wine Tasting
Hunterdon County’s rich soil makes it a great place to grow grapes, which explains why it’s home to four vineyards – Beneduce Vineyards and Mount Salem Vineyards in Pittstown and Old York Cellars and Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes. No two are alike. It’s easy spending the day driving from one to another, exploring the various wines and folly they offer.
Tip: Check out 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Winner (Group Outing) Beneduce Vineyards’ Group Therapy every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon all year long, where live music is held on the vineyard’s beautiful stone patio surrounding a bonfire or in its unique, heated Tropical Oasis in the winter (or in the case of inclement weather).
Art Galleries
Artists come to Hunterdon County to paint its picturesque views, then stay once they find they’re welcome among its creative communities. Lambertville and Frenchtown boast the most galleries, although Flemington, Lebanon, Milford and Clinton have their share as well.
Tip: Art galleries are a favorite of Hunterdon Happenings voters who have nominated 27 local galleries to the winner’s list, including 2019 Happening List Winner Kevin Von Holt in Flemington. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking for a day indulging in art.
Creating
Spend the day making your own artwork. The Paint Party Farm in Ringoes (Best Celebration Location) and the Paint Party Studio in Flemington (Happening List Finalist) offer a range of classes or private instruction so you can craft the day you want.
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Ballooning
Hunterdon County is home to the country’s largest balloon festival held each year at Solberg Airport in Readington. But you don’t have to wait until July to witness the county’s beauty from the air. There are more than a half-dozen hot air balloon companies offering rides, many that end with champagne.
Polo
Hunterdon County is awash with horse farms, making polo a favorite past-time. Each June, Fieldview Farm in Pittstown hosts the annual Hunterdon Polo Classic, voted Best Outdoor Event in the 2019 Happening List. If you can’t make the event, check out the weekly polo games held in Tinicum Park just across from Frenchtown. Grab a picnic lunch from Lovin Oven in Frenchtown, then afterwards stop in at the National Hotel (whose owner you may find on the polo field), both of which are 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Winners.
Relaxing
Indulge yourself with a day at the spa. Start with a rewarding massage, then a facial. End it with a manicure and pedicure. Melt into a Body Butter Wrap offered by Hunterdon Happening List Finalist Zanya Spa Salon in Lambertville. Or try a Panache Vacation at Panache Hair Salon & Day Spa in Whitehouse Station, another Hunterdon Happening List Finalist.
Pick Your Own
Hunterdon County is one reason they call New Jersey the Garden State. Many local farms let visitors pick their own fruits or vegetables. Hunterdon Happening List Winner Schaefer Farms in Flemington will even send you a notice when a crop is ready to pick.
Walking Tours
Take a tour arranged by our 2019 Hunterdon Happening List Winner Sister Cities Food & Shop Tours. Each month the company hosts excursions through Lambertville and New Hope. Private tours can be also be arranged.