Make lasting memories this winter season by skating on Palmer Square in Princeton’s “eco-friendly” outdoor synthetic skating rink. Located on Hulfish Street behind the Nassau Inn, open skate will run from Saturday, November 20 through Sunday, February 27.
Hours are Thursday and Friday, 4-7 p.m.; and every Saturday and Sunday, 12-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. more
Celebrate Hanukkah 2021 with the Lighting of the Edison Township Menorah on Tuesday, November 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. The event will be held at the Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Road in Edison. Following the lighting ceremony, guests will join local dignitaries, JCC members and visitors from around the state for indoor entertainment, light refreshments, music, and more. The event is free to attend, and all are welcome. Masks are required during the ceremony but may be removed when enjoying refreshments. For more information, visit www.jccmc.org.
The Arts Council of Princeton’s Sauce for the Goose Outdoor Art Market returns to the Princeton Shopping Center on Saturday, November 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, November 14.
Purchase handmade gifts directly from local artisans and crafters working in ceramics, textiles, jewelry, fine art, and more. Find one-of-a-kind gifts all while supporting the creatives living and working in the greater Princeton community. more
On Sunday, November 21 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve will lead a unique and relaxing nature therapy walk. These guided walks are an immersive and slow-paced experience with proven health benefits. Inspired by the Japanese practice of forest bathing and led by certified nature and forest therapy guide Linda Domino, guests will explore the land of the Preserve and awaken their senses to its sounds, creatures, textures, and beauty. more
Morven Museum’s Festival of Trees will be on view Wednesdays through Sundays from November 17 to January 10, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This holiday tradition will celebrate its 16th year with a juried collection of themed trees and mantels displayed throughout the museum’s galleries, all decorated by members of garden clubs and organizations.
This year’s decorators include American Spaniel Club, Contemporary Garden Club, Mount Laurel Garden Club, New Jersey Audubon Society, Nottingham Garden Club, Princeton Public Library, Stony Brook Garden Club, The Garden Club of Princeton, The Present Day Club, and West Trenton Garden Club. more
The Holiday Train Display at Monmouth Museum makes a much anticipated return this November 21 through December 31. Situated in the Main Gallery, the display will be accompanied by elaborately decorated Christmas trees and seasonal artwork crafted by The Arc of Monmouth participants. The Arc is a nonprofit I/DD organization that aims to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The group’s holiday artwork is sure to get visitors into the Christmas spirit. more
From Tuesday, October 26 through Thursday, October 28, New York City’s Central Park will become the home of all things seasonal! Not only is Central Park a great place to enjoy fall foliage, but this year the park will also play host to magical, family-friendly entertainment. more
New Jersey’s historic marathon returns to the boardwalks and beachside roadways of coastal New Jersey and Atlantic County on October 17.
Established in 1958, the Atlantic City Marathon is the third oldest marathon in the United States. The course is noted for being flat and fast, a great qualifier for both the Boston and Chicago marathons. With eight miles of boardwalk running, the scenic landscape is decidedly beachy and a beautiful setting for a fall race. more
Downtown’s premier food festival, Taste of the Seaport, will return for its 11th year on October 16 at Pier 16 and 17 in the Seaport District of Manhattan.
Over 40 of the best restaurants in Lower New York City will come together to highlight one of the city’s fastest growing neighborhoods and its vibrant food and social scene. Culinary lovers are invited to explore a variety of food options that the Seaport and Financial Districts have to offer. Delicious dishes will be available for purchase from Eataly Downtown, Brooklyn Chop House, Industry Kitchen, Watermark Bar, Beatnic, Fresh Salt, Stout FiDi, Route 66 Smokehouse, and Mac Daddy’s, to name a few. Proceeds from the festival support enrichment programs for children at both Spruce Street School PS 397 and the Peck Slip School PS 343. more
Princeton is packed with noteworthy history, and probably a few ghosts and haunted relics as well. In honor of Halloween, the Historical Society of Princeton is offering several tours with a spooky theme that are sure to appeal to history buffs of all ages. Another bonus is that all of the activities are outdoors, enabling visitors and locals to appreciate the autumn season.
First up is a Princeton University Eating House Walking Tour on Saturday, October 9 at 10 a.m. Join author Clifford Zink to learn about Princeton University’s eating clubs, along with their architecture, origins, and developments since their beginnings in 1895. more
New Jersey’s longest-running corn maze re-opens in Hopewell Township on October 2. Advance tickets are strongly recommended by visiting https://www.howellfarm.org/corn-maze. The 250-year-old Howell Farm re-creates a 4-acre maze each year that is a thrill for local residents and visitors alike. Other fall festivities related to the maze are two miles of walking paths with a maze master tower, a history bridge, maze games, and more. Tickets are $10 for ages 10 and up and $8 for children ages 5-9.
The theme of the 2021 corn maze is “Creatures of the Vernal Pool,” a nod to local aquatic wildlife of the Delaware River. Visitors can also expect a courtyard with pumpkins, food tent, and hayrides, all of which are certain to get everyone into the Halloween spirit! more
On September 25, India’s most colorful celebration comes to Hoboken in Hudson County. Color playing, performances, live music, dance, and food vendors will occupy the Hudson Waterfront in a magical celebration that honors the Hindu gods and signifies good triumphing over evil. The “Festival of Color” will begin at 10 a.m. with live performances and yoga at City Hall in Jersey City, followed by a 2-mile walk. Participants will then congregate at Pier A in Hoboken, where the festival will run from noon to 8 p.m. more
After being canceled last year due to COVID-19, Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson is back with even more attractions for children and adults of all ages. The 2021 Halloween spooktacular includes six elaborately decorated areas, a trick-or-treat trail for kids, 10 live shows, rides that will have you screaming in the dark, plus nine haunted mazes. Shopping, games, and dining will also be open during Fright Fest.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays in October (and Thursdays in September), Six Flags will offer exclusive ride times on the park’s coasters and select rides in the dark, plus the added terror of indoor and outdoor haunted mazes. Tickets and advance reservations are required. more
Landmark Hospitality announces the reopening of the Logan Inn in New Hope, Pa. Established in 1727 and steeped in tradition, the Logan Inn stands as the oldest operating inn in America. After two years of construction, Landmark Hospitality completed an expansion and renovation of the property, transforming it into a boutique hotel experience and curated entertainment for travelers and locals. The revitalized inn joins Landmark Hospitality’s diverse portfolio of adaptive reuse projects across the tri-state area. more
From September 29 through February 13, 2022, patrons and art lovers will have the opportunity to see, in-person, a 65-year survey of the artist Jasper Johns’ works of contemporary art at both the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. more
The Food Network and Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF), presented by Capital One, will be held this year on October 14-17. The four-day annual event showcases the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs, culinary personalities, and America’s most beloved television chefs while raising critical funds to support New Yorkers affected by severe illness and food poverty. Proceeds will benefit Food Bank for New York City and God’s Love We Deliver. more
On Sunday, September 19 from 10 to 11 a.m., join Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton for a wellness workshop led by Katie O’Brien. This outdoor, guided family-centric mediation promises to provide stress relief, relaxation, self-empowerment, and focus heading into the back-to-school season. Learn the art of mediation, a life-changing tool for many, which children of all ages can learn to practice with the support of a family member.
Elements of sound, drumming, and vocal toning exercises will be incorporated with the intention to facilitate body awareness and mindfulness, followed by a fun and freeing movement meditation. This workshop is designed for children ages 5 and up and their adult caretakers. Admission is $25 for adults ($10 for members) and $15 for children ($5 for members). more
The 22nd annual Festival of Fine Craft at WheatonArts offers two days of an art and shopping experience for the entire family with more than 125 juried artists and craftspeople displaying and selling their works. Visitors will also partake in special artist demonstrations, hands-on family art activities, a Beer and Wine Garden, Glass Pumpkin Fundraiser, live music, and more.
This year’s event will be held on October 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. WheatonArts is located on 45 wooded acres at 1000 Village Drive in Millville, New Jersey (GPS address). This historic organization is home to the Museum of American Glass, the Creative Glass Fellowship Program, New Jersey’s largest Folklife Program, Artist Studios (hot glass, pottery, and flameworking), Museum Stores, and nature trails. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors (62+), and $7 for students. Members and children under age 5 are free. more
Typically, the annual Long Beach Island (LBI) Chowderfest signifies the end of the summer season on the Jersey Shore. To extend the festivities this year, Chowderfest is becoming ChowderMonth, a month-long celebration of delicious chowders and seafood stews in Ocean County, New Jersey. Dine at participating restaurants from September 4 through October 2, then vote online for your favorite chowder dish and restaurant!
To participate, first go to chowderfest.com to download a pass. You will instantly receive your pass via text and email. Your pass can also be saved to your home screen on your smartphone for easy, one-tap access. When you arrive at your destination, simply click “check in,” then allow GPS to validate your current location. The final step is to vote for your favorite chowder in Red, White, and Creative categories at any participating restaurant. Voting closes at 11:55 p.m. on October 2. more
The Asbury Park Fall Bazaar returns on Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Asbury Park Convention Hall. Come celebrate local makers, musicians, and artists living and working in Asbury Park. This year’s event will include shopping from the best local and regional artisans along with DIY craft workshops, vintage photo booth trailers, live DJs, handmade selfie walls, and delicious food and libations from The Anchor’s Bend and Asbury Oyster Bar. more
Now through September 6, grab a prehistoric passport and join over 40 giant moving dinosaurs on a globetrotting expedition at Dino Safari, a completely drive-thru dino adventure for the whole family at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus.
Get up-close-and-personal with the most fascinating prehistoric creatures from the mighty T. Rex of North America to the giant amphibious Spinosaurus from Africa while you learn how dinosaurs evolved over time, where on earth they lived, and the discoveries paleontologists have made about how they ate, moved, and behaved. more
Sunflower season is here and what better way to enjoy these beautiful blooms than to take a trip to Alan’s Flower Farm in Allentown.
From sunflowers to hydrangeas, lavender, dahlias, peonies, mixed bouquets, and summer annuals, Alan’s bucolic fields contain a wide variety of blooms. In season now, sunflowers are harvested from July to October. These regal blooms are an instant pick-me-up and look wonderful as a table setting or dried and added to a hanging wreath. more
The annual Hopewell Tour des Arts returns this fall on Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
For 14 years, this event has showcased the heart and soul of Hopewell’s artist community. With the opportunity to showcase their live work, the event allows patrons to step inside artists’ studios and study them and their craft. From painting to drawing, sculpture and photography, the tour delivers a wide range of artistic skill and techniques. A self-guided tour map can be accessed at https://www.hopewelltourdesarts.com/map-2021. The tour begins at Hopewell Train Station, 2 Railroad Place in Hopewell. more
Join The Watershed Institute in Pennington on Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the 21st annual Watershed Butterfly Festival, an in-person celebration of the beauty and joy of nature. This family-friendly event is perfect for children and adults of all ages.
The day begins with tours of the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House and the Insect Zoo. Live music and entertainment will be provided by the Trenton Circus Squad and Eyes of the Wild (an exotic animal rescue show). Kids will delight in participating in the famous Butterfly and Bug Parade led by Lady Monarch, Ms. Allison. more
The Michener Art Museum presents “It’s Personal: The Art of Robert Beck,” opening July 30. The exhibition focuses on Robert Beck’s place in the storied world of the New Hope-Lambertville arts community. Beck has played an important role in advancing and expanding the region’s traditions of Impressionism and Urban Realism, with distinctive oil paintings of the people, places, and occupations of our time. He is well known for documentary paintings, as he refers to his paintings done on site in one go. Whether single works or multi-image “visual essays,” these distinct paintings record his world much like the Pennsylvania Impressionists recorded theirs in their time. Unlike those images, Beck describes a world that contemporary audiences recognize as their own. Viewers respond to his keen perspective on the storefronts, street corners, bars, restaurants, carnivals, basketball games, funeral homes, and parades, of their here and now. While New York, Bucks County, and the villages along the upper coast of Maine, present subjects and contrast for his examinations, the exhibit includes work from series he created in the American West, Europe, and Africa. It is a remarkable story of a contemporary artist establishing a voice, becoming part of a community, and creating a body of work that will resonate in Bucks County and well beyond for many years. more
Now through September 26, 2021, escape the everyday routine at Longwood Gardens in Brandywine Valley. Fountain performances in the Main Fountain Garden and Open Air Theatre take place daily. Illuminated Fountain Performances are on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Live Music in the Beer Garden takes place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Admission tickets are required. more
Take a self-guided walking tour through the nooks and crannies of New Jersey’s local history! Authored by acclaimed local favorite Bordentown Walking Tours, Tour Takers hear from Mark Neurohr-Pierpaoli, owner and Tour Guide, via engaging videos at each Tour Stop. The app delivers the content and guides Tour Takers with walking directions along the route. more
Open seven days a week from noon to 8 p.m., Asbury Park’s famous Wonder Bar at 1213 Ocean Avenue hosts “Yappy Hour” where owners can mix and mingle while their dogs run free. Yappy Hour was founded 12 years ago by Debbie DeLisa, a former Eastern Airlines flight attendant and current manager of the Wonder Bar.
DeLisa wanted to recreate a “Cheers” feeling, where “everybody knows your name and everybody knows your dog’s name,” says DeLisa. Asbury Park has already earned the moniker of one of the most pet-friendly towns on the Jersey Shore, and this summer event seems to confirm it. more
Delaware River Tubing, the region’s No. 1 River Outfitter, resumes tubing, rafting, canoeing, and kayaking services on July 21. The 2021 season will run through September 19 at 778 Frenchtown Road in Milford. For daily hours of operation, visit www.delawarerivertubing.com.
Tubing at Delaware River Tubing enables visitors to cool off, relax, and enjoy the scenic and historic landscape of the Delaware River and accompanying River Towns. more
Join Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa., on Friday, July 30 for the 41st celebration of the popular children’s theme park and water park.
The day’s events include a birthday character meet and greet and photo opportunities with some of Sesame Street’s most popular personalities. All the Sesame Street friends will be dressed in festive birthday party attire. There will also be a Birthday Bash Dance Party on Oscar’s Wacky Taxi Stage. Dance, sing, and groove along with the furry friends of Sesame Place. The dance parties will take place at 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:15 p.m., and 6 p.m. more
