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Sunday, June 30, 2024

Uncover Hunterdon County, NJ’s Finest-Stored Secret


 

New Jersey is legendary for his or her seashores and boardwalks. However Hunterdon County is a naturally beautiful vacation spot west of the turnpike that has quietly remained a secret to vacationers. However the phrase is beginning to get out.

Not too long ago named a “High Hidden Journey Vacation spot in America,” Hunterdon County in central western New Jersey, is a getaway-worthy vacation spot set in opposition to a rolling countryside panorama. Right here you’ll discover charming historic cities, scenic trails, vintage retailers, museums, elegant inns, and complete rest.

Hunterdon County’s acres of preserved mountains, forests, meandering rivers, and dreamy waterfalls make it the proper spot to discover the outside and reconnect with nature. Mountain climbing, biking, and kayaking are all recreation.

In case you’re extra into edible exploration, there’s a passionate farm-to-table eating scene right here. A rural wonderland with over 1400 farms, together with the world’s largest chile pepper farm, Hunterdon County’s eating places, gourmand retailers, farmers’ markets and stands, wineries, breweries, and festivals will preserve you infinitely completely satisfied.

After a current journey, we’re going to share a style of what there may be to do in stunning Hunterdon County and why it’s one among New Jersey’s best-kept secrets and techniques.

 💡 Get able to pack your luggage and see why we’re hooked on Hunterdon County, New Jersey. However first, a couple of information about Hunterdon County.

Sheep grazing in a clover field at Woolverton Inn - Stockton, NJ

Sheep grazing at Woolverton Inn – Stockton, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The place is Hunterdon County Situated?

Hunterdon County lies within the Western Central a part of New Jersey and is roughly 60 miles from NYC and Philadelphia.

Some common cities embrace Flemington and Clinton. Within the western a part of the county cities that run alongside the Delaware River embrace Frenchtown, Stockton, Milford, and Lambertville.

Its southernmost city, Lambertville, is a fast journey over the bridge from New Hope, PA, and fewer than 90 minutes from Wilmington, Delaware. The Delaware River runs alongside its western facet, performing as a border to neighboring Pennsylvania.

The Surroundings: Hunterdon County is generally rural with stunning rolling countryside with 15 mountains, forests, rivers, rolling hills, and rivers.

In case you love the outside, you’ll discover Hunterdon’s panorama beautiful.

An antique car parked on the street in Flemington, NJ.

The quaint city of Flemington, NJ in Hunterdon County | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Listed below are a couple of highlights from our journey to Hunterdon County!

Flemington, New Jersey

Courting again to the 1700’s, right this moment Flemington is a vigorous, artsy place with preserved historical past round each nook. Journey + Leisure just lately named Flemington as among the finest small cities in New Jersey.

The place is Flemington, NJ Situated?: Flemington is within the coronary heart of Hunterdon County and can be the county seat.

The Scoop: Right here you’ll be able to wander Flemington’s historic, charming downtown surrounded by stately houses and ornate Victorian structure, the place 65% of the buildings are on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. In-built 1756 and now a museum, you’ll be able to even tour the house and gardens of Flemington’s founder, Samuel Fleming.

With a number of distinctive points of interest, all inside Flemington’s 1.4 sq. miles, it makes an ideal vacation spot for a day journey or staycation.

Local artisan pottery on a table outside the Stangl Factory farmer's market in Flemington, NJ. There's plates, cups, bowls, and more for sale.

Native artisan pottery outdoors the Stangl Manufacturing facility farmer’s market in Flemington, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Issues to Do in Flemington

We began our go to at Flemington’s historic Stangl Manufacturing facility, a preserved pottery manufacturing facility with roots relationship again to 1814. As soon as famend for its dishes and collectible fowl collectible figurines, the manufacturing facility now has a brand new life.

Stangl Manufacturing facility
50 Stangl Rd, Flemington, NJ 08822
https://www.stanglfactory.com

Stangl Manufacturing facility’s renovated historic buildings and kilns had been central to the lifestyle right here for nearly two centuries. And so they nonetheless are. At the moment it’s an artwork and tradition district house to quite a lot of retailers, locations to eat, a yoga studio, and a world-renowned psychic.

Sip gourmand espresso in an outdated kiln on the distinctive native favourite Manufacturing facility Gasoline Co., or seize a So-Cal-inspired lunch at Blue Fish Grill. Afterward, get misplaced within the spectacular and mesmerizing award-winning summary artworks on the eclectic Kev Von Holt Gallery.

Artist Kev Von Holt is his gallery at Stangl Factory

Artist Kev Von Holt in his gallery at Stangl Manufacturing facility | Picture: Higher Dwelling

At Flemington Pottery you’ll be able to store for native artist-made pottery or attend a 2-hour “Throw and Go Evening,” the place you may make pottery a chunk for your self.

On Saturdays at Stangl Manufacturing facility, beginning at 9 am, don’t miss the year-round indoor farmers’ market that includes over 30 native artisanal distributors.

Flemington additionally hosts quite a lot of thrilling occasions all year long. On the annual Corn, Tomato, and Beer Competition in August competition, goers can get pleasure from farm-to-table dishes that includes Jersey’s greatest produce (corn + tomatoes in fact) and pattern native craft brews in a beer backyard.

The front entrance of Fat Farm Antiques in Flemington, NJ

Fats Farm Antiques in Flemington, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Make your approach over to Flemington’s Primary Road to buy their fantastic boutiques and vintage shops with one-of-a-kind finds.

You’ll lose time exploring all of the many years of treasures in Ye Olde Vintage & Curiosity Store. Then head to Fats Farm Antiques throughout the road and also you’ll discover extra time-worn novelties like classic indicators, vintage decoys and lures, instruments, toys and extra lining the partitions of a historic house.

Basic vehicles on Primary Road in Flemington, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

For extra nostalgia, each different Saturday in the summertime, take a look at the Flemington Auto Present, the place you’ll be able to stroll alongside Primary Road and see a gleaming assortment of scorching rods and restored vintage and traditional vehicles with different automobile lovers.

True Crime Truth: Flemington grew to become internationally well-known in 1935 when its courthouse held the Lindbergh child kidnapping trial. At the moment, true crime followers can tour the Hunterdon County Courthouse on Primary Road and see the unique courtroom and reveals from one among America’s most well-known trials.

The chef at Matt's Red Rooster Grill in Flemington prepares meats on the open wood fired grill.

A chef at Matt’s Crimson Rooster Grill in Flemington prepares meats on the open, wood-fired grill. | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The place to Eat & Drink in Flemington

For a small city, Flemington is a spot foodies will love. One journey wasn’t sufficient time to expertise all of it, however that leaves us one thing to look ahead to on our subsequent go to.

Listed below are a couple of must-try locations in Flemington:

The Kombucha Bar
6 Bloomfield Ave, Flemington, NJ 08822
kombuchabarnj.com

In case you get thirsty, pop into The Kombucha Bar, the place you’ll be able to pattern bubbly probiotic-rich fermented tea drinks in quite a lot of yummy flavors like RoseBiscus and Blueberry Pomegranate. Take a growler to go.

Humdoo Ice Cream
20 Stangl Rd, Flemington, NJ 08822
humdooicecream.com

What began as a woman with an ice cream dream is now an lovely ice cream store promoting over 30 rotating flavors of hand-crafted ice cream in a log cabin. The ice cream is luscious. Discover it subsequent to Stangl Manufacturing facility. Their Banana Cream Pie taste is delicious.

Soft Shelled Crab on Avocado Toast at Matt's Red Rooster Grill

Delicate Shelled Crab on Avocado Toast at Matt’s Crimson Rooster Grill | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Matt’s Crimson Rooster Grill
22 Bloomfield Ave, Flemington, NJ 08822
mattsredroostergrill.com

Ask any Hunterdon County native for a restaurant suggestion, and the award-winning Matt’s Crimson Rooster Grill shall be on the prime of their listing. The meals isn’t simply good, it’s unbelievable.

With a relaxed, upscale informal vibe, in a Victorian house, at Matt’s Crimson Rooster Grill, proprietor, and Chef Matt McPherson presents New American dishes that includes contemporary, seasonal, and domestically obtainable substances and a artistic menu the place Matt’s wood-fired grill is the star of the present.

Matt’s Victorian-covered porch is romantic, however within the eating room, you’ll get a front-row seat to the dancing flames and motion within the open kitchen.

Griggstown Farm Deviled Eggs at Matt's Red Rooster Grill

Griggstown Farm Deviled Eggs at Matt’s Crimson Rooster Grill | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Highlights of our meal had been the Griggstown Farm Deviled Eggs, topped with sliced Ahi tuna over a wasabi whipped yolk, sprinkled with sesame seeds and completed with a soy glaze. Additionally, a superbly fried tender shell crab appetizer served on buttery grilled avocado toast. It was so good it revived my love of soppy shells.

The Rocket Salad was a scrumptious mixture of arugula, spinach, quinoa, creamy goat cheese, and roasted beets, tossed in a zesty lemon poppy seed French dressing.

In case you’re within the temper for seafood, strive the generously portioned CrabMeat Stuffed Trout, with lemon thyme brown butter. For particular, the seafood cioppino was a scrumptious medley of contemporary clams, shrimp, and mussels, in a purple sauce over completely cooked pappardelle.

Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Bomb at Matt's Red Rooster Grill

Chocolate-Coated Peanut Butter Bomb at Matt’s Crimson Rooster Grill | Picture: Higher Dwelling

To finish on a candy observe, don’t miss the creamy bread pudding or wealthy and decadent chocolate-covered peanut butter bomb. 

Matt’s is a BYOB and there aren’t any corkage charges, however they serve scrumptious wines from the native award-winning Unionville vineyard.

An areial view of Clinton, NJ with the art museum, town, water, and bridge.

Clinton, New Jersey, within the northwest a part of Hunterdon County | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Clinton, New Jersey

With unbelievable views of the South Department Raritan River and stuffed with landmarks and historic structure, you’ll be able to simply spend a day strolling by museums, buying small, and eating your approach by this charming city.

The place is it?: Clinton, New Jersey, is within the northwest a part of Hunterdon County proper off I-78 (exit 15).

The Scoop: This quaint and historic riverside village with lovely boutiques and nice little eating places is a delightfully compact (and simply walkable) Primary Road with some fantastic points of interest in a small radius.

  • Free parking is obtainable on the road and in public heaps off Primary Road. It’s the proper place for a day journey or a fast getaway.

Begin your day in Clinton exploring The Crimson Mill Museum Village, one among New Jersey’s most iconic historic landmarks.

The Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton, NJ

The Crimson Mill Museum Village in Clinton, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The Crimson Mill Museum Village
56 Primary St, Clinton, NJ 08809
http://www.theredmill.org

Courting again to 1810 and in operation till 1928, this four-story mill served a number of roles through the years, together with a wool processing plant, a textile mill, a peach basket manufacturing facility, and a graphite and talc manufacturing facility. It was as soon as additionally house to the Mulligan quarry.

A central a part of Clinton’s historical past, right this moment you’ll be able to take a self-guided tour and discover the restored mill and its outbuildings unfold over 10 acres which embrace a one-room schoolhouse, a log cabin, a blacksmith store, dynamite shed, carriage shed, lime kiln, and over 40,000 artifacts. You’ll be taught concerning the Crimson Mill, the historical past of the encompassing space, and what life was like for the locals centuries in the past.

An antique care at the British Car Show at Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton, NJ

The British Automotive Present at Crimson Mill Museum Village in Clinton, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The museum often holds quite a lot of occasions all year long. We had been fortunate to go to on the day of their British Automotive Present. All through the summer season take a look at their Music on the Mill Live performance Collection with quite a lot of performers, meals, and drinks, or the Corvette Present in August.

Tip: Admission for adults is $10, however head to the third flooring of the museum for million-dollar views of the river, Primary Road Bridge, and the Hunterdon Artwork Museum.

Take a step again in time and stroll (or drive) over one of many final remaining truss bridges within the U.S.

2 antique cars going over Main Street Historic Bridge in Clinton, NJ

Primary Road Historic Bridge in Clinton, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Primary Road Historic Bridge
Primary St, Clinton, NJ 08809
https://www.clintonnj.gov

They don’t make them like this anymore. Erected in 1870, and manufactured from wrought and forged iron, Clinton’s Primary Road Bridge is a mode of bridge referred to as a pony Pratt truss bridge now not made. Fantastically ornate and regarded a marvel in engineering, this bridge was as soon as a part of the outdated route for the New Jersey Turnpike.

At the moment it connects Clinton’s Primary Road retailers and the Hunterdon Artwork Museum on one facet of the river and the Crimson Mill Museum Village on the opposite. Standing on this historic bridge and taking in panoramic views of the South Department Raritan River, its dam and historic Clinton are like one thing out of a portray.

Stroll over to the Hunterdon Artwork Museum (HAM), the place you’ll be able to attend a enjoyable occasion or get impressed by their rotating assortment of latest artwork reveals in a renovated 1836 stone mill.

Hunterdon Art Museum in Clinton, NJ

Hunterdon Artwork Museum in Clinton, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Hunterdon Artwork Museum
7 Decrease Heart St, Clinton, NJ 08809
www.hunterdonartmuseum.org

Dubbed a “middle for artwork, craft & design” the Hunterdon Artwork Museum’s everlasting assortment consists of drawings, work, and pictures relationship from the Nineteen Thirties on with native and worldwide fashionable artists together with Salvador Dali, Mark DiSuvero, Alex Katz, Ann Steele Marsh, Religion Ringgold and extra.

Plan to go to on Friday evenings in the summertime from 6-9 pm for ArtBar on the Terrace, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from craft cocktails beneath the museum’s out of doors tents overlooking the river. The museum’s bar serves cocktails, wine, beer, and seltzers, however you’re welcome to convey dinner or snacks to get pleasure from.

Stay music from Clinton’s summer season “Come Collectively Friday Evening Music Competition” begins at 7 pm.

Tip: Test their occasion calendar. The museum often holds academic applications and occasions for each adults and youngsters, like drawing and portray lessons and yoga.

Hunterdon County Wineries

Winemaking in New Jersey has been on the rise and in Hunterdon County you’ll discover beautiful vineyards and spectacular wines.

Listed below are a couple of locations the place you’ll be able to spend a day touring stunning vineyards, studying concerning the craft of winemaking, or indulging in a wine tasting to find your new favourite bottle.

The exterior of the tasting room at Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes, NJ

The tasting room at Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Unionville Vineyards
9 Rocktown Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551
https://unionvillevineyards.com

Nestled down a protracted driveway surrounded by preserved rolling farmland and vineyards, Unionville Vineyards makes wine from grapes they develop on 4 native farms with 300 acres of preserved farmland. There’s magic occurring right here. And it’s not going unnoticed.

Unionville is at present the one New Jersey vineyard to be awarded a number of 90+ level scores from three of the highest authorities on wine: Wine Fanatic, Wine Advocate, and James Suckling.

In accordance with Unionville’s normal supervisor John Cifelli, “East Coast wineries battle to even get these critics to strive their bottles, not to mention award them 90 or higher.” It’s as a result of the wines are that good.

Wine being poured during a guided wine flight at Unionville Vineyards

Having fun with a guided wine flight at Unionville Vineyards | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Single winery Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rhone-inspired blends are Unionville’s specialty. To get a style of their portfolio, head to Unionville’s tasting room and wine store upstairs of their renovated rustic barn.

Begin with a pleasant guided wine flight on the bar after which seize a bottle or glass to get pleasure from at a desk overlooking the vineyard’s fermenting tanks or take it outdoors and calm down on the grounds.

A few of our favorites had been the 2022 Unoaked Chardonnay and the 2019 Sourland Ridge Crimson, named after the native Sourland Mountain that stretches all through Hunterdon County and beneath Unionville itself.

Every summer season Unionville hosts the Sourland Mountain Fest to profit the Sourland Conservancy, a non-profit group that works to guard the Sourland Mountain and its surrounding habitat, which is house to numerous native species and migratory birds.

The view of the fermenting tanks from the tasting room at Unionville Vineyards.

The view of the fermenting tanks from the tasting room at Unionville Vineyards | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Unionville Vineyards doesn’t have an onsite restaurant. However on the weekends, they serve ready sandwiches and cheese boards from native The Blawenburg Bistro. Additionally they supply small snacks like Di Bruno Brothers cheeses and crackers every day. You’re welcome to convey a picnic to get pleasure from outdoors.

  • Guided Tastings can be found Thursday by Monday, 12 – 4:30 pm and the tasting room is open till 5.
  • Two miles off Rt 202/31 South, it’s conveniently situated 5 minutes from Flemington and 12 minutes from Lambertville/New Hope.
Guests enjoying the outdoor patio and cabanas at Old York Vineyards in Ringoes, NJ

Friends having fun with the out of doors patio and cabanas at Previous York Cellars in Ringoes, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Previous York Cellars
80 Previous York Street, Ringoes, NJ 08551
https://www.oldyorkcellars.com

With a few of the oldest vines in New Jersey, up the street from Unionville, Previous York Cellars is a working winery and vineyard with beautiful terraced views of their 28 acres of vineyards and the Sourland Mountain.

It’s a stunning place to calm down, dine and unwind. And one go to will change every little thing you thought you assume you realize about New Jersey.

The vineyard cabanas at Old York Cellars in Ringoes, NJ

The winery cabanas at Previous York Cellars in Ringoes, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

On the weekends, take a free tour of the vineyards or head to the wine store for a guided wine tasting of their award-winning reds, roses, whites, dessert wines, and candy varietals.

Don’t miss their “White Port Tonico” cocktail on a heat day. Made with their Southpaw White, (a white port produced from Riesling and Ravat grapes and fortified with brandy), served over ice, topped with a splash of tonic, and served with slices of citrus it’s liquid heaven.

A table of Spanish inspired cuisine and wines from Old York Cellars

Previous York Cellars serves scrumptious Spanish impressed delicacies that pairs completely with their wines. | Picture: Higher Dwelling

To calm down with service and a view, reserve one of many winery’s charming cabanas, that are an Previous York visitor favourite. From the cabana, you’ll be able to order flights, bottles, specialty cocktails, and meals as you sit back and benefit from the views. With room for six, they’re excellent for teams or {couples} and fireplace pits can be found seasonally.

And talking of meals, come hungry. Previous York Cellars’ Chef José Díaz, who educated with Michelin three-star Chef Ferran Adria of El Bulli in Spain, serves a menu showcasing old-world-inspired Spanish delicacies. The menu options dishes like tapas, sandwiches, salads, Spanish cheese and meat boards, and paella.

For a curated collection of wine and meals, strive one among their multi-course wine and meals pairing experiences, just like the “Wine, Charcuterie & Chocolate Pairing” or “Wine & Tapas” pairing.

For appetizers, we tried the Spanish Meatballs, Serrano Ham Croquettes, and the delicately wrapped and completely spiced Beef Empanadas. You’ll be able to’t go improper with the Paella del Chef with imported Bomba rice, rooster, chorizo, and contemporary shrimp. The grilled salmon with chimichurri was buttery and contemporary.

Spanish Meatballs, Beef Empanadas, Paella del Chef, Salmon and wine from Old York Cellars.

Grilled Salmon, Paella del Chef, Spanish Meatballs, Beef Empanadas, and wine from Previous York Cellars| Picture: Higher Dwelling

Go to throughout one among their ongoing enjoyable occasions like their Sunday Brunch, “Wine & Music” collection with stay music performances, and “Wine & Comedy” evenings each different Saturday evening.

For a particular expertise, this summer season take a journey to Previous York on the historic Black River & Western Railroad (leaves from Flemington throughout from Stangl Manufacturing facility) to Previous York Cellars. Test for dates right here.

  • Previous York Cellars is open Thursday by Monday.
  • Guided wine tastings can be found on weekends solely.
  • The restaurant is open 7 days per week
  • 1.5 miles off Rt 202/31 South, it’s conveniently situated 5 minutes from Flemington and 13 minutes from Lambertville/New Hope.

Previous York Cellars welcomes walk-ins however suggests making reservations.

East Street Bridge over the Delaware River in Lambertville, NJ

East Road Bridge over the Delaware River in Lambertville, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The place to Keep in Hunterdon County

For a tranquil luxurious European-style lodge expertise overlooking the Delaware River, keep on the Lambertville Station Inn ideally situated within the coronary heart of historic and artsy Lambertville.

Lambertville Station Inn & Restaurant on the water in Lambertville, NJ

Lambertville Station Inn & Restaurant in Lambertville, NJ | Picture: Lambertville Station Inn

Lambertville Station Inn & Restaurant
11 Bridge St, Lambertville, NJ 08530
www.lambertvillestation.com

Location: The enduring and just lately renovated Lambertville Station Inn is the one boutique luxurious lodge in Lambertville and the one full-service lodge in Hunterdon County.

With attractive panoramic views of the Delaware River within the coronary heart of Lambertville, the placement is unbelievable.

Steps off the property and also you’re exploring colourful and historic downtown Lambertville, generally known as the vintage capital of New Jersey and named as one of many “High 15 Prettiest Cities in America” by Forbes Journal. Then cross the bridge (stroll or drive) in entrance of the Lambertville Station Inn and also you’re in historic New Hope, Pennsylvania.

Nature lovers can hike or bike the historic Delaware and Raritan Canal towpath trails subsequent to the property whereas discovering a couple of of Hunterdon County’s waterfalls.

The junior suite at Lambertville Station Inn & Restaurant in Lambertville, NJ

The junior suite at Lambertville Station Inn & Restaurant in Lambertville, NJ | Picture: Lambertville Station Inn

Resort Facilities: With 46 superbly furnished rooms and suites The Lambertville Station Inn will pamper you with lux linens, cozy Sealy Encore beds, wide-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and nightly turndown service.

The place to eat: A particular service every morning right here is the complimentary continental breakfast of freshly brewed espresso and pastries delivered to your room (different breakfast objects and room service can be found for a further price).

For lunch or dinner, eat on the inn’s Lambertville Station Restaurant throughout from the lodge in a meticulously restored 1867 practice station. They serve upscale seasonal new American Delicacies, that includes domestically grown substances, and herbs from the lodge backyard. For tapas or a glass of wine by a comfortable fireplace, head right down to their stunning rustic wine cellar. Seasonally, out of doors eating is canal facet and Sunday brunch here’s a special day.

The exterior and fountain of Woolverton Inn in Stockton, NJ - Hunterdon County

Woolverton Inn in Stockton, NJ – Hunterdon County | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Woolverton Inn
6 Woolverton Rd, Stockton, NJ 08559
https://www.woolvertoninn.com/

For a singular and splendid B&B expertise, verify into the historic Woolverton Inn.

On this enchanting Revolutionary period property, you’ll be able to stroll its beautiful gardens, get pleasure from a 3-course gourmand breakfast on a romantic verandah and make pals with sheep.

Whereas it looks like a world away from every little thing, Woolverton is a brief drive to every little thing in Hunterdon County.

Three curious resident sheep at Woolverton Inn in Stockton, NJ

The curious resident sheep at Woolverton Inn in Stockton, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Woolverton Inn isn’t only a place to remain. It’s an expertise.

In Stockton, New Jersey, minutes from Lambertville and New Hope, this immaculate 10-acre sprawling property with a three-story grand Colonial Manor home relationship again to the 1700s, has 8 luxurious suites in its fundamental home and 6 personal cottages. We checked in and by no means wished to take a look at.

The inn itself sits on a bluff overlooking the Delaware River. Surrounded by preserved farmland and forests, Woolverton Inn is an island of serenity. Even when totally booked, you are feeling as when you’ve got all of it to your self.

Fantastically adorned, every room and suite right here has its personal persona and particular facilities like fuel fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. On the third flooring of the primary home overlooking the sheep’s pasture, the Newell’s Library Room the place we stayed has a snug king-size mattress, an expensive spa bathe, and a fuel fire.

However this room got here with a good greater shock.

Newell's Library Room on the third floor of Woolverton Inn

Newell’s Library Room on the third flooring of Woolverton Inn | Picture: Higher Dwelling

With over 700 books lining its cabinets, the Newell’s Library Room is a ebook lover’s sanctuary. And there’s a secret tucked throughout the pages.

Through the years, friends have been hiding greenback payments within the pages of a number of books. To search out them, a journal on the bedside holds clues left by earlier friends hinting at which ebook titles and authors to verify. When you discover a invoice (we discovered 3!) you’ll be able to transfer it to a brand new ebook and write your clue within the journal for the following visitor to seek out. It’s a enjoyable and memorable expertise.

The mornings are additionally one thing to look ahead to right here. Friends are handled to a scrumptious three-course, gourmand, country-style breakfast utilizing native substances (some harvested from their very own backyard) served on the verandah or rose-surrounded patio with views of the sheep pasture. It’s your alternative.

Boston Cream French Toast on the patio at Woolverton Inn

Boston Cream French Toast served on the patio at Woolverton Inn | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The menu adjustments every day, however Woolverton’s chef likes to supply each wholesome and decadent picks. One breakfast we loved Boston Cream French Toast and a veggie-filled omelet served with contemporary fruit and Innkeeper Mary’s delectable Rhubarb Bitter Cream Bread.

Woolverton Inn additionally presents 24/7 facilities, together with all-day contemporary espresso (they’ve an impressive gourmand machine with espresso and cappuccino), bottled water, and a collection of chilly drinks like glowing water. Candy treats like freshly baked cookies and lemon blueberry bread await you within the afternoon while you want one thing candy.

There’s a lot to like right here, however don’t go away with out feeding Woolverton’s resident sheep. Ask the innkeepers for some “sheep snacks” and also you’ll immediately have some new wooly greatest pals.

Annie the sheep getting a head pat at Woolverton Inn

Resident sheep Annie loves head pats (and snacks) at Woolverton Inn | Picture: Higher Dwelling

In case you resolve to enterprise off-property, there’s lots to discover in Hunterdon County inside a couple of minutes stroll or a brief drive.

  • A 5-minute stroll will take you to the quaint and historic city of Stockton. Seize a chew at one of many handfuls of eateries after which take a look at the historic and preserved Prallsville Mills, as soon as owned by the unique proprietor of Woolverton. Listed within the Nationwide Register of Historic, this 10-building advanced dates again to the 1700s and infrequently hosts occasions.
  • Bike (20-minute journey) or hike (3.7 miles) on the canal towpath path that runs alongside the Delaware River down into Lambertville (8 minutes by automobile).
  • Historic and quaint riverside Frenchtown is a 17-minute automobile journey to the north.
  • Unionville and Previous York Cellars is a 15-minute automobile journey.

At evening, earlier than turning into your room, sink into one of many Adirondack chairs across the fireplace pit, or play board video games in the primary home’s parlor.

The cozy outdoor firepit at Woolverton Inn

The comfortable out of doors firepit at Woolverton Inn | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Woolverton is at present renovating their barn and remodeling it right into a restaurant which is ready to open in 2024. For a close-by lunch or dinner eating gem, the Sergeantsville Inn is a fast 5-minute drive. 

The dining room of Sergeantsville Inn in Sergeantsville, NJ

Sergeantsville Inn in Sergeantsville, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Sergeantsville Inn
601 Rosemont Ringoes Rd, Sergeantsville, NJ 08557
https://www.sergeantsvilleinn.com

In a renovated 1700s historic stone constructing that after served as a pelt-trading middle, feed retailer, and host of George Washington, this high-quality eating restaurant within the countryside of Hunterdon County encompasses a seasonally altering menu impressed by contemporary domestically produced substances.

The kitchen is beneath the route of co-owner and Chef Daniel Brunina, who has labored in some severely prestigious kitchens across the nation, together with the three Michelin Star The Inn At Little Washington (Washington, Virginia).

The meals right here isn’t simply scrumptious and expertly ready, the dishes are a murals.

Cape Could Grilled Oysters at Sergeantsville Inn | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Highlights of our go to had been the grilled Cape Could Grilled Oysters with leek, bacon, white wine, and buttery parsley breadcrumb grilled. The New Jersey Cheeseboard with an assortment of native artisanal cheeses, paired with fruit preserves, honey, and cranberry pecan toasts is the proper dish with a glass of wine.

Asparagus Salad at Sergeantsville Inn

Asparagus Salad at Sergeantsville Inn | Picture: Higher Dwelling

The Asparagus Salad with tender native asparagus spears, hard-boiled egg, and caper sabayon, was an expensive mix of textures and flavors that immediately grew to become a favourite. Their pecan-crusted native fluke, which is sweeter and firmer than flounder, was topped with a crispy pecan breadcrumb and delicately dressed combined greens that reduce by a wealthy plated lemony sauce. We ate each chew.

Virtually too fairly to eat, the handmade Smoked Ricotta Ravioli served with contemporary English peas, mushrooms, and caramelized shallots, was creamy and earthy. Edible flowers and contemporary pea tendrils made a shocking presentation.

And for a singular candy finale, the “Not Key Lime Pie” is a shocking dessert with tangy key lime custard with crumbled poppyseed shortbread, dollops of meringue, and Pernod whipped cream. A timeless traditional, strive the hearty strawberry shortcake, with contemporary strawberries nestled between layers of shortbread, ice cream, and contemporary whipped cream.

Not Key Lime Pie at Sergeantsville Inn

Not Key Lime Pie at Sergeantsville Inn | Picture: Higher Dwelling

For a romantic eating expertise, ask for a desk by the hearth. The beautiful out of doors patio is an ideal spot when the climate’s high-quality. In case you’re eating extra casually, a tavern menu is obtainable.

The outdoor patio at Sergeantsville Inn

The out of doors patio at Sergeantsville Inn | Picture: Higher Dwelling

You may also go to the bar for cocktails and small plates or their wine store referred to as the Ice Home subsequent door. Within the 1800s, the store was as soon as an actual ice home the place locals would gather ice for his or her house iceboxes. At the moment it’s a wine store and bar with a curated collection of distinctive wines and liquors from all all over the world. Cease in and revel in wines by the glass and snacks from the Sergeantsville Inn’s kitchen.

Last Ideas

  • Whether or not you’re in search of a enjoyable getaway or a soothing staycation, Hunterdon County is a tremendous still-under-the-radar vacation spot in Central Western New Jersey.
  • Handy to Philadelphia, New York Metropolis, and the Mid-Atlantic Hunterdon County making it the proper staycation vacation spot.
  • Right here you’ll discover beautiful surroundings, charming historic cities, artwork, culinary delights, elegant inns, antiques, and occasions all year long.
  • Foodies will love the thriving farm-to-table eating scene in eating places all through Hunterdon County, and buying on the native farmers’ markets and farm stands.
  • And you’ll benefit from the outdoor whether or not you need to tour vineyards whereas tasting award-winning wines or mountain climbing, biking, or kayaking alongside the Delaware River.
Four resident sheep at Woolverton Inn looking forward to your visit (and snacks)

The resident sheep at Woolverton Inn are trying ahead to your go to (and snacks)! | Picture: Higher Dwelling

Hunterdon County is one among New Jersey’s best-kept secrets and techniques. An ideal getaway for nature lovers and foodies.

Go to the hyperlinks under for more information to plan your subsequent staycation in Hunterdon County.

Cities

Inns & Inns

Artwork, Tradition and Museums

Eating places

Wineries

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