New Jersey is known for his or her seashores and boardwalks. However Hunterdon County is a naturally gorgeous vacation spot west of the turnpike that has quietly remained a secret to vacationers. However the phrase is beginning to get out.
Just lately named a “High Hidden Journey Vacation spot in America,” Hunterdon County in central western New Jersey, is a getaway-worthy vacation spot set towards a rolling countryside panorama. Right here you’ll discover charming historic cities, scenic trails, vintage outlets, museums, elegant inns, and whole leisure.
Issues To Do In Hunterdon County
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. Climbing, biking, and kayaking are all recreation.
In the event 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 outlets, farmers’ markets and stands, wineries, breweries, and festivals will preserve you infinitely blissful.
After a latest journey, we’re going to share a style of what there’s to do in stunning Hunterdon County and why it’s certainly one of 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, just a few details about Hunterdon County.
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 standard cities embody Flemington and Clinton. Within the western a part of the county cities that run alongside the Delaware River embody Frenchtown, Stockton, Milford, and Lambertville.
Its southernmost city, Lambertville, is a fast experience over the bridge from New Hope, PA, and fewer than 90 minutes from Wilmington, Delaware. The Delaware River runs alongside its western aspect, appearing as a border to neighboring Pennsylvania.
The Surroundings: Hunterdon County is usually rural with stunning rolling countryside with 15 mountains, forests, rivers, rolling hills, and rivers.
In the event you love the outside, you’ll discover Hunterdon’s panorama gorgeous.
The quaint city of Flemington, NJ in Hunterdon County | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Listed here are just a few highlights from our journey to Hunterdon County!
Flemington, New Jersey
Courting again to the 1700’s, as we speak Flemington is a energetic, artsy place with preserved historical past round each nook. Journey + Leisure just lately named Flemington as among the best small cities in New Jersey.
The place is Flemington, NJ Situated?: Flemington is within the coronary heart of Hunterdon County and can also be the county seat.
The Scoop: Right here you possibly can 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. Inbuilt 1756 and now a museum, you possibly can 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.
Native artisan pottery exterior the Stangl Manufacturing unit 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 unit, a preserved pottery manufacturing facility with roots relationship again to 1814. As soon as famend for its dishes and collectible chook collectible figurines, the manufacturing facility now has a brand new life.
Stangl Manufacturing unit50 Stangl Rd, Flemington, NJ 08822https://www.stanglfactory.com
Stangl Manufacturing unit’s renovated historic buildings and kilns had been central to the lifestyle right here for nearly two centuries. And so they nonetheless are. At this time it’s an artwork and tradition district dwelling to quite a lot of outlets, locations to eat, a yoga studio, and a world-renowned psychic.
Sip gourmand espresso in an previous kiln on the distinctive native favourite Manufacturing unit Gas 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 in his gallery at Stangl Manufacturing unit | Picture: Higher Dwelling
At Flemington Pottery you possibly can store for native artist-made pottery or attend a 2-hour “Throw and Go Evening,” the place you can also make pottery a chunk for your self.
On Saturdays at Stangl Manufacturing unit, 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 Pageant in August pageant, 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.
Fats Farm Antiques in Flemington, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Make your approach over to Flemington’s Foremost Road to buy their great boutiques and vintage shops with one-of-a-kind finds.
You’ll lose time exploring all of the a long time 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 dwelling.
Basic vehicles on Foremost Road in Flemington, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling
For extra nostalgia, each different Saturday in the summertime, try the Flemington Auto Present, the place you possibly can stroll alongside Foremost Road and see a gleaming assortment of scorching rods and restored vintage and basic vehicles with different automobile lovers.
True Crime Truth: Flemington turned internationally well-known in 1935 when its courthouse held the Lindbergh child kidnapping trial. At this time, true crime followers can tour the Hunterdon County Courthouse on Foremost Road and see the unique courtroom and displays from certainly one of America’s most well-known trials.
A chef at Matt’s Purple 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 here are just a few must-try locations in Flemington:
The Kombucha Bar6 Bloomfield Ave, Flemington, NJ 08822kombuchabarnj.com
In the event you get thirsty, pop into The Kombucha Bar, the place you possibly can 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 Cream20 Stangl Rd, Flemington, NJ 08822humdooicecream.com
What began as a woman with an ice cream dream is now an lovable 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 unit. Their Banana Cream Pie taste is delicious.
Mushy Shelled Crab on Avocado Toast at Matt’s Purple Rooster Grill | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Matt’s Purple Rooster Grill22 Bloomfield Ave, Flemington, NJ 08822mattsredroostergrill.com
Ask any Hunterdon County native for a restaurant advice, and the award-winning Matt’s Purple Rooster Grill will likely be on the prime of their listing. The meals isn’t simply good, it’s unimaginable.
With a relaxed, upscale informal vibe, in a Victorian dwelling, at Matt’s Purple Rooster Grill, proprietor, and Chef Matt McPherson gives New American dishes that includes contemporary, seasonal, and regionally out there components and a inventive 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 Purple 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 smooth shell crab appetizer served on buttery grilled avocado toast. It was so good it revived my love of sentimental 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 the event you’re within the temper for seafood, attempt 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 crimson sauce over completely cooked pappardelle.
Chocolate-Coated Peanut Butter Bomb at Matt’s Purple Rooster Grill | Picture: Higher Dwelling
To finish on a candy word, 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.
Clinton, New Jersey, within the northwest a part of Hunterdon County | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Clinton, New Jersey
With unimaginable views of the South Department Raritan River and stuffed with landmarks and historic structure, you possibly can simply spend a day strolling via museums, buying small, and eating your approach via 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 lovable boutiques and nice little eating places is a delightfully compact (and simply walkable) Foremost Road with some great points of interest in a small radius.
Free parking is offered on the road and in public tons off Foremost Road. It’s the proper place for a day journey or a fast getaway.
Begin your day in Clinton exploring The Purple Mill Museum Village, certainly one of New Jersey’s most iconic historic landmarks.
The Purple Mill Museum Village in Clinton, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling
The Purple Mill Museum Village56 Foremost St, Clinton, NJ 08809http://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 dwelling to the Mulligan quarry.
A central a part of Clinton’s historical past, as we speak you possibly can take a self-guided tour and discover the restored mill and its outbuildings unfold over 10 acres which embody a one-room schoolhouse, a log cabin, a blacksmith store, dynamite shed, carriage shed, lime kiln, and over 40,000 artifacts. You’ll study in regards to the Purple Mill, the historical past of the encompassing space, and what life was like for the locals centuries in the past.
The British Automotive Present at Purple Mill Museum Village in Clinton, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling
The museum frequently 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 try 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, Foremost 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.
Foremost Road Historic Bridge in Clinton, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Foremost Road Historic BridgeForemost St, Clinton, NJ 08809https://www.clintonnj.gov
They don’t make them like this anymore. Erected in 1870, and made from wrought and forged iron, Clinton’s Foremost Road Bridge is a method of bridge referred to as a pony Pratt truss bridge now not made. Superbly ornate and regarded a marvel in engineering, this bridge was as soon as a part of the previous route for the New Jersey Turnpike.
At this time it connects Clinton’s Foremost Road outlets and the Hunterdon Artwork Museum on one aspect of the river and the Purple 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 possibly can attend a enjoyable occasion or get impressed by their rotating assortment of up to date artwork displays in a renovated 1836 stone mill.
Hunterdon Artwork Museum in Clinton, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Hunterdon Artwork Museum7 Decrease Heart St, Clinton, NJ 08809www.hunterdonartmuseum.org
Dubbed a “heart 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 possibly can 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 Pageant” begins at 7 pm.
Tip: Verify their occasion calendar. The museum frequently holds academic applications and occasions for each adults and kids, 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 gorgeous vineyards and spectacular wines.
Listed here are just a few locations the place you possibly can spend a day touring stunning vineyards, studying in regards to the craft of winemaking, or indulging in a wine tasting to find your new favourite bottle.
The tasting room at Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Unionville Vineyards9 Rocktown Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551https://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 taking place right here. And it’s not going unnoticed.
Unionville is at the moment 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 response to Unionville’s basic supervisor John Cifelli, “East Coast wineries wrestle to even get these critics to attempt their bottles, not to mention award them 90 or higher.” It’s as a result of the wines are that good.
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 exterior and chill out on the grounds.
A few of our favorites had been the 2022 Unoaked Chardonnay and the 2019 Sourland Ridge Purple, 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 dwelling to numerous native species and migratory birds.
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 day by day. You’re welcome to convey a picnic to get pleasure from exterior.
Guided Tastings can be found Thursday via Monday, 12 – 4:30 pm and the tasting room is open till 5.
Two miles off Rt 202/31 South, it’s conveniently positioned 5 minutes from Flemington and 12 minutes from Lambertville/New Hope.
Company having fun with the out of doors patio and cabanas at Previous York Cellars in Ringoes, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Previous York Cellars80 Previous York Highway, Ringoes, NJ 08551https://www.oldyorkcellars.com
With a number of the oldest vines in New Jersey, up the highway from Unionville, Previous York Cellars is a working winery and vineyard with gorgeous terraced views of their 28 acres of vineyards and the Sourland Mountain.
It’s a stunning place to chill out, dine and unwind. And one go to will change every thing you thought you suppose you understand about New Jersey.
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 made out of 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.
Previous York Cellars serves scrumptious Spanish impressed delicacies that pairs completely with their wines. | Picture: Higher Dwelling
To chill out with service and a view, reserve one of many winery’s charming cabanas, that are an Previous York visitor favourite. From the cabana, you possibly can order flights, bottles, specialty cocktails, and meals as you chill and benefit from the views. With room for six, they’re excellent for teams or {couples} and hearth pits can be found seasonally.
And talking of meals, come hungry. Previous York Cellars’ Chef José Díaz, who skilled 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 choice of wine and meals, attempt certainly one of 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 possibly can’t go fallacious with the Paella del Chef with imported Bomba rice, rooster, chorizo, and contemporary shrimp. The grilled salmon with chimichurri was buttery and contemporary.
Grilled Salmon, Paella del Chef, Spanish Meatballs, Beef Empanadas, and wine from Previous York Cellars| Picture: Higher Dwelling
Go to throughout certainly one of their ongoing enjoyable occasions like their Sunday Brunch, “Wine & Music” collection with dwell music performances, and “Wine & Comedy” evenings each different Saturday evening.
For a particular expertise, this summer season take a experience to Previous York on the historic Black River & Western Railroad (leaves from Flemington throughout from Stangl Manufacturing unit) to Previous York Cellars. Verify for dates right here.
Previous York Cellars is open Thursday via 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 positioned 5 minutes from Flemington and 13 minutes from Lambertville/New Hope.
Previous York Cellars welcomes walk-ins however suggests making reservations.
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 positioned within the coronary heart of historic and artsy Lambertville.
Lambertville Station Inn & Restaurant in Lambertville, NJ | Picture: Lambertville Station Inn
Lambertville Station Inn & Restaurant11 Bridge St, Lambertville, NJ 08530www.lambertvillestation.com
Location: The long-lasting 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 unimaginable.
Steps off the property and also you’re exploring colourful and historic downtown Lambertville, often called 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 just a few of Hunterdon County’s waterfalls.
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, comfortable 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 gadgets and room service can be found for a further charge).
For lunch or dinner, eat on the inn’s Lambertville Station Restaurant throughout from the lodge in a meticulously restored 1867 prepare station. They serve upscale seasonal new American Delicacies, that includes regionally grown components, and herbs from the lodge backyard. For tapas or a glass of wine by a comfy hearth, head all the way down to their stunning rustic wine cellar. Seasonally, out of doors eating is canal aspect and Sunday brunch here’s a special day.
Woolverton Inn in Stockton, NJ – Hunterdon County | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Woolverton Inn6 Woolverton Rd, Stockton, NJ 08559https://www.woolvertoninn.com/
For a singular and opulent B&B expertise, test into the historic Woolverton Inn.
On this enchanting Revolutionary period property, you possibly can stroll its gorgeous gardens, get pleasure from a 3-course gourmand breakfast on a romantic verandah and make mates with sheep.
Whereas it looks like a world away from every thing, Woolverton is a brief drive to every thing in Hunterdon County.
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 principal home and 6 non-public cottages. We checked in and by no means needed 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 absolutely booked, you’re feeling as if in case you have all of it to your self.
Superbly embellished, every room and suite right here has its personal character and particular facilities like gasoline fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. On the third flooring of the principle home overlooking the sheep’s pasture, the Newell’s Library Room the place we stayed has a snug king-size mattress, an opulent spa bathe, and a gasoline hearth.
However this room got here with a good greater shock.
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 e book lover’s sanctuary. And there’s a secret tucked inside the pages.
Through the years, visitors have been hiding greenback payments within the pages of a number of books. To seek out them, a journal on the bedside holds clues left by earlier visitors hinting at which e book titles and authors to test. When you discover a invoice (we discovered 3!) you possibly can transfer it to a brand new e book 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. Company are handled to a scrumptious three-course, gourmand, country-style breakfast utilizing native components (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 served on the patio at Woolverton Inn | Picture: Higher Dwelling
The menu adjustments day by day, however Woolverton’s chef likes to supply each wholesome and decadent alternatives. 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 gives 24/7 facilities, together with all-day contemporary espresso (they’ve an excellent gourmand machine with espresso and cappuccino), bottled water, and a choice of chilly drinks like glowing water. Candy treats like freshly baked cookies and lemon blueberry bread await you within the afternoon once 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 mates.
Resident sheep Annie loves head pats (and snacks) at Woolverton Inn | Picture: Higher Dwelling
In the event you determine 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 chunk at one of many handfuls of eateries after which try 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 complicated dates again to the 1700s and sometimes hosts occasions.
Bike (20-minute experience) 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 experience to the north.
Unionville and Previous York Cellars is a 15-minute automobile experience.
At evening, earlier than turning into your room, sink into one of many Adirondack chairs across the hearth pit, or play board video games in the principle home’s parlor.
The comfortable out of doors firepit at Woolverton Inn | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Woolverton is at the moment renovating their barn and remodeling it right into a restaurant which is about to open in 2024. For a close-by lunch or dinner eating gem, the Sergeantsville Inn is a fast 5-minute drive.
Sergeantsville Inn in Sergeantsville, NJ | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Sergeantsville Inn601 Rosemont Ringoes Rd, Sergeantsville, NJ 08557https://www.sergeantsvilleinn.com
In a renovated 1700s historic stone constructing that after served as a pelt-trading heart, feed retailer, and host of George Washington, this fantastic eating restaurant within the countryside of Hunterdon County contains a seasonally altering menu impressed by contemporary regionally produced components.
The kitchen is beneath the path of co-owner and Chef Daniel Brunina, who has labored in some significantly 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 Might Grilled Oysters at Sergeantsville Inn | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Highlights of our go to had been the grilled Cape Might 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 | Picture: Higher Dwelling
The Asparagus Salad with tender native asparagus spears, hard-boiled egg, and caper sabayon, was an opulent mix of textures and flavors that immediately turned 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 minimize via a wealthy plated lemony sauce. We ate each chunk.
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 surprising presentation.
And for a singular candy finale, the “Not Key Lime Pie” is a surprising dessert with tangy key lime custard with crumbled poppyseed shortbread, dollops of meringue, and Pernod whipped cream. A timeless basic, attempt 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 | Picture: Higher Dwelling
For a romantic eating expertise, ask for a desk by the fireside. The stunning out of doors patio is an ideal spot when the climate’s fantastic. In the event you’re eating extra casually, a tavern menu is offered.
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 acquire ice for his or her dwelling iceboxes. At this time it’s a wine store and bar with a curated choice of distinctive wines and liquors from all around the globe. Cease in and luxuriate in wines by the glass and snacks from the Sergeantsville Inn’s kitchen.
Closing Ideas
Whether or not you’re in search of a enjoyable getaway or a soothing staycation, Hunterdon County is an incredible 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 gorgeous 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 outside whether or not you need to tour vineyards whereas tasting award-winning wines or climbing, biking, or kayaking alongside the Delaware River.
The resident sheep at Woolverton Inn are trying ahead to your go to (and snacks)! | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Hunterdon County is certainly one of 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.
