“Revisiting” Mercer County
This past year has been a year of revisiting places I frequented as a child, as well as redoing activities I have not done in many moons. Below are a few of my experiences.
Howell Living History Farm
In February 2021, I visited Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell, New Jersey. In elementary school, we often visited Howell Living History Farm for various events. In hopes of finding a new outdoor place to visit, I browsed their events page. We wanted to attend their Maple Sugaring event because who does not love maple syrup? It was a windy and bitterly cold day with lots of snow everywhere from a storm that hit us at some point that month. However, the snow and cold did not stop us!
The walk through the ice and snow was well worth the trek as the farm is quite picturesque. While most of the attendees were children, I found myself equally, if not more, astounded to see how sap is collected from maple trees to make maple syrup. We were able to catch a peek of the syrup-making process and smell the delicious maple aroma through our masks.
As we made our way back to our car, we saw some fellow visitors with slices of cake. Curious and hungry, we followed our noses and found the source. Howell Living History Farm has a former home located on the property with a fully functioning kitchen. There were all sorts of gadgets from the 1900s that made me think about the countless meals prepared in that very spot. We spoke to the baker and she excitedly gave us a quick summary of how she prepared the cake. She told us that the ingredients used in the cake were all ingredients one could find back in the early 1900s. Once we were ready to head home, we stopped at the gift shop to pick up a few bottles of fresh maple syrup that was produced on the farm. My only regret about that day is not buying the entire pan of maple cake!
If you are interested in learning more about Howell Living History Farm, check out this video of “History of Howell Living History Farm: 1735-2021”.
Click here to see other events at Howell Living History Farm.
Mercer County Park Marina
I tried kayaking late this spring at the Mercer County Park Marina and it is an excellent opportunity to work on your tan and give your arms a solid workout. Growing up, we would go canoeing with my dad on the Delaware River. By "we" I meant it was my dad paddling the canoe for three people. My brother and I were dead weight and entirely worried about what we would have for lunch. I have many fond memories of stopping along banks for snack and lunch breaks. Anyway, fast forward 20 years, I thought maybe it was time to give kayaking (no thanks to canoeing) a try.
My friends are avid kayakers and inspired me to give it a shot. They highly recommended kayaking at the Mercer County Park Marina due to the calm nature of the lake. I should point out that I am no Michael Phelps and was not confident getting into a narrow and wobbly boat in a lake with all sorts of creatures lurking. I saw turtles, blue herons, ducks, and the scariest of them all---Canada geese. The blue heron was quite prehistoric-looking but did not strike fear in my heart, as did the geese.
When I was launched down the ramp and into the water, I immediately began to feel seasick and wanted to call it a day. After a few minutes of wrestling with the paddle and convincing myself that the life vest would indeed do its job of saving my life in the event the kayak tipped, I began to feel comfortable. Spoiler: kayaks are difficult to tip over. Seeing turtles swimming along the coast and jumping into the water was the highlight of many kayaking trips. If you are hesitant about giving kayaking a chance, do it. It is a great experience, especially at Mercer County Park. Two thumbs up!
New Jersey State Museum
The New Jersey State Museum recently reopened its doors and I could not be happier. Growing up, I spent a good portion of my summers at the New Jersey State Museum. Many years had passed from when I frequented the museum. When you are younger, places, events, and things seem far grander than they are in reality. As we drove to the museum a few weeks ago, I was somewhat worried about experiencing that feeling. However, the New Jersey State Museum delivered!
Thinking back, I vividly remember a room filled with dioramas with taxidermy animals in their natural (but staged) habitats. For example, I remember a wolf that was howling up toward the moon in a nighttime scene. In that same scene, there were owls and other small creatures positioned behind the glass. There was a snowy scene with a polar bear and a jungle scene with a leopard. They were all magnificent scenes that I could stare at all day. As we made our way through the museum, I began to wonder what happened to all of my old stuffed friends. Well, to my surprise, they were still there--just displayed differently. The way they are displayed now allows visitors to visually study the animals and read the description of each animal.
In the same room as the taxidermy animals, there were many fossils on display. Perhaps, as a child, I was too focused on the dioramas to remember the dinosaur fossils. Either way, I was pleased to see dinosaur fossils and read information about them. Some of the fossils were replicas while others were originals.
We happened to miss the planetarium show but will surely go back. The planetarium was always the highlight of my museum visits growing up and I am sure it will continue to be. The New Jersey State Museum is a worthwhile visit!
Click here for upcoming events at the New Jersey State Museum.
If you are interested in day trip ideas, here are a few books:
50 Hikes in New Jersey by Daniel Chazin
Known more for its urban areas than its green spaces, the Garden State is actually a crossroads for major interstate trails including the Maine-to-Georgia Appalachian Trail, the 150-mile Highlands Trail, and the 60-mile Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail. Hike along the Appalachian ridge or over the ragged Wyanokies, pass into pine barrens or through marshes and dunes on the coast, and you'll see that New Jersey has so much more to offer than just cities. These 50 routes cover walks, hikes, and backpacking trips from the Kittatinnies to Cape May.
AMC’s Best Day Hikes near Philadelphia: Four-Season Guide to 50 of the Best Trails in Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware by the Appalachian Mountain Club
Discover the best hikes in and around Philadelphia, all doable in a day or less, with this guide from the definitive source on hiking in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With suggested hikes for every ability level, this easy-to-use book details both lesser known excursions and area favorites, including several treks on the Appalachian Trail: Stroll through historic Valley Forge, explore the beautiful Brandywine Creek State Park, and take in the Pinnacle's spectacular views. Updated to reflect the most recent trail changes, this second edition also features new hikes in Wolf's Hollow Country Park, Stroud Preserve, Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Rockhopper/Dry Run Creek Trails, Trexler Preserve, and Blue Marsh Lake. Visitors and locals alike will find special places to explore, kindling and deepening a love of this rich region's natural wonders.
Best Easy Day Hikes. Northeast New Jersey by Paul E. DeCoste & Ronald J. Dupont
Best Easy Day Hikes Northeast New Jersey includes concise descriptions of the best short hikes in the area, with detailed maps of the routes. The 20 hikes in this guide are generally short, easy to follow, and guaranteed to please.
Ghost Towns and Other Quirky Places in the New Jersey Pine Barrens by Barbara Solem-Stull
The Pine Barrens of New Jersey contain more ghost towns, some say, than the entire American West. In Ghost Towns and Other Quirky Places in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, Barbara Solem-Stull tells the story of the towns that rose up around the iron furnaces, glass factories, paper mills, cranberry farms, and brick-making establishments of the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Loaded with easy-to-use maps and more than 100 photographs and illustrations, the book provides driving directions and self-guided walking tours of many of the Pine Barrens most intriguing historic sites and ruins. This is a unique field guide for anyone interested in reading about the history of Pinelands ghost towns and in exploring these long-ago communities firsthand.
Howell Living History Farm by the New Jersey Historical Commission
If as a result of life extension, we wish to lead healthy productive lives, we need to have foods to support that lifestyle and a sustainable environment in which to live. One model to consider is the past traditional farming practices that achieved sustainability for both families and the environment, as highlighted in this photo essay.
Illustrated Handbook of Kayaking, Canoeing & Sailing by Bill Matteo and Jaremy Evans
Kayaking, canoeing and sailing are exhilarating, demanding and hugely enjoyable outdoor pursuits. This practical guide offers a comprehensive introduction to all three sports, for those at all levels of experience and ability. All aspects of each sport are covered, from basic information on equipment and where best to sail or paddle, to expert tuition on the core skills and techniques you will need - such as launching, rigging, tacking, paddling, capsizing and rescue. Packed with expert advice, professional hints and tips and illustrated with more than 1500 photographs and diagrams, this book contains everything you need to know about these thrilling aquatic sports.
New Jersey by Andi Marie Cantele & Mitch Kaplan
Its 127 miles of shoreline is not all there is to enjoy in the Garden State. The Pinelands, Colonial-era homes, and the Delaware River running along its entire western border are all featured in this Explorer's Guide. Green spaces are noted throughout. Nightlife, great restaurants, and cultural stops are all highlighted in this fully updated edition.
New Jersey Curiosities by Peter Genovese
The definitive collection of New Jersey's odd, wacky, and most offbeat people, places, and things, for New Jersey residents and anyone else who enjoys local humor and trivia with a twist.
- by Michelle R., Robbinsville Branch
Comments
Post a Comment