Historic Speedwell Village

Where: Historic Speedwell, Morristown
More Info: Admission fees apply. Season: April - October.
Hours of operation: April-June: Wed to Sat 10am-5pm
July-October: Wed-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm.
Last tour begins at 3:30pm. Guided tours are available of the Vail Home, Factory Building and the Wheelhouse.
Trip Assessment:
Ease ✮✮✮
Expense $$
Family Fun ♥♥♥
===========================================

Historic Speedwell is a National Historic Landmark and also the birthplace of the telegraph. The village is located on Speedwell Avenue (U.S. Route 202) north of Morristown. Part of the site was formerly an ironworks which came under the ownership of Stephen Vale in 1815. He expanded the works and produced machinery for agricultural and industrial needs. The ironworks closed in 1873.

Vale purchased the adjacent lot which contains nine buildings, including the Vail Homestead, a granary and a carriage house. The buildings are furnished to resemble 19th century decor. The Vale House contains original furniture and artifacts owned by the family. For more information on the village click here.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the village is the Old Factory building where Stephen Vale and Samuel Morse developed the first electric telegraph. This profound invention revolutionized the speed of communication and was demonstrated to an excited public on January 11, 1838. The telegraph had a range of two miles without the use of a repeater. Inside the Factory Building is a new exhibit which tells the story of the development of the telegraph. Various telegraph models are on display. To learn more about Samuel Morse and the story of the telegraph, visit the official website.

The official website offers visitors the opportunity to "experience life during the early years of the Industrial Revolution and dawn of a new era in communications during the mid 19th century through guided tours, special events, programs, and exhibits."

Why not take your family to Historic Speedwell?

Directions:

333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960

Take Route 80 West to Rt. 202 South into Morristown. Historic Speedwell is on Route 202, pay attention to the signs.

Norvin Green State Forest

Where: Norvin Green State Forest, Bloomingdale
More Info: Admission is FREE. Open daily sunrise to sunset.
Trip Assessment:
Ease ✮✮
Expense $
Family Fun ♥♥♥
===========================================

Norvin Green forest is located near the Wanaque Reservoir in Bloomingdale. There are many trails, of varying difficulty, built from former logging roads and constructed by volunteers. Some of the trails lead to the Weis Ecology Center. At the highest elevation of 1,300 feet, hikers are treated with scenic vistas of the NYC skyline and Lake Sonoma.

Directions:

Take Route 287 to exit 57, follow Skyline Drive to Greenwood Lake Turnpike to West Brook Road to Snake Den Road. Follow signs to Weis Ecology Center. Parking is available at Weis Ecology Center or along Burnt Meadow Road and Glen Wild Road.

Trails:

Norvin Green State Forest has a number of trails of varying length and difficulty which are listed on the official website. A map of the forest can be found here.

TRAILS:	LENGTH (miles)	RATING
Caris Hill (Yellow blazes)	1.0 miles	Difficult
Hewitt-Butler (Blue blazes)	5.5 miles	Difficult
Lower (White blazes)	1.5 miles	Medium
Macopin (White blazes)	1.0 miles	Easy
Mine (Yellow blazes)	1.0 miles	Difficult
Otter Hole (Green blazes)	1.5 miles	Medium
Post Brook (White blazes)	1.0 miles	Medium
Torne (Red blazes)	1.0 miles	Difficult
Wyanokie Circular (Red blazes)	4.0 miles	Difficult
Wyanokie Crest (Yellow blazes)	5.0 miles	Difficult

Grover Cleveland House and Grove Cleveland Park

Where: Grover Cleveland Birthplace, Caldwell
More Info: Admission is FREE. The museum is open from Wednesday - Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Trip Assessment:
Ease ✮✮✮
Expense $
Family Fun ♥♥
===========================================

President Grover Cleveland was born in Caldwell, New Jersey, on March 18, 1837 to Richard Falley Cleveland, a Presbyterian Minister and Ann Neal Cleveland. The house where Grover Cleveland was born was built in 1832 and served as a parsonage for the Cleveland family while Grover's father was pastor of the local church. Much of the house looks the way it did in 1837. Some of the artifacts displayed include original family portraits and Grover Cleveland's cradle.

According to the official website, it is "the only house museum in the country dedicated to the interpretation of President Cleveland’s life. It is the nation’s leading repository of Cleveland artifacts and political memorabilia." Grover Cleveland was the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms and was the 22nd and 24th U.S. President.

About a block away from the historic birthplace is Grover Cleveland Park which was designed by landscapers John Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. in 1914 and completed in 1916 The park is named in honor of President Cleveland. It is located on Brookside Ave and Runnymede Road. The 41 acre park is heavily wooded. Pine Brook Creek traverses through the park and leads into pond at the lower end. Facilities include a playground with nearby restrooms, tennis courts, a baseball field and walkways. For a complete list of facilities and to learn more about the park, visit the official website here.


Directions to Grover Cleveland Birthplace

207 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006

From the Northeast

I. Garden State Pkwy. S to Exit 159, Rt. 80 W. Travel 7.3 miles to Exit 53, Rt. 23S.
(Go to Roman Numeral II, Rt. 23 S., below)
Rt. 80 W to Exit 53, Rt. 23S. (Go to Roman Numeral II, below)

II. Take Rt. 23 S. through Rts. 80 and 46 intersections. Then proceed 1.5 miles to the fifth traffic light. Turn right at light onto Lindsley Rd. then immediately fork left onto Mountain Ave. Travel south 3.3 miles to the end. Turn right onto Bloomfield Ave., [aka Rt. 506]. The Birthplace is 1/10 mile on the right, across from a Dunkin' Donuts. House is tan w/ green shutters. Parking lot is at end of gravel driveway, near our brown barn.

From the Northwest
Take Rt. 23 S. Use the directions listed above, starting at Roman Numeral II, Rt. 23 S.
OR Take Rt. 287 S. to 80 E. then use the bottom set of directions, coming "From the West".

From the Southeast
Garden State Parkway N. to Exit 145. Follow signs for Rt. 280W. Travel 4.4 miles on 280W to Exit 7. Stay right on ramp and follow signs to Verona. (You are now on Pleasant Valley Way. The road's name will change to Lakeside Ave.) Continue north 2.4 miles on Pleasant Valley Way/Lakeside Ave. to the end. Turn left onto Bloomfield Ave., [aka Rt. 506]. Travel 1.5 miles west on Bloomfield Ave. The Birthplace is on the right across from a Dunkin' Donuts. The house is tan with dark green shutters. Parking lot is at end of gravel driveway, near our brown barn.

From the Southwest
New Jersey Turnpike N to Garden State Parkway N. then use directions above coming "From the Southeast".
OR Rt. 287 N. to Rt. 80 E. then use the bottom set of directions coming "From the West".

From the East
Take Rt. 80W to exit 53, then use directions "From the Northeast, Roman Numeral I, Rt. 80 W", at top of page.
OR take Rt. 46 W. to 23 S. then use directions "From the Northeast, Roman Numeral II, Rt. 23 S.", at top of page.

From the West
Rt. 80 E. to Exit 47 B., Rt. 46 E. Drive 2 miles on 46 E. to right hand fork, [Bloomfield Ave. aka Rt. 506] following signs to "Bloomfield Ave. The Caldwells". Travel east 3 miles on Bloomfield Ave. [aka Rt. 506], passing through West Caldwell, and the business district of Caldwell. The Birthplace will be on the left across from a Dunkin' Donuts. House is tan w/ grn. shutters. Parking lot is at end of gravel driveway, near our brown barn.


Directions to Glover Cleveland Park

From New Jersey: Take Route 280 West to Exit 6B/Laurel Avenue. Turn left onto Eagle Rock Avenue. Bear right at the fork in the road to Harrison Avenue. Turn right onto Roseland Avenue. Turn left onto Runnymede Road. Turn right onto Brookside Avenue. Park is on the right.

From New York: George Washington Bridge or Lincoln Tunnel to New Jersey Turnpike South. Take Exit 15W for Route 280 West. Follow above directions.

Use the intersection of “Runnymede Road and Brookside Avenue” when obtaining driving directions from the Internet.

Click here to view a map of the park.

Great Falls of Paterson

Where: Great Falls of Paterson, Paterson
More Info: Admission is FREE. The Falls are open all year round. For information about the Great Falls Visitor Center and opening hours, call 973-279-9587.
Trip Assessment:
Ease ✮✮✮
Expense $
Family Fun ♥♥♥
===========================================

The Great Falls of Paterson is the second largest waterfall in North East America after the Niagara Falls. The Falls are an amazing sight to behold. The waters of the Passaic River plunge 77 feet over a basalt shelf cascading to the waters below. The Falls played a significant role in the industrial revolution by powering factories and mills. In 2009 Congress authorized the park as a designated National Historic Park. The Great Falls Visitor Center is located across from the Great Falls at 65 McBride Avenue Extension. Educational programs and guided walks are offered. Click here to learn more.

Directions to the Great Falls Visitors Center

GREAT FALLS VISITOR CENTER
65 MCBRIDE AVENUE EXTENSION
PATERSON, NJ 07501-1715
(973) 279-9587

Garden State Parkway North:

Exit 155P, continue straight ahead onto Route 19 North following signs for "Downtown Paterson." Make the 1st left onto Cianci Street. Go one light to Market Street and turn left. Market Street ends at Spruce Street (Paterson Museum is on your left.) Turn right onto Spruce Street. Go one block to McBride Avenue Extension and turn right. Visitor center is on the corner, directly across from the Great Falls parking area.

Garden State Parkway South:

Exit 159 (Saddlebrook) onto Route 80 West. Follow directions for Route 80 West below.

Route 80 West: Exit 57 B-A. Follow signs for "Downtown Paterson" and make the 1st left onto Cianci Street. Go one light to Market Street and turn left. Market Street ends at Spruce Street (Paterson Museum is on your left.) Turn right onto Spruce Street. Go one block to McBride Avenue Extension and turn right.Visitor center is on the corner, directly across from the Great Falls parking area.

Route 80 East: Exit 57B, circle around to "Grand Street" exit and turn left.Go to 2nd light, Spruce Street and turn right.Go three blocks (Paterson Museum will be on your right) to McBride Avenue Extension and turn right. Visitor Center is on the corner directly across from the Great Falls parking area.

Route 46 East or West & Route 3: Exit onto "Valley Road = Paterson" and continue through to Route 19 North (just past Lambert Castle.) Turn left onto Route 19 and follow the signs for "Downtown Paterson." Make the 1st left onto Cianci Street. Go one light to Market Street and turn left. Market Street ends at Spruce Street (Paterson Museum is on your left.)Turn right onto Spruce Street. Go one block to McBride Avenue Extension and turn right.Visitor center is on the corner, directly across from the Great Falls parking area.

Click here for directions from other routes.

McFaul Environmental Center

Where: James McFaul Environmental Center, Bergen County
More Info: Open all year round. Admission is free.
Trip Assessment:
Ease ✮✮✮
Expense $
Family Fun ♥♥♥
===========================================

FrugalNJ recently visited the James McFaul Environmental Center, located in Wyckoff. The nature center is set in 81 acres of scenic surroundings. The center contains many interesting exhibits, including snakes and turtles and offers educational programs throughout the year. There is a man made waterfowl pond which opened in 1966. We saw swans, birds and ducks during our visit. Just outside the nature center are animal shelters containing eagles, hawks, red foxes and other animals. Those who enjoy hiking can explore the different trails. The trail we went on winds around the pond and along the way is a lookout post that offers scenic views. The 81 acre property was purchased in 1962 and opened in 1967.

More information about the center can be found here.

Directions:

150 Crescent Avenue, Wyckoff

From Route 17 North: Take the Hollywood Avenue/HoHoKus Exit. Turn left onto Hollywood Avenue. Follow the signs for Bergen Co. Route 502 west. Go straight at the traffic light and up a hill to a stop sign. Turn right onto Franklin Turnpike. At the first light, turn left onto Wyckoff Avenue. Stay on Wyckoff Avenue through three lights. Look for Environmental Center sign on the left. Turn left onto Crescent Avenue. The park is on the left at the bend in the road (about ¼ mile).

From Route 4 West to Route 208 North: From Route 208 North take the 1st Goffle Road Exit to Midland Park/Ridgewood. Follow Goffle Road all the way to the end. At the light, make a left onto Godwin Avenue and go approximately 1.8 miles. Look for the Environmental Center sign indicating a right turn. Turn right onto Crescent Avenue (by the Brick House Restaurant). The park is on the right at the bend in the road.

From Interstate 287 North or South to Route 208 South: From 208 South take the Ewing Avenue Exit. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp. At light turn right onto Franklin Avenue. Go through two traffic lights. Take third right turn between guard rails onto Crescent Avenue. Park is on the left at the bend in the road.

From the Garden State Parkway North or South: Take Exit 165 for Ridgewood Avenue West (going toward Ridgewood). Follow Ridgewood Avenue until you enter the village of Ridgewood. Go to the top of the hill to the R.R. station. Turn right onto Broad Street. Turn left at the light and go under R. R. trestle. Stay to the left and go straight through the next light. This becomes Godwin Avenue. Follow Godwin for approximately two miles. Look for Environmental Center sign indicating a right turn. Turn right: onto Crescent Avenue. Park is on the right at the bend in the road.

A full list of directions can be found here.

Hamilton House

Where: Hamilton House, Clifton
More Info: The Museum is opened for tours on Sundays from 2-4pm (except for Holidays) from March-December. Tours at other times may be made by calling the Museum - (973)744-5707. There is a suggested donation.
Trip Assessment:
Ease ✮✮✮
Expense $
Family Fun ♥♥
===========================================

FrugalNJ recently visited the Hamilton House Museum, an 18th century dutch homestead located in Clifton which has more than 200 years of history. Each of the six rooms is furnished to represent different eras of American history and the exhibits reflect that. The house belonged to the Van Wagoner family and was later purchased by the Hamilton family in 1856. It remained with the family until 1970 when the house was eventually moved to its current location in Valley Road. The museum is a great place for children of all ages to learn how people used to live in earlier times. For more information about the house and the various programs offered by the museum, visit the official website here.

Directions:

971 Valley Road, Clifton

From Rt 46 in Clifton, take the exit for Valley Road

The Hermitage

Where: The Hermitage, Ho-ho-kus
More Info: Park Grounds: 9 - 5pm Monday - Friday, 1-4pm Saturday - Sunday; Guided Tours: Wednesday - Sunday 1:15pm, 2:15pm, 3:15pm. Tours are $7.00 for adults; $5.00 for seniors; $4.00 for children (children under 6 are admitted free of charge). AAA card holders receive a discount of $1 off the adult price.
Trip Assessment:
Ease ✮✮✮
Expense $
Family Fun ♥♥♥
===========================================
The Hermitage is a 14-room Gothic Revival home built during 1847-1848 by William H. Ranlett. The building contains remnants of an earlier 18th century house. The Hermitage is set on a five acre estate containing trees that are hundreds of years old. The grounds contain various interpretive displays that illustrate life in the late Victorian era.

During the Revolutionary War, General George Washington accepted an invite to the house from Theodosia Prevost. The estate was in the ownership of various members of the Rosencrantz family from 1807 to 1970. Beginning in 1917 part of the Hemitage functioned as a tea room for the next several years. During the 1920's, the popularity of the Tea Room grew in leaps and bounds. It is now owned by the State of New Jersey and is open all year round to the public.

For further information on the museum's history, collections and programs, and to view the official website, click here.

Directions:

335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423-1035

Route 17 (north or south) to Hollywood Avenue exit. Bear left after exiting. Take Hollywood Avenue west to Franklin Turnpike, turn right onto North Franklin Turnpike and go 1/2 mile to The Hermitage on the left.

Garden State Parkway to exit 165, go west 1/3 mile on Ridgewood Ave. to Route 17 North on right. Follow the directions above.

New Jersey Turnpike to exit 16W to Route 3 West, exit at Route 17 North and follow directions for Route 17.

Route 287 to Route 208 South. Exit on Ewing Avenue and turn left onto Route 502 E. Follow Route 502 E. right at the traffic light (Franklin Avenue). Franklin Avenue becomes Wyckoff Avenue. Turn right onto Franklin Turnpike in Waldwick. The Hermitage is on your right.

From New York City: George Washington Bridge to Route 4 West to Route 17 North, follow directions for Route 17.

By train: New Jersey Transit Bergen County/Main Line to Waldwick Station. Walk east 2 blocks. Turn right on Franklin Turnpike and go south about 3 blocks. The Hermitage is on the right.

Kip's Castle

Where: Kip's Castle, Verona
More Info: The castle is temporarily closed to the public.
Trip Assessment:
Ease ✮✮✮
Expense $
Family Fun ♥♥
===========================================

Set in a beautiful eleven acre estate bordering the townships of Montclair and Verona, Kip's Castle is an impressive building. It was built in 1902 and competed three years later by Frederick Kip, a textile manufacturer and inventor. His wife Charlotte designed the castle and the grounds. The 9,000 square foot castle contains 30 rooms and is designed to look like a medieval Norman castle. It was originally called Kypsburg. There is also a two story carriage house nearby. According to Wikipedia, Frederick's wife "is credited for the design of the "Kypsburg" building and grounds, cultivating an octagonal rose garden in the southwest corner of the property. After Charlotte's passing in 1926, the estate was sold and went through several owners, including Indian guru Osho in the 1980s, serving as a monastery."

The castle and grounds eventually fell into a state of disrepair. In 1985 the law firm Schwartz, Tobia & Stanziale acquired the property and much needed repairs were carried out. Due to various difficulties obtaining planning permission to develop townhouses on the property, the estate was listed for sale in 2006.

A combination of grants from the NJ Green Acres initiative and various Essex County funds resulted in the estate becoming part of the Essex County Park System. According to the official website, "initial plans for the estate include housing offices for the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs, Essex County Open Space Trust Fund, and Essex County Parks Foundation. However, the Castle's true purpose is to evolve into the County's premiere cultural resource center, supporting and promoting arts and culture throughout our region."

The castle is situated on top of First Mountain. Access to the castle is via a long steep drive way. There is a parking lot near the castle. At this time, the castle is temporarily closed to the public. Visitors to the castle will be impressed by the scenic views of New York City.

An online brochure of the site can be found here.

Directions:

22 Crestmont Road, Montclair/Verona

From the Garden State Parkway:

1. Take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 145 for Route 280 West.
2. Proceed using directions “From Route 280.”

From the NJ Turnpike:

1. Take the NJ Turnpike to Exit 15W for Route 280 West.
2. Proceed using the directions “From Route 280.”

From Route 280:

1. Take Route 280 to Exit 8B.
2. Follow Prospect Avenue/CR-577 North towards Cedar Grove.
3. This road turns into Pompton Avenue/Route 23.
4. Turn right onto Westover Road.
5. Turn left onto Crestmont Road.

Flat Rock Brook Nature Center

Where: Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, Englewood
More Info: Admission is free. The park is open for hiking every day from dawn to dusk. Building Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekends 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Trip Assessment:
Ease ✮✮✮
Expense $
Family Fun ♥♥♥
===========================================

This is a fun, family friendly hike located in Englewood. We hiked this trail in the winter and the views at the top were still amazing. There is a nature center that contains many interesting exhibits as well as providing programs for young and older children. Picnic areas are provided.

According to the official website "There are many discoveries to be made as you walk along Flat Rock Brooks 3.6 miles of trails. In the spring, wildflowers pop up in unexpected places. You may discover the nest of a Great Horned Owl high in the treetops or see a parade of deer walking by. In the summer sun you will certainly see turtles basking on a log in Quarry Pond and, if you walk along the edge of the pond, you may see a bullfrog peering back at you. In the fall, the woods are rich with color and migrating birds take refuge here on their way to warmer climates. In winter, look for and try to identify the tracks of animals in the snow or mud and notice which birds make Flat Rock Brook their winter home."

Directions:

From New York City:
Cross the George Washington Bridge. Take Route 4. Exit at Jones Rd. Proceed North (right) on Jones Road one block to Van Nostrand Avenue. Turn right, travel four blocks up the hill to the Nature Center entrance at the end of the street.

From the West:
Take the New Jersey Turnpike North (Route 95 North) Take Exit 71 at Broad Avenue, Englewood. Proceed North (right) on Broad Avenue to second traffic light at Van Nostrand Avenue. Turn right, proceed up the hill, cross Jones Road, and continue four more blocks to the Nature Center entrance at the end of the street.

From the South:
Take the New Jersey Turnpike North (Route 95 North) toward the George Washington Bridge, using local lanes. Take Exit 71 at Broad Avenue, Englewood. Proceed North (right) on Broad Avenue to the second traffic light at Van Nostrand Avenue. Turn right, proceed up the hill, across Jones Road, and continue four more blocks to the Nature Center entrance at the end of the street.

From the North:
Palisades Parkway or Route 9W to Exit 1, Palisade Avenue, Englewood. Turn right, go down hill to Jones Road (left turn), make a left turn onto Van Nostrand Avenue and proceed up the hill to the Nature Center entrance at the end of the street.

For directions by bus click here.

Trail map:

Trail map can be found here.