Celery Farm Hike

Where: Celery Farm, Allendale
More Info: 1 mile round trip, loop trail
Trip Assessment:
Ease ✮✮✮
Expense $
Family Fun ♥♥♥
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Located in Allendale, Bergen County, the Celery Farm hike is suitable for families and children and provides plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. This is a loop trail, about 1 mile long and can be wet and muddy along the way. There is an observation platform which is a good spot to view birds. During our visit, we saw a garden snake, swans and other wildlife.

Directions:

1. Garden State Parkway to Exit 163, Route 17.
2. Continue north on Route 17 for 7.2 miles to Allendale exit.
3. Go west on E. Allendale road for one mile to Franklin Turnpike.
4. Turn right and go about 0.2 miles to a small parking lot on the right.
5. Parking area is between Pittis Ave and Alison Ct (which are on right).

Trail

The trail guide can be found here.

Kakeout Reservoir

Where: Kakeout Reservoir, Butler
More Info: 3.5 mile round trip, loop trail
Trip Assessment:
Ease ✮✮✮
Expense $
Family Fun ♥♥♥
===========================================

This is a loop trail about 3.5 miles long and located in Butler, NJ. Although there are wooden footpaths along the trail it can be muddy in parts. The trail loops around the Kakeout Reservoir providing scenic views.

Directions:

1. Route 23 N to CR 511 (Boonton Ave).
2. South on Boonton Ave.
3. Right onto Fayson Lakes Road.
4. Parking is just after causeway by reservoir.

Trail

The trail guide can be found here.

Fort Lee Historic Park

Where: Fort Lee Historic Park, Fort Lee

More Info: Grounds open 8am-dusk; admission is FREE but a $5 parking fee is charged for special events. Visitor center open Wed-Sun, 10:00-4:45pm

Trip Assessment:

Ease ✮✮✮
Expense $
Family Fun ♥♥♥
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Fort Lee played an important role in Revolutionary War history. After resisting the British at Boston, General George Washington improved defenses at New York City by building fortifications. Fort Lee was formerly known as Fort Constitution and was constructed in July 1776. Click here for more details.


From the website NJPalisades.org

"The Visitor Center is at the heart of the Historic Park, providing information on the role of Fort Lee in the American Revolution...At the north end of the Park, two overlooks command spectacular views of the George Washington Bridge, the Hudson River, and the skyline of upper Manhattan. In the southern portion of the Historic Park, winding paths lead past a reconstructed blockhouse to gun batteries and firing steps. Opposite the barbette battery, authentically recreated eighteenth-century soldiers’ and officers’ huts, with a well, woodshed, and baking oven, serve as the focal point for interpretive programs."

Directions:

Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

The park is located on Hudson Terrace in Fort Lee, NJ, south of the George Washington Bridge.

Laurelwood Arboretum

Where: Laurelwood Arboretum

More Info: http://www.laurelwoodarboretum.org/

Trip Assessment:

Ease ✮✮✮

Expense $

Family Fun ♥♥♥

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Located in Wayne, NJ, this beautiful 30 acre arboretum features a diverse, botanical landscape featuring a wide variety of species. There are trails and gardens to wander and take in the beautiful vistas.

According to the official website, "Laurelwood Arboretum is now maintained as a public park through a partnership between the Township of Wayne and the non-profit organization Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum, Inc (FOLA)."

The arboretum is open daily, from dawn to dusk and "is situated between Colfax Rd. and Pines Lake Drive, bordered on one end by Vale Road. The public parking lot is located through the open gate on Pines Lake Drive."

Admission is FREE.

Website directions:

From the South or North: Route 287 to Exit #53, turn right on Hamburg Turnpike at the end of the exit ramp. Go 1.6 miles, make a left on Route 202 (Terhune Drive). Proceed .2 miles, make first right on Colfax Ave. Proceed .2 miles make a left on Vale Road. Make a right on Pines Lake Drive West. Entrance is on the right hand side. 725 Pines Lake Drive West.
From the East: Take Route 208 North to 287 and follow directions above.

Baby Loves Disco at Willowbrook Mall

I was at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, NJ this morning and happened upon an ad for Baby Loves Disco.

How can I pass up posting this FREE event, even though it's only a day away?  If you had nothing planned for  tomorrow afternoon, now you do!

Hurry to H&M and get your free wristband (no purchase necessary) for free admission into the Baby Loves Disco event and you and your child can, not only shake your bootays to the music, but also participate in the other fun activities they will be holding...

H&M presents Baby Loves Disco

10/9/2010 - 10/9/2010

Real DJs, Real Music, Real Dancing

Fun-filled activities for all your little ones including face painting, tattoos, craft activities and more!

Come join us and shake that booty at the best family disco around!

Saturday, October 9th

1:00pm - 4:00pm

Bloomingdale's Exhibit Court

FREE admission, no purchase necessary with wristband.* 

Click here for more information. 

*Wristbands are available at H&M beginning September 24th, while supplies last.  Maximum of 4 per person, all attendees must have a wristband to gain entry.

LOCATION: Bloomingdale's Exhibit Court - Lower Level

TIME: 1:00pm - 4:00pm

SPONSOR: H&M, Baby Loves Disco, Willowbrook, Creativity for Kids

Have fun gettin' down with your BAD selves!