My Summer Vacation 2026

        Last week, on my birthday, I went on a vacation to several day-trip spots—some were hidden gems, while others were brand new or already well-known.  Let's get started with Willowwood Arboretum, located at 300 Longview Rd, Far Hills, NJ https://www.willowwoodarboretum.org . In 1908, brothers Robert and Henry Tubbs set out in search of a country retreat near Gladstone, NJ. They eventually bought a 135-acre farm, adorned with massive weeping willows, and knew they had found home. They christened it "Willowwood Farm," and in 1909, the rest of their family arrived—and never left. 

            Willowwood is open year-round from 8 a.m. until dawn. Dogs are not allowed on the premises. Picnics are welcome, but grilling and cooking are not permitted. For corporate parties, weddings, or special events, you can arrange an appointment with them. Professional photographers must have a permit.

            My next trip took me to a brand-new winery up in North Jersey called Meadow Brook Winery, located at 18 Kings Street, Oldwick, NJ, meadowbrookwinery.com .  Well, the winery, founded by owner Frank Schwab in 2019, unveiled its stunning new tasting room in the fall of 2025. Now Conor Quilty is the general manager and winemaker of Meadowbrook. Walk-ins are welcome on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for flights and charcuterie snacks, but for the full experience, make reservations from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 

         My next stop is a North Jersey brewery called Sunken Silo Brewery, located at 1320 US-22 in Lebanon, NJ. sunkensilo.com. Opened in 2019 by owner Jeff Donlon, Sunken Silo Brew Works offers a 3,000-square-foot space featuring a 14- to 16-seat bar, 60 total seats, and a walk-in cooler as its centerpiece, accommodating around 75 to 100 guests. With a mix of industrial and rustic vibes, Donlon describes the design as “cleaner” than many other breweries he’s encountered.

    

        

               

            My next trip takes me to Philadelphia, to a beautiful park in Center City called Rittenhouse Square, located at 201 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA. friendsofrittenhouse.org. In 1682, William Penn designed the city, which remained surrounded by thick woods for much of the 18th century. As America neared independence, the forest known as Governor’s Woods was marked for future development. In 1825, the city council renamed the square in honor of prominent Philadelphian David Rittenhouse, recognizing his achievements as an astronomer, inventor, and the first director of the U.S. Mint.     By the 20th century, some of America’s wealthiest and most influential families had made Rittenhouse Square their home. Today, people from all walks of life gather there for picnics, special events, and to enjoy benches dedicated to loved ones or local legends like the late great DJ Pierre Roberts from Philadelphia’s WMMR radio station. You will find his special bench near the corner of 19th and Walnut Street. The bench was dedicated on May 31st, 2026, at the exact spot where the Late DJ shared his final social media post before he passed away a year ago. His legend lives on. 

     Now, from Philadelphia back to North Jersey, we arrive at a mansion where the first president, George Washington, had his headquarters during the summer and fall of 1780. Dey Mansion (pronounced Dye), located at 199 Totowa Road, Wayne, NJ, was originally called Bloomsburg Manor and played an important role in the Revolutionary War. Built by Col. Theunis Dey in the 1770's. Today, the mansion is open year-round, with guided public tours Wednesday through Sunday. seepassaiccounty.org

Just 12 minutes from Dey Mansion, I visited another historical hidden gem from 1892, built by silk manufacturer Catholina Lambert. Lambert Castle, nestled in the Garret Mountain Reservation, can be found at 3 Valley Rd., Paterson, NJ. seepassaiccounty.org. Lambert Castle showcases period rooms, local history, and beautiful artwork. It also features a 70-foot observation tower with city views, and they host numerous events year-round. Right now, it's undergoing renovations and may have temporary closures or limited access.

           After visiting the visitor center, guided tours cost $10. Photography is strictly forbidden inside the castle, and you can’t touch the artwork or sit on the antique chairs. But you can take photos of the castle from the outside.

 

                                                                                                                                                                  

        After Lambert Castle, I took another 12min drive to the Passaic River, where Alexander Hamilton established the nation's first planned industrial city in 1792. I'm talking about Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park located at 72 McBride Ave Ext, Paterson, NJ. nps.gov.  The falls are a 77-foot waterfall on the Passaic River, a National Natural Landmark that once powered early industry. Alexander Hamilton’s vision for an industrial center led to the creation of the city of Paterson, known for its mills and industry.

  When in Great Falls, you can take a self-guided tour, stroll along a walking trail, and soak in the scenic views from Overlook Park and Mary Ellen Kramer Park. While the park is open 24 hours, the best time to visit is from sunrise to sunset. Enjoy a family picnic, go for a jog, or walk your dog—just be sure to clean up after them. There is currently no visitor center, but passport stamps can be obtained at the administrative office.

    After all those stops, I was feeling hungry and thirsty, so on a budget, I grabbed a burger at Burger King before heading to a brewery that shares a building with a distillery, though they’re run by separate companies. I visited Ghost Hawk Brewing Company, located at 321 River Road, Clifton, NJ. ghosthawkbrewing.com. Ghost Hawk is a popular Clifton brewery known for its handcrafted lagers, IPAs, and other styles served in a lively industrial taproom, and it’s the first full-production brewery in Passaic County since the Prohibition era. Children are welcome, and it’s also pet-friendly. 

    Right next to Ghost Hawk is Silk City Distillers, located at 321 River Road #5, Clifton, NJ. silkcitydistillers.com. They specialize in whiskey and bourbon, using locally sourced ingredients like corn, barley, and rye from a farm in Sussex, NJ. Silk City is run by three lifelong friends and New Jersey natives who believe that great spirits should be crafted by hand with care and quality. Founded in 2014, Silk City Distillers is a genuine handcrafted, farm-to-bottle distillery. Oh, and when you walk into Silk City, you’ll spot actual aged barrels of bourbon and whiskey.

   That’s a wrap on my day trip adventures for now. Spread the word and think about checking out these spots on your next vacation, whether with family, friends, or just enjoying some solo time. Travel safe and be ready for whatever weather Mother Nature has in store.

Safe Travels,

JerzyP🚗🍺🍸😊