My After-Birthday Vacation Day Trip Pt1

 Last month, I celebrated my 52nd birthday with a staycation day trip to several places in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. These were not just random places but ones that held a special place in my heart due to their historical significance and personal connections.

My first stop was the Fort Mifflin historical battlefield, which holds special significance in American history. Located at 6400 Hog Island Rd, Philadelphia, PA, www.fortmifflin.us, this site dates back to 1777, when General William Howe, the army commander, was desperate for supplies as his troops were surrounded by the British military from the north, east, and west. This personal connection to the place's history made my visit all the more engaging.

    During the Civil War in 1863, Fort Mifflin underwent a significant transformation, serving as a military prison that held thousands of soldiers from the Union and Confederate armies, as well as civilian prisoners. In WW1, the fort played a vital role in serving Philadelphia's home front efforts, showcasing its adaptability and resilience. Today, Fort Mifflin is an overlooked historical landmark in Philadelphia, and it's reportedly haunted, offering paranormal tours. I ventured into the dark gunpowder magazine bunkers (very brave of me, lol), and I recommend using a flashlight. If you visit Ft. Mifflin, you can either go on Groupon and book a visit or use cash at their preferred gift shop. You can go to their web page for more information. 

      My next stop was a 29-minute drive back to another historical landmark in Red Bank, West Deptford, NJ. Fort Mercer, part of Red Bank Battlefield Park, 100 Hessian Ave National Park, NJ, takes you back to 1777, the same time as Ft. Mifflin. Named after Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, who passed away earlier that year at the Battle Of Princeton & the site of the Battle of Red Bank, which was fought in the fall of 1777 where our American forces fought the British and the fort was abandoned after Ft. Mifflin was also lost in 1777 and fell under British control in the summer of 1778. For more information, visit the American Battlefield Trust website at www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/fort-mercer. And revolutionarywarnewjersey.com. I highly recommend visiting these historical landmarks, as they offer a unique and personal perspective on American history.  The Park, reminiscent of Ft. Mott, is perfect for a family outing. With its beautiful parks, ideal for children to play, and the nearby Scenic Delaware River, perfect for a family picnic or a leisurely jog, it's a place where everyone can feel at home. And don't forget to visit the beautiful historic two-story home of James & AnnWhitall. https://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Whitall-House-Museum-15

     The Whitalls, a Quaker family, purchased a 400-acre plantation in 1748, a place that was more than just a home. It was a thriving hub of activity, with livestock, a lumberyard, fruit orchards, a shad fishery, and even a ferry. The family, which included nine children, worked together to maintain the plantation, along with their servants from Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands. Today, this historic home is open to all, offering a unique opportunity to learn about colonial life. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, providing visitors with a fascinating and educational experience. 

         

     Ok, now it's time to have dinner at a very unique and fantastic restaurant in Swedesboro called BLK SHP (for those that don't know, it's Black Sheep, not trying to insult anyone, I swear) located at 1301 Kings Hwy, Swedesboro www.blkshp.biz  the restaurant shares the same building with The Red Hen restaurant so if you go into Red Hen on of the employees will help to lead you to BLK SHP. 

BLK SHP specializes in Mexican / American vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian cuisine and delicious cocktails. I had the Pine Apple Cosmopolitan and Sweet and Spicy Ribs. I'm telling you, these ribs are fall-off-the-bone amazing! 

                                 The Red Hen

                                 BLK SHP

 

         Okay, I had my dinner and right now for drinks at this unique brewery in Clarksboro, NJ, that specializes in craft beer and makes the best coffee in South Jersey, which puts Starbucks out to pasture. I'm talking about Death Of The Fox Brewery at 119 Berkley Rd Unit B, Clarksboro, NJ. www.deathofthefoxbrewing.com . It is the first and only craft beer and coffee roastery in South Jersey, where you can get your buzz on twice over. See where I went there, lol. The Brewery lets you sample four craft beers and four cold, hot, and espresso coffee brews. But if you are not a coffee or craft beer drinker, do not worry; they also sell tea and soft drinks. You can even purchase coffee to take home and four to six packs of craft beers, too. Oh, I almost forgot: With the coffees, they will ask you if you want soy, regular, or almond milk as a preference. Death Of The Fox makes you feel right at home, where you can hang out, watch sports, play board games on their sofa, or even enjoy live music. If ordering food, there is a restaurant next door where you can purchase food. 

      

       My final stop was Salem County, a winery called Salem Oak Vineyards & Winery at 60 N Railroad Ave. Pedricktown, NJ, is a small, family-owned farm on the border of Gloucester and Salem Counties. www.salemoakvineyards.com . The winery lets you sample several wines and order different foods, like tater tots with cheese and bacon. You can also book private weddings, birthday parties, and special events. When you make a reservation, you can also do wine tours and tastings, and they even make their homemade chocolate for purchase. If you want to do a wine and chocolate pairing, they also do that.

                     

    Well, my fellow NJ peeps, that's part one of my latest adventure. Stay tuned for part two of my birthday staycation day trip in my next post. Until then, live life and be safe. Also, remember to like and follow my blog and tell your friends and family about it. 

JerzyP🚗🍴🍷🍺⛾