Two thumbs up to Gallery 51!…read more My cousin took me on a walking tour of Montclair a few weekends ago and we stumbled upon this little place. The vibrant work of Rasika Reddy caught my eye in the window so we went inside. The space was small and intimate and the gallery owner (and assistant) were both gracious and welcoming... Gallery 51 says they showcase a new artist every few months. If you are ever in Montclair and have the time, it is worth passing by to have a look. There is also a lovely flower shop and a very nice beading & craft store a few doors down... a sweet trifecta of aesthetic and creative goodness on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Call me biased because this is where I had my first internship, but I love this little gallery. It…read moreis hidden off of George Street and a little hard to find, but worth the small hunt. The artist is a very kind and talented person with a beautiful style. I always loved seeing what he had just finished and what pieces he was working on. There is not a lot of foot traffic, as you might suspect, so if you pop in, you'll most likely have the place to yourself to wander and admire. It won't take you too long, as it is just one room. In addition to showcasing the owners work, they also highlight artists work from all over, depending on what their current exhibition is highlighting. Everything is worth seeing, but I especially loved when they had a photography exhibition. If you are looking for a place to pop into while in one of my favorite towns, you should make Alfa one of your stops.

I was born in South Amboy, but migrated to South Florida when I was just a small child, so I don't…read morereally get the opportunity to visit local visits businesses often. However, I was recently in South Amboy for the Christmas holiday and had to make a stop at the bank. I decided to check out the local shops while downtown and came across New Life Books and Bibles. I'm so happy I stopped in to check this little gem. They have a beautiful selection of both religious and secular items. The shop is quite charming and the clerk was so sweet and friendly. I'm sorry I did not get her name but we had a lovely chat and her welcoming nature made my visit all that more special. I love to support local businesses at every chance I get, and I am so glad I stumbled into the shop. I already gave out some of my purchases as Christmas gifts so I did not get to take pictures of some of the beautiful items I got, but I shared what I have not gifted yet. Whether you are a practicing Christian, or you are just looking for a beautiful gift, you should check out New Life Bibles and books and support your local small town businesses.

I go here for my mass cards. Great shop. Highly recommend for anyone looking for somethingread more

really wonderful and knowledgeable staff, charming location, offering a beautiful and thoughtfully…read morecurated selection of original photography and paintings. highly recommend

This is not really a space for the public to visit, though weblinks and other search engines seem…read moreto think that it is worth visiting. The area consists of a former missile defense base (?) recently (or not so recently) converted into a working artist colony. At fault is the County government: it needs to create more signs saying what it is (a working colony) and what it isn't (a museum or open park for visitors). The grass is growing everywhere, the buildings don't look like they're in good shape. They basically need to congregate wealthy donors who are willing to hire a staff to maintain the space, and then perhaps visitors can come by every so often for an 'open house' (which the government could require of its resident artists). There is a lot of potential here, but as such it is not a place amenable for visits. But maybe young teenagers in love lookin' for a quick snoggin' in a somewhat elevated area could check it out.

so, I punch "local attractions" into my GPS while killing a few hours in North Jersey and find this…read moreplace. I drove into what seemed to be a small private community...and up some desolate roads...and saw a small clump of steel structures which apparently count as "art". this is depressing. what a waste of gas! driving down was slightly more enjoyable, as I rolled down my windows, cursing and blasting metal, and also didn't need to use any precious gas.

I'm a big time American revolutionary era fan. Benjamin Franklin is one of my all time favorite…read morefounding fathers. The propriety house was home to William Franklin, Benjamin Franklin's son. So this historic house has been on my list of places to visit. Kerry, the intern, was my tour guide. He did such a good job of showing me around. I was happy to have finally toured the Royal Governor's mansion. The ladies of the house host tea time Wednesday afternoon!

Was part of a volunteer crew laying a paver sidewalk out front. I and Steve, a member of the…read morepreservation group were the last two still working, late in the day. I heard a voice call out Steve! Looking around, not a living soul on the street, no passing cars, no one inside the Proprietary House. I looked over at Steve and he said, "You heard that, didn't you?" Apparently, one of the spirits at the house often calls to him when it's quit and few are around.

A great home and excellent tour. The house is well…read moremaintained, and has rotating exhibits - we were there during the wedding dress and vintage bathing attire presentations. The museum is well maintained, well worth a stop!

It has been over a year since I last visited Acorn Hall. I was given an inside tour after helping…read morewith a redesign of the gardens. It was pre-Covid-19 and the members of Rutger's agricultural extension office were invited to participate in restoring the grounds. The exterior had already been worked on. What the status of Acorn Hall is today, I could not say. This is a review of Acorn Hall in September of 2019. Acorn Hall began with the construction of a modest home in 1853. With the renovation and enlargement of the home by the Crane family in 1860, Acorn Hall became one of the prominent homes in the area. Named after the two large oak trees which once presided over the front lawn, this Victorian-Italianate mansion gives visitors a glimpse of mid-Victorian life. There are two floors open for viewing. Some pieces are original to the Crane family while other furnishings, fabrics and art work have been donated from other collections and Victorian homes in the Morris County area. In addition to the permanent collections , Acorn Hall is now displaying the Florsheimer custom wedding gowns from the 1980's created by the renowned designer Paula Varsalona. Also on temporary display, beach fashion of the early 1900's along with photographs .I found this display joyfully amusing. Acorn Hall was open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am-4 pm with the last tour at 3{15 pm. Sunday tours are from 1 pm-4 pm, also with the last tour at 3}15 pm. Admission is Adults $6, Seniors $5, Students $3 and children under 12 are free. The gardens are open from dawn till dusk. Access to the Patriot's hiking path starts east at the Carriage House which is behind Acorn Hall. Check with Acorn Hall to determine their visiting hours at the present time.