As a fan of the clean aesthetic known as the 'American Craftsman' or 'Mission' style that was…read moreestablished over 100 years ago but still feels modern today, I had long wanted to visit the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms in Parsippany-Troy Hills but drove past the signs on NJ Route 10 for the museum hundreds of times without stopping to see what it was all about. Gustav Stickley, a key voice in the 'American Craftsman' movement, held very progressive retailing views for his era - launching a magazine as well as a chain of retail stores (including a 12-story flagship showroom and restaurant in New York City) that showcased his 'Arts and Crafts' design ethos of home furnishings with simple, unadorned, and comparatively plain designs. Think of Gustav as the IKEA of the early 20th century. The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms began as another of his innovative ideas that never came to fruition - a trade school for boys to teach them farming and vocational skills that was located on a 640-acre plot of land in Morris County, New Jersey. When the school failed to materialize, the Stickley family lived here in his Log House, designed and constructed by Stickley to reflect the epitome of the Arts and Crafts aesthetic, for several years. Facing financial challenges from his failing retail empire, Stickley sold the property in 1915 and it remained in private hands until 1989 when Parsippany-Troy Hills Township acquired it to preserve this historic landmark as a museum rather than letting it fall to the wrecking ball in favor of another townhome community. The Log House is only accessible to the public via 60-90-minute long docent-led guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00pm and 2:30pm. Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors; $7 for students with valid ID; and $5 for children up to age 12. Our docent Joan was very knowledgeable about the Stickley family, the original and reproduction artifacts in the home, and the other tiny details that make all of Stickley's creations unique. If you appreciate the Craftsman movement or just want to see where a design legend lived, this is a must-visit historic site. PRO TIP #1: Leave young children at home. With lots of fragile and irreplaceable artifacts within a toddler's reach throughout the museum, this isn't a child-friendly environment. PRO TIP #2: Renew your library card and check whether your local library offers complimentary museum passes for the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms or other local museums.

Emerging in the U.S. primarily between 1900 and 1929, American Craftsman style was a backlash…read moreagainst the Industrial Revolution and Victorian architecture. Craftsman construction spread across the country in part thanks to American furniture designer Gustav Stickley. The most identifiable feature of the home is a low-pitched roof with overhanging eaves and exposed rafters. Another characteristic trademark is a large front porch with sturdy tapered columns. Located off the beaten path of Route 10 inside a 30-acre country estate in Morris Plains, my partner and I had the chance to tour as first-timers this 1911 house of Gustav Stickley, internationally known for his multiple roles as a philosopher, publisher, social critic and associated today with his straightforward furniture, sometimes called "mission" or "Craftsman" furniture. A reservation was made on their website. Upon entering the Museum/Gift Shop, we were greeted by the staff. The tour of 12 people began with a short 5-minute intro video about the family in their renovated kitchen and through the house from the main floor and the second-floor bedrooms. The centerpiece is Stickley's massive Log House, restored to its 1910-1917 appearance, which exemplifies his philosophy of building in harmony with the environment by using natural materials. The tour ran only 1 hour but was packed with so much information and sights of historical background regarding Gustav Stickley and really brought what we were viewing to life. The docent tour leader husband/wife duo Bob and Jan were excellent. The price didn't dent one's pocket, which we could recommend for woodworkers, craftsmen, antique enthusiasts, and children over 10.

Tucked into the southwest corner of Essex County's South Mountain Reservation, this historic…read more28-acre public garden -- with its carefully curated and terraced gardens, fountains, and winding paths -- feels like a trip to another time and place. After spotting a social media post about the garden's Cascade fountain reopening after a 16-month restoration, my walking companion and I decided to check out this hidden gem. Greenwood Gardens was a private family estate until 2003, when it opened to the public under the auspices of a non-profit organization, and you can really feel that rich tapestry of the families' history as you wander through the grounds. The highlight of our visit was the Cascade fountain, which now features water flowing through it for the first time since the early 20th century! If you're looking for a peaceful, historic, and beautiful place to stroll, Greenwood Gardens is absolutely worth the visit. We'll definitely be back! Pro Tip #1: Plan on about 75-90 minutes for a self-guided walking tour, buy tickets online in advance ($15 for adults aged 14 to 64; $10 for Seniors aged 65+; $5 for children aged 5 to 13), and wear weather-appropriate attire/walking shoes. Pro Tip #2: Leave your tripod at home. Casual photos on your phone are welcome, but portrait or staged photography (for events, engagements, graduations, etc.) requires prior permission and special facility booking.

A dreamy, charming little escape with tons of greenery, statues, structures, and fountains. Even on…read morea weekend it wasn't crowded, so my fam could take pictures without cropping out strangers. Really friendly staff gave the kids a scavenger hunt page that turned our visit into part garden tour, part treasure hunt. Between the terraces, tile work, grottoes, and gardens, the whole place blends European formality with a whimsical, art nouveau vibe. Plenty of benches invite you to sit and talk, while fenced-in chickens, geese, and beehives bring the grounds to life. The gardens feel peaceful, playful, and magical all at once. The beauty here is truly un-beleaf-able! NOTES/TIPS: **Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors/students, and $5 for kids, with free parking close by. **Very limited wheelchair-accessibility: okay for the Main Terrace and some flat areas, but most paths are sloped or uneven, so access is limited. **Restrooms near the entrance.

Love visiting Rutgers Gardens through the seasons! If you come in fall, don't expect much in bloom,…read morebut this place is wonderful to hike and stroll through with its various paths. If you visit in spring or summer, get ready for stunning flora and fauna that is cared for by Rutgers staff and students. I adore the lilacs that's smell delicious and envelope a walkway like a natural ceiling. So amazing! Also, I adore the wide open fields and spaces that lend themselves perfectly for a picnic or spot to lay down a blanket and enjoy a nap out in the open. PS. Very romantic spot- if you're coming here for a date, you will not be disappointed!

Rutgers Gardens, located on the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University, is a botanical garden…read morethat is free and open to the public. I was looking for a new dog friendly park and Rutgers Gardens fit the bill. Visitors can explore the themed gardens like the Rain Garden, Herb Garden, Bamboo Forest, and Heylar Woods. The gardens host educational programs, a farmers market, and workshops throughout the year. There are a lot of glowing reviews here and I'm not sure if maybe my timing was off or most people don't venture off the main areas here. We parked near Heylar Woods and chose the blue trail which is along the water. The one major thing both me and my daughter noted immediately was the sound of traffic from Route 1 and Route 18. The non-stop buzz of cars and trucks takes away from the beauty of the surrounding nature. Further into the trail the trash all along the water is crazy. Aside from the trash and weird foam along the edges of the river, we ran into some kind of big dead animal in the water. We decided to turn back and check out the Bamboo Forest. It was a little cool out so we decided to skip the short walk and hop in the car. We parked near the field lab. Tucked away behind the building is the small but very cool Bamboo Forest. One big thing to note here, which they do warn about on signs, is the ticks. Me and my daughter came out unscathed but my poor pup ended up with a few ticks (despite the cold temps).

I checked this place out because of a recent Civil War reenactment event, and I was incredibly…read moreimpressed. It could have been an all day event and I wish I had come earlier because I missed some things like the weapons demonstration. Aside from the regular buildings, there was a camp set up with soldiers, nurses, doctors, cooks, and other professionals that would have been part of a civil war brigade. The reenactors were extremely knowledge and informative with various props and photos from the era. We did get sucked into the singing presentations at the tavern featuring the Libby Prison Band and Matthew Dodd singing period stories and telling comical tales. They alternated presenting on the hour with new songs each hour. For a free presentation, it was thorough, entertaining, and thoughtful. There was plenty of parking and a small gift shop (not too many site specific souvenirs though). I will keep an eye on the calendar and return for future events.

I recently visited the East Jersey old town Village based on an invite from a dear friend. I walked…read morearound and went in and out of the historical homes and exhibits that were available. The experience was pretty cool because it was like I had stepped back in time. As a person of color, I can say candidly that I was apprehensive and a little skeptical about appreciating this part of history. History is not always pretty however, I was pleasantly surprised to see that people of color were positively represented here. I was able to speak in depth with a group of re-enactors that were representing the black soldiers during this time. These individuals not only dressed the part, but truly embodied their roles. They were very knowledgeable about the many contributions that people of color, specifically, Black people, made in this era, despite the cruelty, they faced. It was as if I was speaking directly to the soldiers during that period. One fun fact that we learned was that Barack Obama was not the first US president of African descent. Don't believe me, look it up! If you are interested in learning more, please visit and see for yourself how special this place is.

This was honestly one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had at a museum. It's a lesser…read moreknown museum out on Staten Island, so when I went, I was the only visitor. One of the staff members, Bonnie McCourt gave me a tour of the museum. It started with an interesting video, and then she explained the history of the house and the historical significance of Garibaldi and Meucci. It was clear that, not only did McCourt know what she was talking about, she was also passionate about her work. She actually made the history come alive. The current exhibit was curated by McCourt and displays memorabilia with Garibaldi's name and image. Apparently he was such a big deal in Italy, and other parts of the world, in his day, that he was used to sell things such as wine and cigars, and was featured on stamps and magazines around the world. It's a really interesting exhibit that I highly recommend. I haven't had a chance to return to the museum yet, but I plan on going back with family and friends. I cannot recommend this museum enough.

If you were taught Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, then a visit to this small but…read morehistory packed museum could very well change your understanding. The one-time home of Italian inventor Antonio Meucci and his wife has been lovingly restored and preserved with artifacts from his life and inventions. Additionally, and perhaps more famously, we find some clothing, photographs and maps related to the life and achievements of the "Hero of two worlds," Giuseppe Garibaldi. If you are fortunate enough to have a tour lead by the knowledgeable guide, Stephanie Lundgard, then you are in for a treat. Ms. Lundgard packed more facts and stories into her one hour presentation than one might learn in a full unit of study. Worth the trip.

Had a wonderful experience at this museum. It's small but it's chock full of interesting history…read more We had the pleasure of getting the tour with both docents Darlene and Steve, and they were both very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We came on a gloomy/snowy day so there weren't other patrons and it seemed like we got an extended tour, we were there for around 2 hours, but I think normally the tours are about 30-45 minutes. During the tour you get to also go inside the tower and see the lightbulb that's been on since 1929! If you're from the area, it's definitely worth it to go and learn about the history of this place and Edison's inventions. The only down side is that they don't have a bathroom in the building, so you'd have to use the bathroom before you come or use the porta potty. The admission is $7 for adults. They have a vision of building a bigger museum since there's so much more they can showcase and make interactive.

Small museum with larger than life personal tour guide to walk you through the interesting life of…read moreThomas Edison. Known for 1 of the 1st inventors of the light bulb and phonographs Edison had over 400 patents. A few of his original inventions are located in this museum and the grounds are lit up at night. Worth the $ 7 entry and discounts are available for active military.

It was a wonderful place my grand children and I enjoyed it,there's so many creations all made by…read moreLenny,it's phenomenal.

I visited this museum during the Memorial weekend and was pleasantly surprised that the place…read moreexisted and how talented the artist was in the community. We had the pleasure of meeting the artist, Mr. Lenny who explained he grew up very poor in the West Indies and used to make his own toys out of different things he found around the house and in his community. He stated he started working as a car mechanic when he came to NYC and started making little objects out of scrap metal and then progressed to larger items. The art work was definitely more impressive after hearing his story and modest beginnings. Mr. Lenny was very humble and didn't appear to be that motivated in being in the "limelight" to promote his work. He stated he really didn't sell his art pieces but would occasionally make a piece for commission if he was in the mood to do the work. Mr. Lenny did have some small affordable souvenirs available for purchase including tee shirts, posters and mugs. My favorite pieces were Michael Jackson, Obama and the 9/11 memorial. We also saw one of Lenny's pieces at the Snug Harbor Park. Mr. Lenny is truly an artist to be reckoned with and it was cool visiting his museum and him being there answering our questions and just opening up about his personal journey. This was like my 3rd time in Staten Island so I am not familiar with the area but we took the Ferry and then bus 40 to get to his museum. He also had a bathroom for visitors and it was clean. LOL. This is definitely a spot to check out and then you can walk to Staten Island's gorgeous park, Snug Harbor which is what we did, it was about a 15 minute walk for yall non walkers or the bus was right on the corner.

This is a historical house in South Bound Brook that I've been aware of for years but never…read morevisited. It was open for free as part of a 250 anniversary of the revolution event. For a brief period the house was General Von Steubens dwelling. It's surprisingly interesting and in good shape. We had a first rate guide and there are interesting historical displays on site.