On 7/18/23, we visited the Paterson Museum for the 2nd time…read more This museum is truly a hidden gem filled with so much history. Outside the museum, you'll see a train at least a century old. In addition, some interesting modern sculptures surround the building. Inside the museum, you'll see the history of the Leni Lenape Indians. The museum has a wonderful display of minerals from NJ. Over a century ago, Paterson was known as t "Silk City of the World". You'l see the old loom machines from yesteryear. One very large display case has many of the old "Colt" revolvers manufactured in the city Paterson. The museum has a section dedicated to John P. Holland. Mr. Holland designed and built the first underwater vessel accepted by the U.S. Navy. On a lighter note, you'll see many pictures of Paterson's own beloved comedian, Lou Costello ("Hey Abbott!" ) of the comedy duo Abbott and Costello. Admission is free. The museum does welcome donations.

It was the vision of Alexander Hamilton that set the course for Paterson, N.J. to become a major…read moreearly industrial Hub. The museum frames that reality in concise and magnificently curated exhibits. The museum covers John Ryle "Father of the American Silk Industry", Thomas Rogers 1871 Locomotive Erecting Shop which built trains that aided in the construction of the Panama Canal (the 299 sits in the front of the museum), and displays of the John P. Holland 181 submarine proto-types which were launched in the nearby Passaic river. Wright Aeronautical Corporation and it's contribution to the plane Charles Lindbergh flew solo from NYC to Paris in 1927 and the spectacular and rare collection of Colt firearms by Norman B. Tomlison Jr. and Paul R. Applegate are both on display at the musem. Also worth mentioning is the exhibit of the Delaware-Lenape culture with many artifacts and a reconstruction of a wig-wam, If you are interested in mineralogy, the museum has first grade quality specimens obtained world wide as well as from local quarries and sites. Lastly, they have exhibits celebrating local greats like Lou Costello, Larry Doby ( the second black athlete in Major league baseball and Hall of Famer), and Hinchcliff Field during the glory days of midget car racing. The old photos in each exhibit are priceless to see. The museum is only a block from the Great Falls. A two dollar donation is accepted for adults and the parking is free. There are plenty of places to eat including Libby's famous hot dogs and chili one of my favorite hot dog joints.. Make a day of it and visit Great Falls (now a National Park), tthe Great Falls Visitor Center and historic district and the Paterson Museum.

Friend of mine put together a painting night and I wasn't sure what to expect as it was my first…read morepaint and wine experience. This home studio isn't just regular paint, it's uv paint! Your masterpiece glows with uv light! Mind blow. The classroom holds over a dozen students. The teachers are fun, talented, and instructs you through each phase of your art journey. Complimentary wine was served and my glass was never empty. Cheese and crackers with fruits and veggies were in the lounge area. The class is a couple of hours long and I had more fun than ever expected while learning how to paint. When you actually are painting, the lights are off and the uv on. Your paints are vivid and glow, really neat. To finish up our classroom painting project, the regular lights were turned on to put on some finishing touches on our canvas. It was explained that the painting has two pictures so to speak, one with uv and one without. Cool stuff. When you pull up to the home studio, it's a regular house with the studio sign. Park in the driveway or here's plenty of street parking as it's a dead end street. To get to the studio, go to the right of the house (not the front door of the home). Walk on the right side of the house, there's a path leading you to the beautiful back yard, cross left where you'll find another studio sign, that's the door you want. If you're thinking about it, just try it and you won't regret.

This is not your typical wine and painting studio. Artist Johnny kicks it up a notch using…read moredifferent techniques, luminescent paint and LIGHTS OUT. Having done a few other painting sessions, I was excited to try something new and different. We sipped our wines, dimmed the lights, and picked up a paint brush. In the dark we dipped our brushes into the glowing paint and then into the blank canvas. Almost immediately, the blank slates were transforming into works of art...ok, well not really at first!!! Johnny taught us how to combine different colors and transition from a beautiful night sky into reflective waters. As we continued to blend and paint, we relaxed and sipped wine. After all of the background was complete, we allowed the paints to dry a bit and socialized as we munched on veggies with dip, bread and cheese, and yummy grapes in their large step down party room. The area was the perfect size to gather and have food, dessert, or other festivities if considering hosting a party here. Then, we went back to WORK (ha!!!) and finished our masterpieces. The dark colors we added helped to bring an additional glow to our artwork. All too soon the fun was over! We enjoyed every minute. It was a great date night out with a different twist! Can't wait to return!

Val, the owner, is great to work with. Gives you the time, works within your budget and has lots…read moreof patience!

This place is amazing! I can't believe no one has written a review. The woman who owns this shop…read morealso runs it and she's been in the business for years aka she knows her stuff. Her honesty places her on a par above the rest ( she doesn't try to rip you off). She has a beautiful collection of frames, matting and mounting boards to choose from and her work is meticulous. I highly recommend her, she has framed 5 pieces for me so far and I love every single one.

So, I was looking for a particular TK painting and reached out to an online Thomas Kinkade customer…read moreservice rep. I was sad to learn that the painting I wanted was no longer being published. But, the Thomas Kinkade online customer service rep informed me that this TK Gallery in Paramus, NJ had one left. She quickly forwarded my contact information to John Vassallo, the Gallery Owner and he reached out to let me know he had one left. So, I bought it. The transaction was seamless, the painting shipped same day, and I received it in under a week in perfect condition. I even got it framed with the specific walnut frame that I originally wanted. I couldn't be happier. Matter of fact, I bought two more paintings from John afterwards, and I plan to buy a couple more. I love Thomas Kinkade paintings. John's customer service is stellar. I'll even send photos of a wall space where I want to hang a painting and he makes great recommendations. Moving forward, I plan on purchasing all my TK paintings from him. No reason for me to go elsewhere because this galleries customer service is the best in my opinion. John is also very knowledgeable and has been in the industry for a very long time.

Garbage phone service. Had to call twice to ask if they carried home decors such as a nightlight…read moreand guy hung up on me. I called again asked if they carry nightlight he said no. Then why do you post yoyu have home decor.

Excellent customer service!!! Chungkuk spent so much time helping me make my selection and came out…read morewith a beautiful gift!! Real museum quality!

Interesting history lesson in the shadows of the Manhattan skyscrapers…read more Excellent presentation by the docent. Both park employees were quite knowledgeable about various topics. The tour covered many different topics of that era. You could see yourself imagining what life was like at that time. Don't miss the portrait painting on the 2nd floor.

Soooo if you happen to live in Northern NJ and happen to have family visiting, and that family…read morehappens to be huuuuge history buffs -- then y'all should probably visit the Dey Mansion, aka George Washington's Headquarters way back in the late 1700's. Full disclosure: it was my mother who looked up the Dey Mansion and requested to go there on a recent-ish visit. It wouldn't have been my first choice of things to do on a sunny Saturday but she's the guest and a total history nerd and it was something to check out. I can't say I didn't enjoy it at least a little bit... while my mom is a history nerd, I'm a design nerd and the house itself, built by the Dey Family, is beauuuuuufitul. The brick, the wide plank wood floors inside, the gorgeous [paint] colors used throughout were just striking on every level. Then the layout and design and function of the house back in the 1700's is so different then how we live in our homes now -- so interesting. The gardens surrounding the property are also so lovely. Here's my one issue with the historical site and tour -- when we inquired we were told it was 'less than an hour for sure' depending on how many people/questions. While the tour guide was nice enough, he was verrrrrrry long winded. There were 6 of us.. and that tour was most definitely longer than an hour. Not sure if that's the case every time but just something to be prepared for should you decide to visit. Cost for the tours was supposed to be $5 but during out visit they had just begun some restorations and certain spaces were closed off... so they didn't insist on guest paying. They still accepted donations though. Parking is also free, fyi. And the mansion is easy to get to from routes 23, 46 and 80.