This year may look a little different than last, and you might start to feel the “stir crazy” setting in as the temperatures drop, trips get postponed, and gatherings are cancelled. Though this winter is certainly unlike those of the past, there are still plenty of alternative options for safe seasonal fun! Kick your “cabin fever” by checking out the list below for a variety of happenings close to home!
The “Rink” at Winter Wonderland in Van Saun Park
Ice skating is one of my all-time favorite winter activities that just gets me in the spirit of the season! At Van Saun Park’s Winter Wonderland skating rink, guests of all ages can enjoy a full regulation sized ice rink for only $5. Not to mention you can make it a whole day of family fun by visiting the zoo animals – only a short walk away!
Where: Van Saun County Park: 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ
When: Open 7 days a week; hours may differ
Details: $5 for 50 minute skating session (including rentals). Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Covid-19 Considerations: Currently the rink is operating on limited capacity and facial coverings and social distancing is required.
Ramsey Farmers’ Market
Help support your local vendors this year by visiting this award-winning farmer’s market in Ramsey, NJ! It offers a large variety of specialty food products, including: organic fruits and vegetables, honey, jams, cheeses, olive oils and vinegars, pizza, ice cream, coffee, nut butters, granola, hummus, baked goods, empanadas, dumplings, and much more! Fresh cut flowers, handcrafted skin care, and clothing are also for sale! A great place to find unique gifts and recipe inspiration – or just to treat yourself!
Where: Ramsey Main Street Train Station at Erie Plaza off Main Street, Ramsey, NJ
When: Every Sunday (rain or shine) 10am – 1pm
Details: Voted best farmer’s market in Northern NJ 8 years in a row by both (201) Magazine and Bergen Health Life!
Covid-19 Considerations: Masks required. Outdoor gathering capacity guidelines are adhered to.
Lorrimer Sanctuary
I’ve found the new social-distancing culture becomes a lot easier when I can “unplug” and embrace the beauty of nature. This historic wildlife sanctuary in Franklin Lakes is the perfect spot for nature walks, hiking, birdwatching, outdoor photography, and meditation. You can feel free to explore the grounds on your own, or sign up for one of the center’s many upcoming events, including a Full Moon Poetry Walk, a Maple Sugaring class, and a Bird Walk for beginners. It may be just the perfect place for you to unwind and reconnect with nature!
Where: 790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin Lakes, NJ
When: Thus-Sat 10am-4pm
Details: For all organized classes and events, tickets should be purchased ahead of time.
Covid-19 Considerations: To ensure the safety of staff and visitors, all centers will have limited capacity and visitors will be required to wear masks, sanitize their hands, and maintain a social distance of 6ft distance. All indoor exhibits are closed for the time being.
Grounds for Sculpture
Missing the culture and experience of museums, but don’t want to spend time indoors? Lucky for you Grounds for Sculpture has just announced new winter hours and programs! This beautiful sculpture park offers over 400 works of contemporary art, with installations by both American and international artists. The park is beautiful in every season, offering gardens, paths, ponds, and reflecting pools across its vast 42 acres. They also provide an interactive park map to help you plan your trip before you go! And don’t forget to check their calendar for monthly events and workshops, like the Winter Rose Pruning, which provides hands-on training for gardeners of all experience levels!
Where: 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ
When: Thurs-Mon 10am to 6pm
Details: Discounted tickets at $10/each are offered through March! Reservations required.
Covid-19 Considerations: Masks and social distancing required. All indoor exhibitions will remain closed to maximize the safety of staff and visitors.
Mountain Creek Resort
Stay active and healthy this snow season by visiting Mountain Creek Resort for skiing, snowboarding, and other fun winter sports! As the largest ski area in New Jersey, it boasts four mountain peaks with eight lifts and trails of varying difficulty levels to suit beginners, experts, and everyone in between. They have even extended their hours to allow for night skiing, so you can hit the slopes for a few hours after work, or spend the whole day and night cruising!
Where: 200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ
When: Vernon Peak open daily 9am to 9pm; South Peak open Mon-Fri 12pm to 9pm and Sat-Sun 9am to 9pm
Details: Purchase lift tickets, equipment rentals, lessons, and more on their website
Covid-19 Considerations: Masks are required for all visitors and social distancing guidelines will be enforced. Lodges and indoor spaces will be controlled to adhere to capacity restrictions. Advanced online purchases for all visits required.
Ana Moniz, ABR Broker
Associate Lifetime Member of the NJAR™ Distinguished Sales Club
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
201-247-6341
AnaMonizRealEstate@gmail.com
AnaMonizRealEstate.com