Here in this historic, artsy city, “George Washington slept here” is not a cliché. Morristown is best known as the home of the nation’s first historical park, where General George Washington and his troops spent one of the coldest winters on record. But for the summer of 2019, Morristown promises to be a pretty chill destination. See what scenic spots and trending tables you’ll enjoy with these travel tips from New Jersey Travel & Tourism.
The Morristown Must List
If you’re a history buff, Morristown is the place to go! Your first stop: Morristown National Historical Park, where you’ll find plenty of sites to see (like Washington’s headquarters at Ford Mansion) and Revolutionary history to cover. Once you’ve caught up on George Washington’s whereabouts, explore other historic attractions, including Acorn Hall, Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Historic Speedwell and the Morris Museum. Explore a Victorian Italianate mansion, experience life on a late 1800s farm, learn about the Industrial Revolution and view an eclectic collection that ranges from rare minerals to music boxes. While you’re at the Morris Museum, don’t miss the exhibit Steampunk Fashion, now through October 6!
Surprising Finds
Amidst busy highways and office parks you’ll find one of the Morristown area’s most delightful and romantic surprises: Frelinghuysen Arboretum. For a perfectly civilized summer outing, wander through its beautifully maintained themed gardens. Enjoy a guided introduction to the Arboretum during the First Sunday Garden Tours (2 p.m., $3 per person) or participate in a Family Photo Scavenger Hunt. Another surprise in Morristown: The Laundromat, a 23 and older speakeasy hidden in the basement of…you guessed it…a laundromat.
Outdoor Adventures
Discover the varied habitats of New Jersey’s Great Outdoors at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, where you can spy 244 species of birds, plus fox, deer, muskrat, turtles and wildflowers. A good place to start is the Wildlife Observation Center, which features one-and-a-half miles of boardwalk. Explore more on eight miles of trails and, if you’re feeling adventurous, trek 3,660 acres of additional trails. Just don’t forget to wear your hip boots! You’ll doubly appreciate the stunning solitude of Great Swamp when you learn that it was nearly filled in and paved over to build an airport.
Taste Makers
When hunger strikes (or you have tickets to a show at the Mayo Performing Arts Center), it’s good to know you’re in a city that’s enjoying quite a restaurant renaissance. Grab an outside table and a burger at South+Pine, Committed Pig or Urban Table. Enjoy fine dining at the farm-to-table Blue Morel, Roots Steakhouse and Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, located in a historic c. 1918 mansion. And don’t miss the authentic pierogi at Pierogies House. Can’t decide? Book a Savor and Stroll Culinary Tour and sample six Morristown restaurants and food shops.
On the Cheap
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will be offering free tickets to young people 18 and under for its outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play. Described as “rowdy, rollicking, zany, silly and irreverent,” this family-friendly spoof runs July 3–August 5 on the campus of College of Saint Elizabeth in Florham Park, just five miles from Morristown. Bring a picnic for a fun, affordable family cultural outing. And, thanks to Mayor Tim Dougherty and the Town of Morristown, you can groove to a free, full day of live music at the ninth Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. This popular event returns Saturday, August 17, rain or shine, to the Green in Morristown’s historic downtown.
In New Jersey, every new day brings a brand-new destination…like Morristown! Plan an outing or stay over to experience everything Morristown has to offer. For more ideas and accommodations, go to visitnj.org, where you can also download a free NJ travel guide or sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism.
