Things to Do in the Sussex Skylands

Come to Alpine Haus Bed and Breakfast Inn for your vacation in New Jersey and discover so much…so close! Bordering on Orange County, New York, our area includes the best of both states in the Skylands/Hudson Valley area.

“We never knew New Jersey could be so beautiful!” We hear comments like this quite a bit. Come experience our country inn and revel in the beauty of the area’s rolling hills, horse farms, lakes and scenic views. With so many activities, there is plenty to fill up your bed and breakfast getaway, no matter what the length!  Not sure what’s in the area?  We have a wide selection of brochures available upon your arrival.

CONCIERGE SERVICES

Let us assist you in planning your activities in and around Vernon, NJ. We can provide concierge services with a wide variety of itinerary suggestions based on your interests.  Your itinerary can be sent to you prior to your arrival, or it will be waiting for you at check-in. Also, we are always available for restaurant recommendations and reservation services.

AIRPLANE RIDES & SKYDIVING

Blue Max Aviation, LLC –Airplane rides, flight training – Sussex Airport
973-702-7542

Sussex Skydiving School –Take your first skydive with a certified tandem instructor – 973-702-7000

ANTIQUING & ART GALLERIES

Hamburg Antique Center – just south of intersection of Route 23 & 94 – Thurs – Mon 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am – 973-823-9700

Lafayette Crossing– 90 antique dealers, specialty shops, restaurants all within walking distance, Route 15, Lafayette. Hours 10am-5pm Closed Tues & Wed.

Lafayette Mill – 23,000 sq ft with 50 dealers

Whitney House Antiques – 973-383-3347

Black Pony Antiques – 973-383-1434

Chocolate Goat Gift Shoppe

Herb’s Antiques

Old Lafayette Emporium

Cona’s Antiques

The Millside Cafe

Warwick, NY

The Eclectic Eye –Railroad Ave – Thurs – Mon to 8:30 Fri & Sat
845-986-5520

Old Crow Antiques –7 First St – Thurs-Sun Call for hours
845-986-9066

New Milford Antique Center – 293 Route 94 (between Vernon & Warwick)
Thurs – Mon 11 am-5 pm
845-986-7979

Victorian Treasures –21 Main Street – Open 7 days to 5 pm-
845-986-7616

Hands of Time –85 Kings Highway – Thurs-Mon 11 am-5 pm
845-988-5100

BALLOONING

Above the Clouds – Fully insured hot air balloon rides May – October.

All flights include champagne so make this part of your romantic getaway. Reservations required. Middletown, NY 845-692-2556

BOTANICAL GARDENS

New Jersey Botanical Gardens – Ringwood State Park – Beautiful seasonal gardens, walking tours. 973-962-7527

BICYCLE TRAILS

Paulinskill Trail – The Paulinskill Valley Trail (27 miles) and the Sussex Branch Trail (20 miles) are part of Kittatinny Valley State Park. The rail trails have had the tracks removed, leaving a nice cinder bed path. Other than a few road crossings, the trails are level and offer an easy place to walk, cycle, and horseback ride. Those interested in railroad history or nature will enjoy using these rail trails. Alpine Haus Bed and Breakfast Inn is closest to the Warbasse Junction section in Lafayette, NJ.  Directions: Route 94 south to Lafayette. Cross Route 15, continue a quarter of a mile on Route 94 and make a left onto Route 663. Go a quarter of a mile on Route 663 and make a right into the parking area.

Vernon Bike Trail – enjoy a nice bike ride, parking off Canal Road in Vernon. New sections of the trail are under construction. Call the Chamber of Commerce for details 973-764-0764

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain Creek Bike Park – Extreme mountain biking.
Take your bike on an open air gondola to the top of the 1040 ft mountain.  They have 45 downhill and free-ride trails with 60 features.

Wawayanda State Park – More than 60 miles of mountain bike trails including 19 miles of the Appalachian Trail.  Picnic facilities available with charcoal grills.

BICYCLE RENTALS
Ridetopia  – Across the street from Alpine Haus Bed and Breakfast Inn – 973-864-6000

CANOEING, KAYAKING & RAFTING

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge – bring your own canoe or kayak. Access to Wallkill River.

Wawayanda State Park – 225-acre lake.  Canoes, rowboats (with or without electric motors) and paddleboats may be rented or bring your own (no gas engines).  See above.

Delaware River Trips – canoe or rafting:

Kittatinny Canoe – 1-800-floatkc

Indian Head Canoes – 845-557-8777

Silver Canoe – 800-724-8342

CAR/MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS

Chatterbox Restaurant – Go back to the days of car-hops and fountain sodas!  In the middle of this restaurant is a stage that features a classic car, hot-rod or motorcycle.  See all the classic cars and bikes during the summer months (May through September) on Thursday bike nights, second Friday Corvette nights, and Saturday Wanderers Cruise nights.   Listen to DJ Doc South spin oldies records all night long!  Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:30 am until 9:00 pm.  Located on State Highway 15 in Augusta, NJ.   973-300-2300

Orange County Choppers – visit the showroom to get souvenirs and see the amazing bikes from the Discovery Channel. 1019 State Rt. 17K, Montgomery, NY 12549 845-457-1992

FARM MARKETS/TOURS

Warwick Valley Farmers Market
May-Nov; Sundays 9am-2pm
South Street parking lot. Warwick, NY

Shalimar Alpacas of Warwick
Alpaca farm on 5.6 acres.  Quality fashions made from the alpaca fiber.
164 East Ridge Rd, Warwick, NY  845-986-3031

FISHING

First-rate fishing is available at Waywayanda and High Point State Parks. They stock the lakes with large-mouthed bass, trout, and other species. Fishing licenses are available close-by. See State Parks.

GOLFING

Award-winning golf courses most within 15 minutes.

HIKING

Wawayanda State Park – More than 60 miles of hiking trails including 19 miles of the Appalachian Trail.  Bring a picnic to eat at the tables on the park grounds, or pack a lunch for your hike.

High Point State Park –The park is at the highest elevation in New Jersey at 1,803 feet above sea level and offers more than 50 miles of hiking trails.

Stokes State Forest – Hike to the top of Sunrise Mountain for panoramic views of the beautiful surroundings.

The Appalachian Trail – The infamous Georgia-to-Maine trail runs through the heart of Vernon.  It offers a unique hiking experience in one of the most dramatic scenic environments of this trail’s entire 2,168-mile length.  Hikers can access the trail from a number of parking areas.  Hike up The Vernon Steps, a steep ascent to the top of Wawayanda Mountain where there are numerous outstanding views of the Kittatinny Ridge and beyond. For a more relaxed hike, walk across the valley and Pochuck Creek Floodplain on a boardwalk and over a suspension bridge.

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge – Three nice walking trails, each from 1.5 to 2.5 miles.  One provides canoe and kayak access.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Saddle Up Riding Stables – scenic trail rides. Located just ½ mile from Alpine Haus Bed and Breakfast Inn.  Open all year, closed Wed & Thurs in winter. 973-827-8332

Echo Lake Stables – Open all year you can enjoy trail rides, horseback riding lessons, night rides, pony rides, and hayrides! The trails follow the paths along beautiful mountainsides to babbling streams, beside rock walls that are centuries old. All rides are guided. Children have to be at least 7 years old and riders must weigh less than 225 pounds including shoes and clothing. Night time adventure ride with an Old fashioned Western Barbeque.  Every Friday and Saturday evening at 6:00PM. Please call for times and reservations. On the Night time adventure you ride under the light of the moon and stars. You arrive at a campsite and enjoy a 1 1/2-hour Old-fashioned Western cookout with unlimited free food! BYOB is OK.  Enjoy fun games, listen to live entertainment, even line dance with your partner! Then an old fashioned hayride back to your car. Great ROMANTIC date idea. The night time ride & BBQ is $60 per person. The trip is 3 1/2 hours 6 PM to 9:30 PM. Reservations required.   55 Blakely Lane Newfoundland, NJ 07435  (973) 697-1257

MASSAGE SERVICES

Treat yourself to massage: relieve stress, feel total relaxation. A great way to start a vacation getaway!

In-room massages available – see Packages & Specials page

Garden Of Life – Therapeutic massage, yoga & wellness center. 205 Route 23 North Wantage Plaza, Wantage, NJ  07461 973-875-5433

Therapeutic Massage Therapy – Lynda Faustini, MT  Experienced in several forms of massage. Call for an appointment 201-400-0323.  Located at Snap Fitness, 514 Route 515, Vernon, NJ

Embrace Massage Therapy – Elaine Villano, C.M.T
Experienced in several forms of massage, Elaine’s expertise in Therapeutic Massage has enabled many clients to experience relaxation and pain relief.  Call for an appointment 973-534-7478.

MOVIE THEATERS

Warwick Outdoor Drive-in: Re-live your childhood and go to an authentic drive-in movie. Open March-Oct
Rt 94 &WarwickTpk, Warwick, NY 845-986-4440

Kinnelon Movie Theater – Rt 23 and Kinnelon Road 973-492-5600

LIVE THEATER

Lycian Centre for the Performing Arts – theater productions, dance, music.   Sugar Loaf, NY 845-469-2287

Tri-State Actors Theatre – professional productions of fine dramas, comedies and musicals in the Performing Arts Center at Sussex County Community College. Newton, NJ  973-875-2950

MUSEUMS

Franklin Mineral Museum – minerals, rocks, fossils, Native American relics, thousands of specimens. Fluorescent minerals display. Franklin

Friar Mountain Model Railroad Museum – 240 Demarest Rd., Sparta, NJ 07871 (973) 579-9833 Open 10am-5pm: Jan 1-Mar 31 Sat & Sun only; Apr 1-Dec 31 Wed to Sun.

Sterling Hill Mining Museum – Explore a real underground mine at the former Sterling Hill Zinc mine. Outdoor exhibits & museum offers more than 20,000 mine related items, fluorescent mineral display. More than 700 specimens of fluorescent minerals.  Tours April 1 – Nov 30 daily at 1:00pm, Dec-Mar Sat & Sun only.   Franklin 973-209-6463

Millbrook Village – re-creation of turn-of-the-century village

Gillinder Glass – One of the oldest glass companies in the US.  Historic factory is open for guided tours which include demonstrations of gathering & pressing glass.  Visit the factory, museum and factory store. Tours Mon-Fri 10:15, 12:30 & 1:30.  Rates $4/$5.  (845)856-5375  139 Erie St, Port Jervis, NY

Harness Racing Museum – home of the original Hamblitonian race. 240 Main St, Goshen, NY

Snow Mobile Barn Museum –90 years of snowmobile history.  Great collection of more than 130 sleds and thousands of assorted collectible items.

ORCHARDS – Pick Your Own – We are in the heart of apple country so Fall apple picking is a main attraction as well as pumpkin picking.  Some farms have early crops such as strawberries, peaches& raspberries  (Call ahead to see what is in season)

Warwick Valley Apple Trail 

Heaven Hill Farm – Pumpkinland Festival-end of Sept thru Oct. Great family fun: hayrides, pumpkin picking, farm animals, games, rides & more.  Rt 94 Vernon, NJ  973-764-5144

Masker Orchards – Drive-to-the-tree U-pick apples, pumpkin patch, pony/wagon rides.   Ball Road, Warwick, NY  845-986-1058

Ochs Orchard – Fruits, veggies, apples. Petting zoo. Farm market includes: homemade cider, homemade donuts, ice cream.  Reservoir Rd (off Rt 94), Warwick, NY   845-986-1591

Pennings Orchard – Apples & pumpkins, farm market, ice cream, Cafe & Brew Pub.  161 S. Route 94, Warwick 845-986-7080

Pochuck Farms – Apples & pumpkins, farm market/deli with homemade donuts & cider.  962 Route 517 (McAfee Glenwood Rd) Glenwood, NJ  973-764-4732

Warwick Valley Winery – Pears & apples. Orchards are right next to the winery, so you can enjoy a glass of wine during your afternoon of picking.  Cafe on premises.  114 Little York Rd, Warwick, NY  845-258-4858

STATE PARKS

Wawayanda State Park – Offers hiking, mountain biking, Wawayanda Lake with its white sandy beach, playgrounds, and picnic facilities.  Boat rental available onsite.

High Point State Park – Located at New Jersey’s highest point, the park features the High Point Monument.  Visitors can climb the stairs up the 220-foot structure for a breathtaking view of the Pocono and Catskill Mountains and Wallkill River Valley.  The 20 acre lake has a beach with lifeguards, a bathhouse and food concession.  Picnic facilities with charcoal grills.  Hiking is available on more than 50 miles of trails.

Stokes State Forest – Sunrise Mountain offers panoramic views along the Appalachian Trail.  If you prefer not to climb the mountain, you can drive to the pavilion at the top.  Great place to take a picnic lunch.

SEASONAL EVENTS

MAR-NOV
Equestrian Events – Sussex County Fairgrounds
(go to – Off Season) – Featuring weekly events March-November

MARCH
Springfest Garden Show

APRIL & SEPT
Million Dollar Gem & Mineral Show -Franklin

APRIL
Warwick Springfest -Downtown street fair.Warwick 845-986-2720

Pasta Primo – tour 9 wineries, taste wine and delicious pasta recipes.  Each winery becomes a different country serving native dishes and the vineyards wines from the Shawangunk Wineries. Admission fee includes all wineries and a Wine Trail wine glass.

MAY
International World of Birding

JUNE
Crawfish Festival – 15,000 lbs of crawfish, jambalaya, shrimp, catfish, grilled alligator and great music. Sussex County Fairgrounds.

JULY
Bounty of the Hudson Food & Wine Festival – You can visit the eight wineries on the trail as well as others from the Hudson Valley.  Enjoy fresh food, farm fresh produce, cooking workshops and Live Music!

AUGUST
New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show – First week of August – Areal country fair with horse & livestock shows, tractor pulls, carnival rides, crafts, talent shows, music and great food.

AUG-SEPT
Renaissance Fair, Tuxedo N.Y.

SEPTEMBER
Octoberfest (last weekend of Sept) – authentic foods, games, great music and beer! Mountain Creek Resort

Pumpkinland Festival at Heaven Hill Farm – mid Sept thru Oct, Vernon

OCTOBER
Apple and Pumpkin Picking at several local orchards – See Orchards

Warwick Applefest –First Sunday in October – country fair during the apple harvest; apple foods, arts, crafts, music and games inWarwick.

Sugar Loaf Annual Craft Fair-Columbus Day weekend – 845-469-9181, Sugarloaf, NY

Pumpkinland Festival at Heaven Hill Farm – mid Sept thru Oct, Vernon

Halloween Horrorfest– Sussex County Fairgrounds

DECEMBER
Wreath Fineries @ 8 Wineries  – This Holiday Event is a great way to start the holidays with friends visiting the Shawangunk Wine Trail’s eight wineries.  Admission includes a wine tasting glass.  You also receive a grapevine wreath that you then take to each winery to receive an ornament to decorate your wreath.  Enjoy Holiday food and specialty Wines.

SHOPPING

Olde Lafayette Village – Quaint country shops with some name brand outlets in New England Village setting with restaurant.

Merry Go-Round – Tea room and gift shop, Route 23 Hamburg

Downtown Warwick – quaint village center, enjoy a stroll down Main St & Railroad Ave with gift shops, eclectic clothing stores, antique shops & cafes.

Sugar Loaf Art & Craft Village – Arts and crafts village, more than 55 shops, galleries & restaurants.  Quaint village where shops are in the old houses.

Peters Valley Craft Center – offers fine craft workshops with store & gallery. 973-948-5200

Woodbury Commons – largest premium outlet center in the northeast.

SKIING, SNOWSHOEING & ICE SKATING

Mountain Creek Ski Resort – Located directly next door to Alpine Haus Bed and Breakfast Inn with skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing on a total of four peaks covering 167 acres, including night skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.  See Specials and Packages for Ski & Stay Packages.

Hidden Valley Ski Area – Located 5 minutes from Alpine Haus Bed and Breakfast Inn. Skiing and snowboarding in an environment that is family friendly and emphasizes learning and fun. Each trails ends at the same base area, and the lessons programs and skiing terrain offer something for everyone, at every ability level.  Ski on 14 trails with an elevation of 1,435 feet.

High Point Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing – Located in the beautiful High Point State Park. More than 15km of groomed ski trails and 8 km of snowshoe trails. Rentals and lessons available, even baby back carriers. Cozy lodge with fireplace and food. Ice skating on the lake (ice permitting). Check web site for operating schedule.

Skylands Ice Word – Two regulation size ice rinks with viewing from a second floor enclosed restaurant and game area. Skate rental available.

For public skate times visit the web site.
2765 Route 23, Stockholm 973-697-1600

WATERPARKS & ZIP LINES

Mountain Creek Waterpark – Located directly next door to Alpine Haus Bed and Breakfast Inn.  See Specials & Packages for special deals.  Enjoy more than 2-dozen water rides, slides and pools on over 39 acres.  Beat the heat with fun for every one of all ages including a Half Pint Harbor for the little ones.  Newly added is the Alpine Mountain Coaster. This is a cross between an alpine slide and a twisting roller coaster. These are coaster cars with 2 seats.  They are self controlled as you ride down the mountain, twisting and turning through the Waterpark to the bottom of the mountain.

Open June to early Sept.  Click for more information

Mountain Creek Resort – Zoom Zip lines – The newest adventure sport to be added to Mountain Creek.  Zoom Zip lines glides over four mountain peaks covering 167 acres.  You access dual zip lines through trails and a suspension bridge. You will be 200 feet above the ground on the longest zip line at more than 1500 feet in length, with 350 ft of vertical drop from start to finish.  You could be flying at speeds up to 50 mph.

WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY

West Point Military Academy: Beautiful campus overlooking the Hudson River. Guided bus tours, visitor center and museum.
www.westpointtours.com

WESTERN THEME PARK

Wild West City – Re-creation of western town with continuous live action western shows. Rt 206, Netcong, NJ 973-347-8900

WINERIES

ZOO & MUSEUM

Space Farms Zoo & Museum – Visit a country zoo on 100 acres with the largest number of North American animals and many exotic species from around the world. Children enjoy special animal feeding areas. Museum features antique cars & motorcycles, native American artifacts and much more. Bring picnic lunch or fast food available. May 1-Oct 31, 9am-5pm