Over the Hills and Through the Woods

This Christmas start a tradition of an “over the hills and through the woods” memory today – meander through the quintessential village of Finesville and Milford, NJ.  The little hamlet of Finesville is filled with homes listed on the national historic registry, and they especially sparkle at Christmas. Nestled close together, they form a string of Christmas lights along the Musconetcong River.  With wreaths and candles marking windows and doors and tree lights blinking a welcome, passing through Finesville is like passing back in time. 

Take Exit 4 off 78 to CR 519 south into Warren Glen. Head towards Milford. From Milford take Church Road to Phillips Farm Stand. Continue to 627 and travel north along the Delaware, heading to Villa Milagro Vineyards. As you continue along 627 West you will pass historic residences including the T. Seigle, S.B. Fine, Fabian, and George Hunt houses and others built before 1850. Take a turn at #239 to visit the Hum-Dinger Alpaca Farm. The kids will enjoy petting the alpacas. Take a peak in the windows at Calvary Bible Church (1877) and the Finesville Church (1771).

Stop in at Chelsea Forge Antiques for memorable gifts and decorating ideas.  Pass the historic cemetery then keep an eye out for the dozens of animals, including peacocks, at Manny’s farm. Make a right up the hill to Villa Milagro Vineyards, passing an historic cornbin/carriage barn and one of the state’s few remaining ceramic silos. At Warren County’s newest winery, taste wines (the’ll have juice for the children) made with organic grapes and take home some “White Christmas” wine. If it is indeed a white Christmas, you will see breathtaking vistas of snow hills in three counties in two states. 

Then back to CR627 pass the Pohatcong Mercantile, a turn-of-the-century general store that is under renovation and pass the Reigelsville Bridge, designed and built by Roebson, builder of the Brooklyn Bridge.  Cross the historic Riegelsville Bridge and take Rt. 611 along the west side of the Delaware. Make a stop at the Morris Canal locks and read the history of the canal system.

Next stop is Easton, PA and a tour and play time at the Crayola Factory. Cross the “free bridge” into historic Phillipsburg and hop on board the Polar Express.

Have had a wonderful trip!

NOTE: Pohatcong hosts the Annual Tour of Historic Pohatcong in the middle of October, where historic homes are on display. Visit the website at www.PohatcongHistory.com.