4 Fun Things To Do This Summer in Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Summer in New Jersey is just around the corner and that means warmer temperatures, longer days, and ample opportunities to enjoy sunshine and fresh air.

After a long winter, you’re eager to get outside with friends and family, and embrace summer in all its glory. What you need are ideas of things to do in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Fortunately, we’ve got a great list of Basking Ridge, New Jersey activities to help you get the most out of this summer.

The Cross Estate Gardens

This remarkable example of an English country garden is on the grounds of an early 20th century estate. Yet the land’s history goes back to the Revolutionary War: About 1,300 men from the Continental Army were encamped here during the winter of 1779-1780, and you can visit several historical sites that are preserved as part of the Morristown National Historical Park in neighboring Morristown.

But the impeccably landscaped gardens, also part of the national park, offers visitors a unique opportunity to go back in time. The gardens showcase ornamental grasses, shrubs, perennials, native plants and towering trees, including Chinese Sequoia and Silver Maple. The gardens also include a rare Dawn Redwood planted as a seedling by the gardens’ original owner.

The gardens are open from dawn to dusk for visitors to wander through at their leisure. Best yet, parking is free, and there are no entry fees.

The Bernardsville Farmers Market

Located in the New Jersey Transit station at Mine Brook and Claremont roads, this open-air market offers a variety of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Vendors change from week to week, but you can almost always find flowers, homemade pies, local craft cheeses and a variety of baked goods. The market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m, but get there early, as many vendors sell out of their goods. There’s plenty of free and convenient parking in the Bernardsville train station.

Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary

These 276 acres of donated land include woodland, field, and floodplain habitats that support over 200 species of wildlife. With more than 60 types of nesting birds, foxes, coyotes and deer, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife encounters.

Well-maintained and marked trails traverse the sanctuary, ranging in length from 0.3 miles to 1.3 miles. Passing through upland deciduous forest, fields, woodland and the floodplain along the headwaters of the Passaic River, the scenery is ever-changing.

Admission is free, and the sanctuary is open every day except Monday.

Plays in the Park

Plays in the Park are live on-stage performances under the start and in Pleasant Valley Park Amphitheater in Basking Ridge. Neal Simon’s “Rumors”, a farcical comedy will be performed July 30, 31, and August 5, 6, and 7. The beloved red-headed orphan “Annie” hits the stage August 19, 20, 21 and also August 25, 26, 27, and 28. The curtain rises for both shows at 8 p.m.

Donations are welcomed, but performances are free all you need to bring are a blanket or lawn chair for seating and a flashlight for after dark.

Take a closer look at Fellowship Senior Living

There’s a lot going on at Fellowship Senior Living both during the summer and all through the year. If you’re starting your search for a Life Plan Community designed to keep you engaged and active, we invite you to learn what we have to offer. Start by browsing our events calendar, then schedule your personal visit by contacting us.