photo courtesy the hermitage

The Hermitage 

335 North Franklin Tpke., Ho-Ho-Kus

Visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark to take in exhibits or attend events like afternoon teas, Civil War encampments, summer food truck festivals and fall ghost tours. Our favorite historical fact: George Washington and his troops stayed here for four days during the Revolutionary War. 

photo courtesy howell living history farm

Howell Living History Farm 

70 Wooden's Ln., Hopewell Township

Unplug for an afternoon and let the kids see firsthand what life was like during the turn of the 20th century. The kids will plant and harvest crops, collect eggs and take a horse-drawn wagon ride.

Photo courtesy of Angel Madison
 

Lambert Castle 

3 Valley Rd., Paterson

Part of Garret Mountain Reservation, which goes through Clifton, Paterson and Woodland Park, this historic castle is filled with unique antiques and art. After you’ve finished exploring the turrets, head up the hill into the reservation for hiking and bird-watching. Then, climb Lambert Observation Tower for a spectacular city view.

Photo courtesy of istockphoto.com/LA_CORIVO
 

S.S. Atlantus

Sunset Blvd., Cape May

This one-of-a-kind Sunset Beach landmark sits in the water off the shore of Cape May. The concrete ship was one of a dozen built during World War I.

Photo courtesy of Angel Madison
 

Deserted Village at Feltville

9 Cataract Hollow Rd., Berkeley Heights

Don’t be afraid—this place isn’t as scary as it looks. Part of the expansive Watchung Reservation, this park was once the site of a mill town in the 1800s. Today, it’s a beautiful walking path and home to these ramshackle buildings (some even have residents inside!) After taking a self-guided tour through the village, be sure to visit the Trailside Nature & Science Center to learn about the living creatures in the park.

Photo courtesy of Morris County Tourism Bureau
 

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms

2352 Rte. 10 W., Morris Plains

You’ve probably heard of Craftsman furniture. The home of Gustav Stickley was at the forefront of that design style, and he translated it into architecture now on display at Craftsman Farms on the Stickley Museum property. Visitors can tour his log home and the farm at this National Historic Landmark.

For cool farms, good eats, off the beaten path museums and more