Sussex, New Jersey

The view from1,803-foot high High Point Monument in the High Point State Park in Sussex, New Jersey, is spectacular patchwork of rich farmland, forest, rolling hills and lush valleys. Delaware River splits the lush ridges of New Jersey from those of Pennsylvania. High Point State Park has a network of excellent trails for hiking and skiing and plenty of secluded quiet spots for campers and anglers. The park was established on the land donated by Colonel Anthony R. and Susie Dryden Kuser in 1923. The landscaping was designed by renowned Olmsted Brothers. Besides hiking and skiing, visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, picnicking on numerous picnic tables and shelters, boating, canoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking and more.

1480 Route 23, Sussex, NJ 07461, Phone: 973-875-4800

Space Farms Zoo and Museum is a combination zoo and a historical museum in Sussex County, New Jersey. The zoo was founded in 1927 and is home to a selection of North American and world mammals and reptiles. The zoo includes a number of endangered species. Space farm was at one point a home to the world’s biggest bear in captivity, the 2,000-pound Kodiak bear named Goliath. He is not alive any more, but his body was preserved in an upright position and placed in front of a diverse taxidermy exhibit in the museum’s main hall. The Space Farms museum has an extensive collection of antique vehicles such as horse-drawn carriages and early motorcycles from the early American history.

218 County Road 519, Sussex, NJ 07461, Phone: 973-875-5800

Green Valley Farms is owned and operated by Duce Tallamy and his wife Joy. The farm is located in the northwest corner of Sussex County, New Jersey. The respect and good stewardship for the land and animals is an important part of the farm’s philosophy. Green Valley Farms has practiced sustainable agriculture since 1996. At this time, all 250 acres are in full use, growing various fruits, vegetables, pumpkins, sweet corn, cut flowers, hay field, timber, corn field, and green pastures. During the Christmas season, the farm offers Christmas trees and handmade decorations. Green Valley Farms also organizes popular annual PRCA Rodeo. The farm also raises cattle for meat, providing the highest quality beef from the cattle raised without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics.

997 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461, Phone: 973-875-5213

Romantic Activities and Attractions:

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge in Sussex, New Jersey is part of the National Wildlife Refuge system. The refuge was established in 1990 along nine miles of the Wallkill River south of the New York-New Jersey border. Two miles of the Appalachian Trail runs through the refuge. The refuge has four more walking trails. The refuge spreads over more than 5,100 acres of land. It has been established mostly for conservation of wetlands, habitat for migratory birds and the endangered bog turtle. Part of the refuge offers opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hunting, fishing, hiking, environmental education, interpretation, photography, wildlife viewing, canoeing and cross-country skiing. The northern end of the refuge consists of the black dirt wetlands, where the refuge manages a number of impoundments for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Many other bird species spend some time in the refuge during spring and fall migrations, including wood ducks, canvasbacks, mergansers, mallards and others.

1547 County Rd 565, Sussex, NJ 07461, Phone: 973-702-7266

Earthman Farm is an organic produce farm in Sussex, New Jersey area, growing in season flowers, vegetables and herbs. Known locally as the best kept secret in Sussex County, the farm is managed by Dennis the Earthman ,a local character who can always be seen in his garden. The garden is the product of his love and care since 2009, when he took over former Drew Farmhouse. The farmhouse has been built in the 1700s and is now serving as a home and the location of various events. The farm is great place to visit, especially for kids, who can see how things grow and pick their own strawberries or carrots.

132 Drew Rd, Sussex, NJ 07461, Phone: 973-800-8416

Holland American Bakery in Sussex, New Jersey was established in 1954 by Dutch immigrant Walter Valkema. What started as a home bakery making original Dutch sweets and delivering them to the local households slowly transformed into a popular bakery located in a building that looks like it is straight out of Freisland, together with a windmill. The bakery is now run by the third generation of Valkemas but they are still making delicious pastries and cakes using recipes Walter brought from his home country. Besides baked goods, they also sell cheeses, candies, gift baskets, elaborate wedding cakes and special order cakes for any occasions. They sell their goodies online and ship them all over the world.

246 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461, Phone: 973-875-5258