Articles Tagged with: historic places

SENIORS VISIT ARKANSAS


Seniors Find Lake Village Chic

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 Nestled on the banks of beautiful Lake Chicot, Lake Village is a natural for the senior outdoor enthusiast or the amateur historian. Life in Lake Village, population 2500+, for both the young and the “young at heart”, epitomizes the hometown hospitality of southeast Arkansas and the Delta.

Lake Village is named for its location on Lake Chicot.  Apparently the lake formed in 1350 when the Mississippi River changed its route, leaving a thin horseshoe shaped lake that was part of the old river route.

According to a popular legend, the remains of Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto might be buried under Lake Chicot back in the 1500′s. He was given a water burial in Lake Chicot on his way back to the Gulf of Mexico after his discovery of the State of Arkansas. It is said that Charles Lindbergh made his first nighttime flight over Lake Chicot and Lake Village in April 1923.

 Senior Historians Drawn to Lake Village

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Lake Village has nine properties listed on the National Register of  Historic Places. The nearby Lakeport Plantation is also on that listing.

The Lake Village Commercial Historic District, with 38 buildings, reflects the growth of Lake Village as a nucleus of commerce and trade in southeast Arkansas,” the National Register nomination says.

Nationally known for its ability to produce record large mouth bass, Lake Chicot also offers an abundance of crappie, bream and catfish for the avid senior angler. With over 20 miles of waterfront and four public launching ramps, even the novice fisherman can be assured the “Catch of the Day.”

Lake Village is the county seat of Chicot County.  The economy is agricultural based. The crops grown are mainly cotton, soybeans and wheat. There is also a large aquacultural base consisting mainly of catfish farmers. The Mississippi Delta’s captivating beauty and recreational opportunities come together at Lake Chicot.

 Seniors Enjoy Fishing, Boating And Birdwatching

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Cut off centuries ago from the main channel when the Mississippi River changed course, this 20-mile long oxbow lake is a peaceful setting for fishing, boating, and bird watching. Lake Chicot State Park offers cabins, campgrounds, a marina and other recreational opportunities.

The park’s visitor center contains exhibits on area history and natural resources and has free brochures detailing self-guided Mississippi River levee and Civil War tours.

The lake was discovered by the French explorer LaSalle in 1686 and was given the name “Isle de Chicot” which means island of stumps. He gave it this name because of the many cypress knees he mistakenly thought were stumps.

In late summer, small cypresses across from the park sometimes appear as if covered with snow as hundreds of wading birds, including great and snowy egrets, fly in to roost. Warm-season, evening barge tours of a swampy area at the lake’s north end reveal alligators, owls, raccoons and other wildlife. I think that senior travelers will really enjoy a visit to Lake Village.

Come and take it all in for yourself.  jeb

SENIORS ENJOY IDAHO


Seniors Like The History

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Pocatello in south east Idaho was named after a Chief of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes who donated land the city now occupies to the railroad. Known as the “Gateway to the West”, or “Gate City” by the locals, pioneers, gold miners and settlers who traveled the Oregon Trail passed through city gates.

Stage and freight lines and the railroad soon followed, turning the community into the trade center and transportation junction that it is today. The history of the area reads like pages from a Zane Grey novel, finding itself along the route of the Oregon Trail. Each chapter is filled with the names of trappers and mountain men…characters like Osborn Russell, Jim Bridger, Chief Pocatello, and even Abraham Lincoln.

Pocatello has a population of approximately 54,000 and is the fifth largest city in Idaho, just behind Idaho Falls 56,813. The Portneuf River joins the far more famous Snake River at American Falls reservoir just north of  the city. Unlike most rivers in the United States, the Portneuf flows to the north along with 31 others.

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Senior visitors will discover that Pocatello is a working-class town with a strong railroad and trade union heritage. Ranked twentieth on Forbes list of Best Small Places for Business and Careers, it is evident that the city “has some heart” and an inviting atmosphere.

 Seniors Smile At ‘Smile Ordinance’

At one time the city boasted the largest rail yard west of the Mississippi River. A major attraction in town is the Museum of Clean. The Idaho Museum of Natural History is home to permanent and special collections in Anthropology, Earth Sciences, and Life Sciences. The historic Fort Hall Replica entices senior visitors to learn all about the 19th century world of explorers, trappers, fur traders and early American pioneers.

 Old Town Pocatello is a magnet for senior visitors looking for a unique experience. Clothing, antiques, housewares, sporting goods and art galleries make Historic Old Town a destination for senior visitors. The district is architecturally and historically significant and is one of the region’s most diverse and well-preserved urban street landmarks.

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In 1948, the Mayor of the City of Pocatello, George Phillips, passed an ordinance making it illegal not to smile in Pocatello. The “Smile Ordinance” was passed tongue in cheek as a result of an exceptionally severe winter, which had dampened the spirit of city employees and citizens alike. So senior visitors, welcome to the U.S. Smile Capital.

Pocatello is home to Holt Arena, a multipurpose indoor stadium which opened in 1970 on the Idaho State University campus. Known as the “Minidome” until 1988, Holt Arena was the home of the Real Dairy Bowl, a Jr. College football Bowl game. The Arena also plays host to the Simplot Games, the nation’s largest indoor high school track-and-field meet.

 Seniors will warm to the unusually desirable four-season climate where clear, sunny and dry is the norm. The “Proud to Be Pocatello” philosophy is evident everywhere you look.  jeb

SENIORS TRAVEL TO NORTHERN FRANCE


Seniors Enjoy Dunkirk

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Dunkirk, a commune in northern France, lies only 6.2 miles from the Belgian border. Why the name, seniors ask? The name of Dunkirk derives from West Flemish “dun(e)” and “kerke” (church)= Flemish: “Church of the Dunes”.

Until the middle of the 20th century the city was situated in the French Flemish area. Today the local Flemish dialect, a variety of the Dutch Language, can still be found but has been largely replaced by French. The town was besieged and sacked six times during the Middle Ages.

The third port of France and the first seaport of the North Sea, it is a haven, a tourist destination of unusual beauty with 600 acres of preserved sand dunes. Dunkirk has a ferry connection with Dover in England and is the liveliest of the three big English Channel ports, plus it’s a university town with fewer empty shops than central Calais and busy streets that out hustle modest Boulogne.

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It has an appealing, boat-filled inner harbor, the Bassin du Commerce, and an attractive beachfront suburb, Malo-les-Bains, from whose vast sandy beach the evacuation of Allied troops took place in 1940. Here you will find many interesting specs on Dunkirk.

Senior History Buffs Drawn to Dunkirk

Dunkirk is one of the few places in Europe that seamlessly combines a wealth of history with fabulous boutique shops, hypermarkets, delightful restaurants, a stunning golf course and miles of sweeping sandy beaches.

Dunkirk has a number of restored buildings that are worth visiting, including the 15th-century church of St-Éloi, the Flemish Hôtel de Ville and the medieval red-brick belfry, the town’s main feature. Dunkerque has not one, but two belfries classified as World Heritage Sites. The Port Museum has a rich collection of maritime history of the territory.

A little history: During World War II, more than 300,000 Allied troops who were cut off from retreat on land by the German breakthrough to the French Channel ports were evacuated (May 26–June 4, 1940) from Dunkirk. The retreat was carried out by all kinds of available British craft, some manned by civilian volunteers, and was protected by the Royal Air Force. It is considered one of the epic actions of naval history.

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 Seven hundred hectares of dunes,15 kilometers of beaches, and a recognized sailing resort make the Flanders coast an increasingly popular seaside resort for senior tourists who can find quality activities and entertainment all year round.

And food. Thanks to it’s proximity to the sea, the food in Dunkirk is an interesting fusion of Flemish cuisine and seafood. I’d recommend the Moules-frites with a bottle of local beer or some chilled white wine that make for a popular meal enjoyed by many locals. I’ll depart today with a “full wiki” on Dunkirk, with pertinent information for senior visitors. Enjoy the site as well as the city. jeb

SENIORS TRAVEL TO GEORGIA’S COAST


Seniors Drawn To St. Simons Island

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St. Simons Island was recently named one of the “Most Romantic” places to visit in the country.  St. Simons Island, the seat of Glynn County, is the largest of the four barrier islands in Georgia’s Golden Isles. The Island offers senior visitors a variety of outdoor activities and historic sites.

St.Simons, with a population of 13,000+, is home to a variety of fun with beaches, golf, charter fishing boats, spas and salons as well as some great dining spots, year round events and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Since 1980 St. Simons’s population has doubled and today many of the residents are retired seniors.

The unspoiled beauty of St. Simons and its distinctively charming beach lifestyle that is unhurried and under-developed are part of what make it so special. Many call it Little St. Simons Island. St. Simons Island is the largest of the Golden Isles along Georgia’s southern Atlantic coast with about 18 square miles to keep romantics occupied. Today the landscape looks much the same as back in 1733 when Georgia was settled.

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Senior visitors will discover moss-draped oaks, shady lanes and creek-fed pockets of marsh, a thriving habitat for birds and a diverse range of other wildlife, from turtles to armadillo and deer.

A beautifully restored lighthouse constructed in 1872 is well known and is one of only five surviving light towers in the state with Fresnel lens that cast a beam 18 miles out to sea.

Seniors Love the Light House, Giant Oaks and Historical Sites

St. Simons offers some of the best shopping and dining options on the Southern Coast as well as a natural beauty that encourages quiet reflection for a romantic visit. Beneath the draping moss and arms of the giant live oaks that line the roads and pathways, the island of residents, part-timers and senior visitors are happy to be spending their time in this quiet place.

The Island lies across the immortalized Marshes of Glynn, made famous by poet Sidney Lanier. Exceptional historic sites take senior travelers back to colonial days, the plantation era, the Civil War and beyond.

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Neptune Park is a favorite place to hangout with inviting benches for relaxing by the sea, picnic tables under the oaks, and the bandstand where events are held throughout the year.

Many take a tour of the island with the St. Simons Trolley. Take a leisurely kayak trip through the marshes, explore miles of walking and bike paths or head out for a day at the beach.

Historic remnants of bygone eras, include the St. Simons Island Lighthouse (a working lighthouse in operation since 1872) the Bloody Marsh, Fort Frederica National Monument, historic Christ Church, and the sites of antebellum plantations that occupy the Island. Looks like fun to me. jeb

SENIORS RETURN TO VIRGINIA


Seniors Enjoy Danville, The River City

I was watching TV this morning and when the weather came up, there was Danville, Virginia. The name just sounded like a nice place for seniors to visit. Must have been a good reason that it stood out to me, so I had to go exploring and find out why Danville has a ring to its name. I found that there were 15 towns in the US called Danville.

I learned that Danville, VA is called “The River City, Where Innovation Flows.” It sits right near the border of North Carolina. At first glance, Danville may appear to be an unassuming town today, but the ornate and elaborate facades of 47 stately mansions hint at its wealthy historic past.

Today the town is seeing unprecedented downtown revitalization in its business district and residential areas, such as the landmark Millionaires’ Row area on Main Street. The town was, in an earlier age, a manufacturing hub, particularly cotton and important tobacco auction center. Many of the mansions built by the tobacco and textile barons of the late 19th century still stand as testimony to the wealth and power of those industries.

Danville, the Heart of Southern Virginia, has all the qualities of small-town charm (pop. 43,000+) as well as the many assets of a city ready to burst with excitement. Sitting on the banks of the Dan River, it hosts a wide variety of activities ranging from outdoor festivals and events to concerts featuring nationally-acclaimed artists in a newly-renovated amphitheater.

Senior History Buffs Like Danville

A good place for senior travelers to start a visit is a walk along a  prestigious section of Main Street, stopping to explore area history and art at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, housed in one of the glorious mansions mentioned above.

The Virginia International Raceway packs in many visitors with huge crowds and the Danville Historical Society delights senior visitors, highlighting the preservation of historic buildings, artifacts and souvenirs of the past.

Located at the historic Crossing at the Dan, the Danville Science Center delights visitors of all ages with its hands-on exhibits and special programs that make science fun. A walk through the Averett University campus, founded in 1859, will take senior visitors back in history.

The Danville Riverwalk Trail is another major draw for visitors. With the ability to lure walkers, bikers and moms with strollers through parks, historic sites and businesses, this trail along the Dan River links the town’s past to its future.

The Riverwalk and mountain bike trail systems host a myriad of trail events to include bike races, trail runs, charity walks, marathons, canine events and environmental education activities as well as park special events. Senior bikers, bring along your bike as Danville is home to one of the longest single track mountain bike trails in the region.

Enjoy your visit to Danville, VA. jeb

SENIORS VISIT MISSISSIPPI


Seniors Surprised By Tunica

Tunica, Mississippi has been overlooked far too long according to recent travel magazines. With a total population of around 1,100 and located in Tunica County, senior visitors discover that it is a place where quality businesses thrive and family life flourishes.

Incorporated back in 1836, the county grew from untamed hardwood forests to one of the richest cotton-producing areas in the world. Tunica County was named after The Tunicas – a tribe of Native Indians who were settled close to the winding Mississippi. The tribe was well known for being peaceful and hardworking agricultural focused people who also made pottery and baskets.

Visitors find that in Tunica you can experience all the heritage and wonder of the Mississippi Delta. The Mississippi Blues Trail draws blues lovers from all over the country. Local museums provide hands-on fun for naturalists, historians and explorers of all ages.

An authentic riverboat called the Tunica Queen Paddlewheel Riverboat offers relaxing cruises, sightseeing and dining that depart from River Park right on the Mighty Mississippi River. The Tunica Arena & Exposition Center has emerged as one of the leading spots for agricultural and equestrian events.

Tunica River Park is a big draw, for senior golfers, the Hale Irwin designed Cottonwoods Golf Course is nearby and several tours are available so that you can enjoy the entire area.

 Senior Travelers Stop At the Visitors Center

Make your first stop at the all-new Gateway to the Blues Visitors Center, located at the entrance of the Tunica Resort area along U.S. Highway 61. This new center, housed in an original 1895 train depot, is senior visitor’s exclusive source for up-to-the-minute information about Tunica.

Tunica is the self-proclaimed “South’s Casino Capital” after Las Vegas and Atlantic City.  I sure did not know that, did you? “Stay and Play” Tunica vacation packages are offered from every casino hotel in town. Harrahs Casino Tunica is the largest one between Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

All those casinos are outside of the city limits, but provide lots of income for the small community. The city is the third largest gaming center in America and is most known for its nine casinos with non-stop gaming action 24 hours a day.

Mississippi has a rich collection of historical places in Tunica and beyond. From the ancient remains of native settlements, to houses of founding fathers, the civil war, and beyond, Mississippi has plenty of history. Well, I’ve driven through Mississippi from Shreveport to Charleston, but have not yet visited Tunica.  Must put it on my travel bucket list… that is getting full. jeb

SENIORS TRAVEL TO TEXAS


Seniors Raise the Pflag in Pflugerville

Pflugerville (yes, seniors, that is really a name of a city) was highlighted by Money Magazine as a great place to live and ranked in the top 50 in the nation. The city, a suburb of Austin, is in both Travis and Williamson counties and the population runs right at 50,000.

Pflugerville was founded in 1860 when William Bohls established a general store and post office in his residence. He named the town in honor of Henry Pfluger who first arrived in the area in 1849, leaving his German homeland to escape the Prussian War, and thus the name Pflugerville.

Some of the principal attractions in town include the Cinemark Movie Theater, Austin’s Park and Lake Pflugerville. While many Pflugerville residents make the 30-minute commute to Austin during the week, on weekends they enjoy relaxing at Lake Pflugerville, a man-made 180-acre reservoir that has a three-mile trail, a beach, and fun water activities like kite surfing.

The Lake is a 180-acre reservoir built to provide the citizens of Pflugerville with drinking water and has become the city’s most popular family playground.

Thanks to sound finances, Pflugerville has been able to make a commitment to sustainability, breaking ground on what will be one of the largest solar farms in the country.

 Seniors Enjoy Historical Destinations

The State of Texas is loaded with historical events and sites and Pflugerville is no exception. Select the About Pflugerville button as well as each of the others. And senior visitors will find even more history at the Historical Association.

Many senior visitors find the historic association to be a destination itself.  From 1980 through 1988, new development in Pflugerville made it the fastest growing community in the state.

After a slight slowdown during the recession of the late 1980’s, the tremendous growth resumed again during the 1990′s, as the population nearly quadrupled in size from 4,444 residents in 1990 to 16,335 in 2000, 49,000 in 2010 and in 2012, 51,894.

It’s on the rise.  So enjoy your visit to Pflugerville, a Best Town in America, and take in some of the attractions.  One special treat in town for my wife and me would be eating at the Taste Of Ethiopia and senior visitors will enjoy foods that chef Woinee’s relatives in Ethiopia would prepare. 

Bon Appétit mes amis.  jeb

SENIORS LIKE VIRGINIA


Seniors Discover Culpeper

Surrounded by historic landmarks, rolling hills, and sparkling rivers, lakes and streams, the Town of Culpeper naturally blends a rich history with a prosperous future.  With many Colonial and Victorian homes, thriving businesses, and quaint shops, galleries and restaurants, it’s easy for senior visitors to see why it’s been called “One of the 10 Best Small Towns in America.”

With approximately 16,000 residents, the Town enjoys proximity to Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and Richmond. The locals say that there are “so many things to love” in this town. Culpeper is in a super location at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Skyline Drive.

Historic homes and Colonial era churches complement miles of scenic byways. Hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, and horseback riding are great ways for senior travelers to enjoy the Culpeper countryside.

Since it was chartered in 1749, Culpeper County has been an important crossroads for business and it’s economy is multifaceted and changing with the times.

Seniors will find plenty of things to see and do in and around Culpeper. A top visitor choice is the Library of Congress National Audio Visual Conservation Center. If you are “into chocolate” like my wife, The Frenchman’s Corner will tempt your palate.

History and Hospitality Meet in Culpeper

The scenic surroundings aren’t just for senior hikers and cyclists. They are home to nationally ranked equestrian facilities, some of the best fishing in the Commonwealth of Virginia, beautiful family parks, and waterways perfect for paddling past historic lands.

Culpeper is where history and hospitality meet!  A stellar example of the Virginia Main Street program, the Town of Culpeper has revitalized its downtown with extraordinary shopping  and dining.  Downtown is filled with art and antiques, unique shops, and world class restaurants.

Just an hour from DC, Charlottesville, and Fredericksburg, and a short drive to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, Culpeper is the perfect base for your Virginia adventure.

Culpeper is home to many of Virginia’s antebellum plantation homes and thousands of acres of farmland, the rolling hills of the Piedmont region and the westernmost flats of the Northern Neck collide in rural Culpeper County.

Today’s Town of Culpeper offers a unique blend of Americana. From colonial to modern times, from thriving businesses to historic homes, the Town of Culpeper truly offers a real, not reproduced, Town Center. I think that you will find Culpeper unique, a one of a kind and full of exciting things to see and do.  Plan a visit today.  You will enjoy the thriving environment.  jeb

 

 

SENIORS VISIT LAKE TAHOE CALIFORNIA


Seniors Eye The Jewel Of The High Sierra

Lake Tahoe, a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada, is located along the border between California and Nevada just west of Carson City. Seniors discover that it is the largest alpine lake in North America.

Blessed with sparkling natural beauty, it has been selected as the #1 most popular destination in the US; it is considered the jewel of the High Sierra.

A couple years back USA Today called North Lake Tahoe “America’s Best Lake.”  What do you get when you combine California sunshine, Nevada night life and snow… heaps of snow?

North Lake Tahoe is a great ski vacation destination with three world-class ski resorts — Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows and Northstar. Tahoe City is full of adventure, culture, fine dining and great entertainment all along the lake shore.

Historic Lakeside Lodges Attract Seniors

TripAdvisor is always great place to check out travel plans and with 88 things to see and do, you will have a plethora of choices when you arrive.

The area is busiest in summer, even more than during winter ski season, but it’s the only time many of the area attractions are open, especially if you want to visit some of the historic, lakeside lodges.

A major draw for folks of all ages is the Tahoe Treetop Adventure. Started in Europe, Aerial Adventure Parks are comprised of a series of courses linking tree platform to tree platform with a variety of bridges and/or zip lines.

Included among the top sights is Emerald Bay State Park designated a National Natural Landmark for its brilliant panorama of mountain-building processes and glacier carved granite.

The natural beauty, geology and history of this unique island make it one of the highlights of any visit to the Lake Tahoe area.So take your pick. North Lake Tahoe or South Lake Tahoe.

Both are awesome. South Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful sites in the US. When you drive along the highway and through the rock tunnel, the pristine blue water is breathtaking.

Beautiful Mountains Awe Seniors

Surrounded by majestic mountains, Lake Tahoe is not just any lake. It is a lake with world-class ski resorts, thrill-inducing cliffs, spectacular views, fluffy white powder, and run after run of epic skiing. Choose from Olympic-caliber downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and more.

From exciting black diamond to gentle green circle runs, resorts in Lake Tahoe offer something for everyone. Mountains with jaw-dropping cliffs, serene glades and spectacular views of the lake.

And snow, 400 inches of snow a year that pile up into epic powder, tight corduroy groomers, raucous terrain parks and endless moguls.

I love interactive maps and this one will fill you in on all the amenities and activities of the region in and around the lake. So fire up folks.  Don’t miss joining in all the fun at Lake Tahoe, California.  You’ll be glad you made it a must on your travel bucket list.  jeb

SENIORS TRAVEL TO NEW JERSEY


 Berkeley Heights is the Place To Be, Seniors

Money CNN set out to discover the neatest places to live in the USA. The Best Towns had to fit the rubric of towns that were doing well economically, low unemployment rates, job growth, housing appreciation, low crime rates, affordability and the qualities that families, including seniors look for.

Berkeley Heights rated #6 of 50 choices. A township in Union County, New Jersey, as of the 2010 United States Census, the township’s population was 13,183. The community was named after Lord John Berkeley. 14% of Berkeley Heights residents report German ancestry, and 18% report Irish.

BH was originally incorporated as New Providence Township but renamed later around 1857. New Jersey Monthly did not agree and ranked the city at  the 19th best place to live in New Jersey, but let’s go with Money CNN to investigate that city and see what the big draw is.

 Nestled in the Watchungs and Close to NYC

Nestled in the Watchung Mountains, Berkeley Heights is a community of comfortable homes and quiet tree lined streets, which provides the ideal setting for raising a family and enjoying life.

A major incentive of living in Berkeley Heights is its proximity to New York City. Many residents in Berkeley Heights commute to New York City for work on one of the multiple nearby train stations.

Berkeley Heights News can provide senior visitors with a good idea of what is going on in town. I had to dig pretty deep to find good factual information on Berkeley Heights since so many websites focused on real estate and homes for sale. Folks in Berkeley Heights would like to invite senior travelers visit their town and meet the happy local folks who live in one of America’s Best Small Towns.

 Seniors Enjoy Berkeley Heights Attractions

The #1 visitor draw is the Feltville Historic District on Cataract Hollow Road. This historical area includes eight houses, a church, a carriage house and a general house. Berkeley Heights has several municipal parks. Columbia Park, the largest one, boasts tennis courts, two baseball fields, basketball courts, and a large children’s play area.

Close by are several colleges and universities… Drew University, Fairleigh Dickinson, Seton Hall and Rutgers in New Brunswick. The Suburban Chamber of Commerce combines Berkeley Heights with New Providence and Summit, NJ.

Apple picking, hiking trails, live music, Farmer’s Markets, art galleries and more are all in Berkeley Heights. Enjoy your visit to a TOP TOWN. jeb

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