Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Boonton, New Jersey and Clifton, New Jersey

Boonton and Clifton are two charming towns with lots of activities to offer visitors. A road trip from Boonton to Clifton is about a 40-minute drive, and when visitors reach the halfway point at Fairfield, New Jersey, there are plenty of options to stop and stretch their legs. This article highlights the best things to do on a road trip from Boonton to Clifton, from outdoor activities to historic landmarks, covering five locations that visitors should not miss.

Boonton Farmers' Market

The Boonton Farmers' Market is a destination for local and tourist shoppers searching for farm-to-table goods. It runs from June through November on Saturdays, rain or shine. The farmers' market is located at 100 Division St, Boonton, and showcases fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, honey, and farm-raised meat. There is also a popular food stand selling one of the best deep-fried empanadas. Visitors can enjoy music performances and crafting workshops for kids. Vendors often sell unique, handmade products, creating a unique shopping experience.

Fun fact: Boonton Farmers' Market was established in 2007 and has been serving the community ever since.

Tour of the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms is a historic house museum located in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, New Jersey. It is the former estate of Gustav Stickley, a leader in the Arts and Crafts movement. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion and witness the furnishings that highlight the intricate designs and craftsmanship of the Arts and Crafts era. The museum has a well-curated collection of furniture, pottery, and decorative arts. It is a unique opportunity to step back in time and glimpse the lifestyle of a wealthy family in the early 1900s.

Fun fact: Gustav Stickley built the house on the property to be his family's permanent home and showcase the craftsmanship and furniture his company produced.

Alstede Farms

Alstede Farms is a beautiful agrotourism destination located in Chester, New Jersey, and isn't too far from Fairfield. The farm offers activities such as picking strawberries, raspberries, and sunflowers, hayrides, and animal feeding. Visitors can buy freshly picked fruits and vegetables, homemade baked goods, or enjoy a country lunch at the cafe. The farm is family-friendly with face painting, gem-mining, and a giant haystack slide. During fall, the farm becomes a fall festival, including a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and fireworks.

Fun fact: Alstede Farms extends over 600 acres of land, grows over 250 varieties of crops, and has been operating for over 300 years.

Lambert Castle Museum

Lambert Castle Museum, located in Paterson, New Jersey, offers visitors a peek into the Gilded Age. The castle was built in 1893 by Catholina Lambert, a wealthy silk manufacturer, as his home. Today, the castle serves as a museum and houses art and artifacts that reflect the region's culture and history. The castle boasts stunning views of the Paterson Falls and city skyline, and visitors can explore the castle's magnificent architecture and lavish decor.

Fun fact: The castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it was sold to the city of Paterson for $125,000 in 1925.

Great Falls National Parks

The Great Falls National Park encompasses the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, located in Paterson, New Jersey. Visitors can witness the natural beauty of the waterfall and the power that tumbles beneath. The park includes walking trails, picnic areas, and a visitors' center with exhibits about the falls' history. Visitors can take a boat tour to learn about the Paterson's role in America's industrial revolution. It is a unique destination for anyone interested in the outdoors, natural beauty, and history.

Fun fact: The Great Falls National Park was one of the first water-powered industrial sites in the US and played a significant role in Paterson's development.

Conclusion

Visiting the Boonton Farmers' Market, touring the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, exploring Alstede Farms, visiting the Lambert Castle Museum, and witnessing the Great Falls National Parks' beauty are five elements that visitors should not miss on a road trip from Boonton to Clifton. Depending on the pace, it could take visitors an entire day to visit all the locations for a fun-filled day trip or spread over several days. The road trip from Boonton to Clifton offers families, solo travelers, or groups an opportunity to explore unique destinations, enjoy nature, and learn about the area's history.