RealtorIrene Blogs about Northwestern NJ Real Estate - Hunterdon & Warren

Belvidere Victorian Days 2010 - Warren County NJ

In beautiful Warren County NJ, Belvidere Victorian Days 2010 will be held Saturday, Sept. 11 and Sunday, Sept. 12.  In addition to house tours, you can enjoy a garden party, antique car shows, period costumes and other family entertainment. Be certain to order your tickets in advance because you don't want to miss a minute!

The reign of Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and the Empress of India, lasted more than 67 years, 1837 - 1901. Her rule was known as the Victorian Era and was marked by huge social, political, industrial and scientific changes - in the United Kingdom and the world as a whole.  For a very brief overview, see Queen Victoria. In September in Belvidere NJ, we'll commemorate some kinder, gentler aspects of those Victorian days.

By contrast during Victoria's reign, her U.S. Presidential counterparts were:

1. Van Buren
2. Harrison (William)
3. Tyler
4. Polk
5. Taylor
6. Fillmore
7. Pierce
8. Buchanan
9. Lincoln
10. Johnson (Andrew)
11. Grant
12. Hayes
13. Garfield
14. Arthur
15. Cleveland (1^st term)
16. Harrison (Benjamin)
17. Cleveland (2^nd term)
18. McKinley

Although homes for sale aren't permitted on the official Belvidere Victorian Days house tour, we will be hosting Open Houses at several places. So I highly recommend that you purchase one as a souvenir of your visit! As soon as those details are finalized, I'll add that information into this post as well.

Tractor Pull and Hot Air Balloons - Peaceful Coexistence at the Warren County NJ Farmers' Fair

After months of looking forward to the Warren County NJ Farmers' Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival, Aug. 1 - 7, 2010 Chip and I joined the other happy attendees on Wednesday, August 4.  What a great outing!

Neither of us had ever been to a tractor pulling contest, although Chip knew that the tractors competed to pull a weighted sled.  Frankly, I had never even stopped to consider that tractors came in different strengths and sizes.

Heehaw, I also learned that evening what a grange is and supported one by purchasing our dinner at its booth.  We took our feast to the grandstand in time for the presenting of the US flag by the Rolling Thunder, a beautiful a capella version of our National Anthem and then the tractor pull. 

Chip and I were delighted to meet many of our neighbors in the grandstand and share quite a few laughs. We all were part of the cheering section as each contestant tried his best to take the lead within the designated class.  For me, however, the most spectacular part was when the hot air balloons began to drift over the tractor pull! Country living just doesn't get any better.

While I retain the copyright to my Farmers Fair tractor pull and hot air balloon photos, I would be delighted to email you one or two to print for your personal enjoyment.  Just let me know which one you would like! You're my neighbor, so of course, it is free!

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a house in Warren or Hunterdon County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Desperate to catch a fish,

I'm about to poach at the Pequest Trout Hatchery, Warren County NJ

I know they're in there because I've seen total strangers pull trout from the Pohatcong Creek right at my front yard. Even though it isn't being stocked right now, the darn things ARE in that water at my home!

My buddy Jim Heebner at The Owl's Nest showed me which end of the pole to point at the water - plus sells me squirmy worms genetically engineered to attract the very biggest trout. Well, Jim never mentioned the DNA business but I'm confident his bait is magical and not just pulled from the ground...

Almost to the extreme of buying a silly hat and a camo vest, I wanted to see what these fish looked like in the water. Perhaps those things that look like sticks aren't the best goal. A shame because I have am now a top stick reeler-inner.... So, the other day I popped into Warren County's Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center between real estate appointments. I shan't wear high heels there again, however.

I did learn that the Pequest Trout Hatchery has a variety of free programs geared for all ages. Perhaps Family Fishing Basics would be a great idea for this novice trout fisherwoman! Yeah, I'll sign up as long as they let me try catching that big one in the fountain!  Otherwise, perhaps a late night outing?

Nah, the bail will cost more than a trout dinner is worth!

Thomas the Train - A fun but NOT Fabulous Northwestern NJ Family Outing from Phillipsburg, July 9

 I am certain that the heat on Friday beat the rain on Saturday but I'm sure glad we had the earliest ride possible on Thomas the Train from Phillipsburg in Northwestern NJ.

Frankly, the ultra-noisy toy train whistles were the best part and I would not recommend the outing to anyone other than die-hard Thomas fans!  The engineer caps were adorable but it was just too hot for them. We three always have fun but this event wasn't our favorite...

Thomas the Train - Northwestern NJ Family Outing from Phillipsburg - early July 2010

When the 11 a.m. Steam Train heading to the mines pulled into the station, we were sorry not to be getting on that.  It was much more impressive than Thomas - even for the 3 and 5 year olds.  Guess we'll be doing that next - once the weather cools down.

Thomas the Train - Northwestern NJ Family Outing from Phillipsburg - early July 2010

I have loved trains all my life, so was thrilled to learn about the New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society Inc. & partners Delaware River Railroad Excursions based out of Phillipsburg. Envisioning a steam train ride to the Susquehanna Mining Company, I went to the website to get details to surprise my hubby Chip with an outing.

But I was derailed!!!

Thomas the Train is making an appearance in Northwestern NJ July 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 - some of the time slots are already sold out. Running from Phillipsburg, this is easy access for anyone in the Route 78 corridor - Warren or Hunterdon County. As family candidates for "best Aunt" are many, I was immediately on the phone to try to fit into Ryan and Juliana's summer schedule. Their Mom generously agreed to give them up for a day or a week...

All aboard on the 9th for 1 big and 2 little Kennedy kids. The Thomas the Train tickets are $18 each with optional add-ons. Couldn't resist the train cap, whistle and toy for my nephew and niece. (Cap is too small for my big head.)

Perhaps you'll ride Thomas the Train too. I doubt I'll be the only large - and old - kid on board! Chip will get his excursion before long even if he did decline Thomas the Train.

 My post Thomas review: Thomas the Train - A fun but NOT Fabulous Northwestern NJ Family Outing from Phillipsburg, July 9

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a house in Northwestern NJ - Warren County or Hunterdon County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Warren County NJ & works from the Phillipsburg office. She also services adjacent areas of Hunterdon and Sussex Counties - and understands the pain of moving!

Warren County NJ Farmers' Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival Aug. 1 - 7

While August might seem eons away, tickets are already on sale for the Warren County NJ Farmers' Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival. Held at the intersection of Route 519 and Stryker's Road in Harmony Township, this is the 73^rd Farmer's Fair and 10^th Balloon Festival.

The Warren County Farmers' Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival offers some specials for children and senior citizens but the normal admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 5 - 12 with those 4 or under Free.  You may also buy a season pass for just $25.00.  This single admission covers both the fair and the Balloon Festival.  Rides have a charge expect during the special times. One does need another grandstand ticket for events such as a Demolition Derby, Mud Bog Competition, Lawnmower Races, the Elvis impersonator, etc.   Brochure for Warren County NJ Farmers Fair and Balloon Festival

I have the wonderful memory of a hot air balloon ride during a festival many years ago. Hubby Chip has never been, so I might just splurge and sign up for a ride by calling 908-454-3431.  Somewhat pricey, there are ways to win a hot air balloon ride both before and during the Farmers' Fair in Warren County NJ.

New to Warren County NJ, Chip and I are really looking forward to the Warren County NJ Farmers' Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival Aug. 1 - 7, 2010. A couple season passes might be necessary for us with so much to do and enjoy (and eat!).

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a house in Warren County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Warren County NJ & works from the Phillipsburg office. Having recently moved from Sussex County, she continues to service that adjacent area - and understands the pain of moving!

The Owl's Nest - 97 Route 519, Phillipsburg. Hunting, Fishing, Archery Supplies and FRIENDSHIP. Warren County NJ. Phone is 908-995-7903.

  Had you told me a month ago that a place that outfits hunters, anglers and bowmen would be my first "great find" in Warren County NJ, I wouldn't have believed you.  Pohatcong Creek runs through my front yard and is stocked with trout. I asked some of the fishermen a few questions and they all told me to "go 'round the corner" to The Owl's Nest. There I could learn, obtain permits and get whatever I needed.

 I've had less than pleasant experiences in some sporting good places when I've gone to purchase gifts for family members. Decided to make hubby Chip meet me at The Owl's Nest in Phillipsburg because

1. I am a woman;
2. I barely know which end of a rod points to the water (but do know one must wear a silly hat);
3. I'm the new kid in town.

 Wasn't I blown away when Proprietor Jim Heebner extended his hand and introduced himself when I walked in!  How many shops of any kind have YOU been in lately where that courtesy is graciously extended?  Chip arrived and Jim introduced us both to another neighbor who was at The Owl's Nest. And when Jim's son Jim came in, we were again introduced. (Chip was totally unnecessary but enjoyed his visit immensely.)

 Amidst all this socializing, Jim Heebner of The Owl's Nest was hard at work getting me ready to catch the big one.  Jim explained why he selected each item. My 5 year-old nephew, 3 year-old niece and I will have our first trout fishing experience together on Saturday. Jim made sure we can enjoy squirmy worms on hooks as well as trying a lure. Now Ryan, Juliana and I are certain to catch one of the 3 large trout Jim promises is right in front of my home.

 Prices? I don't have a basis for comparison but certainly the items I needed from The Owl's Nest in Phillipsburg NJ were very moderately - and clearly - priced.  One can spend a fortune on hunting, fishing or archery supplies but I sure got "bargain beginner basics" yet Jim treated me royally. He meant it when he said to drop in any time with questions. I left with a new friend in my new neighborhood. DISCLOSURE - There is NO compensation for this post; Jim doesn't even know about it - yet!

 So, even if you have to drive a bit further for hunting, fishing or archery supplies, I highly recommend The Owl's Nest in Phillipsburg NJ. After Jim Heebner shakes your hand to welcome you, you'll be very glad you're there!

Map for The Owl's Nest

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a house in Warren County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Warren County NJ & works from the Phillipsburg office. Having recently moved from Sussex County, she continues to service that adjacent area - and understands the pain of moving!

Happy Mother's Day - Very Warm Wishes from Warren County NJ real estate agent, Irene Kennedy.  Moms are important to all - whether you are one, have one or lost one; these gals deserve a special place in our hearts and homes!

I have a lovely video tribute to Moms but a glitch on my blog platform is preventing me from posting it this morning.  Will try later to replace this link with that video.