Safe things to do in Morris County Now

Morris County Tourism Bureau * March 2020

​This week we find ourselves in a new world, filled with confusion and anxiety over the Coronavirus. These are challenging times, and there is no playbook. People are working from home, and so are their children. We must find the correct work/life balance, and that will become critical should social distancing persist over weeks and months. Therefore, turn to the experts at the Morris County Tourism Bureau for some of the “safe” things to see and do in Morris County.

Recreation:
Luckily, we live in Morris County, filled with beautiful parks, trails, lakes and babbling brooks. While keeping your social distance, get outside alone or with your family to experience nature. Morristown National Historical Park has new, longer hours of operation for Jockey Hollow trails, Cross Estate Gardens and Fort Nonsense (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)  

The Jockey Hollow Visitor Center and the Ford Mansion and Washington’s Headquarters Museum remain open for visits and there are no admission fees. Both are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. For more info: nps.gov/morr 

You can also visit the park virtually to learn about George Washington and the Continental Army in Morristown during the American Revolution. Go to youtube.com to see the park’s movie: Morristown: Where America Survived Full Program HD

The Morris County Park Commission also stands ready to serve the residents of Morris County. With over 20,000 acres of parkland and 38 distinct park facilities they are following CDC guidelines and trying to keep many of their sites open to the public. Because the situation is fast-changing, we advise you to check their website for daily updates at morrisparks.net 

As of today, the grounds of all general Parks and Trails are open from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. but playgrounds, benches, picnic tables etc. may not be disinfected. Bamboo Brook Gardens, the Frelinghuysen Arboretum and Willowwood Arboretum grounds and trails are open. The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, Pyramid Mountain and the Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center grounds and trails remain open. County golf courses are open and so is Lee’s County Park Marina. 

This could be a wonderful opportunity for all of us to get outside and enjoy nature in our County Park System.

All the Park’s public buildings including Mennen Arena and the Park’s offices are closed through March 31st. Their three historic sites (Historic Speedwell, Cooper Mill, and Fosterfields Living Historical Farm) are closed for winter until April 4. All Park programs and special events are canceled through March 31st. 

TIP: many public restrooms in the Park System are closed but there are portable facilities. However, bring your own sanitary supplies.

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is closed to the public however, they welcome you to visit their garden located out back at 45 Macculloch Avenue in Morristown. The gardens are free and open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you’ve never visited this garden, it’s time. It’s a staff favorite. maccullochhall.org 

Seaton Hackney Stables remain open at 440 South Street, Morris Township. You can ride and even take riding lessons. Contact them at 973-644-3355 or seatonhackney.com 

Dining:

As of Tuesday, restaurants must close at 8 p.m. Leave it to the ingenuity of Morris County hospitality specialists! Chef Fredy’s Table at 78 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, will take your dinner order by phone and have it ready for you at curbside or even deliver it to you personally. They will be open for take-out each day from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can call them at 973-538-3330 to order your favorite dishes. 

The Madison Hotel is offering the same service at 1 Convent Road, Morris Township. You can place your order from the Rod’s and Red Dog Tavern menus. ($25 minimum for delivery). We expect this list of local restaurants and hotels moving to this service to grow over the next few days. To order from The Madison Hotel call: 973-539-6666 

Enjou Chocolat, 8 DeHart Street, Morristown, remains open with reduced hours and provides curbside pick-up for your Easter and Passover candy needs. Call ahead at 973-993-9090. While this isn't exactly dining, one could argue that Enjou staying open is an "essential service." 

Farms:

Alstede Farms in Chester is open every day with new extended hours from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. While their special events and programs are suspended, you can still stop by their farm stand for great produce and other products. They also offer curbside pick-up. Call them at 908-879-7189 or go to: AlstedeFarms.com 
 
Additionally, they are expecting to move their Alstede Fresh Academy cooking and gardening classes online for you to enjoy from your home. Check their website for the streaming schedule.

History, Art and Culture:

The Morris County Tourism Bureau encourages you to get outside and walk around Morristown. Download our Historic Morristown Walking Tour and enjoy a walk while learning local history. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Morristown a “Distinctive Destination” Find it here 

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms in Parsippany (973-540-0311) remains open. Call ahead because the situation could change. They are taking precautions, and are available to give small group tours.  

The Morris Museum is closed, however if you go to their social media you can access some very interesting videos to enjoy at home with your families. 

The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts is closed but have found a way to continue to serve the community at this time. They have developed At Homes Resources. This is a clever way to keep in touch with families by providing coloring sheets, games, recipes and more. Their at-home website will be updated regularly.  Find it here 

Glassworks Studio, 151 South Street in Morristown, is a make-your-own-glass art studio that has pushed its business out to the public. If you call ahead, you can pick-up all the material you need to create a glass project at home. Someone will deliver it curbside to you. After the project is complete, you can drop it off curbside for firing in the kiln, then pick up your project later, also curbside. Call ahead: 973-656-0880 or check out their website umakeglass.com