The Connections Bernards Ridge Edition April/May 2021

KIDZ CONNECTION PAGE 30 theconnectionsnj.com After months of lockdown, my family and I have been spending our weekends taking day trips to small towns all across New Jersey and neighboring states. These little places may have been once overlooked during va- cation season, but they offer fresh new sights and experiences even during the pandemic. Clinton, New Jersey is in Hunterdon County and is approximately a 20-minute drive from the center of Warren, but its down- town area is a complete change of scenery. An iron bridge allows visitors to cross the Rar- itan River, admire the famous Red Mill Muse- um Village on the banks, and enter the town. On the other side of the bridge is The Hunterdon Art Museum. Since August 13, the museum is open on Thursday through Sunday from 11 am – 5 pm. It even has an hour reserved for senior citizens and immu- nocompromised visitors on Thursdays from 11 am – 12 pm. Face masks and 6-feet social distance are required and all visitors will have their temperature taken by a contactless ther- mometer upon entry. To reduce risk of illness, tickets can be purchased online. https://hunterdonartmuseum.org/re- opening-procedures-for-visitors/ HAM features rotating exhibitions of local, contemporary art and art classes for children and adults, in a three-story stone mill built in the 19th century. From February until June, HAM’s exhibitions are “As Her Mind Col- lapsed, I Was Awakened”: The Rugs of Ann Clarke.” Once onMain Street, the other side of the road features a building called Clinton Falls Village. The Stone Bean at Riverside Coffee and Tea remains open for takeout, and serves fresh organic coffee, teas, including bubble tea, smoothies, pastries baked in-house, with gluten free and vegan options. https://www. facebook.com/TheStoneBean/ While The Stone Bean’s comfy sitting room with a replace is unavailable for pa- trons, a quick walk down the hallway brings you to the local art gallery and antiques store, Art Alley and Jantiques. Watercolor and oil paintings featuring the famous Red Mill building and the Raritan River during all four seasons crowd the walls, along with detailed portraits of state birds and owers. However, Clinton is not just for show-- several restaurants on Main Street alone have diverse eats and nearly perfect reviews on Yelp. The Clean Plate Kitchen “specializes in providing the community with approach- able, locally sourced food with a creative and playful menu,” according to owners Nicole Piazza, who is a dietician, and her husband Anthony. They are currently closed but their “Feel Good Food At Home,” a meal deliv- ery service is LIVE. More details are on their website: https://www.cleanplateclinton.com/ For more sweet treats with your break- fast platter, Gronsky’s Milk House serves ice cream alongside diner items. Gronsky’s was founded in 1978 by Jackie & Steve Gron- sky to be a grocery and ice cream store, but added a restaurant ten years later to serve breakfast & lunch. They are well known for their adorable pancakes of the month. Check options here: https://gronskys.com/ For even more options, Ye Olde Sub Base, Grounded For Life, The Clinton House, and Pru Thai are all highly rated establish- ments on Main Street. When the state of the world is so uncer- tain and global travel is impossible, some- times there is nothing like the value of the small town. Local sights, artwork, and busi- nesses would love your patronage, and you never know what you could nd right nearby. However, Clinton is not just for show-- several restaurants on Main Street alone have diverse eats and nearly perfect reviews on Yelp Clinton, New Jersey is in Hunterdon County and is approximately a 20-minute drive from the center of Warren, but its downtown area is a complete change of scenery. An iron bridge allows visitors to cross the Raritan River, admire the famous Red Mill Museum Village on the banks, and enter the town. SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CLINTON, NJ By Jaimie Yue Violin, Drums & Flute KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING, CALL NOW! Now offering lessons ONLINE via Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, & also in our Chester studio Begin your Musical Journey NOW!