SAVOR SUMMER: SHOP, DINE & EXPLORE PAGE 26 theconnectionsnj.com 1776 and the US Constitution was signed in 1787. Other sites around town include Betsy Ross’s house, where it is believed that she sewed the first American flag, and the Declaration House (or Graff House) where Thomas Jefferson stayed when he drafted the Declaration of Independence. Philadelphia is only about an hour and a half away and makes an easy and fun trip. APPY BIRTHDAY! Have you heard? Someone is celebrating a BIG birthday in 2026 and we are all invited. It’s America’s 250th!! Whether your family has been here since the Mayflower, just touched down on US soil, or anywhere in between, this celebration is for you. This history is your history. Our area was the crossroads of the American Revolution and the backdrop for many battles and stories of great heroism and grit. This year is a time to celebrate the sacrifices that bought us the freedom that we enjoy today. Philadelphia calls itself the “Birthplace of America.” It is the home of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in This year, in particular, is a great time to visit. They are pulling out all the stops with a full year of activities commemorating our nation’s birthday. Travel & Leisure, CNN, BBC, The Boston Globe and more have voted Philadelphia as a must-see destination for 2026, and it is right in our backyard! A schedule of the year’s events can be found on their website at visitphilly.com/features/ americas-semiquincentennial/. There are many events centered around the Fourth of July, including concerts, block parties, fairs, fireworks and even free hoagies at the 16-day Wawa Welcome America. See the schedule of events at july4thphilly.com/ eventcat/festivalevents/?post_type=event. Want to stay closer to home? There is plenty to do to learn about our history right here in New Jersey. Over the weekend of June 20-21, there is the annual reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth. There, you are transported back in time. You can watch the battle and see the weapons and uniforms worn by the soldiers. You can also walk around the encampment of tents and talk to reenactors who are filled with knowledge about life at that time. Information can be found at friendsofmonmouth.org/reenactment.html. Somerset and Morris Counties, as the midway point between Philadelphia and the British stronghold of New York, were the home of many heroes and hosted battles, encampments, and even George Washington himself! Morris County events are listed on their morriscounty250 website and include many speakers, a free kids’ day at Fosterfields, and a festival in downtown Chester. A full calendar can be found at morriscounty250.morristourism.org/events/. Not to be outdone, Somerset County is hosting a wide array of activities celebrating the Semi quincentennial, including a Washington Campground July 4th celebration, fireworks, and many speakers and live reenactments to make history come alive. A full calendar of events can be found at visitsomersetnj.org/celebrate-250/. America is 250 years young! Get out there and celebrate this summer! Happy 250th Birthday, America! By Joanne Kleinle FAMILY ADVENTURES H America is 250 years young! Get out there and celebrate this summer!
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