The Connections Warren Watchung Edition Feb-March 2021

theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 35 DINING & TAKE OUT Weather notwithstand- ing, my interest these days continues to be in finding safe places to spend time outside. It was particularly enjoy- able to hike the bucolic trails of Natirar Park in the summer and fall, but I have come to find it very serene and quite lovely in the winter as well. Natirar is a 411-acre property whose location spans the municipalities of Peapack/Gladstone, Far Hills and Bedminster. Formerly the estate of the Ladd family, the grounds and buildings offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of Somerset County. In its heyday, the Ladd family holdings were more than 1000 acres, and they named their estate Natirar as an anagram of the Raritan River which meanders through the property. Dotting the park are informative signposts that provide a brief history of the area and highlight its current environmental significance as a watershed. There are three main trails in the park to walk, run, hike, or bike: Great Meadow Trail, Upper Field Nature Trail, and Lower Field Nature Trail, each of which is well-marked and ap- proximately a mile or so in length. The terrain ranges from beautiful open meadows filled with seasonal wildflowers to wooded paths along- side babbling brooks, with a few hills thrown in for good measure – it is partly in Far Hills after all. The park is open from dawn until dusk. An early bird friend tells me that most days there are runners with headlamps out on the trails in time to greet the sun. Bench- es and picnic tables scat- tered throughout Natirar Park create perfect spots for a brief respite or a picnic lunch. Located just up the road from Natirar is CocoLuxe Pastry Shop , a wonderful French bakery. Whether you prefer a sandwich on a crusty baguette, a buttery almond croissant, or the perfect pear tart and cappuccino, it is hard to resist whatever they’ve got. A daily selection of freshly-baked pastries, hand-made chocolates, and delicious soups make it a great place to stop for a picnic lunch or a post- hike reward. A small number of out- door tables are available in front of the shop. Pick a day to enjoy Natirar Park. At this time, we could all use a bit of sunshine and nature. Pick a day to enjoy Natirar Park. At this time, we could all use a bit of sunshine and nature. In its heyday, the Ladd family holdings were more than 1000 acres, and they named their estate Natirar as an anagram of the Raritan River which meanders through the property. If you are looking for a place to get away for th day, consider a trip to the Storm King Art Center. From previous articles, you know that I am a huge fan of Storm King, and given the realities of our current situation, it is hard to beat. The Art Center is operating as an outdoor-only experience with a few very sensible changes to their st ndard procedures. Located in the Hudson Valley town of Cornwall which is just north of Woodbury C mmons, Storm King Art Center is con- sidered to be one of the world’s leading sculpture parks. There are more than 100 sculptures arrayed o er 500 acres of elds, grasses, hills, and woods. It is a spectacular s tting and one in which you can e sily remain far - well more than six fe t - from anyone else n the grounds. Storm King’s dramatic land- scape includes far ed elds, natural woodlands, lawns, native grasses, wetlands, and water. The inherent beauty of the region is constantly on view in the surround- ing hills and m adows as you walk the paths viewing art installations that range in size from small to staggeringly huge in a variety of media. Every piece has been situated on the site with careful consideration given to both its im- mediate surroundings and distant views. The collection includes works by some of the world’s top art- ists such as Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Sol Lewitt, Roy Lichtenstein, Maya Lin, Hen- ry Moore, Louise Nevelson, Bar- nett Newman, Isamu Noguchi, and Richard Serra. Any day is a good time to visit and visit more than once as each season offers a new d different perspective on these amazing artworks. Storm King Art Center is open Wednesday–Monday (closed Tuesdays), 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. regardless of the weather. Per vehicle pricing is in eff ct, and time -entry tickets must be pur- chased onlin in advance. Entry tim s are available from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, and visi- tors ust arrive onsite during the h ur indicated on th ir ticket. Upo arrival, th re is co tact- less ticket proc ssing (scanning) through closed car win ows af- ter which you are directed to the parking area. Regardless of entry time, visitors can ch ose to re- main onsite until closing. Further inform tion is ava lable on the Storm King Art Center websit at www. t rmki g.org. WHERE TO EAT The Outdoor Café remains clos d, but boxed lunches, snacks, and d inks (including beer and wine) can be ordered online at least 24 hours in advance of your visit. Or pack lunch and nd a be utif l spot on the grounds to enjoy a picnic. At minimum, be sure to bring water, a few snacks and appropriate sun or weather protection. Restrooms and por- ta-johns are available. If you w nt to do some ad- ditional expl ring, neighbor- ing Hudson Valley towns such a Beacon, Croton-on Hudson, Newburgh and Cornw ll have delis, cafes and restaurants open for t ke-out and/or outdoor din- ing. Check out Hud on Valley Magazine t www.hvmag.c m for details. A DAY OUT AT STORM KING ART CENTER By Linda Seigelman Upon arr val, th re is contactless ticke processing (scanning) through closed car windows after which you are directed to the parking area. Regardless of entry time, visitors can choose to remain onsite until closing. There are more than 100 sculptures arrayed over 500 acres of elds, grasses, hills, and woods. TAKE A HIKE AT NA IRAR PARK 908.647.2272 www.barcilento.com Follow us on Facebook for our Weekly Events OPEN INSIDE Limited Seating Casual Dining • Family Owned Authentic Italian Cuisine. American Fare. Delicious Food. Join Us For CILENTO TIME! FOOD + WINE, BEER & SPIRITS TO GO! View menu on our website SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! Opening our large secluded patio in early Spring MAKE YOUR RESERVATION FOR VALENTINE'S DAY OR LET US CATER AN INTIMATE DINNER TO GO! Catering & Take Out Available Daily!