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www.theconnectionsnj.com
www.sauersridingschool.com
Sauer’s Riding School
908-347-0418
LOCATED IN BEDMINSTER
Register Now for Lessons
& Summer Camp 2017
Beginner thru advanced
riders are welcome.
To really appreciate the rural beau-
ty of New Jersey, head west on I-78
to historic Clinton. Named for
DeWitt Clinton, Governor of New
York and established in 1829, the
town was officially incorporated in
April 1865. Clinton is best known
for its two mills which sit on oppo-
site banks of the South Branch of
the Raritan River. On a beautiful
spring day, the town looks like a
painting, and has indeed served as
the subject or background for
many famous artists, photogra-
phers and movie producers. Take a
day trip and experience the beauty
and charm of this small, Hunterdon
County gem.
The classic grist mills are set on
either side of an antique iron
bridge, built in 1870. On one side,
visitors are treated to a breathtak-
ing, 200-foot-wide waterfall. This
is the site of the landmark 10-acre
Red Mill Museum, home to the
Hunterdon Historical Museum,
which boasts a collection of more
than 40,000 historic artifacts. The
museum’s mission is “to preserve,
maintain and present to the public
the social, agricultural and industri-
al heritage of Hunterdon County
and the surrounding area.” Also
on the property are a replica of
a log cabin, an old schoolhouse,
a grist mill and the Mulligan quar-
ry buildings. In October, the mill
turns into a haunted house and is
a popular scary attraction. The
non-profit museum hosts a broad
range of public programs and
events which are listed on its
website, www.theredmill.org.
Across the river is The Stone Mill, a
19th century mill listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
This unique setting was turned into
the Hunterdon Art Museum, a cen-
ter for contemporary arts, crafts
and design. The museum presents
works by internationally recognized
and emerging contemporary artists
and offers more than 200 fine art
classes and workshops for children
and adults. The Toshiko Takaezu
Terrace, adorned with sculptures, is
a popular gathering spot.
Clinton’s Main Street is as quaint as
any in small town America, dotted
with unique shops, boutiques and
galleries. There are clothing and
shoe stores, gift and home acces-
sories shops, jewelers, antique
stores and galleries to explore.
Main Street Clinton is the perfect
place to enjoy coffee, tea and
baked goods, ice cream, fudge and
other treats at the end of your visit.
There are also a variety of recom-
mended restaurants ranging from
the Historic Clinton House and
Bakery to the Clinton Station Diner,
Cracker Barrel and Metropolitan
Seafood to name just a few. For
healthy fare, The Clean Plate
Kitchen should be on your list
for lunch.
Nearby Spruce Run Recreation Area
provides a wide array of outdoor
recreation opportunities to com-
plete your visit to the area. Spruce
Run is the third largest reservoir in
the state, covering 1,290 acres with
15 miles of shoreline. Recreational
activities include trails for hiking,
biking and jogging as well as pic-
nicking, boating, swimming, fish-
ing, camping, and playground
sports. Entrance fees are charged
per vehicle from Memorial Day to
Labor Day.
I hope you will plan an outing to
Clinton to experience the historic
town, the rural beauty of the area
and a lovely way to spend the day
with your family.
TRAVELING OUT WEST – ON I-78
DESTINATION: CLINTON, NJ
By: Jill Stolz
PAGE 18
Summer Programs 2017
Summer Programs 2017