Now’s the Time to Take a Trip to Salem County (Part 2)

If you’re looking for a fun day trip idea, I would like to suggest taking a trip down to Salem County where there is plenty to do and see! I took a tour of the area to give you an idea of some of the things that you can do and see while visiting the area. There’s plenty of family friendly, couple friendly, and adventure seeking activities in this great Southwest county.

For part two of this two part article, I’m going to focus on events that might be enjoyed by an adult crowd (but are still open to families too!). To read Part One, click HERE

Since Salem County is vast with agriculture, it’s no surprise that they are home to vineyards and distilleries. I personally loved my trip to Auburn Road Vineyard & Winery (117 Sharptown-Auburn Road, Pilesgrove) which cultivates over 23 acres of grapes and produces over 7,000 cases of wine a year.

During your visit can take part in wine tastings and enjoy artisan cheeses.The vineyard also features Happy Hour and Acoustic Open Mic Night on Thursdays, “What’s For Dinner Friday,” (a five-course dinner featuring wine and cheese pairings and pasta with housemade sauces), and live music performances every Friday and Saturday night.

Also on the booze side of Salem County, you can take a trip to Pine Tavern Distillery (149a Pine Tavern Road, Upper Pittsgrove) the first farm distillery in New Jersey since prohibition. While you’re there you can enjoy samples of their spirits (which are also available for purchase), drink cocktail, or enjoy events that they host throughout the year.

I actually got to visit Pine Tavern Distillery before they opened! To read more about that trip, click HERE.

On the macabre side… history buffs might enjoy a trip to the Hancock House (3 Front Street, Salem). The Hancock House is a historic site of the 1778 Hancock’s Bridge Massacre during the Revolutionary War.

The State of New Jersey acquired the Hancock House and opened as a historical museum in 1932 where they host programs for the public such as open hearth cooking workshops and ghostly gatherings candlelight tours in October.

Other recommendations for a trip to Salem County include:
– Sweet Things with Styles in Pittsgrove, NJ; candy, gifts, local arts, antiques, and old fashion hand dipped ice cream.
– Frog Ocean Honey in Low Alloways Creek, a family owned honey business that also hosts pop up yoga classes.
– Romantic watefront dining at Riverview Inn
– Hens & Honey Shoppe in Salem, NJ; local honey and homemade soaps are among some of the gifts they make and sell.
– Fort Mott State Park and Parvin State Park
– Ye Olde Centerdon Inn
– Barrett’s Plantation House and Bed and Breakfast, a lovely B&B in Mannington for overnight accommodations.

And of course there’s plenty of boating, hiking, and lots of other outdoor wonders! Be sure to check out Salem County for beautiful nature, annual events, and so much, more!

“With a rich legacy of historical places and events, a vast array of natural resources and open spaces, a stable farming community, and a strong economic job base, Salem County offers a very unique quality of life. Nestled in the southwest corner of New Jersey, Salem County is within easy driving distance of Philadelphia, New York, Wilmington, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Atlantic City. Leave the urban sprawl behind, get away for a day or a weekend to the scenic landscapes, living history and lively arts of Salem County. Whether you plan to spend the day discovering Salem County’s many historic sites, exploring our natural wonders, or enjoying the diverse culture of our community, we have something waiting for you. The hospitality you’ll receive makes staying another day or two an easy choice.” – Visit South Jersey

For additional information be sure to visit Visit South Jersey and Discover Salem County.