Savor The Dog Days Of Summer
Beat the August blues with amazing music, fantastic festivals and family fun for all.
August often feels like it passes in the blink of an eye, and this month gets called the “dog days” for a reason. You’re probably already thinking about back-to-school shopping and school routines when you’re not lamenting how hot it is outside.
But there’s plenty of summer fun remaining in Morris and Essex. Before you say farewell to the season of the sun, make sure you enjoy the following:
Get all wet. A day trip to the Shore never goes amiss, but you can get a different kind of beach right in your own backyard. Lake swimming abounds in Morris County, from Sunrise Lake Beach Club at Lewis Morris County Park in Morris Township to Hopatcong State Park in Landing. If you’re craving water but not sand, check out splash pads (combining playground and water features—perfect for kids) at Watsessing Park in Bloomfield or Frog Falls Aquatic Park in Dover. There are also plenty of public pools that offer day passes, including the one in Montclair.
Go to the fair. Nothing says summer like a festival or carnival, and there are lots to check out. The largest carnival in Morris County comes to Dover from Aug. 26–30, filled with rides, games, food and fun. On Aug. 22 at Ivy Hill Park in Newark, enjoy the International Food & Music Festival and its diverse lineup of performers and bites. For great music, try the Morristown Jazz and Blues Festival on Aug. 15. You can also drop by the Montclair Brewery on Aug. 22 for the annual Jamaica Independence Day Celebration with drinks, live music, trivia, games and great sips.
Hear tunes. There’s still time to listen to music under the stars! Head over to one of Essex’s many parks, which also host lively gatherings throughout the summer. Stop by Brookdale Park every Friday at 7:30 p.m. for an upbeat cover band, or to Cedar Grove Park at 7 p.m. on Aug. 12 for a Bruce Springsteen cover band. You can also visit The Vail Mansion in Morristown on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. for a free performance by Wilma, a female-fronted band known for rich harmonies. For a more upscale vibe, check out the Morris Museum in Morristown, where the Back Deck concert series continues with Grammy winners like Evan Sherman and Carla Cook.
Head “under the sea.” Looking for a day trip that will feel seasonal—and also keep you somewhere air conditioned? We’re in driving distance of some fantastic aquariums, all ready to transport you and your family to incredible aquatic destinations. Try the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn, where the outdoor Sea Cliffs exhibit presents playful sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals and penguins; Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach, where you can see a sprawling, colorful coral reef exhibit filled with tropical fish and a giant tank where sharks swim; the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk in Norwalk, CT., dedicated to the marine life of the Long Island Sound; or Adventure Aquarium in Camden, where you’ll find the only hippos in the world exhibited at an aquarium.
For even more local events and happenings, make sure you’re following us on Instagram @morrisandessexmag.
