I’m not suggesting that anyone leave the Shoreline, but I know that it does happen, and when you need to get away for whatever reason, check out my posts for places to go and things to do.
Morristown, NJ might not be your first choice for a weekend getaway but before you click on, check out my recommendations and reconsider next time you have a long weekend or just want to do an overnighter. Just to whet your appetite, Morristown offers 112 restaurants and cafes, 47 fun attractions, a brewery, eight museums, and five bars. Travelers can also find two art museums, a national park, a couple tours and sightseeing activities, three spas, two golf courses, and a couple landmarks. My favorite website for Morristown information is at Uptake ( http://www.uptake.com/new_jersey/morristown.html).
I travel to Morristown for work, but I mix business with pleasure as I hope everyone does. This town has events throughout the year so no matter when you go you’ll find there is something for everyone. Take a walk downtown (and check out the monument to seeing-eye dogs across from the Green) and you’ll find lots to do within walking distance. During the summer I have joined the festivities on the Morristown Green and listened to live music with the locals, but for those that need shelter overhead, there are venues for live music and theater.
If you like shopping, stop in the Century 21 Department Store next to the Green. I spent a couple of happy hours combing through the clothing racks for inexpensive designer clothing from around the world. I must have tried on a dozen pairs of shoes and boots but beware of the European sizes. I discovered that Prada comes in just my size! And if you need a traditional shopping fix, the Short Hills Mall is about 10 miles away.
While I like Trader Joes and Whole Foods as much as the next person, foodies who visit Morristown will be sure to check out Kings for some interesting food and wine selections. I ran into this place by accident, but it turned out to be a happy one! It turns out that New Jersey has some different distributors from Connecticut so I was able to purchase some wines that I hadn’t seen before.
Morristown is probably best known for the Morristown National Historical Park, which preserves sites in the area occupied by General George Washington and the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War from 1779-1780. Hike the trails in this park, or go on horseback (there are a few stables in the vicinity), to see why General Washington chose this area for its logistical, geographical and topographical military advantages. I haven’t done this yet but I’ve heard the stables are great and very accommodating for beginning riders. I can just see myself one fall day riding atop Morris, a very sturdy brown and white pony.
If you’re on foot in the downtown area every couple of paces you’ll run into a restaurant or bar. Like many cities you can find everything from Mexican to Italian, the chain stores, and some unique offerings. There is one Armenian restaurant I can’t wait to try. A few restaurants are BYOB and most are moderate establishments in terms of price and food quality. During the summer many restaurants offer al fresco dining. One summer night I dined outside at Provesi, which is BYOB, and shared a glass of wine with some friendly natives sitting nearby. For several hours we traded stories. It was these hosts who informed me of Morristown’s connection with the foundation for seeing-eye dogs. One way to choose a restaurant is to walk down the street and check out the posted menus to see what you like, or look out for friendly-looking people who will share food, drink and good stories with you. The latter is my preferred method!
There are about eight hotels to choose from in Morristown but I’ve only stayed at three of them. The Best Western Morristown Inn has only its complimentary breakfast to recommend it. Located just off the highway on the outskirts of the downtown area, it’s clean but nothing special. The rooms are plain but there is internet access. There is no restaurant or bar, only the breakfast room where you can get great omelets made to order. If you need a hearty breakfast to start the day this just might be the place for you. The Hyatt Morristown is a high-rise in the center of town with a parking garage under the building and a restaurant and lounge on the first floor. I stayed here once when there was a convention with lots of suits and ties and it was a very happening place. The Hyatt has all the amenities you’d expect in a luxury hotel including a fitness center, swimming pool, and internet access. This hotel is within walking distance of many of the downtown shops and restaurants, so if you want to park and leave your car, this would be a good place to stay. My personal favorite is the Westin Governor Morris Hotel which has a swimming pool, allows pets (although I don’t know how many but I wouldn’t try to bring my four cats and three dogs), and a great upscale restaurant and bar. The rooms are comfortable and done up in a sort of Restoration Hardware style. I’ve found the service here to be superior. It’s located in the historic district and it would be necessary to drive to the downtown area.
From the Shoreline, Morristown is about 2 hours away by car. There is a rail station (Amtrak) in the center of town if that’s your preference. To drive there, head down I-95 to the Merritt Parkway taking the exit for I-287 over the Tappan Zee Bridge (prepare $5.00 for the return toll). In just about an hour (depending on traffic) take exit 36 or 37 off I-287. Recently, there has been quite a bit of construction in both directions on I-287 so plan your travel time to include possible delays (suggested listening tracks: anything Bruce Springsteen). And while you can get there using the directions I’ve posted here, I’d look on a real map before heading out.
Enjoy your stay!
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