If the great outdoors is your thing, you might want to check out Vernon, NJ. Apart from skiing, hiking, kayaking and swimming, the town itself doesn’t offer much. Actually, I think the town center is the local A&P.
Now, this doesn’t suit me personally because I want the best of both worlds. I’d like to be able to go for a strenuous hike up a mountain and then dine in a great restaurant that evening. Oh, there are definitely ways to spoil yourself in Vernon, but where’s the village?
Vernon is 1 hour from NYC and is considered part of the metro area. It’s not really accessible by public transit. The bus goes to neighboring Warwick, NY and from there you would have to make your way over the NJ border. Taking the train sounds even more complicated. That will land you farther away in Orange County, NY.
Let’s get to some positives of Vernon Township.
42% of total 70.5 square mile area is federal or state preserved property, dedicated to the preservation of open space, natural resources, and wildlife habitat. The Appalachian Trail winds through Waywayanda State Park. The Wallkill River Wildlife Refuge offers up birdwatching, hiking and kayaking. There are a couple of stables in the area for horseback riding. Private lakes dot the area of Highland Lakes, so if you’re lucky enough to rent or own one of these homes, water access is right in your backyard.
Mountain Creek is a ski lodge in the winter and water park during the summer months. Hidden Valley’s snow sports is located on Breakneck Road. Wonder which came first…the name or the lodge? Speaking of breaking necks, see the area while in freefall with Skydive Sussex.
If pampering yourself is more your thang, there’s holistic Wildflower Spa or Crystal Springs Golf Resort. But if you’re reading this blog, the quaint Apple Valley Inn is probably more your speed.
There are farm stands, wineries and apple picking in the surrounding area. If you need the restaurants, antiques shops and galleries, Warwick, NY really isn’t far. Warwick is great!
The reason I choose to write about Vernon over Warwick this week? The house prices! Nearly $100k less.