You may (or may not) have noticed that there was no Happy Valley column in July or August. My amazing summer spent traveling with friends and family also included a digital vacation. I am no longer unplugged, but my reentry has been purposefully slow. Yet, September Happy Valley activities beckon.
As summer comes to a close, I’m back to remind you that autumn is proof that endings can be beautiful.
Fall has always been my favorite season. As a student and parent, I viewed fall as a time for new beginnings and a fresh start to the school year. As an empty nester, I love both the physical transition from hot days to the welcome relief of cool crisp air, as well as the psychological transition from the excitement of travel and holidays to the mental recharge I feel returning to a regular routine.
Judging by the number of upcoming activities scheduled throughout Hopewell Valley, I’m not the only one looking forward to the abundance of the season. Here are my picks for September:
The month opens with several opportunities to enjoy live music. Last March, I dedicated a column to the Valley’s vibrant music scene and September proves my point.
Start with a bang on the evening of Friday the 5th by listening to Righteous Jolly at Howe Common in Pennington. Needle Creek will host a beer garden while the Pennington Fire Department sells hot dogs and hamburgers. Donations will be collected for the Food Pantry.
The following weekend is Hopewell Porchfest. Visiting the 15 porch venues is a great way to walk the neighborhood and make new friends. With such a deep bench, there is music for everyone. Hopewellporchfest.com has the most complete website of any event listed here and provides the venue map, schedule, and performer lineup.
Fun isn’t reserved for the weekend. Come out to the Friendraiser on Thursday the 18th at Needle Creek Brewery. My generous friends and Hopewell Valley locals, Boxorox, are jammin and donating cash tips to the Hopewell Valley Food Pantry. They’ll even have dog food truck there!
A Valley tradition that requires no introduction — the Hopewell Harvest Fair is the 20th. In addition to a day of entertainment under their big tent, you’ll find all of your favorite family activities, including hay rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, children’s games, face-painting, and local food vendors and farmers showcasing their goods.
Plus, there are contests for everyone: a bake-off, homegrown vegetable contest, kids’ art, photography, and even a doggie dress-up contest for our furry family members.
We round out the month with two great events, one that’s been around for 18 years and one that’s brand new but will mostly likely become an annual bash.
Hopewell Tour Des Arts returns with a weekend long celebration of the region’s thriving art scene, featuring more than 50 local artists across multiple venues. Visitors can create their own route, exploring individual studios and group locations, while meeting artists. Along the way, the scenic Sourland Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop.
New this year, the historic Hopewell Train Station will serve as the Tour’s Welcome Center. Visitors can pick up maps, ask questions, and enjoy the One-Piece Show – a special exhibition featuring one work from each participating artist.
Finally, Hopewell Township Park and Recreation Committee brings you Hopewell Food Truck and Music FEASTival. Head over Woolsey Park for live bands, adult beverage garden and 15 gourmet food trucks. There will also be a vendor shopping village and kid’s activities. Admission is $5 and kids under 10 are free. The township is giving Woolsey Park a major glow up. Check out the town’s new bandshell and feast on music, food, drink and fun!
Those are my September picks and they just scratch the surface of the many opportunities to experience this fall. Get outdoors and enjoy all of the music, culture, and arts of our Happy Valley!
