Small museum with larger than life personal tour guide to walk you through the interesting life of…read moreThomas Edison. Known for 1 of the 1st inventors of the light bulb and phonographs Edison had over 400 patents. A few of his original inventions are located in this museum and the grounds are lit up at night. Worth the $ 7 entry and discounts are available for active military.

This place was tiny, but powerful! Filled with a lot of history. So close to home and never knew it…read morewas there. It took a half hour with the guided tour and she was very knowledgeable about the things of Thomas Edison. The museum is a little small but holds lots of facts About who he was. I recommend it to anyone that wants to learn more history about people that were part of New Jersey.

This is a historical house in South Bound Brook that I've been aware of for years but never…read morevisited. It was open for free as part of a 250 anniversary of the revolution event. For a brief period the house was General Von Steubens dwelling. It's surprisingly interesting and in good shape. We had a first rate guide and there are interesting historical displays on site.

Tucked into the southwest corner of Essex County's South Mountain Reservation, this historic…read more28-acre public garden -- with its carefully curated and terraced gardens, fountains, and winding paths -- feels like a trip to another time and place. After spotting a social media post about the garden's Cascade fountain reopening after a 16-month restoration, my walking companion and I decided to check out this hidden gem. Greenwood Gardens was a private family estate until 2003, when it opened to the public under the auspices of a non-profit organization, and you can really feel that rich tapestry of the families' history as you wander through the grounds. The highlight of our visit was the Cascade fountain, which now features water flowing through it for the first time since the early 20th century! If you're looking for a peaceful, historic, and beautiful place to stroll, Greenwood Gardens is absolutely worth the visit. We'll definitely be back! Pro Tip #1: Plan on about 75-90 minutes for a self-guided walking tour, buy tickets online in advance ($15 for adults aged 14 to 64; $10 for Seniors aged 65+; $5 for children aged 5 to 13), and wear weather-appropriate attire/walking shoes. Pro Tip #2: Leave your tripod at home. Casual photos on your phone are welcome, but portrait or staged photography (for events, engagements, graduations, etc.) requires prior permission and special facility booking.

A dreamy, charming little escape with tons of greenery, statues, structures, and fountains. Even on…read morea weekend it wasn't crowded, so my fam could take pictures without cropping out strangers. Really friendly staff gave the kids a scavenger hunt page that turned our visit into part garden tour, part treasure hunt. Between the terraces, tile work, grottoes, and gardens, the whole place blends European formality with a whimsical, art nouveau vibe. Plenty of benches invite you to sit and talk, while fenced-in chickens, geese, and beehives bring the grounds to life. The gardens feel peaceful, playful, and magical all at once. The beauty here is truly un-beleaf-able! NOTES/TIPS: **Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors/students, and $5 for kids, with free parking close by. **Very limited wheelchair-accessibility: okay for the Main Terrace and some flat areas, but most paths are sloped or uneven, so access is limited. **Restrooms near the entrance.

Emerging in the U.S. primarily between 1900 and 1929, American Craftsman style was a backlash…read moreagainst the Industrial Revolution and Victorian architecture. Craftsman construction spread across the country in part thanks to American furniture designer Gustav Stickley. The most identifiable feature of the home is a low-pitched roof with overhanging eaves and exposed rafters. Another characteristic trademark is a large front porch with sturdy tapered columns. Located off the beaten path of Route 10 inside a 30-acre country estate in Morris Plains, my partner and I had the chance to tour as first-timers this 1911 house of Gustav Stickley, internationally known for his multiple roles as a philosopher, publisher, social critic and associated today with his straightforward furniture, sometimes called "mission" or "Craftsman" furniture. A reservation was made on their website. Upon entering the Museum/Gift Shop, we were greeted by the staff. The tour of 12 people began with a short 5-minute intro video about the family in their renovated kitchen and through the house from the main floor and the second-floor bedrooms. The centerpiece is Stickley's massive Log House, restored to its 1910-1917 appearance, which exemplifies his philosophy of building in harmony with the environment by using natural materials. The tour ran only 1 hour but was packed with so much information and sights of historical background regarding Gustav Stickley and really brought what we were viewing to life. The docent tour leader husband/wife duo Bob and Jan were excellent. The price didn't dent one's pocket, which we could recommend for woodworkers, craftsmen, antique enthusiasts, and children over 10.

As a fan of the clean aesthetic known as the 'American Craftsman' or 'Mission' style that was…read moreestablished over 100 years ago but still feels modern today, I had long wanted to visit the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms in Parsippany-Troy Hills but drove past the signs on NJ Route 10 for the museum hundreds of times without stopping to see what it was all about. Gustav Stickley, a key voice in the 'American Craftsman' movement, held very progressive retailing views for his era - launching a magazine as well as a chain of retail stores (including a 12-story flagship showroom and restaurant in New York City) that showcased his 'Arts and Crafts' design ethos of home furnishings with simple, unadorned, and comparatively plain designs. Think of Gustav as the IKEA of the early 20th century. The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms began as another of his innovative ideas that never came to fruition - a trade school for boys to teach them farming and vocational skills that was located on a 640-acre plot of land in Morris County, New Jersey. When the school failed to materialize, the Stickley family lived here in his Log House, designed and constructed by Stickley to reflect the epitome of the Arts and Crafts aesthetic, for several years. Facing financial challenges from his failing retail empire, Stickley sold the property in 1915 and it remained in private hands until 1989 when Parsippany-Troy Hills Township acquired it to preserve this historic landmark as a museum rather than letting it fall to the wrecking ball in favor of another townhome community. The Log House is only accessible to the public via 60-90-minute long docent-led guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00pm and 2:30pm. Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors; $7 for students with valid ID; and $5 for children up to age 12. Our docent Joan was very knowledgeable about the Stickley family, the original and reproduction artifacts in the home, and the other tiny details that make all of Stickley's creations unique. If you appreciate the Craftsman movement or just want to see where a design legend lived, this is a must-visit historic site. PRO TIP #1: Leave young children at home. With lots of fragile and irreplaceable artifacts within a toddler's reach throughout the museum, this isn't a child-friendly environment. PRO TIP #2: Renew your library card and check whether your local library offers complimentary museum passes for the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms or other local museums.

I took my daughter here, and we went right when they opened. Luckily, they open at a reasonable…read moretime, so I was able to find a great parking spot. We grabbed some drinks and spent the day walking through the museum and exploring everything it had to offer. We even had a funny little interaction while getting our tickets. The man asked my daughter and me if we were paying separately, and I couldn't help but laugh because she's only 11 but already taller than me! I could see the moment of confusion and his embarrassment when he realized she was my daughter. Aside from that, this was a wonderful museum experience. I really enjoyed the interactive exhibits and the variety of artwork throughout the space. The different art pieces gave the museum such a unique style and character. My favorite part was the house itself. I absolutely love historic homes--they are truly beautiful and full of so much craftsmanship. You can see the incredible attention to detail throughout the entire house, from the staircase to the walls and the hand-printed designs. Every little detail tells a story, and it was amazing to see how much care and artistry went into creating such a beautiful space.

This would have five stars if not for the woke nature thrust upon me. Here is my email to them…read more Hello, I visited today and may have visited years ago. I've been to many museums. Generally, you had a good mix of things. I could have taken more time and spent more in the American or Mediterranean. I do see you are a woke institution, which was not enjoyable to me. You can have a separate room or wing for what black women in the neighborhood years ago went though; then, in the name of reality, other months cover Italians being called "niggers"; Irish being indentured servants; Armenian and Jewish genocide; Greeks being slaves under Moslem Turks for 400 years; actual Nazis and crazy Communists like Stalin killing millions; Cyprus being split in two by Turks in 1974; Pakistanis and Indians killing each other; Koreans being discriminated against, etc. This country has many different people in it, don't they deserve equal coverage? ;) If I go apple picking, I want apples, not bananas or a monkey wrench out of nowhere. If I want to see furniture in an 1800s house, I don't want to see people who were not owners on the wall or Halrme or Chinese or Shakesperean or Oklahoma farm or even a Plainfield home (not Newark), etc. furniture or photographs on the wall. I think every culture has something to teach us. And I prefer my own, as I am sure many others, like Chinese, black, etc., even from certain countries or regions of countries do. I'd love to learn about different Indian tribes as I did in the seventh grade. However, insinuating someone died of myeloma due to being disregarded or white supremacy insults my intelligence. I am sure there has been discrimination, but without specificity as to that example, it is propaganda and a false narrative. I had a very close relative die of that and they were white. Perhaps science just does not have the cure, and also, many doctors are dumb in the moment and make mistakes. Also, in the Mediterranean exhibit, Egyptian had to be put in front of Greek or Italian. The Brooklyn Museum has no Greek or Roman art, I think. Perhaps take turns with put different ones in front of the other in different times. All of this is driving people in the country apart.

Yesterday's is a family friendly gaming arcade retro inspired from the day's some of us played…read moreoften by the beaches that includedvintage games from the 80's and 90's. We had walked in fascinated by the atmosphere and were welcomed to browse and see what the scene was all about. No longer are the day's where you have to drop your quarters and go from game to game but instead you can play for $10 an hour and go from game to game to me this is a deal! If you want you can do a day pass and go in and out for $28 . Now if you think back to how many quarters you blow in minutes you will not squabble and realize this is a cheap fun game day out and heck yeah take a look a look such a great place a the best employees so kind, informative and friendly. Yes they do parties so give them a call that is also very reasonable. Every night at 8 pm they have bring your own beer/wine with ID of course, pretty cool to go relax if you would like to or have a date night maybe. They have 109 arcade games, 18 pinball tables, and plenty of miscellaneous things ! Yestercades has definitely intrigued me probably because it had so much and the way they offer the gaming, it's clean and fabulous hospitality,atmosphere it's fun and inviting. Step into the room and start gaming I think you'll feel good and be happy like I did, it my day and ended it with a great feeling. Thank you Yestercades! Address: 151 Broad st Westfield New Jersey Phone: (908)228-2398 Hours: Mon-Thursday 12 pm -12 am Friday 12 pm - 2 am Saturday 10 am - 2 am Sunday 11 am - 12 am Wheelchair accessible

Great for all ages! Love that it's a flat hourly rate and you can play everything. Kids get to…read moreexperience the nostalgic cabinet console feel (and make fun of ancient graphics) and adults can lounge on sofas playing any number of new or retro classics on a variety of gaming platforms! Also a great location so you can pop out for good food in the town of westfield!

Well worth the visit if you happen to be in the areas. This was the Edison family home located just…read morea short distance away from where he had his lab. The house is absolutely gorgeous - unfortunately you cannot take photographs inside so you will just have to come here yourself and check it out. You can only go through the house by guided tour, so be prepared. However, the tour guide is quite knowledgeable on Edison family history so it's definitely well worth the journey. When you are done make sure to make your way to back yard to visit the gravesite where both Mr and Mrs Edison are buried. One thing to remember - you need to buy your tour tickets down at the Laboratory downtown. The house is located in the middle of a still active private gated development so you can't just drive in unless you have a pass!

Love visiting Rutgers Gardens through the seasons! If you come in fall, don't expect much in bloom,…read morebut this place is wonderful to hike and stroll through with its various paths. If you visit in spring or summer, get ready for stunning flora and fauna that is cared for by Rutgers staff and students. I adore the lilacs that's smell delicious and envelope a walkway like a natural ceiling. So amazing! Also, I adore the wide open fields and spaces that lend themselves perfectly for a picnic or spot to lay down a blanket and enjoy a nap out in the open. PS. Very romantic spot- if you're coming here for a date, you will not be disappointed!

Really this should be a 4.5 but I rounded up to five to encourage people to come. Really worth it!…read more So let me tell you the negatives first, some of which were covered by some other reviewers. First, there are ticks and you should spray before you start. Second, the directions to get off Route 1 to the gardens is confusing, even for someone from New Jersey who is used to jug handles, but you'll get there eventually. Third, you can hear the traffic from route 1 as you walk through various parts of the gardens and the adjacent woods. And fourth, some toilets are in sad shape. To me, no showstoppers but more you should be aware. Best thing is to print out a map of Rutgers Gardens and Helyar Woods first. It's good to have with you as you walk about although signs are about. This is a really a beautiful garden set out in a very approachable way. Well documented and you can use those maps so you can find and explore the Asian Hill garden, Holly Collection, the Succulent Gardens and, my favorite, the Bamboo Grove. All in all there are 23 gardens and 8 structures, most of which are research sites. The gardens are adjacent to the Helyar Woods. The woods has 7 viewpoint spots and 5 marked trails ranging in length from 0.4 MI to 1.6 MI. Within the forest is a forested wetland, a meadows, a pine grove and just plain old Forest. Most of the trees are old-growth beech, birch, maple and oak trees. It's really wonderful. Note the gardens are closed on Mondays.