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Happy New Year everyone! I hope the holidays provided an enjoyable time with family and friends.
Old man winter came early this year and Harding is blanketed in winter splendor. The pond in Bayne Park is frozen over, which of course means outdoor skating! It’s always a wonderful sight to see skaters of every age and size floating across the ice. Nearby Loantaka Brook Reservation or the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge offer opportunities to enjoy cross country skiing or hiking.
A stop for dinner in Madison is a great way to close out the day. We like 54 Main Bar and Grille a casual, neighborhood place or Poor Herbie’s. I’ve also tried a newish place in town called, Hey Cupcake! They have wonderful desserts and friendly service, check it out.
That’s it for now, get out and enjoy this glorious winter.
Posted by: 
Lois Olmstead
Spring is a special time of the year, especially here in Morris County. You know for sure it’s spring with the abundance of blossoming forsythia, daffodils, crocus and myrtle. The forest is starting to green up as well with the first buds starting to show.
A right of passage denoting spring in Harding is the Annual Fishing Contest held this year on April 10, 2010 from 8am-12noon at Bayne Park Pond on Blue Mill Road. Children up to 13 years old are invited to participate and prizes will be awarded.
An increase in cyclists can make driving a little tricky, but the colorful display of the cyclists’ outfits and the energy and joy displayed is a sight to see.
There are so many parks and trails in Morris County worth exploring. For instance, the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, which is located in both the New Vernon section of Harding Township and Chatham Township, offers many wonderful paths to walk, educational events and many quiet spots to sit and take in Mother Nature.
If all this makes you hungry, don’t miss the return of the American Harvest restaurant located in Harding next to the post office. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch or take-out from 7am to 6pm Monday through Saturday and 7am to 12pm on Sundays. Specials are offered from the deli and Panini grill as well as, fresh vegetables, salads, burgers and a kids menu.
Well, until next time, get outside and enjoy the beauty of these towns this spring.
Posted by:Lois Olmstead
Spring has arrived when cyclists start showing up in greater numbers along
the beautiful country roads that wind through New Vernon. The kids are
back on the fields playing lacrosse and baseball and running through both Madison and Harding Township for track and conditioning.
It’s definitely Spring when the sign goes up for the Fishing Contest sponsored by Township of Harding. It happens every year, early April, for children up to 12 years old. You’ll notice more people out at the pond practicing for the big day. Now past, you will still find people trying their luck with the rod and reel.
A hot spot once the weather starts warming up is the ice cream store on Main Street in Madison. On any given day when the weather is good, you can watch people sitting on the bench, deep in thought, taking their time with an ice cream filled cone.
Both Harding and Madison have Memorial Day Parades set for Monday, May 25,
2009 at 9:30 am.
The natural beauty of the area is starting to shine with all of the rain we have had of late.
Until next time, enjoy the day.
Posted by:
Lois Olmstead
The recently renovated Madison train station is a great starting point for those traveling to New York City. The mid-town direct train line is a wonderful enhancement to living in Madison. Whether you are commuting to work, or plan to enjoy the many amenities the city has to offer, the line is convenient and easy to use. Broadway, Opera, museums, shopping, sporting and cultural events are a train ride away.
The Morris and Essex Line of NJ Transit has direct service to NY Penn Station and to Hoboken .
There is bus service to Port Authority by Lakeland Bus Lines and local bus services through Morris County and NJ transit buses. Check out the Morris/Essex Line for more details.
Public parking near the station is a NJT lot and is first come, first serve for $2.00 daily. It’s no surprise it fills up fast. There are other municipal lots across the street and next to the police station. These lots have a daily fee of $5.00 and are also used by permit holders. Permit parking is $400/year for Madison residents. Residents can go to the police station to get a commuter parking application or download an application here. The permit application process is open to Harding and Chatham residents as well, at $1,000/year. Proof of residence and vehicle registration is required for all vehicles.
Madison is well situated with access to either Routes 287 or 24 by car.
I hope everyone is enjoying the emergence of spring. Future blogs will include; restaurants, parks and spring!
Posted by: Lois Olmstead
Madison is a lovely town comprised of approximately 4.2 square miles with a population of about 16,000. Drew University and Farleigh Dickinson University are the centerpieces of the town. There is a vibrancy to downtown, but it isn’t just a college town.
The picturesque Main Street is a thriving merchant area with many interesting shops and
restaurants that was featured in the New York Times Sunday feature, “Living In” on June 15, 2008. One of my favorite shops in town is the pet store. It’s not a big place, but the caring staff loves helping people with their pets. I was really impressed that they made an exception on short notice for a family by arranging to take in their tropical bird for the duration of a power outage back in January. I thought that was really nice and above and beyond.
If you visit the Chamber of Commerce website at www.rosenet.org, you will find a wealth of information on the history, government, and downtown area of Madison.
Future blogs will discuss items of interest about living in and around the towns of Madison and Harding. Next week I will talk about my listing on Woodland Avenue.
Posted by: Lois Olmstead
