Location: Ringwood
Top Things to do in Ringwood
Countries
10 Things to Do in Ringwood That You Shouldn't Miss
Ringwood is a borough in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 12,228, reflecting a decrease of 168 (-1.4%) from the 12,396 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn declined by 227 (-1.8%) from the 12,623 counted in the 1990 Census.
Restaurants in Ringwood
1. Skylands New Jersey Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By ddaborn - West Orange, New Jersey
Skylands New Jersey Botanical Gardens is a wonderful place to visit in spring, summer, and fall. The sprawling grounds contain formal gardens of annuals and perennials, an area of gardens integrated with the natural environment, interesting stone buildings (including Skyland Manor with its own garden and lily pond), and quirky statuary scattered throughout. One can take photos galore, take a pleasant stroll, or have a picnic. It is well worth the $5 state park parking fee. There are restrooms on the grounds as well as a vending machine for drinks, but no food, so pack some snacks. Located in Ringwood, it is a few minutes drive from Ringwood Manor (another great stop; you can combine the two during your day trip).
2. Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By robcurtross - New York City, New York
This 145 acre park contains the remains of three large iron works machinery, very impressive in their size and complexity.
There is also a visitors center and a small museum open on restricted hours spring, summer and fall.
The site is very very beautiful with the river, many trees and a number of vistas.
Even in the winter the easy trails and occasional wild life make for a pleasant and restful experience as it did today.
3. 7 Lakes Drive
4. Ramapo Mountain State Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By robcurtross - New York City, New York
Thanks to Daniel Chazin for scoping out a very nice, scenic hike that took us about two hours with plenty of contemplation time.
This relatively short loop hike passes through the sites of two former Boy Scout camps – Camp Tamarack and Camp Todd. Each of these camps was situated on a lake, and the hike runs along the shore of both Lake Tamarack and Todd Lake. A number of relics from Camp Tamarack, which closed in the early 1990s, are visible along the way. Although the hike begins and ends in Ramapo Mountain State Forest, both lakes are located on property owned by Bergen County.
From the parking area, cross Skyline Drive. You will see a triple orange blaze on a telephone pole, marking the start of the Schuber Trail, as well as a triple white blaze, which marks the start of the Todd Trail. The Todd Trail will be your return route, but for now, follow the orange blazes of the Schuber Trail, which turn right onto the gravel road that leads into the former Camp Tamarack, then immediately turn left and proceed downhill on a winding footpath.
At the base of the descent, the trail skirts the ruins of the former camp rifle range. Just ahead, with the ruins of the former archery range visible on the left, a triple-purple-blaze on the right marks the start of the Tamarack Trail, which was blazed in the fall of 2016 by volunteers of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Turn right onto the Tamarack Trail, which follows a level footpath and soon reaches the shore of Lake Tamarack. A rock ledge on the left affords a view over the lake, with a triangular building (the former camp chapel) visible across the lake on the left and the concrete-and-steel foundations of the former waterfront docks on the right.
The trail continues along the lakeshore, soon passing the concrete-and-stone foundations of the former camp waterfront buildings, with more views over the lake. After passing a balanced boulder, you’ll come to a third viewpoint over the lake. The trail now moves away from the lake, joining a woods road. Be alert for a turn where the Tamarack Trail bears left, leaving the road, and continues on a footpath.
A short distance beyond, the Tamarack Trail ends at a junction with the Yellow Trail (blazed with yellow diamonds) near the shore of Todd Lake. Turn right onto the Yellow Trail, which soon goes by a stone wall on a rock ledge at water level, with a view over the lake, and continues to parallel the lake. Near the lake’s south end, the Yellow Trail turns right and soon ends at a woods road, the route of the white-blazed Todd Trail.
Turn right, now following the white blazes. As another woods road joins from the left, the Todd Trail bears right, then almost immediately turns left and follows a footpath into the woods. It soon begins to climb, first rather steeply, then more gradually. After a level stretch, it descends to cross a seasonal stream in a shallow ravine, then ascends on a winding, rocky footpath, with several switchbacks. When it reaches Skyline Drive, the trail turns right and continues for about 200 feet to the triple white blaze marking the terminus of the Todd Trail, opposite the parking area where the hike began.
5. Galaxy Lafayette Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By AJNJ44 - Lincoln Park, New Jersey
The Lafayette Theater is a good 40 minute drive from my home but a few times a year we make the trip because the place is unique, historic, and awesome. In a day of leather recliner power seats in luxury theaters some might have a problem with the 'old school' seating and ambiance. To those people I would say you're missing the point. Stepping through the doors at the Lafayette feels like stepping back in time - complete with Wurlitzer organ music on Friday and Saturday evenings. The staff has always been friendly and helpful. As the Lafayette starts to close in on 100 years I, for one, absolutely love feeling like a part of the nostalgia and history of the place.
6. Torne Valley Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By deegodeego - Brooklyn, New York
The wine tasting was very nice. The staff did an excellent job presenting and explaining the wines. They explained the grapes, how they were preserved and what was in the wines. There were quite a few that I enjoyed. Not too far from NYC. There was a line band. As we walked in they were playing the Doobie Brothers. Fun. The server was less attentive but the outdoor setting overlooking the vineyards was very nice.
7. Campgaw Mountain
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 98 reviews
Fifteen acres of ski-able terrain at 850-foot elevation cater to beginner and intermediate skill levels.
Reviewed By Scarlettcal
Took group lessons with my kids and husband. Good trainers( I can’t remember both there’s name. I believe it was Elly and josh maybe ) Very understanding and patient with us. First snowboarders ( floridians). But the bill could diffidently rack up, gear Rental and lessons. Not sure if the actual place was worth what we paid but what can I say, we were there and it’s not like you can find a ski resort in every corner.
8. New York Renaissance Faire, Tuxedo Park, NY
Overall Ratings
4 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By Rmcgarril - New Milford, New Jersey
My wife and I took a ride to Tuxedo Park, NY this past Sunday to visit the NY Renaissance Faire. This was my first time, and it was a lot of fun. It's amazing to see how many of the paying customers go to the fair in full costume (Maybe I should have said authentic period dress). Some of them are really elaborate, and look great. If you didn't dress for the occasion and want to, you can actually rent costumes there. We booked our tickets online and saved $2.00 off the price of the adult admission ($23 vs. $25). Note: Children under 5 are free. There are also discounts available for groups and for people who purchase tickets in advance at Walgreens/Duane Reade. Check the faire's website for details. Buy the program for $2.00. The map inside the program is really helpful to find you way to the different events. As far as I could tell, all of the shows are free. You can literally spend the entire day walking throughout grounds going from show to show. Sometimes, the show comes to you, almost like a flash mob. Various performers interact with attendees along the paths and trails throughout the day. Our recommendations for shows are; Any of the Jousts, Cirque de Sewer, Sky Kings Falconry & Ded Bobs Comedy/Ventriloquist Act & our personal favorite - Macbeth, Death by Fluffy Kittens. Ded Bob is a bit "R" rated. The humor is that dry-type that little children (And, some adults) won't get the joke. There are all types of food and drink (alocholic & non-alcoholic) available for purchase. There is even a pub crawl. The prices are comparable to what you would pay at a professional sporting event or a concert. The food is actually pretty good. A bottle of water is $4.00. You will definitely need to drink water, or something else, throughout the day as it is a lot of walking and it can get very hot in the summer sun. My tip is to buy a $5.00 VIP ticket, at the information booth, for one of the jousts. For the $5.00 you get to sit in the covered seating area where you get a "free" bottle of water and a "free" pennant Basically, you pay for the water and pennant and get to sit in the shade for free. There are plenty of things to do for both children, and adults. A lot of those things cost extra and some are free. Much of the faire is like an open air market with all types of goods to purchase. Elf ears, face painting, candles, psychic readings, pirate, squire & knight costumes & assorted regalia, etc. You name it, they have it. The overall atmosphere of the place is just plain fun. The faire ends on October 1st, so if you are planning to go, you only have a couple of weekends left. Everything is outside, so make sure you pick a day without rain. We will definitely go again next year, we might even dress the part. They do have "specialty" weekends. This past weekend was "Romantic Weekend." We didn't, however, see anything on the printed schedule of events that told us what was "Romantic" about this particular weekend. I found out after we left that the things that were specifically related to Romance were mark on schedule that is posted on the website with "hearts." So if you are going for a specific weekend theme, make sure you check the website schedule before you go.
9. Jersey Paddle Boards
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By adam r - Brooklyn, New York
Greenwood Lake is a hidden gem and is only 60 miles from NYC. We rented paddleboards and had the best time. Try to stay relatively close to shore yo let the boaters do their thing. I highly recommend trying this out. You will become one with Greenwood Lake!
10. Ringwood State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Fudbutter - Westchester County, New York
We visit here often. It is one of our favorite picnic places in the general area. Ringwood has several attractions, a pre revolutionary war manor (complete with a historic cemetery), a nice walk along a carriage road, a nice walk in the woods, two longer hikes (both excellent) and all sorts of excellent picnic areas, including many along the river.
There is a charge for the weekends when the park is way too populated for our taste but free and much less crowded during the week. It is also very pretty during the winter and a flat out knockout when the leaves change in the fall
Bring Deet as there are plenty of species of very hungry species insects who will swarm you as there is plenty of water on the hiking trails and the picnic area along the river.
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