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*Some of the activities included were provided by Visit South Jersey, however as always, all opinions are my own

As the Obligatory Traveler, I’m not ashamed to visit and have fun at super touristy sites, but I also like to take time to explore off the beaten path places, especially when I need a little break from the busyness of life.

With miles and miles of preserved farmland, a quiet beach, interesting historic sites, spirits (both the drinking kind and the spectral kind), and wine, Salem County, New Jersey, has everything needed to relax, unwind, and go back in time.

History

The Hancock House

Built in 1734, the Hancock House is a beautifully preserved, historic home. Unlike a lot of preserved homes, where rooms are roped off, giving you only a glimpse at days gone by, you are free to walk about the rooms in the Hancock House. Being able to closely examine a desk, or a fireplace, gives one a greater appreciation of the past.

Judge Hancock for a time, was a fortunate man, as he had a tavern connected to his house, his fortune ran out however.

During the Revolutionary War, Hancock, along with members of a revolutionary militia, were massacred in the Hancock House by Britain’s Queen’s Rangers.

It’s a fascinating tale that’s best heard by giving the Hancock House a visit.

The Hancock House is also one of the best, remaining examples, of pattern brick in the area.

Whether you love history, historic architecture, or are a Murderio like me, visit the Hancock House.

Fort Mott

Established in the 1896, Fort Mott is one of three forts built as defenses on the Delaware River. I love wandering around old, creepy buildings, and although much of the fort’s interior is closed off to the public, there are still enough dimly lit tunnels and cracked walls to whet my creepy building whistle.

I was fascinated by the latrine area. There’s nothing like an open toilet situation to help you bond with your work mates.

Climbing to the top of the fort provides a nice view of the Delaware River.

Fort Mott has a ferry that will take you across the water to Pea Patch Island, where Fort Delaware sits. Fort Delaware is an even more intimidating, ominous fort, so I highly recommend making a day of it and visiting both forts.

There is a lovely, shaded area, with picnic tables, grills, and a children’s play area at Fort Mott, so you could visit Fort Delaware in the morning, return on the ferry for a picnic, and then finish out the day exploring Mott.

Beach

This is probably a secret locals of Salem County, New Jersey, would like to keep. Salem County has a beach.

Now the beach is located on a river, so you’ll need to leave your surf boards and boogie boards at home, but if you are like me, a blanket, a book, and the sound of lapping water is all you really need to find your zen. Though there are people fishing here and there along the shore, it’s not difficult to find a quiet, undisturbed spot, to enjoy some quiet contemplation.

Sips and Bites

Salem County is home to four wineries. Two I have visited. I’ll catch up with the other two in the future.

Auburn Road Winery

It was love at first sight when I stepped foot on Auburn Road Winery. Their patio looks like a fairytale and the grounds evoke an instant sense of calm.

Owner/Manager Scott, states that he wanted to create a place where locals and visitors felt like they were on a vacation. He definitely succeeded.

The relaxed mood continues inside to the wine tasting area, with wines named Good Karma, Gaia, and Give Peach a Chance (I’ll talk more in depth about the wines in a future New Jersey Wine Tour post).

I recommend planning a visit to Auburn Road Winery around lunch time, so you can enjoy some of their excellent offerings. Cheese plates, fresh bread, and pizzas are just some of the menu options. They use locally sourced ingredients when possible.  We chose the roasted red pepper bruschetta and the panio. It was an amazingly delicious lunch.

Salem Oak Vineyards

Salem Oak Vineyards is like the TARDIS. Upon first walking up it appears to be a small winery, but it’s bigger on the inside.

Where Auburn Road’s vibe is happy chill, Salem Oak’s vibe is energetic fun. We opted for the 10 wines wine tasting because, the more wines the better.

Sadly, we were still full from lunch, so we didn’t order any of the tasty looking food on Salem Oak’s menu, so we’ll have to return.

Salem Oak has some interesting offerings, like a Mango Peach wine, which consists of their peach wine, blended with a mango puree. They also have wine slushies.

Cream Valley Custard

Of course I had to get at least one icy treat while visiting Salem County. The area is most known for their frozen custard, and we stopped at Cream Valley for their famous “The Creamsicle.”

The custard was nice and creamy, and had a good balance between the vanilla and orange.

Pine Tavern Distillery 

If wine perhaps isn’t your thing, or if like us, you are open to all forms of alcohol, then a visit to Pine Tavern Distillery is a must.

Start off with a tasting of Pine Tavern’s spirits, including their 119 proof Bourbon, and end with an expertly prepared cocktail in their rustically charming  bar. Their vodka and rum are my personal favorites.

Pine Tavern also makes Maple Syrup, and during the warm seasons, they have a pancake brunch on the second Sunday of the month.

Shopping

If you are visiting Salem County on a Tuesday or Saturday, take a stroll around the Cowtown Farmers’ and Flea Market.

Need a five dollar hat, a pair of two dollar sunglasses, or Sponge Bob? This is your place.

I’m fond of the vendor that sells the discontinued, seasonal scents, of Bath and Body Works lotions. I try to stock up because sometimes you still want to smell like a pineapple in the winter.

I’m also phone cord obsessed. I need to have one within reach everywhere, at all times. Though I’ll pack my more expensive cords with my travel gear, I don’t mind having a more affordable cord stashed away in my car’s console or in the kitchen when I need a quick charge. There are lots of affordable cord options at Cowtown.

There are also plenty of snacks to munch.

Events

Art Events

Wanting to escape hectic city or suburban life, many artists have retreated to the open spaces and quiet places of Salem County, New Jersey. The arts are alive in Salem County. Two notable events are the Arts in Bloom and the South Jersey Arts Fest.

The yearly, spring, Arts in Bloom, is a two day event, where visitors can partake in a self-guided tour of a myriad of artist galleries. There are also fun, hands on, activities for the kids.

The South Jersey Arts Fest takes place on the grounds of Appel Farm.

Appel Farm is a non-profit, arts center. They run various arts programs throughout the year, have a youth summer arts camp, and this year, they will be launching an Arts/STEAM Charter School.

The two day summer South Jersey Arts Fest, features music, theater, dance performances, artists, and crafters. There are cool, interactive activities, that seek to ignite the imagination.

Farm Fun at Coombs Barnyard 

With miles and miles of preserved farmland, Salem County is a prime spot for Agritourism. Coombs Barnyard is a great place to visit for special events.

During the summer, on certain evenings, they host the Great Potato Dig. Guests are encouraged to dig up their own potatoes, and then Coombs cuts them and fries them up into French Fries, right before your eyes. They are the freshest fries you will ever have.

In the fall, Coombs offers the obligatory fall pumpkin picking hayride during the day, and during those lightly chilly, fall evenings, they have a flashlight corn maze. Salem County is home to many haunted attractions, but Coombs Barnyard wanted to create a fall, evening, activity, that families, especially those with small children, could enjoy together. As someone who is not a fan of haunted attractions (it’s not that I find them scary, I just don’t like strangers invading my personal space) I’m looking forward to having some fun in Coombs Barnyard’s flashlight corn maze this fall.

While you’re visiting Coombs for a special activity, be sure to stop by and say hello to their sociable, sometimes precocious, farm friends.

Where to Stay

If you are looking for a place to rest your head while visiting Salem County, I’d recommend one of the Bed and Breakfasts in the area.

Barrett’s Plantation House

If you want to be transported back in time, book a stay at Barrett’s Plantation House Bed and Breakfast.

Bed and Breakfast owner Gaynel Schneemen, is a great storyteller, and you are sure to come away from your stay with a head full of historic knowledge and a belly full of scrumptious food.

The Inn at Salem Country Club

Once a defunct Country Club, The Inn at Salem Country Club is now a bed and breakfast that sits on the Delaware River.

The large porch looks out over the water, and a walk on the beach is only steps away.

It’s the perfect place to de-stress and enjoy nature.

Only 45 minutes from Philadelphia, and even closer to the Southern Jersey Shore points, Salem County is a quiet, laid back, friendly place, to escape chaos and crowds. Grab a glass of wine, or rum, or a cone of frozen custard, and let the relaxation begin.

If you’re looking for a cool Travel Group to join, Check out WeekendWanderlust

Related posts:

South Jersey Arts Fest New Jersey Wine Tour-Round Three New Jersey Wine Tour-Round Two New Jersey Wine Tour-Round One