NJ Coastal Heritage Trail Delsea Region (Part 1)

A few weeks ago by chance 

I discovered the 

New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail. 

It's part of the National Park Service. 

I returned to explore the trail beginning in Pennsville NJ. 

Pennsville is located on the NJ side of the

Delaware Memorial Bridge. 

I am heading south on this trip. 

Technically the map says the first stop is Deep Water Point. 

That looks like it is in an industrial area. 

I didn't stop there. 

Along route 49

St Georges Episcopal Church 

marks the right turn onto Church Landing Rd. 

St George's Episcopal Church, Pennsville, NJ

Church Landing Rd takes you to the Delaware River, 

the Church Landing Farmhouse and Pennsville Historical Society. 

Neither place were opened when I arrived 

and it didn't look like much was there. 

Sol Do Brasil making its way down river. 

Stopping at Riverview Beach Park on N. Broadway 

is a 1/3 mi riverwalk trail, a small lake and a view of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. 

Admission: $0

Riverview Beach Park, Pennsville, NJ

Delaware River View from Riverview Beach Park, Pennsville, NJ

Delaware Memorial Bridge connects PA and NJ

Hugging the river down Enlow Place, 

I found this 6 story tree house.  

I wonder what the neighbors think of it. 

Riviera Drive to Industrial Park Road

Riviera Drive will give you several parking areas from which to view the river. 

There goes Sol Do Brasil

Industrial Park Road to Fort Mott Road: 

Finnish Settlers crossed the river from Delaware 

and settled in what is known as Finn's Point. 

Finn's Point Lighthouse

Surrounding the Lighthouse is 

Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. 

Their offices are in the old Lighthouse keeper's dwelling. 

There is a viewing platform off of Lighthouse Road 

just before Refuge Entrance Road. 

Refuge Entrance Road leads to a pond and some structures. 

Fort Mott Road to Fort Mott State Park: 

Fort Mott State Park

Admission: $0

Fort Mott State Park, NJ

Fort Mott State Park, NJ

Fort Mott State Park, NJ

Fort Mott State Park, NJ

From Fort Mott State Park you can see 

Pea Patch Island and Fort Delaware. 

Fort Mott to Fort Delaware via Ferry

From here you can take a ferry and tour Fort Delaware

then continue to Delaware City and back to Fort Mott. 

Just be sure to check the ferry schedule.

2019 Prices: Adult: $12.00, Military: $11.00, Senior: $11.00, 

Children - 2 - 12 years: $7.00, Children - under 2 years: $0.00

I highly recommend it. 

My trip to Fort Delaware is here.

Admission: $0

Finn's Point National Cemetery

Over 2000 confederate soldiers 

lost their lives imprisoned at Fort Delaware. 

When you visit there you'll understand why. 

Those soldiers are buried at Finn's Point National Cemetery 

which is entered from Fort Mott.

Finn's Point National Cemetery

Finn's Point National Cemetery

Fort Mott Road to Lighthouse Road to NJ49/S. Broadway to Salem

The Salem Historic District 

has seen better days. 

But the architecture is pretty nice. 

Salem, NJ

Salem, NJ

Salem, NJ

E Broadway to Yorke St./Salem Hancock Bridge Road

My final stop was 

Hancock House Historic Site. 

Admission: $0

Hancock House Historic Site
Site of a massacre during the Revolutionary War. 

There is a historian there Wednesdays-Sundays 

but he might be in the office in a separate building. 

Don't be afraid to ask for a tour. 

He was very knowledgable. 

These visits, including Fort Delaware, 

will take a whole day. 

I started near Point A and ended at E on the map below. 

More images from this trip are here.

Go explore! 

Leaf Peeping in PA

A beautiful fall day + Hubby takes the day off= Day Trip!

Off for a little hike in Ralph Stover State Park.

We went to the High Rocks Vista.
(Vista parking at 40.4409373, -75.07462)

Once you arrive, park in the lot and walk directly toward the view.

Turn left on the yellow blazed trail and you will see some breathtaking views

from about 4 overlooks that are placed in easy walking distance to each other.

We also visited the Stover-Myers Mill on Dark Hollow Road

located just outside the park.
(Mill at 40.437627,-75.124344)
(Parking at 40.435684,-75.122219, short trail to mill.)

The volunteer here was friendly and knowledgeable.

The place is undergoing restoration,

which makes me so happy.

Right now everything inside is taken apart,

but soon it will be an operational mill again.

And a half mile further up the road

on Covered Bridge Road is

Cabin Run Covered Bridge.
(40.432025,-75.112542)

Next we made our way to Black Bass Hotel

for a lunch with a view.
(40.40677,-75.037676 Parking across street.)

The dining area overlooks the Delaware River

and has big picture windows from which you can enjoy your view.

The hotel is on the National Register of Historic Inns.

I love those places!

I can't wait for retirement so we can do this everyday. ;)

Do you have a favorite spot for leaf peeping?

I'd love to know!

A Little Blue in Durham, PA

We were riding bikes along the Delaware Canal Towpath this weekend

and took a little jaunt west to the tiniest, little, historic village of Durham, PA.

Here we found the 2nd oldest US Post Office in the country!

Now that is cool.

Around the corner on the building is this beautiful mural.

The mural is a restoration by Barbara Fugate (2003)

the original was painted about 1910.

The Grist Mill operated from 1820-1967.

Ceresota Flour was milled there from 1820 into the 1920's

after which the mill was used for Livestock Feed.

The structure is on the National Register of Historic Places...as it should be!

The Grist Mill is built on the foundation of Durham Iron Works which dates back to 1727.

The iron works supplied iron for cannons and cannon balls
for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

The mill is currently owned by the town of Durham 

and appears to house local govt. offices along with the Post Office.



Meet the Ceresota Flour Boy!

Lavender Day Dreams

Tucked away on a quiet hill in the Bucks County country side you'll find the

Peace Valley Lavender Farm.

The farm overlooks Lake Galena and

is just outside the bounds of Peace Valley Park.

You'll know you have arrived when you see the chickens by the roadside...

...and the fragrance of lavender wafting through the air.

The gift shop rests on the top of the hill behind neatly planted rows of lavender.

Once you arrive, the charm feeds your curiosity.

And inside, you will not be disappointed.

A variety of lavender delights await you...

all displayed creatively throughout this rustic little shop.

Here's a peek:

Is your heart a pitter patter yet?

We made our purchases and for an additional $1

They will gift bag them in lavender!

When you are in Southeastern PA

be sure to take the time to visit this tranquil little farm and gift shop.

After all, lavender is what day dreams are made of...

Tie your visit in with a visit to Doylestown
or Peace Valley Park.

802 New Galena Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
Tel: 215. 249.8462
Purchase online at www.peacevalleylavender.com

My complete set of photos can be found here.