Articles Tagged "Outdoors"

Our agents are always excited to hear that Bergen County's golf courses have opened up for the season. And now that we've gotten through the wind, rain, and occasional late snowstorm that April often brings, it's time to look ahead to clear skies and smooth fairways. 

New Jersey offers some truly world-class golf courses, and some of the very best are right here in Bergen County. These local courses near our Ridgewood homes for sale are truly above par.

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One of the first signs of spring in New Jersey is the appearance of brightly-colored crocuses peeking out of the last vestiges of snow. Soon to come are the daffodils and bluebells. Our agents will be busy showing off the many Ridgewood homes for sale, made even more attractive by their lovely gardens. You may be thinking that you don't have room for the garden of your dreams, but that is far from true. Once you have decided whether to plant flowers, vegetables, or both, you still have several options from which to choose. Here are a few of them:

• Container Gardens
  Probably the most versatile option, containers allow you to move them around for aesthetics or to follow the sun's path. They also mean that you can bring them inside to escape cold weather. Your home improvement store can share many options from large to small containers and wheeled platforms for easy relocation. They will also allow you to choose the type of soil required for each variety of plants.

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March 30 is "Take a Walk in the Park" Day, and our agents have a suggestion or two!

There are all kinds of wonderful parks near Ridgewood homes for sale. Whether great or small, they each offer respite and a fun diversion in the form of a walk through natural surroundings. In addition to carefully preserved trails, most of them have benches, picnic spaces, or sports fields you can use.

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Did you know that we have many gorgeous historical castles right here in New Jersey? Bergen County is home to several architectural marvels, each more impressive than the last. Let's take a closer look at five local castles that have caught our agents' eyes during our time serving clients in this area.  

• Kip's Castle - 22 Crestmont Rd., Montclair, NJ, 07042 
  Kip's Castle (formerly known as Kypsburg) is a stunning recreation of a medieval Norman castle right here in Jersey. It was built from 1902 to 1905 by Frederic Ellsworth Kip, a renowned industrialist in the textile industry. Both the building and grounds were designed by Kip's wife, Charlotte Bishop Williams Kip. Her favorite feature was the octagonal rose garden, a paradise she lovingly tended to each day.

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Winter is here, and that means it is a great time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds throughout the county. From time to time, it's nice to try something new, and our agents know that getting out and exploring the area is a great way to beat the winter blues. If you're looking for some fun in the snow, the following are some must-see attractions this winter.

1. Bergen County's Winter Wonderland - 216 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ 07652
   Located in Von Saun County Park, the Winter Wonderland offers plenty of fun for the whole family to enjoy. You can slip, slide, and glide across the open-air ice skating rink. You can warm up and relax in the heated hospitality pavilion and discuss Paramus homes for sale, or enjoy as many carousel rides as you desire. There are food trucks and a beer garden on-site, so there will be plenty to eat and drink as the family frolics and chooses to be merry this holiday season.

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Visiting a pumpkin patch is such a fun way to celebrate fall. You can meander through the fields with your family or friends, select your favorite pumpkin, and then take it home to carve. The Ridgewood area is home to many great pumpkin patches, many of which also offer other fun fall activities. Here are a few our agents recommend checking out.

• Ward's Pumpkin Patch: 552 NJ Route 17, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
  Ward's Pumpkin Patch is a family-run venue where you can stroll around and choose your own pumpkin. Prices start at just $1 for the smallest pumpkins. They carry unique varieties such as Long Island Cheese, Rock Star, and Red Warty Things and offer painted pumpkins for sale.
  
  In addition to pumpkins, Ward's also sells other fall favorites like ghost suckers, mums, and decorative gourds. You can even pick up some corn stalks to decorate your home for autumn. They're open daily from 10 am until sunset. Dogs are welcome as long as they're leashed.

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The trend for adding outdoor "rooms" to increase our living space just keeps getting more popular. The pandemic contributed to this trend, as homeowners sought extra space by building patios or enhancing existing patios. If you're like other homeowners among Ridgewood homes for sale and are thinking of building a patio, how can you make sure it suits your needs? Our agents have some great advice that can make a difference as to whether your patio accomplishes what you want it to do.

• How Big?
  Before you get immersed in how your patio will look, it's crucial to decide just how big it will be. Experts recommend 90-150 square feet for a 6-ft. table and chairs. A minimum of 550 square feet is a good rule of thumb, as is 25 square feet for each person. Try to locate your patio away from the foundation of the home. Most homeowners complain that the traffic flow of the patio, even when the square footage is adequate, is unsatisfactory, with people forced to squeeze around chairs, and access points requiring foot traffic to cut through the entertainment space.

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Whether you ride solo or with your family, cycling is a great activity suitable for any level of fitness. Our real estate agents love it because they can ride at their own pace and get a healthy dose of fresh air and sunshine, especially at the Bergen County park system and these other top trails around Ridgewood.

• Saddle River County Park - 658 County Rte. S79, Glen Rock, NJ 07452
  The name of Saddle River County Park, just minutes from Glen Rock homes for sale, is a bit misleading. It's actually a group of five parks spread out over 577 acres along the Saddle River. No motor vehicles are allowed on the six-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail connecting the areas. Enjoy views of scenic highlights such as Historic Easton Tower as well as a picturesque waterfall and three ponds, including popular Glen Rock Duck Pond. The park is open from 10 a.m. until 30 minutes after sunset, seven days a week.

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