There are plenty of things to do in Vernon nj, whether you're interested in nature, history, or simply want to have some fun! We've put together a list of some of our favorite places to visit.
The area is a great place to go hiking, with a variety of state parks offering several hikes. The Boardwalk and Pinwheel Vista (Stairway to Heaven) hikes are particularly popular, but there are more than a few options for you to explore!
The Tankerhoosen Valley in Vernon and Tolland is a unique place with something for everyone. Its natural resources, history, parks, trails and attractions are a draw for local residents and visitors alike.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy this area is by bike or a hike. There are a number of great places to go for biking and hiking in the Tankerhoosen Valley including Bolton Notch, Webster Knapp Preserve and Valley Falls Park.
Another popular bike path is the Hop River Rail Trail, which follows the bed of the Hartford Providence railroad line from Manchester through Vernon and Bolton to Willimantic. The rail trail is a favorite among walkers, joggers and cyclists and can be accessed from Church Street Rails-To-Trails parking lot or Tunnel Road.
For those who enjoy hiking, Valley Falls Park is a great place to visit. The 183-acre park is home to several hiking trails that span a variety of landscapes, including forests, lakes, meadows and vistas.
The area also offers a variety of recreational activities, from swimming to biking and fishing. There is also a Braille trail and picnic areas.
Located on Valley Falls Road, the park is across from Valley Falls Farm.
A popular spot for families, this park features a Braille trail, a swimming pool, picnic sites and cold weather activities.
Mountain Creek Ski Resort is a popular winter sports destination in Vernon. It offers decent skiing across 3 small peaks in the winter, and good lift-served mountain biking in the summer.
If you love motorcycles, the New England Motorcycle Museum is a place you don't want to miss. The family-owned facility is open seven days a week and features one of the largest collections of custom and vintage bikes in the Northeast.
In addition, the facility has a motorcycling magazine archive and memorabilia from iconic events. It also has a 12,000-square-foot motorcycle-themed restaurant, bar, and microbrewery slated to open on the first floor.
Ken Kaplan, the owner of the museum, spent $6.5 million to restore and rebuild the old textile mill building. He has since added more than 250 motorcycles to his collection.
In order to continue developing and expanding the business, Kaplan is asking for donations. If you are interested in helping, check out his GoFundMe page. He is also offering rewards for higher donation levels.
The Fox Hill Tower is located at the top of a mountain that commands a spectacular view of the Connecticut River Valley. It was built in 1939 and stands 72 feet tall.
The tower originally served as a watchtower until it was destroyed by a blizzard in 1878. Afterward, it became private property, and later, it was donated to the people of Vernon.
Now, the town of Vernon is working on refurbishing the tower. A total of $2.5 million in state aid has been earmarked for the project.
Vernon Diner is a well-loved diner that serves classic American dishes. It offers a wide selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options to choose from.
You can also order from a range of desserts to complete your meal at the diner. It is a great place to have a hearty and tasty meal with your family or friends.
The staff here is very friendly and rolls with the diner vibe. The food is excellent, especially the home-made challah French toast which melts in your mouth!
There are several other attractions to check out in Vernon, including the New England Civil War Museum. This museum features various artifacts that depict the Civil War in the area. It opens on weekends and requires an appointment to visit.
