Things To Do

Splitrock Reservoir

Just minutes from the hotel, Splitrock is the perfect place to breathe in some fresh air, enjoy a quiet walk, or paddle out on calm waters. Bring your coffee, your camera, or your peace and quiet — it’s as serene as it gets.

The Barn Cafe

A cozy spot in downtown Denville perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a coffee date. Their menu hits that sweet spot between comfort food and café chic. We also LOVE their dirty chai latte!

Denville Dairy

If Shana could be sponsored by ice cream, this would be it. A hometown legend since 1961, Denville Dairy scoops up happiness one cone at a time - and Shana has personally kept them in business with her swirl orders. Known for their classic homemade flavors, generous portions, and lines down the block (yes, it’s worth the wait), Denville Dairy is basically Shana’s second home. Consider this your official invitation to taste-test her obsession.

Diamond Spring Brewing Company

Conveniently located on the very same street as Denville Dairy (dangerous combo, we know), Diamond Spring Brewing has become one of our go-to spots for date nights. Do we love the beer? …Not exactly. Do we still go there all the time? Absolutely. Why? Because the vibe is great, the space is cozy, and it’s the perfect place to sit together, laugh, and pretend we know the difference between a lager and an IPA. Plus, it makes the walk to ice cream after that much easier.

Missy's Main Street Cafe

Enter if you dare. Missy’s Main Street Café is a beloved local haunt serving food so delicious it borders on the supernatural and coffee strong enough to raise the dead. This spot is a dream come true for Caroline’s horror-loving heart and a sacred ground for Shana’s undying devotion to caffeine. Whether you need fuel before the festivities or just want to be possessed by an excellent latte, Missy’s is the perfect place to grab a bite… if you survive how good it is.

Fort Nonsense Brewing Company

A family-run craft brewery with an easygoing atmosphere, rotating taps, and outdoor seating. It’s casual, welcoming, and perfect for catching up with friends.

Autodidact Beer

Tourne County Park, Boonton Access

When in doubt, lace up your sneakers and head to Tourne County Park. It’s local, it’s scenic, and it’s the kind of hike that makes you feel like an outdoorsy champion without requiring Everest-level stamina. Trails wind through forests, fields, and streams, and make it to the top for skyline views of NYC on a clear day — or just pack a picnic and call it a win. Bonus: it’s also an excellent spot for frisbee games or pretending you’ve suddenly become a bird-watcher.

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

A lush botanical garden perfect for a peaceful stroll, photo ops, or pretending you suddenly know a lot about rare plants.

Morristown National Historical Park

History buffs, rejoice — explore Revolutionary War sites surrounded by stunning landscapes and walking paths.

Jockey Hollow Visitor Center

Black Forest Inn

Every family has that one restaurant they’ll defend to the end—and for Caroline’s mom, this is it. The Black Forest Inn serves up authentic German food that tastes just like home (because, well, she is German). Think schnitzel, bratwurst, and beer steins the size of your head. For Shana’s side of the family, this is the perfect chance to get a delicious preview of Caroline’s family traditions - because nothing says love like bonding over sauerkraut.

Lake Hopatcong

If New Jersey had a crown jewel of lakes, it would be Lake Hopatcong - and not just because it was Caroline's stomping grounds for three years. This place is all about sunny days spent on the water, whether you’re pedaling around on those hilarious water bikes with friends or just soaking up the lake views. And when you’re ready for food and drinks, you’ve got options. Think: cocktails at The Windlass, casual bites at Alice’s, late-night laughs at Charley’s Tavern, and maybe even a fancy detour to Bell’s Mansion if you’re feeling grown-up. Lola’s brings the fiesta vibe (colorful drinks, fun energy, and yes, tacos by the lake), while Krogh’s keeps it classic with that old-school tavern charm. Honestly, the whole lake has a way of making you feel like you’re on vacation without ever leaving Jersey.

Czig Meister Brewing

If there’s one place that has our whole heart (and probably too much of our time), it’s Czig Meister. With a huge selection of truly wonderful beers, this is Caroline's absolute favorite spot. We even dreamed of hosting our welcome dinner here - plans may have fallen through, but our love for this place never will. The brewery has a warm, lively vibe, always buzzing with people…and dogs. So many dogs. So cute. So pure. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or just in it for the puppy-watching, Czig Meister is a must-stop on our local guide.

New Jersey Botanical Garden

If you’re looking for a place that screams springtime magic, the New Jersey Botanical Gardens at Skylands has you covered. We’ve actually never been (oops), but trust us: with acres of flowers, blooming trees, and picture-perfect lawns, it’s basically Mother Nature showing off. Come May, it’ll be in full bloom; ideal for strolling, snapping photos, or pretending you suddenly know the names of obscure flowers.