Dirck Dey, a carpenter from an affluent family, constructed Dey Mansion around 1740. General Washington stayed at the mansion in 1780 on his way to the Hudson Highlands to campaign, and his troops camped around it. Today, the Dey Mansion holds special events, including historical reenactments complete with period costumes and musicians on the harpsichord, showing what life was like during an encampment. Inside, visitors can see memorabilia from the mansion's owners, General Washington and the American Revolution. The facility features gardens, a picnic area, a family cemetery and a blacksmith area. The house is decorated with traditional colonial furnishings. As of March 2010, mansion tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., with additional tours between 10:00 a.m. and noon on weekends.
Dey Mansion
199 Totowa Rd.
Wayne, NJ 07470
973-696-1776
Laurelwood Arboretum has more than 30 acres of beautiful horticulture. It was originally privately owned, but Wayne Township now includes it as part of its parks and recreation areas. The arboretum is open daily until dusk, and visitors can enjoy lush foliage, colorful flowers and scenic hiking trails, all for no charge. The arboretum is known for its wide selection of rhododendrons and azaleas. There are restrooms on site, and the arboretum provides information for those who wish to take a self-guided tour. Volunteer opportunities in public relations and clean-up are also available; every second and fourth Saturday, a group convenes to clean up areas of the arboretum.
Laurelwood Arboretum
725 Pines Lake Dr. West
Wayne, NJ 07470
973-202-9579
laurelwoodarboretum.org
Farms View Roadstand offers visitors the opportunity to purchase local seasonal produce. Offerings are vast; the farm grows over 65 types of vegetable, including corn, arugula and potatoes. During September and October, visitors can enjoy hayrides and pick their own pumpkins; in the summer months, visitors can pick their own strawberries. In addition to fresh vegetables, the farm sells plants and seasonal holiday decorations. Visitors can also enjoy observing the barnyard animals, including miniature donkeys and peacocks. Farms View offers hayrides for birthday parties and other special events.
Farms View Roadstand
945 Black Oak Ridge Road
Wayne, NJ 07470
973-839-1212
farmsview.com
The Capital One Ice Vault Arena is an ice rink that offers public ice-skating sessions, skating lessons, team hockey sessions and open hockey sessions. Hockey clinics that focus on particular skills, such as puck control, checking and goaltending, are also available. The arena is home to its own hockey team, the New Jersey Bandits, and visitors can take in a game. Skate rentals are available, and an on-site pro shop is open daily from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the week and from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends. Individual public skating sessions are $9.00 for adults and $7.50 for children and seniors as of March 2010.
Ice Vault Arena
10 Nevins Rd.
Wayne, NJ 07470
973- 628-1500
icevault.com
