When you think of wineries and vineyards, you’re more likely to think of Napa, California, than Bucks County, Pennsylvania. But, just over the Delaware is the Bucks County Wine Trail, which offers nine wineries in all. Visit just one winery, take your own self-driving tour of several wineries and vineyards, or enjoy a bus wine tour and let someone else do the driving. These are just a few of the options available in Bucks County’s wine country: Crossroads Vineyards and Winery 1853 Wrightstown Road, Washington Crossing, Pa. (215) 493-6500 Established by the Carroll family in 2000, the award-…

Now that warmer weather is just around the corner, a trip to one of our area’s soothing day spas might be in order. You can order up a massage to chase the winter blues away, and then perhaps follow up with a mani/pedi or skin treatment to get ready for skin-revealing spring fashions. These are some of Patch’s picks for Central New Jersey spas that are worth the visit: Gentle Healing Wellness Spa 1274 Cranbury-South River Rd., Cranbury Located in a beautiful Victorian home, the Gentle Healing Wellness Spa provides massages, skin treatments and body care, waxing, aromatherapy and hand and foot…

Located not far away at all, the historic village of Allentown in Monmouth County offers a pleasant escape from Central New Jersey’s crowded malls and thoroughfares. Incorporated as a borough in 1889, the town’s shaded streets are lined with restaurants, boutiques and historic homes. Allentown offers a scenic and relaxing alternative to shopping at the mall. Looking to spend the day in Allentown? Then, try out some of Patch’s Allentown picks below.  Necessities for the Heart, 28 S. Main St. Touted as a shop for your “girly girl” side, Necessities for the Heart offers a broad selection of Vera…

With the temperatures warming up and flowers starting to poke through spring garden beds, now is an opportune time to spend the day in downtown Princeton. Many of us might not think of Princeton as a great day trip since it’s so close to home, but that’s a shame, since Princeton has so much to offer. Whether you want to spend the day outside with the kids or prefer to head into town solo, with your mate or with friends for some shopping and pampering, Princeton has a lot to offer. Here are a few of Patch’s picks for a great day in Princeton. Metropolis Spa Salon Moms looking for a new spring …

Tucked within the beautiful farmland of Bucks County, Pa., just west of the Delaware River, is Doylestown, Pa., a historic town that dates back to the mid-1700s. With its museums, vibrant downtown and parks just off US-202 and just over 30 miles from Princeton, Doylestown makes for a great day trip from Central New Jersey. Families with kids might want to start out the day at Central Park on Wells Road. At the park is the amazing Kids Castle, an eight-story-high wooden playground structure that children can climb and slide on. The park also has tennis and basketball courts, swings, picnic …

You don’t have to travel far to get away from it all. Sometimes all you need is a little time away from home in a new environment to rejuvenate and to enjoy some fun time with loved ones and family. In this week’s column, we look at three local hotels for a mini getaway: Princeton Marriott at Forrestal: Tucked away on 25 wooded acres just off the Route 1 Princeton corridor, the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal can be a great place to retreat to with your significant other for the weekend, or if you want to take the kids along, for a fun mini family vacation. The hotel offers a luxurious spa …

There are two holidays this month – Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day. Valentine’s Day weekend, of course, is a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with one’s spouse (especially if there are grandparents who are free to babysit), and Presidents’ Day weekend offers great getaway potential, since many kids and parents have that Monday off. And with all the snow we’ve been having lately, who wouldn’t mind a weekend away for some fun, rest and relaxation? Most parents know of Hershey, Pa., home to Hersheypark, Hershey Lodge and  The Hotel Hershey. Located about two and a half hours away …