In Monmouth County, in a very out-of-the-way, off-the-beaten-path location, just north of the Burlington County line, is a quaint gem of a park located on the edge of the Crosswicks Creek. Part of the Monmouth County Park System, Historic Walnford shows two centuries of change of the Waln family’s property from “an 18th century industrial village and family farm to an elegant country estate.” The large home was built in 1773 and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The working grist mill on the site is open for demonstrations between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from April through November. In addition to historic and educational displays in the house and gristmill, there is a carriage house and various other outbuildings. Other activities including group programs, afternoon teas, a mill maintenance program, history exhibits and art exhibits. On May 21st, it’s Walnford Day, with historic demonstrations, with the gristmill in action, horse drawn wagon rides, live blue-grass music and the Magnolia Street string band from 2 to 5 p.m. There’s something for everyone at Historic Walnford. Check out their website at www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
