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Kick off your week with the UC Scoop’s summer sampler: we’ve got a couple of suggested day trips, a new restaurant opening outside our county lines as well as community concerts, outdoor movie nights, and farmers markets lighting up Union County under the summer sky. Whether you seek adventure, flavor, or culture, we’ve got your guide to make this week unforgettable.
Day trips for nature lovers
Hemlock Falls
South Mountain Reservation
Hemlock Falls is a 25-foot cascade where Hemlock Brook spills over a rocky ledge into a shaded gorge, accessible via the red-dot-blazed Hemlock Falls Loop—a 0.6-mile out-and-back trail perfect for a quick nature escape . The wide dirt path winds through towering hemlocks and hardwoods, with a bench at the falls’ base for taking in the view and enjoying a snack before returning . Well-marked and family-friendly, this short hike rewards visitors with cool mist and forest tranquility year-round.
Enjoy a relaxed evening among blooming sunflower and wildflower fields at Ward’s Farm. Bring your favorite bottle and a picnic dinner (or order takeout) to savor at picnic tables nestled in vibrant blooms. Your ticket includes farm admission, a picking cup, and freshly cut flowers to craft your own bouquet—just don’t forget scissors. Pack a blanket, gather friends or a date, and toast summer under the open sky.
Picking Your Own Fruit
If you’re looking to pick your own fruit, here’s what’s currently in season. From July 15 through July 31, New Jersey’s pick-your-own season bursts into full swing with a bounty of summer fruits: juicy blueberries, plump blackberries, sweet raspberries, ripe plums, and peaches and nectarines all reach peak ripeness, offering plenty of opportunities for picking your perfect basket of seasonal goodness.
Thank you to everyone who voted in last week’s poll. Looks like most of you are rock and pop music fans.
Here’s a new poll for you…
How long has it been since you last went to a movie theater?
New Restaurants
For new restaurant openings this past week, we have to venture a little outside of Union County.
100 Morris Street, Morristown
Opened July 9, 2025, The Morris Proper occupies a 12,000-square-foot space in the new M Station West development between Morristown Green and the train station. Led by Chef David Felton of Ninety Acres fame, the menu features elevated comfort food in a modern, airy dining room designed for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.
🍽️ Heard of a new restaurant in your neighborhood? Let us know about it.
Email us at [email protected]
Food & Drink Events
Library Chef Presents: Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free – Simple Cilantro Salmon
July 16, 2025 (7:30 PM) - Springfield Free Public Library, 66 Mountain Avenue, SpringfieldJoin Chef Nina for a hands-on demo of her vibrant cilantro-crusted salmon recipe that’s entirely gluten- and dairy-free.
The Art of Dining with Strangers
July 23, 2025 (6:30 PM – 9:00 PM) - Van Gogh’s Ear Cafe, 1017 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union
Skip the small talk and dive into delicious conversation at this supper-club-style event. For $40, you’ll enjoy a café-menu entrée (vegan & GF options available), icebreaker cards, and seating matched by personality—plus BYOB to toast new connections.August 14, 2025 (6:30 PM) - 431 North Avenue West, Westfield
Journey to the foothills of the Vosges at Chez Catherine’s Alsacian Wine Dinner, where a four-course feast is expertly paired with Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris selections.
Arts & Culture Events
July 15, 2025 (7:00 – 9:00 PM) - Village Green, Summit
Summit’s Tuesday concert series opens with a Taylor-inspired sing-along that’s part tribute show, part community karaoke.Linden Summer Entertainment Series
July 15, 2025 (7:00 PM) - Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 North Wood Avenue, Linden
Valerie Adams & Dimension will be performing Jazz/R&B this week.Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival
July 15, 2025 (6:00 - 9:00PM) – Quimby Street & Foundation Park, Westfield
Carrie Jackson at Quimby St. from 6-9pm and NJ Workshop for the Arts at Foundation Park (7-9pm)Family Fun & Flix - Moana 2
July 15, 2025 (7:30PM) - Warinanco Park, Elizabeth
The Family Fun and Flix fun begins at 7:30pm with family-friendly festivities. An ice cream truck will be on site for attendees who wish to purchase a snack. Each movie, weather permitting, will begin at dusk. Residents are encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair to claim a spot on the lawn.Summer Series in Union Center
July 16, 2025 (6:30 - 9:00PM) - Stuyvesant Avenue (between Morris & Axton), UnionStuyvesant Avenue (between Morris & Axton) will come alive with live musical performances, giant outdoor games, local vendors, restaurant specials, and much more!
Westfield Community Concert Band: 113th Summer Series
July 17, 2025 (7:30PM) – Mindowaskin Park, Westfield
Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on & enjoy an evening of music!Downtown Cranford Summer Sounds
July 17, 2025 (6:00 - 8:00PM) - Eastman Clock Plaza, Cranford
The Accelerators will be performing this week.July 17, 2025 (5:00 - 8:00PM) - Various locations, Summit
The Promenade (next to the fountain, 426 Springfield Ave) - Rusty MonksStarbucks (corner of Union Pl & Beechwood Rd) - Mrs. Ellers & The Fellers
Horse Trough (by Pizza Vita, 7 Union Pl.) - Joel Zelnick TrioUnion Place (in front of Jamie's Shoe Repair) - The Constables
Lyric Park (corner of Bank St & Beechwood Rd.) - Storer Avenue Jazz Project
Union Summer Concert Series - Miami Nights Gloria Estefan Tribute
July 17, 2025 (7:30 - 9:00PM) - Rabkin Park, Union
Nikki Torres and the Rhythm Machine will be overing some of Gloria Estefans’s hits such as “Oye Mi Canto” to her #1 ballad “Anything For You”. Come join us and "Get On Your Feet"!Summer Concerts at Rahway Library
July 17, 2025 (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM) - Rahway Library, 2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway
Tal Naccarato performs a solo acoustic set in the library’s intimate courtyard —perfect for an early-evening listening session.New Providence Summer Concert Series
July 17, 2025 (7:00 PM) - Centennial Park, New Providence
Asbury Fever (Springsteen & classic rock tribute)Downtown Plainfield Pop Up Concert Series
July 17, 2025 (6:30 - 8:30PM) - 107 Park Avenue (Park Plaza), Plainfield
Joe Taino will be performing Blues and Jazz.Live Jazz – Joe Knipes Quartet
July 18, 2025 (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM) - Van Gogh’s Ear Cafe, 1017 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union
The Joe Knipes Quartet brings soulful saxophone-led grooves and inventive improvisations to the stage. For a $5 cover, sip your favorite drink while the quartet navigates bluesy ballads and high-energy swing in this cozy café setting.Paseo Music Series
July 18, 2025 (6:30 PM – 9:30 PM) - The Paseo, 1501 Main Street, Rahway
Sweater Pills is performing this week at The Paseo.Summit Street Sounds
July 18, 2025 (5:00 - 8:00PM) - Various locations, SummitThe Promenade (next to the fountain, 426 Springfield Ave) - Open Roads
Starbucks (corner of Union Pl & Beechwood Rd) - The Burners
Horse Trough (by Pizza Vita, 7 Union Pl.) - Free Speech Trio
Lyric Park (corner of Bank St & Beechwood Rd.) - Laredo
Union Place (in front of Jamie's Shoe Repair) - Jessica Woodlee
Maple Street (next to Fiorino's) - Sabrina DiasLegally Blonde - The Musical
July 11-20, 2025 - Summit Playhouse, SummitJuly 19, 2025 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM) - Arts District Park (Central Ave & Irving St), Rahway
Carlos Frias & Circulo Social will be performing live this Saturday.July 19, 2025 (4:00 – 8:00 PM) - Warinanco Park, Elizabeth/Roselle
A free outdoor freestyle music concert featuring classic '80s/'90s artists TKA, Judy Torres, and Soave as part of Union County's Summer Arts Festival.
AB Salute House
July 19, 2025 (4:00 – 9:00 PM) - Rahway Recreation Center, RahwayHouse music performance and dance event with AB Salute House. This is part of Rahway's broader music series, free and open to the public, emphasizing upbeat, danceable sets.
July 20, 2025 (2:00 - 4:00PM) - First United Methodist Church, Westfield
Free classical concert featuring Respighi's "The Pines of Rome," Ravel's "Mother Goose Suite," and opera arias performed by mezzo-soprano Cheri Rose Katz under conductor Michael Avagliano.Live Jazz – Frankie Midnight
July 20, 2025 (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM) - Van Gogh’s Ear Cafe, 1017 Stuyvesant Avenue, Union
Experience the dynamic vocals of Frankie Midnight, whose blend of jazz classics and contemporary flair promises an engaging show. With a $5 cover, settle in for an evening of warm trumpet tones, walking bass lines, and Midnight’s signature charisma.Scotch Plains Summer Concerts
July 24, 2025 (7:00PM) - Village Green, 430 Park Ave., Scotch Plains
Crystal Pepsi and the Zimas (90’s Party Rock)Other Events Outside of Union County
Bria Skonberg at the Back Deck
July 17, 2025 - Morris Museum, MorristownLynette Sheard, Gatsby Reimagined at the Back Deck
July 24, 2025 - Morris Museum, Morristown
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Farmers Markets
Looking for fresh produce? There is a farmers market for almost each day of the week in Union County with the exception of Tuesdays and Fridays.
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