Explore Sussex County, NJ's top spots, events, activities, hidden gems and more!
Explore Sussex County, NJ's top spots, events, activities, hidden gems and more!
Boat Rental Lake Hopatcong NJ: Pontoons, Kayak Launches and Rules
Where to rent a pontoon on Lake Hopatcong, what it costs, where to launch a kayak for free, and the New Jersey boating certificate rules renters need to know.
Shop Sussex CountyOctober 19, 2026
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The best of Sussex County, free in your inbox
Weekend events, fall festivals, new openings and hidden gems from Newton to Vernon, Sparta to Stanhope. One quick email, every week.
Subscribe freeBoat Rental Lake Hopatcong NJ: Pontoons, Kayak Launches and Rules
Where to rent a pontoon on Lake Hopatcong, what it costs, where to launch a kayak for free, and the New Jersey boating...
Shop Sussex CountyOctober 19, 2026
9 Best Restaurants to Try in Sussex, NJ
Our team rounds up the best restaurants in Sussex, NJ: Early American Tavern, Bearded Baby Que, Old Stone, The Sussex Saloon, Indian Spice Route 23 and Cow Patty's.
Shop Sussex CountyOctober 8, 2026
Boomer’s Bangin’ Soup Trail Run Comes to Kittatinny Valley State Park in Newton on November 8, 2026
5K and 10K trail race at Kittatinny Valley State Park in Newton on Nov. 8, 2026. Fees fund free mammograms. $40 entry through Oct. 24.
Shop Sussex CountyOctober 19, 2026
Shop Sussex County is your local guide to Sussex County, NJ
Shop Sussex County is an independent local media brand covering the 24 towns of Sussex County, New Jersey, from Newton and Sparta to Vernon, Hopatcong, Franklin and Wantage. We publish event roundups, things to do, food and drink features and community news, with a focus on the farms, festivals, trails and small businesses that make the Skylands special. Want the best of it every week? Subscribe free.
Boat Rental Lake Hopatcong NJ: Pontoons, Kayak Launches and Rules
Where to rent a pontoon on Lake Hopatcong, what it costs, where to launch a kayak for free, and the New Jersey boating...
Shop Sussex CountyOctober 19, 2026
Best Restaurants in Sussex County, NJ: 65 Picks Across 7 Towns
Our town-by-town map of the best restaurants in Sussex County, NJ: 65 picks across Newton, Vernon, Hopatcong, Stanhope, Sussex, Hamburg and Sparta.
Shop Sussex CountyOctober 12, 2026
7 Best Restaurants to Try in Lafayette, NJ
Our 7 best restaurants in Lafayette, NJ: a prime rib tavern, farm cafe, English afternoon tea, pizza, coffee, bagels and a mill cafe.
Shop Sussex CountyOctober 18, 2026
Free Lecture on Sussex County Native American History Comes to SCCC in Newton on November 20
Tony Lombardo explores Native American village sites near Newton, Andover and Sparta at SCCC on Nov. 20, 2026. Free; call to register.
Shop Sussex CountyOctober 18, 2026
Appalachian Trail Boardwalk in Vernon NJ: Pochuck and Stairway to Heaven
The Pochuck Boardwalk is an easy 2-mile A.T. walk over the Vernon wetlands, and the Stairway to Heaven is a steep climb to...
Shop Sussex CountyOctober 17, 2026
Crystal Springs Resort Thanksgiving 2026: Three Buffets and Four Restaurant Dinners on November 26
Crystal Springs Resort serves Thanksgiving Nov. 26, 2026: buffets from $69 at Black Bear, The Canyon and Emerald Ballroom, plus Kites.
Shop Sussex CountyOctober 17, 2026
Things to Do in Sparta NJ: Lake Mohawk, Sparta Mountain and More
Our guide to things to do in Sparta NJ, from White Deer Plaza and Sparta Mountain to the Van Kirk Homestead Museum, Sparta...
Shop Sussex CountyOctober 16, 2026
9 Best Restaurants to Try in Branchville, NJ
Our 9 best restaurants in Branchville, NJ: lakeside taverns on Kittatinny Lake, classic diners, Mexican, pizza, bagels and a bakery.
Shop Sussex CountyOctober 16, 2026
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Sussex County, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions About Sussex County
Quick answers about Sussex County, New Jersey, from the Shop Sussex County team.
What is Shop Sussex County?
Shop Sussex County is an independent local guide to Sussex County, New Jersey. We cover events, things to do, food and drink, and community news across all 24 municipalities. We are the sister brand of Shop Morris County, and local businesses reach our audience through advertising.
What towns are in Sussex County, NJ?
Sussex County has 24 municipalities: Andover Borough, Andover Township, Branchville, Byram, Frankford, Franklin, Fredon, Green, Hamburg, Hampton, Hardyston, Hopatcong, Lafayette, Montague, Newton, Ogdensburg, Sandyston, Sparta, Stanhope, Stillwater, Sussex Borough, Vernon, Walpack and Wantage. Newton is the county seat.
What are the best things to do in Sussex County?
Sussex County is New Jersey's outdoor county. Popular picks include High Point State Park, home to the highest point in the state, Stokes State Forest, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Lake Hopatcong, Mountain Creek in Vernon, and the Appalachian Trail. Families also love Space Farms Zoo and Museum, Wild West City in Byram, and the mineral museums in Franklin and Ogdensburg. Check our Things To Do section for what is happening this week.
Where is the New Jersey State Fair held?
The New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm and Horse Show is held each summer at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, part of Frankford Township. It is one of the biggest annual events in the county.
Why is Franklin called the Fluorescent Mineral Capital of the World?
The zinc mines of Franklin and Ogdensburg produced minerals that glow under ultraviolet light, many found nowhere else on earth. You can see them at the Franklin Mineral Museum and the Sterling Hill Mining Museum.
Where can I go apple and pumpkin picking in Sussex County?
Fall is peak season in Sussex County, with farm stands, orchards, corn mazes and pumpkin festivals across Vernon, Newton, Wantage and beyond. We publish updated fall guides every season, so check our Events section for current dates and hours.
How do I get my event or business featured?
Send us your news through our contact page. For sponsored posts, homepage placements and social campaigns, visit advertise.shopsussexcounty.com.
How do I get Shop Sussex County in my inbox?
Sign up for our free newsletter at subscribe.shopsussexcounty.com. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
