Skyland Association — Attraction in Ringwood

A hidden gem in northern New Jersey. The state's official botanical garden has impressive grounds that you can wander freely or take a garden tour on Sundays at 2pm. One Sunday a month they have docent guided tours of the manor house, an impressive Tudor style mansion built in the 1920s as a summer residence for the family of Clarence McKenzie Lewis, a member of the board of the NYBG and business acquaintance of JP Morgan. During summer months there is a $5 parking fee per car but otherwise it's free to roam and explore the gardens. In addition to the impressive gardens including the lilac garden, hosta garden, perennial, annual, wildflower, etc. there are fountains and statues. Great place to spend an afternoon and relax and take some great pictures, or do a bit of hiking and explore some wooded trails and ponds and spot birds, rabbits, hawks and...

We arrived and all the parking lots were full, thankfully we had enough quarters for the admission fee, because they only take cash and the nearest ATM is nowhere to be seen. The grounds were well maintained, the perennial garden was spectacular, but we had a lot of trouble finding the bathroom. The main mansion was off limits to guests because there was a private event. We got lost and ended up wandering around a swampy area for about a half an hour. The formal gardens were well laid out leading up to the main house. I saw somebody propose to their future wife, every body started clapping and it was a very happy moment. Generally speaking, this shouldn't be called "The New Jersey Botanic Garden" that title should be bestowed upon...

My husband and I had our first date here as high school sweethearts (13 years ago now). He picked the place and when I saw it I decided I would marry him someday. In addition to being the most incredible man I've ever met, he also has exceptional taste when picking dates. The grounds are simply breathtakingly beautiful. Serene and sprawling with lovely gardens and fountains, a nice view for watching sunsets, or taking in autumn foliage. It's the perfect place for a date, or engagement photos, anniversary picnics, sketching, or just a stroll with someone you love. Ladies, if a man chooses to take you here on a date, that's a man who knows how to treat a woman. Take note. I am so...