Hines Tours - Nature & History Tours from NYC — Local services in North Bergen

Two single day trips visiting gems on both sides of the Delaware River. This past season, I did two separate day trips with Hines tours. Both trips began in Northwest NJ & ended in PA; one of the trips then made a stop in NJ afterwards. The first trip was to Abraham Staats House South Bound Brook, NJ which dates back to the Revolutionary War.  Even as a NJ native, I never knew this place existed. The place was fascinating with period rooms, artifacts, and a performer on an instrument called a Hammered Dulcimer. We were then treated to a battle re-enactment done by actual descendants of the Revolutionary War. We then went to Ringing Rocks Park in Upper Black Eddy, PA. We first walked on a trail leading us to a beautiful waterfall. What makes the park unique is the park’s boulder rocks that do actually ring when you tap them with a hammer (hammers not included but some guests brought their own). On the second trip, the first stop was in Sussex county NJ at Sterling Mine Mineral Museum. This had been a working zinc mine until 1986 and opened as a Museum in 1989. We first toured the museum which housed their extensive gem collection. The museum space had been repurposed from the miners’ locker room and had preserved the original lockers and the shower sprouts used by the miners. Our phenomenal tour guide then took us through the underground mine explaining the minerals and equipment used in the mines. We were immersed in the life of a daily miner including the demographics of the miners, different job specialties in the mine, and how miners were matched with their jobs in the mines. Our guide also explained the importance of zinc in our everyday lives and I now have added zinc to my daily regimen & feel better for that piece of advice. Our guide described how brilliant fluorescent minerals were accidentally discovered & we were treated to a brilliant light show both in the mines & at the Florescent Mineral Museum. After lunch, we drove over the Delaware River to Bushkill Falls in Poconos PA. These Falls, dubbed the Niagara Falls of PA, is a popular destination boasting 8 Waterfalls. Nik led a tour for those who wanted to join and hit all the waterfalls. Otherwise people could visit the falls at their own pace. Each waterfall was more spectacular than the last. There was plenty of viewing areas with places to sit and be mesmerized by the falls. Bonus that we saw the falls on a perfect sunny fall day. During the first trip, on our way back to NYC, we then made a bonus stop at Red Hill Museum in Clinton NJ. This museum is highly photographed and had been on my bucket list but hadn’t had the opportunity to visit as it’s not too accessible by public transportation. We toured the mill and learned about the family who owned the mill, the industrial process, and life in the 1800s at the mill. For example, we saw a model school house which had listed on the wall not only the rules for students but also the rules to which rules teachers had to adhere during those times. The town itself was quaint and picturesque. I cannot recommend Hines Tours enough for a dosage of adventure, history,...

THANK YOU Hines Tours. I enjoy traveling, but because of my job schedule, it is hard getting the same time off as my friends. I can drive, but hate driving alone. I'm always worried I'll wreck a tire or get lost with a low battery cell phone lol. So I started touring alone with Hines Tours.

Hines Tours always meets us in Manhattan. Mr Nik is our mini bus driver & host. The tours are usually made up of a small group around 10 people. Many singles. Some often repeat customers I noticed. Nik has us all sign a waiver and then gives us a light breakfast snack. Then were off. Kick back and watch the views.

So far I have been on 3 trips with Hines Tours..

My first trip was the weekender trip to the Catskills. This trip is very popular and sells out fast. It was August and the weather was beautiful. I relaxed by the outdoor pool. Took walks in the parks near by. We visited a few surrounding water falls. Meals were all included. I didn't have to worry about a thing.

My second time with Hines was the 5 day trip to the west coast last year. Hines took us to many national parks, including the Zion National Park. And we visited a bunch of cannons. I think everyone's favorite was Bryce Cannon.

My last trip was this year, we visited an alpaca farm in New Jersey. Adorable. We were allowed to pet them, feed them & take selfies with them :) We had ample time to visit the gift shop.

So I'm really excited for the Hines Tours 2020 schedule. It will be available online in March 2020. Or you can request a colorful...

I have been on almost every Hines Tour that has been available over several years. The only tours not taken were because I had a personal conflict with the dates. What makes me come back time and again to book a Hines one-day-tour is not only the excellent itineraries which include interesting historical tourist sites, scenic beauty and even challenging hikes, but also the convenience of leaving the driving to someone else and the entire package which includes a tour guide with information on the site and is able to lead the way if help is needed not to get lost or just to lend a hand to climb over slippery rock formations. The value is excellent, including an early morning bagel, cream cheese, juice and lunch. The president of the company, Nik, put his guests first...makes sure that everyone has fun and...