Page 68 - 2023 Southern NJ Vacationer

GLASSTOWN ARTS DISTRICT
& MILLVILLE TOURISM
A must-do, must-see day trip
THE GLASSTOWN ARTS DISTRICT
in Millville is a must-do, must-see on everyone’s visit to New Jersey’s Southern Shore. The good news? It’s a short drive from just about anywhere in Cape May, Atlantic and Cumberland counties, making it the perfect day trip.
Now in its 22nd year, the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts, 22 N. High Street has four gallery spaces with original work and prints on display along with sculptures, mosaics, woodcrafts, jewelry, and more. Visit on the Third Friday of the month and enjoy receptions with artists often at work in their studios. Along with the year-round gift shop, the main gallery turns into a fabulous shopping space in November and December filled with art and artisan pieces, perfect for holiday gifts.
Rowan College of South Jersey – Clay College, 321 N. High St., is a large ceramics art school, gallery, gift shop, and working artists’ studio space. Gallery exhibits are often contemporary and modern including paintings, sculptures, and pottery with special exhibits often featuring the historic past of Cumberland County.
DC Gallery & Studio at 508 N. High Street is perfect for you if you enjoy Pop Art and abstracts. Artist-owner Danielle Cartier creates public art and commissioned pieces there and holds art classes. Visit her website (found on GlasstownArtsDistrict.com) for
more information and schedules.
Arts and crafts abound in the Village on
H i g h , 501 N. High Street. Ten cottages include: LaBottega of Art Gallery & Studio, Copper Plate Studio, An Octopus’s Garden, Turner Family Ceramics, the Simple Life Studio, Xanderlily Gifts, TND Scents, Royal Leaf Cigars, and Skyn Fix.
Before or after you browse the cottages, the perfect spot for lunch is Wildflower Vegan Café. You can dine in or in the outside courtyard when the weather is fair. On Third Fridays you can enjoy the live music. Make sure to visit the Farm and Artisan Market on Saturday mornings from June to September.
Mission Spirits Distillery, 215 Buck St., has expanded its hours beyond weekends. Visit their website also through the Glasstown site for details. Rum cocktails that often reflect seasonal changes in a gorgeous, meticulously decorated and very comfortable cocktail area will have you returning often. The distillery has garnered several prestigious prizes in their very first year!
Ready for a great Broadway-style show, concert, or comedy night? The Levoy Theatre on North High Street is a beautiful, 700-seat theatre fully restored to its original grandeur. Enjoy dinner, drinks, or snacks before or after the theatre or while you are shopping and browsing. Restaurants include El Guacamole Restaurant, Old Oar House
Irish Pub, Bojo’s Ale House, Millville Queen Diner, Wildflower Vegan Café, Everything Classie Sweet Soulful Café, Pilar, Manny’s Pizza, BJ Roaster, China Wok, Great Wall, Paradise Pizza, Bruni’s Breakfast & Burgers, and two afternoons a week at Touch of Tom’s Seafood.
Millville Army Air Field Museum was America’s first defense airport during World War II. Thousands of airmen trained at the facility and the museum captures that history with a large collection of artifacts, photos, uniforms, artillery and much more. Glasstown Brewery is only a few steps from the museum with beer tastings six days a week as well as special events.
Nearby is New Jersey Motorsports Park, home to two road courses for professional auto and motorcycle races. NJMP hosts exotic car clubs that enjoy the raceways plus clubhouse amenities and dining throughout the year. The park also offers Go-Karting, Ax Throwing, free summer concerts and a food truck festival. A Moto-Cross course can be found across from the racetracks on Buckshutem Road.
Wheaton Arts Cultural Center, a re-creation of a 19th century glassblowing factory, is home to one of the largest museums of American glass. Visitors can watch artists craft a variety of art forms in glass while potters and wood carvers create their own works of art. Stroll the lovely grounds, visit the galleries, folklife center and general store or enjoy many special events from April to December.
The wild and scenic Maurice River
runs through the Arts District, winding its way to the Delaware Bay. Check the schedule for river cruises replete with bald eagles, osprey, river otters, turtles, and a wide array of migrating birds.
Hike or bike the Maurice River Bluffs Preserves and Natural Lands Peek Preserve or launch a kayak at various locations and enjoy the pristine environment and bird watching.
Plan to visit Wednesdays to Saturdays as museums and many restaurants, galleries and shops are closed Sundays through Tuesdays. Check websites or social media pages for information about each destination or www.glasstownartsdistrict.com; 856-293-0556. G
66 SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY VACATIONER