South Mountain Reservation Is Magazine's 'Favorite Outdoor Spot'

MAPLEWOOD, NJ - The South Mountain Reservation was named "Favorite Outdoor Spot" by the New Jersey Family magazine in their latest rankings.

The outdoor spot was included in the annual "Ultimate Bucket List" survey, which asked readers what some of their must-do's are in New Jersey.

According to the magazine, visitors can "bring the kids for an afternoon of hiking, fishing and picnicking, plus exploring the Wildflower Sculpture Park. Our readers love the South Mountain Fairy Trail, a path of tiny detailed houses complete with acorn chairs, moss beds and tree bark roofs."

Visitors are also encouraged to build their fairy houses of their own. What you'll need:

• Twigs, rocks, tree bark, shells, clay pot, flowers, pine cones, acorns, sea glass, rope, wood glue (and anything else you find to decorate your house)!
• Sketch what you want the house to look like.
• Gather your materials.
• If you build this for your patio, fill the clay pot with dirt and use it as the base.
• Assemble the twigs in the shape you’d like your house to take (Use glue or rope to put them together, or small hinges for doors).
• Paint and decorate as you see fit—fairies love sparkle and color!
• Get creative and make little beds, tables or chairs out of sticks or clay.

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading, or by visiting the Google Play store.