Right off the Trail, Sussex County N.J.
This local favorite is located right on Rt. 206 and off the Sussex Branch Trail. This is one of my favorite trail pubs. They have a great selection of beer and non-alcoholic beverages from around the globe. Local live singer songwriter venue on weekends. They have a lively crowd and outdoor space. Casual and fun. You can come in off the trail.
8 locals recommend
Salt Gastropub
109 US-206This local favorite is located right on Rt. 206 and off the Sussex Branch Trail. This is one of my favorite trail pubs. They have a great selection of beer and non-alcoholic beverages from around the globe. Local live singer songwriter venue on weekends. They have a lively crowd and outdoor space. Casual and fun. You can come in off the trail.
This is one of my local favorites! This is easier to get to via car, however it is accessible if you start at the Stanhope / Byram Sussex Branch Trail and head toward the Stanhope Union Cemetery.
Stanhope House
History
Dining Menu
Events
For Bands
Contact Us
FAQ
DJ Series
Welcome to the Last Great American Roadhouse: The Stanhope House
If walls could talk, the old walls of the Stanhope House (c.1794), the Last Great American Road House, would have some serious stories to tell. The club was the stomping grounds and post-show hangout of a massive array of loved blues legends.
Today our two stages, The Roadhouse Stage and The Crossfire Lounge, offer a wide range of experiences – from the good ol’ blues to hip-hop, punk, reggae, rock, as well as comedy nights, open jams and everything in between. Our small size allows us to create an intimate setting and “family” atmosphere, making any visit to The Stanhope House a memorable experience unlike any other. We strive to honor and add to the already illustrious history of our venue.
Imagine, the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughn scrubbing dishes in the kitchen after a late night, jam packed gig. Picture Muddy Waters‘ deep, grainy voice trading chicken recipes with former club Matron, Mama Wrobleski or the original Hoochie Coochie Man, Willie Dixon stopping by for Thanksgiving dinner. All of it happened at The Stanhope House, one of the last great blues bastions left in America.
The former private home, stagecoach stop, general store, post office, tavern, rooming house (some say brothel) and hotel became well-known in the early 1970s for featuring a list of performers that reads like a who’s who of Blues-Rock history. Paul Butterfield, Charlie Musselwhite, Dr. John, Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson, Billy Branch, Lonnie Mack, Son Seals, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Hubert Sumlin, Johnny Copeland, Richie Havens, John Lee Hooker, Albert Collins, Albert King and Buddy Guy rocked the stage, most more than once.
More recently we have been honored to host Rakim, Samantha Fish, Rusted Root, Tab Benoit, KRS-One, Tim Reynolds, Richie Ramone, Gilbert Gottfried, Ghostface Killah, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and more.
This honky tonk is also rumored to be home to an entirely different kind of “soul“. With over two hundred years of history to pull from, it’s no surprise that there have been whispers about the Stanhope House Ghost, a spirit that has made unexpected visits to the club and caused more than one midnight manager a bit of uneasiness. There have been stories of doors randomly opening and closing and unexplained footsteps. Apparently though, this ghost is the helpful sort – employees have arrived to find glasses that were left dirty and in disarray the night before, clean and neatly put away.
Speaking of empty glasses, none other than The Great Bambino, Babe Ruth, used to call The Stanhope House his speakeasy in the days of prohibition. He even left a baseball bat behind for us to remember those hazy nights gone by.
So, whether trying to mingle with ghosts or blues, come on down and experience the history. Taste our all-American home cooking, have a drink and see the best in blues, rock, soul and more on a stage of legends.
PRIVATE EVENTS
LET US HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT!
Concerts & Catered Events
Corporate Parties
Birthdays
Wedding Receptions
Memorials
Album Release Parties
Email us at:
stanhopehousebooking@gmail.com
6 locals recommend
The Stanhope House
45 Main StThis is one of my local favorites! This is easier to get to via car, however it is accessible if you start at the Stanhope / Byram Sussex Branch Trail and head toward the Stanhope Union Cemetery.
Stanhope House
History
Dining Menu
Events
For Bands
Contact Us
FAQ
DJ Series
Welcome to the Last Great American Roadhouse: The Stanhope House
If walls could talk, the old walls of the Stanhope House (c.1794), the Last Great American Road House, would have some serious stories to tell. The club was the stomping grounds and post-show hangout of a massive array of loved blues legends.
Today our two stages, The Roadhouse Stage and The Crossfire Lounge, offer a wide range of experiences – from the good ol’ blues to hip-hop, punk, reggae, rock, as well as comedy nights, open jams and everything in between. Our small size allows us to create an intimate setting and “family” atmosphere, making any visit to The Stanhope House a memorable experience unlike any other. We strive to honor and add to the already illustrious history of our venue.
Imagine, the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughn scrubbing dishes in the kitchen after a late night, jam packed gig. Picture Muddy Waters‘ deep, grainy voice trading chicken recipes with former club Matron, Mama Wrobleski or the original Hoochie Coochie Man, Willie Dixon stopping by for Thanksgiving dinner. All of it happened at The Stanhope House, one of the last great blues bastions left in America.
The former private home, stagecoach stop, general store, post office, tavern, rooming house (some say brothel) and hotel became well-known in the early 1970s for featuring a list of performers that reads like a who’s who of Blues-Rock history. Paul Butterfield, Charlie Musselwhite, Dr. John, Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson, Billy Branch, Lonnie Mack, Son Seals, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Hubert Sumlin, Johnny Copeland, Richie Havens, John Lee Hooker, Albert Collins, Albert King and Buddy Guy rocked the stage, most more than once.
More recently we have been honored to host Rakim, Samantha Fish, Rusted Root, Tab Benoit, KRS-One, Tim Reynolds, Richie Ramone, Gilbert Gottfried, Ghostface Killah, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and more.
This honky tonk is also rumored to be home to an entirely different kind of “soul“. With over two hundred years of history to pull from, it’s no surprise that there have been whispers about the Stanhope House Ghost, a spirit that has made unexpected visits to the club and caused more than one midnight manager a bit of uneasiness. There have been stories of doors randomly opening and closing and unexplained footsteps. Apparently though, this ghost is the helpful sort – employees have arrived to find glasses that were left dirty and in disarray the night before, clean and neatly put away.
Speaking of empty glasses, none other than The Great Bambino, Babe Ruth, used to call The Stanhope House his speakeasy in the days of prohibition. He even left a baseball bat behind for us to remember those hazy nights gone by.
So, whether trying to mingle with ghosts or blues, come on down and experience the history. Taste our all-American home cooking, have a drink and see the best in blues, rock, soul and more on a stage of legends.
PRIVATE EVENTS
LET US HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT!
Concerts & Catered Events
Corporate Parties
Birthdays
Wedding Receptions
Memorials
Album Release Parties
Email us at:
stanhopehousebooking@gmail.com
Order ahead of time for pick up on your way in to Valley Overlook Residency. If you have no vehicle, Shop Right offers delivery for a small fee and this can be done online.
https://shop.shoprite.com/globaldata/banner-pages/shoprite-from-home
ShopRite of Byram
90-80 U.S. 206Order ahead of time for pick up on your way in to Valley Overlook Residency. If you have no vehicle, Shop Right offers delivery for a small fee and this can be done online.
https://shop.shoprite.com/globaldata/banner-pages/shoprite-from-home
Excellent stop for road bikers and trail bikers as well. This historic site is located only a short distance from the Sussex Branch parking area off Waterloo Rd. Byram
8 locals recommend
Waterloo Village
Waterloo RoadExcellent stop for road bikers and trail bikers as well. This historic site is located only a short distance from the Sussex Branch parking area off Waterloo Rd. Byram
Hudson Farm hosts a local charity hike each year. Stay with us at Valley Overlook residency and pre- register with the Hudson Farm Club.
Hudson Farm Club
270 Stanhope Sparta RdHudson Farm hosts a local charity hike each year. Stay with us at Valley Overlook residency and pre- register with the Hudson Farm Club.
Here is another local favorite in a terrific antique hunting location. This too, right off the Sussex Branch Trail in the Andover section.
This area is thriving with weekend antique hunters.
Old Crow's Coffeehouse
5 Lenape RoadHere is another local favorite in a terrific antique hunting location. This too, right off the Sussex Branch Trail in the Andover section.
This area is thriving with weekend antique hunters.
Lafayette House
New Jersey 94Another favorite located right off the trail .
Angry Erik Brewing, LLC
2 Camre DrExcellent local brew. Located in Newton.
A true historic gem. Excellent food and gift boutiques right off the Paulinskill Rail Trail via Sussex Branch Trail.
https://www.traillink.com/trail/paulinskill-valley-trail/
6 locals recommend
Blairstown
A true historic gem. Excellent food and gift boutiques right off the Paulinskill Rail Trail via Sussex Branch Trail.
https://www.traillink.com/trail/paulinskill-valley-trail/
Do not miss this! This is a local gem! Homemade food, local produces and farm animals during the warm months. This is a must see for families with children.
Tranquillity Farms
47 Decker Pond RdDo not miss this! This is a local gem! Homemade food, local produces and farm animals during the warm months. This is a must see for families with children.
This local favorite is known for fabulous clams and lobster at terrific prices. This is a true pub and you can come in right off the trail. This is a quick bike ride off the Sussex Branch Trail. Check out the ambiance around the fire pit! This place has terrific outdoor seating.
Pub 517
50 Stuyvesant RoadThis local favorite is known for fabulous clams and lobster at terrific prices. This is a true pub and you can come in right off the trail. This is a quick bike ride off the Sussex Branch Trail. Check out the ambiance around the fire pit! This place has terrific outdoor seating.
Hairloom Salon
21 US-206Clean up right after a long weekend of trail blazing.
A true hidden gem. Delicious home made treats and breakfast in a true country setting. A local road biking stop for years.
Tranquility Store
97 Kennedy RdA true hidden gem. Delicious home made treats and breakfast in a true country setting. A local road biking stop for years.
Real close to the Paulinskill Trail, this tiny gem has some of the best local ( or anywhere!) Italian food Ive ever had. They offer delivery and everything on the menu is fantastic.
Cesco's Pizza
538 NJ-94Real close to the Paulinskill Trail, this tiny gem has some of the best local ( or anywhere!) Italian food Ive ever had. They offer delivery and everything on the menu is fantastic.
This is off the trail and located on Rt. 206, less than a 5 min. drive from Valley Overlook Residency. Great prices and service.
Stonewood Tavern
239 US-206This is off the trail and located on Rt. 206, less than a 5 min. drive from Valley Overlook Residency. Great prices and service.
Trail Rides
Address: 56 Paulinskill Lake Rd, Newton, NJ 07860
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 5PM
Phone: (973) 383-3766
Spring Valley Equestrian Center
56 Paulinskill Lake RdTrail Rides
Address: 56 Paulinskill Lake Rd, Newton, NJ 07860
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 5PM
Phone: (973) 383-3766
Trail Rides
Address: 36 Hess Rd, Blairstown, NJ 07825
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 6PM
Phone: (908) 362-1440
Top View Riding Ranch
36 Hess RoadTrail Rides
Address: 36 Hess Rd, Blairstown, NJ 07825
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 6PM
Phone: (908) 362-1440
Horse Back Trail Rides
Address: 61 Co Rd 560, Branchville, NJ 07826
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 6PM
Phone: (201) 841-9754
Serene Horse Ranch
61 County Road 560Horse Back Trail Rides
Address: 61 Co Rd 560, Branchville, NJ 07826
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 6PM
Phone: (201) 841-9754
Horse Back Trail Rides
Address: 223 Morris Turnpike, Newton, NJ 07860
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 10PM
Phone: (973) 948-0338
Evergreen Valley Stables
223 Morris TurnpikeHorse Back Trail Rides
Address: 223 Morris Turnpike, Newton, NJ 07860
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 10PM
Phone: (973) 948-0338
Food scene
Liquor Factory (Byram)
8 US-206Great selection
ShopRite of Byram
90-80 U.S. 206Great selection.
While this local favorite is not on the trail, it is very close to Valley Overlook Residency and has a delicious menu. It is easily reached by vehicle. Business casual.
Black Forest Inn
249 US-206While this local favorite is not on the trail, it is very close to Valley Overlook Residency and has a delicious menu. It is easily reached by vehicle. Business casual.
Brewed right here. This is in walking distance from the Hackettstown train station. About 15 minute drive from Valley Overlook Residency. Bike from the Sussex Branch Trail parking location at Waterloo Rd.
Czig Meister Brewing
106 Valentine StreetBrewed right here. This is in walking distance from the Hackettstown train station. About 15 minute drive from Valley Overlook Residency. Bike from the Sussex Branch Trail parking location at Waterloo Rd.
Brewed right here. This is in walking distance from the Hackettstown train station. About 15 minute drive from Valley Overlook Residency. Bike from the Sussex Branch Trail parking location at Waterloo Rd.
Man Skirt Brewing
144 Main StBrewed right here. This is in walking distance from the Hackettstown train station. About 15 minute drive from Valley Overlook Residency. Bike from the Sussex Branch Trail parking location at Waterloo Rd.
Brewed right here. This is in walking distance from the Hackettstown train station. About 15 minute drive from Valley Overlook Residency. Bike from the Sussex Branch Trail parking location at Waterloo Rd.
Jersey Girl Brewing
426 Sand Shore RoadBrewed right here. This is in walking distance from the Hackettstown train station. About 15 minute drive from Valley Overlook Residency. Bike from the Sussex Branch Trail parking location at Waterloo Rd.
Excellent food and beer. Located across from the boardwalk on beautiful Lake Mohawk. Only a quick 10 minute drive from Valley Overlook Residency. Road bikers are in luck. This is a quick ride, filled with challenging hills and turns.
17 locals recommend
Krogh's Restaurant & Brew Pub
23 White Deer PlazaExcellent food and beer. Located across from the boardwalk on beautiful Lake Mohawk. Only a quick 10 minute drive from Valley Overlook Residency. Road bikers are in luck. This is a quick ride, filled with challenging hills and turns.
Excellent gourmet foods. In summer, have home made ice cream in the center of town. Highly recommended.
Hayek Market
1 Mill StExcellent gourmet foods. In summer, have home made ice cream in the center of town. Highly recommended.
Soups On Main
199 Main StreetExcellent homemade soups! lots of local shopping and unique stores.
Marley's Gotham Grill
169 Main StreetExcellent food and drink! Llots of local shopping and unique stores.
Excellent food and drink! Lots of local shopping and unique stores.
Toscana Trattoria Ristorante Italiano
223 Main StreetExcellent food and drink! Lots of local shopping and unique stores.
Excellent food and drink! This delicious restaurant has a huge gluten free menu. The ambiance is terrific and fun. Ive heard live singer songwriter musicians play here as well. Lots of local shopping and unique stores.
8 locals recommend
Mama's Cafe Baci
260 Mountain AveExcellent food and drink! This delicious restaurant has a huge gluten free menu. The ambiance is terrific and fun. Ive heard live singer songwriter musicians play here as well. Lots of local shopping and unique stores.
I cant say enough. You want excellent Thai? Great ambience? Here it is.
6 locals recommend
Pandan Room
100 East Moore StreetI cant say enough. You want excellent Thai? Great ambience? Here it is.
Stella G's
186 Main StIncredible breakfast and lunch menu. One of my favorites.
This is a bit of a drive ( 30 min.) from Valley Overlook Residency, but if you have a car and want excellent and traditional Japanese dishes, this is the place.
Fujiyama
1954 New Jersey 57This is a bit of a drive ( 30 min.) from Valley Overlook Residency, but if you have a car and want excellent and traditional Japanese dishes, this is the place.
Carmine's pizza
75 Main StA local favorite for many decades! Right next to the Netcong Train Station.
Ron's Landmark
85 Main StreetA local favorite in walking distance from the Netcong Train Station
Rose's Place
4 Allen StA local favorite in walking distance from the Netcong Train Station
Maria Bonita the Authentic Mexican Restaurant
94 U.S. 46Excellent and local favorite with no contact delivery.
Monchy's Colombian Grill
133 Main StreetWalking distance from the Hackettstown Train Station and delivery!
The Inn At Millrace Pond
313 Johnsonburg RdSuperb meals in a serene atmosphere.
Sightseeing
Fun trip for the kids. This is not off the trail for hiking , but accessible from bicycle or vehicle.
16 locals recommend
Wild West City
50 Lackawanna DrFun trip for the kids. This is not off the trail for hiking , but accessible from bicycle or vehicle.
In walking distance to the Netcong Train Station.
The Growing Stage - The Children's Theatre of New Jersey
7 Ledgewood AveIn walking distance to the Netcong Train Station.
Land of Make Believe
354 Great Meadows RoadA local favorite for the very young for decades!
Skylands Stadium
94 Championship PlaceSports!
Peters Valley School of Craft
19 Kuhn RdBlacksmithing school
Peters Valley Gallery - Retail and Exhibition
19 Kuhn Rdlocal ceramic and artisan work for sale
City/town information
Small village with old Victorian and Edwardian style homes, little storefronts. Excellent restaurants and breweries.
Hackettstown
Small village with old Victorian and Edwardian style homes, little storefronts. Excellent restaurants and breweries.
Neighborhoods
Newton
Local Restaurants and shopping in this beautiful historic location.
Historic town and great food. Have an ice cream cone on the boardwalk overlooking the lake. Pizza, great pubs and stores.
Sparta Township
Historic town and great food. Have an ice cream cone on the boardwalk overlooking the lake. Pizza, great pubs and stores.
Netcong
Excellent Restaurants and Pizza in walking distance from the Netcong train station.
Traveler advice
Book before you go
Wildlife
This seems like a "no-brainer". While wildlife is fascinating and beautiful, we never "attract" wildlife by leaving food or trash bags outside. Bears, racoon, possums even deer, can be dangerous. Watch from a distance. If you want to see wildlife, keep quiet. Animals will avoid you if you are noisy or play music. If you see a bear with cubs, make noise while they are still in the distance. Never corner a bear.
Getting around
Buses from NYC
https://www.byramtwp.org/index.php/services/transportation
Getting around
Trains
Byram has no train stop. Closest rail stations are Mt. Olive, Netcong, Hackettstown, Mt. Arlington, Dover New Jersey. I suggest scheduling an Uber, Lydt or taxi ahead of time.
https://www.njtransit.com/train-to
Getting around
Cars
Sean and Paddy's Limo ( near Valley Overlook Residency)
https://www.seanandpaddyslimo.com/
973-831-5888
Wharton Limo and Rides ( near Dover Train Station)
873-521-9111
Sussex County Taxi Service, LLC ( Near Valley Overlook Residency)
973-729-7770
American Elite Limo ( near Dover Train Station)
https://www.americanelitelimousine.com/services/airpor-limo/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuOWj5-yb7gIV44NbCh2qEgXNEAAYASAAEgJizPD_BwE
Getting around
Ride Bike Shop
Need a bicycle for the trails or road?
Address: 2 Lenape Rd, Andover, NJ 07821
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 6PM
Phone: (973) 786-0307
https://ridebikesnj.com/
What to pack
Sensible Foot Wear
This is rough terrain. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear suck as hiking sneakers, boots or hiking sandal / sneaker hybrids. The rail trails are easy to walk on in sneakers, however the trails connecting are rough and rocky. If you have children I suggest the rail trails. Its colder in the hills so always have extra layers. Its a good idea to keep a rain poncho on you in summer in case you get stuck in the rain during a hike. If you have never been hiking, please do your own research before heading out.