Go Back In Time At Historic Kearney House This Fall

The historic Kearney House will take visitors back to the 19th century with candlelight events.

ALPINE, N.J.—The historic Kearney House in the Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey hosts a number of events each year when visitors can experience what life may have been like in the mid-19th century— when Mrs. Kearney kept a dockside tavern at the house. Here’s what’s coming up this fall:

• “Punch & Pie” Saturday evenings, Oct. 19 and Nov. 2, from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Enjoy music, spiced punch, pies, and stories. Cost is $18 per guest, per evening, or $20 at door (cash only and if spaces remain). At these events, the classic tavern adventure includes a unique candlelit atmosphere of a 19th-century Hudson River tavern. Fresh fruit, cheeses, freshly baked pies, a spiced punch, and other refreshments will be provided. Musical entertainment will be provided by the “tavern musician,” Thaddeus MacGregor, while historical commentary and tall tales are shared by Eric Nelsen. 

• “Tales of the Macabre” on Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26, from 8 to 10 p.m. Reading aloud from the works of Edgar Allan Poe—and hot cider and doughnuts! The cost is $8 per guest, per evening, in advance, or $10 at door (cash only and if spaces remain). In addition to the unique candlelit atmosphere, there will be reading aloud from classic literature by Edgar Allan Poe. 

For either of these events, guests may bring their own wine or beer if they wish. 

The Kearney House is on the riverfront at the park’s Alpine Picnic Area and Boat Basin, accessible from the Alpine park entrance at Palisades Interstate Parkway Exit 2, or from Alpine Approach Road off U.S. Route 9W about a mile north of Closter Dock Road. For more information (201) 768-1360, ext. 108.