Escape to A Winter World of Dog Sledding (Without Freezing)

Believe it or not, there is a dog sledding group in New Jersey.

Each week, Patch tells you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, and maybe a whole lot more fun.

This week, we're suggesting a trip that will take you as far as possible from the usual mode of transportation in the Garden State. But you don't even have to leave Somerset County to see a dogsled demonstration at the Environmental Education at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge at 2 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 3.

Frost Fest" at will run from Dec. 2-18 at the center's headquarters on the edge of the Great Swamp. The dog-sledding demonstration, indoors at the EEC, is the first event, along with the opening of an indoor winter wonderland exhibit the previous night, Friday.

The dog sledding demonstration, will again highlight an organization you probably didn't know existed: The New Jersey Sled Dog Club.

Last year, the club's members brought dogs (which were able to be petted by children) and the sleds and other equipment that are used for dog sledding. (Yes, they said then they travel to other states, including the far north, to participate in the activity they evidentally enjoy.)

in New Jersey and beyond.

Visitors to the EEC are invited to discover a world of winter fun indoors and out with different themes each weekend. The theme for this weekend, which also will include a snowshoeing demonstration, will be "outdoor fun," even if some of the events are indoors.

Details on the series of programs may be found at the Somerset County Park Commission website.

New this year at the winter wonderland will be exhibits by local outside groups portraying a tree and natural scene from the local environment, said EEC naturalist Carrie Springer.

For an application to join the indoor display or for more information, please contact naturalist Monica Juhasz at 908-766-2489 x328, or e-mail her at mjuhasz@scparks.org.