About Town: 5 Things to Do Before Summer Ends

Have you noticed that the nights are getting darker just a little bit earlier these days? As much as we don't want to hear it, summer is coming to an end. But to make the most of it, don't let the summer pass without trying the things on this list. You'll be glad you didn't.

1. Walk down the 1,000 steps to Ross Dock. Experience the Palisades like you’ve never done before (or at least haven’t done in a long time!). Take your time slowly descending the cliffs and enjoy the view. The entrance to the steps is on Hudson Terrace a little south of Main Street.

2. Take the family to BBQ Night at Demarest Farms. There’s only a few weeks left to enjoy the finger-lickin'-good BBQ ribs, chicken, hot dogs, baked beans, homegrown corn-on-the-cob, salad, and watermelon. Live music and dance contests. It’s a great way to spend a summer’s night. 

Demarest Farms is located at 244 Wierimus Ave. in Hillsdale; 201-666-0472.

3. Enjoy a game of mini-golf at the Paramus Mini-Golf center. Play 18 holes on a Jersey-themed course. A miniature George Washington Bridge, a replica Jersey Shore boardwalk, Bruce Springsteen, Abbott and Costello. You’re sure to have a lot of fun! Oh, and so will the kids. Mondays are Family Night. Families of four play for $20, and there are also "Senior Wednesdays"--$2 off. 

Paramus Mini Golf is located 314 Paramus Road in Paramus; 201-201-447-6079. 

4. This is a tie: Grab a scoop of ice cream at Van Dyk's in Ridgewood or Conrad's Ice Cream Parlor & Luncheonette in Westwood. You haven’t tasted homemade until you’ve had a lick of Van Dyk's or Conrad's. And nothing makes summer more special than ending the day eating a huge scoop of ice cream.

Van Dyk's is located at 145 Ackerman Avenue in Ridgewood and Conrad's Ice Cream Parlor & Luncheonette is located at 107 Westwood Ave. Westwood. 

5. Outdoor Movies, Theater, & Concerts. Free entertainment? Come on! If you haven’t taken advantage of all the outdoor movies, theater, and concerts being offered for free around the County then there’s no time to waste. 

Monday

Westwood's Family Movie Night 8 p.m. Veteran's Park, Broadway & Washington Ave, Westwood.

Tuesday 

Fort Lee's Shakespeare in the Park 7:30 p.m. (next one on Aug. 23.) Monument Park, 1588 Palisade Avenue, Fort Lee.

Wednesday 

Fort Lee's Music Under the Stars 7:30 p.m. at the Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center, 1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee.

Thursday 

Best of Bergen Bandfest (this Thursday, Aug. 18) at 7 p.m. Overpeck Park Ampitheater, 199 Challenger Rd., Ridgefield Park.  

Friday 

Fort Lee's Dancing Under the Stars (alternate Fridays--next one is Aug. 26) at the , 1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee.

Saturday

Fort Lee's Movies and Music Under the Stars 7 p.m. at the Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center, 1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee.

Sunday 

Fairlawn's Summer Concert Series 8 p.m. at Memorial Park, Berdan Ave, Fair Lawn.