The Final Weekend of 2011

This weekend marks the last weekend (nay, last Saturday) of 2011. So, let's make it a great one to say goodbye to this year. Here are several ways to do just that ...

'Hike Out the Old Year' 
When/Where: Saturday at 1 p.m. at  
Why Go: So you can shake off 2011 and sweat into 2012.
Cost: Free

When/Where: Saturday, 7 p.m. to midnight, throughout Morristown
Why Go: It's only the biggest "First Night" event in the state, bringing out thousands of revelers, featuring about 70 performances. Check out 
Cost: $25 for unlimited access; $90 for a 4-pack

When/Where: Saturday at 7 p.m. at the , 1 Hilton Court, Parsippany
Why Go:  To enjoy an ijazzglobal.com all-star jazz show featuring Jeff Golub, Alex Bugnon, Cindy Bradley and Art Sherrod Jr., and luxuriate in an overnight stay at the Hilton.
Cost: $350/single, $500/couple

When/Where: Saturday, time varies, at the , 199 Smith Road, Parsippany
Why Go: To celebrate the New Year with friends, family or that special someone at the elegant Sheraton. 
Cost: Starts at $199


When/Where: Saturday, 7 and 9 p.m. at , Morristown
Why Go: You would like a bit of the exotic, with live belly dancing paired with your Middle Eastern cuisine.
Cost: $5, in addition to ordering food

Murder Mystery Dinner
When/Where: Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Maggiano's Little Italy in Bridgewater
Why Go: To celebrate the end of 2011 in style with a little food, a little drink, a little murder—what's better than solving a mystery at the end of the year?
Cost: $125 per person

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
When/Where: Sunday at 8 a.m. at the Raritan Valley Masonic Lodge #46 in Somerville.
Why Go: Because there is not much better than all-you-can-eat pancakes on the first day of the new year.
Cost: $6 for adults, $4 for children under 12 and children 3 years and under eat free