The magic at Paterson’s Great Falls

With all the rain soaking our landscape lately there’s been a growing buzz about Paterson’s Great Falls, in Paterson, New Jersey, one of the birthplaces of the industrial revolution in America. Twenty years ago after moving to the Northeast from Southern California, my family and I went on a Sunday afternoon drive and found ourselves at this natural wonder, now a national park.

I didn’t know then that Paterson was called the “Silk City” because of its lead role in silk production in the United States in the mid-19th century. Or that its history goes back to Alexander Hamilton who conceived of the first major water power system in the United States in 1791. Back in the early nineties, I had to get out my history books and even today this "Top Blonde" is still discovering the wonders of Northern New Jersey and beyond.

So, I got Madame Merlot II, my Jeep, washed and shined from the buckets of rain drops dimming her beauty. I needed a partner in crime so I called my trusty friend and co-hort, Marie Dineen. Between the two of us, we were more than capable of getting ourselves into mischief one way or another.

Marie and I set out early on a stellar pre-spring day for a photo shoot of the Great Falls. Marie grew up in Paterson which made her the perfect choice for my traveling partner. On my own, I can’t be trusted. I’ve been known to miss a turn and end up in another state! What’s worse is I didn’t even know it, but, we’ll let that saga lay dormant for now.

Traveling to Paterson was a breeze. When we arrived in the middle of town, “Cesar” and “Oscar” of the Paterson Police Department traffic division carefully guided us to our destination. Once we arrived and parked at the National Historic Landmark, we walked over to the viewing platform. I got out my camera and tri-pod and started snapping photos of the 77 foot-high falls that were nearly deafening.

While we were still at the platform viewing, a passel of pre-schoolers arrived and went scampering over to the railing to look at the falls. Accompanied by their teachers we learned that the pre-school was across the street and that they came to the Great Falls frequently. No matter. The children were in awe.

Clearly, Mother Nature has anointed the Great Falls with that extra special touch of splendor and magic. Because, after walking over to the bridge area, you become mesmerized. The roar, the mist, the double rainbow and the wonder of it all left both Marie and me breathless at the power of the churning, swirling water. It was beyond impressive especially then with all the rain water surging over the rocky ledge.

What trip to the Great Falls is complete without a stop at Libby’s Lunch? That’s just what we did to cap off our morning before journeying back home.

Though I don’t typically eat hot dogs any more, every now and then you have to break your own rule. And, a stop at Libby’s Lunch on McBride Avenue in Paterson can easily persuade such a decision. Libby’s is historical and Marie and I weren’t about to miss out! It’s been there since 1939 and is the place to be bad. Thus, we indulged in their famous hot dog topped with mustard, fresh chopped onion and the all the way sauce. Of course, you can’t consume a Libby’s hot dog without a few French fries.

Driving home Marie and I felt exhilarated and vowed to return soon. I’ve a feeling it won’t be another twenty years before my next visit to the historical awe-inspiring Great Falls of Paterson, New Jersey.