There’s something about a day surrounded by flowers that invites you to slow down… breathe a little deeper… and just be.

Join us for a beautiful and thoughtfully paced day in Montclair, NJ, beginning at the stunning Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, widely considered the top public iris garden in the US and known as the “Rainbow on the Hill.”

Featuring over 14,000 irises across nearly 3,000 varieties and more than 100,000 blooms in May, the gardens create a vibrant landscape of color, texture, and fragrance across the hillside. During our visit, we’ll also have the opportunity to experience a special exhibit, The Art of the Iris, featuring paintings inspired by the gardens in bloom.

From there, we’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch together at Raymond's, followed by a visit to the peaceful Van Vleck House & Gardens, where you can stroll, sit, or simply take in the moment.

We’ll end the day with a stop at Applegate Farm Ice Cream before heading home.

This is not a rushed or overpacked itinerary. It’s designed to feel easy, welcoming, and quietly special… the kind of day where conversation flows naturally and you leave feeling lighter than when you arrived.

A relaxed, no-pressure day

• Time to wander and enjoy the gardens at your own pace

• A small group experience that makes it easy to connect

• A mix of beauty, conversation, and simple joy

Comfortable walking shoes

• Water

• Light layer

• Camera or phone for photos

• Earbuds if you would like to take the free audio guided tour at Van Vleck

• Sunscreen

• This is a small group experience with limited seating

• Please arrive at least 10 minutes early for pickup

• The van will depart promptly at scheduled times

• This experience involves light walking

All payments are non-refundable. If something comes up and you’re no longer able to join us, I’ll do my best to fill your spot from the waitlist. If I’m able to do so, your payment will be refunded

This experience is part of the Wanderbug Bloom & Wander Series—a collection of simple, beautiful days designed to help you slow down, connect, and enjoy being exactly where you are.

Depart from Tammi's house in East Norriton, PA at 8:30 am - please arrive 10 minutes early. Address to be given to travelers upon registration.

Pick up number 2 will be in Bensalem at the Barnes & Noble at Neshaminy Mall.

Our day begins at the breathtaking Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, a truly special place known as the “rainbow on the hill.”

With thousands of irises in bloom, this hillside garden is filled with color, texture, and quiet beauty in every direction. It’s the kind of place that naturally invites you to slow down, wander at your own pace, and simply take it all in.

There’s no rush here.

You’ll have time to explore the pathways, pause for photos, or find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the moment.

This is our gentle beginning to the day… a chance to arrive, exhale, and ease into the experience together.

Please note: There are only port-a-potty restroom facilities at the gardens, so we’ll make a brief stop beforehand at a WAWA or something similar to ensure everyone is comfortable.

We’ll take a break for a relaxed, mid-afternoon lunch at Raymond's, a beloved local spot known for its classic American menu and welcoming, vintage-inspired atmosphere.

This is more than just a meal… it’s our time to gather, unwind, and enjoy easy conversation together. By arriving slightly later, we’ll avoid the peak lunch crowds and settle into a more relaxed pace.

You’ll find a variety of options here, from lighter fare like salads and sandwiches to more traditional comfort dishes, making it easy to choose what feels best for you.

Take your time, enjoy your meal, and connect with the women around you. These are often the moments that turn a day out into something more meaningful.

Please note: Lunch is pay-your-own.

Check out the menu here: https://raymondsnj.com/montclair

Our afternoon continues with a visit to Van Vleck House & Gardens, a peaceful estate garden that feels like a quiet exhale after the energy of the day.

With its winding paths, seasonal blooms, and tucked-away seating areas, Van Vleck offers a more intimate and relaxed setting. It’s the kind of place where you can slow your pace, wander without a plan, or simply find a bench and take it all in.

There’s no agenda here.

You’re invited to explore in whatever way feels right… whether that’s strolling through the gardens, enjoying a quiet moment, or continuing conversations that began earlier in the day.

For those who enjoy a more guided experience, Van Vleck also offers a free self-guided cell phone tour that you can access during your visit. If you’d like to take advantage of this, we recommend bringing a headset or earbuds for the best experience.

This stop is our gentle transition into the final part of our day… a chance to pause, reflect, and savor the moment before we head off for a sweet ending.

We’ll wrap up our day with a stop at Applegate Farm Ice Cream, a classic local favorite that’s been serving up homemade ice cream for generations.

With its old-fashioned stand and relaxed, outdoor vibe, this is the perfect place to end the day on a light and joyful note. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple scoop, something a little indulgent, or just want to enjoy the atmosphere, there’s something here for everyone.

Take your time, savor your treat, and enjoy a few last moments together before we head home. It’s a sweet, simple ending to a day spent wandering, connecting, and just being present.

Please note: Ice cream is pay-your-own.

🚐 Bensalem Drop-Off

As our day together comes to a close, our first drop-off will be at Barnes & Noble.

This will be our goodbye point for guests in the Bensalem and surrounding areas. By this time, we’ll have spent a full day wandering, sharing conversation, and enjoying simple moments together… and this is where part of our group begins to head home.

Take a moment to gather your belongings, exchange numbers if you’d like, and say your goodbyes before we continue on to our final drop-off.

Thank you for being part of such a special day.

Our final stop brings us back to the East Norriton area, where our day together comes to a close.

After a day of wandering through beautiful gardens, sharing a relaxed meal, and enjoying simple moments together, this is where we say our final goodbyes. It’s often in these last few minutes that you realize how quickly a group of strangers can start to feel like something more.

Take your time gathering your things, exchanging contact information, or making plans to meet again. Wanderbug is about more than just where we go… it’s about the connections we make along the way.

Thank you for being part of this Bloom & Wander day. 🌸