Found yourself looking for “a weekend getaway near me” that combines championship golf, exceptional dining, and heart-pumping outdoor adventures? Truth is, most destinations excel in one area but fall short in others. You either get great golf with mediocre food, or exciting activities with subpar courses.
That’s what makes Vernon, New Jersey such a hidden gem. Nestled in the scenic Skylands region around 50 miles from Manhattan, this charming mountain town delivers on all three fronts without compromising quality.
At the heart of these NJ getaways weekend experiences sits Great Gorge Golf Club—a legendary course with fascinating history that now welcomes golfers of every skill level. But here’s what most people don’t realize: this isn’t just about golf. It’s about creating those perfect weekend memories where every moment feels intentionally crafted for your enjoyment.
The best NJ weekend getaways
Why Vernon works when other destinations don’t
Most golf destinations force you to choose between convenience and quality. Mountain resorts offer stunning views but limited dining. Urban courses provide great restaurants but lack outdoor adventures. Airport-adjacent clubs are convenient but feel sterile and rushed.
Vernon solves this problem by offering authentic mountain charm without the three-hour drive. You’re surrounded by the natural beauty of the Appalachian foothills, yet you can grab dinner at a world-class restaurant and be back in your hotel room before 10 PM.
The Great Gorge advantage
What sets this area apart isn’t just one exceptional amenity—it’s how everything connects seamlessly. This isn’t the kind of NJ weekend getaway where you’re constantly driving between disconnected activities. Everything happens within a 10-minute radius, creating that rare vacation feeling where time slows down and stress melts away.
Solo travelers find the welcoming community atmosphere. Couples discover romantic mountain views and intimate dining spots. Friend groups love the variety of activities and competitive golf options. Corporate teams appreciate the team-building opportunities.
Golfing at Great Gorge Golf Club
Great Gorge Golf Club isn’t just another pretty course—it’s a piece of entertainment history. Originally built in 1970 by Hugh Hefner as the exclusive golf course for the Great Gorge Playboy Club & Resort, this venue hosted celebrities, business moguls, and entertainment industry legends throughout the 1970s and 80s.
Today, the exclusivity is gone, but the championship quality remains. George Fazio’s original design philosophy—creating challenging yet fair holes that reward strategy over pure power—still defines every round you’ll play here.
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Three distinct 9-hole experiences on 500 scenic acres
Here’s what makes Great Gorge special for your golf weekend getaway: instead of one repetitive 18-hole loop, you get three completely different 9-hole experiences. Each nine has its own personality, elevation changes, and strategic challenges.
The Quarry Nine features dramatic elevation changes and rock formations that create natural hazards and stunning photo opportunities. The signature par-3 6th hole plays 175 yards downhill to a green surrounded by towering rock walls.
The Rail Nine winds through rolling meadows and mature hardwood forests, offering a more traditional parkland experience with strategic bunkering and undulating greens that reward precise approach shots.
The Lake Nine incorporates water features and wetlands, creating both scenic beauty and strategic challenges. The risk-reward decisions on holes like the par-5 8th can make or break your round.
Accommodates every group size and skill level
Whether you’re organizing a corporate golf outing for 180 participants or planning an intimate foursome weekend, Great Gorge adapts to your needs. We offer flexible group packages ideal for corporate outings, charity tournaments, and social gatherings.The course layout naturally accommodates multiple groups without feeling crowded, and the professional staff coordinates everything from tournament scoring to post-round celebrations.
The experience
Great Gorge offers more than just exceptional golf. Grab a bite after your round at Hef’s Hut, take on the elevated obstacle course at TreEscape, or experience something new with 1Club Park Golf. Whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, or bringing the whole family, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Beyond traditional golf: 1Club Park Golf
Here’s something unique for your NJ getaways weekend: 1Club Park Golf, often called “the pickleball of golf.” This innovative format uses one club and a larger ball, making it accessible to non-golfers while still entertaining for experienced players.
A full round takes about two hours and costs significantly less than traditional golf, making it perfect for mixed groups where some people want to try golf without the commitment of a full round. It’s also ideal for date nights, birthday parties, or team-building events where the goal is fun, not serious competition.
Hef’s Hut – More than just a golf course restaurant
Named as a playful nod to the course’s Playboy Club heritage, Hef’s Hut occupies a prime location with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and golf course. But the real star is the kitchen’s commitment to fresh, good quality ingredients.
TreEscape – Aerial adventures that challenge every comfort zone
Just minutes from Great Gorge Golf Club, TreEscape offers the kind of outdoor adventures that make your weekend getaway near me truly unforgettable. This isn’t your typical corporate team-building rope course—it’s a professionally designed aerial adventure park that challenges participants while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Daytime Adventures – Zip Lines and Aerial Rope Courses
The zip line course features multiple lines of varying lengths and heights, souming up 1,200 feet of ziplines. The experience starts with shorter, confidence-building lines and progresses to longer, more thrilling rides that offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The aerial rope course presents a different kind of challenge. Multiple difficulty levels ensure everyone in your group finds an appropriate challenge, from beginners who want to try something new to adrenaline junkies.
Night Climb at TreEscape – A Unique After-Dark Experience
Here’s what transforms a good NJ getaway weekend into an extraordinary one: TreEscape’s night climb experience. Using professional lighting and safety equipment, participants navigate the aerial courses after dark.
The night climb isn’t just about added difficulty—it’s about experiencing the mountain environment in a completely new way. The sounds of nocturnal wildlife, the feel of cool mountain air, and the challenge of navigating by limited light create memories that last long after your weekend ends.
Find out why Great Gorge Club is a full-circle experience.
Planning your NJ weekend getaway
The difference between a good golf weekend getaway and a great one often comes down to timing and coordination. Here’s how to plan your Vernon, NJ adventure for maximum enjoyment and minimum stress:
- To make a reservation, you need to book online, either on our website or download our app (available on both IoS and Android). Or call the ProShop, but make the reservation in advance.
- For outings, you need to submit a request and we work together with you to customize a package.
Special packages that maximize value
Weekday Season Pass: For frequent visitors, this pass provides unlimited Monday-Friday golf throughout the season. Perfect for those who can extend their weekend getaway into a Monday morning round.
Weekday Fore Pass and Weekend Fore Pass: Fore Passes are mostly for groups of 4 – they get to play a round together and they also get 4 beers & 4 burgers.
Our verdict
Planning a golf weekend getaway shouldn’t require choosing between quality golf, exceptional dining, and exciting outdoor adventures. Vernon, New Jersey proves you can have all three without compromising on any.
Great Gorge Golf Club anchors an experience that goes far beyond typical weekend golf trips. The George Fazio-designed courses challenge and delight players of every skill level. Hef’s Hut elevates golf course dining to something genuinely special. And TreEscape adds the kind of adventure that creates lasting memories and great stories.
Contact Great Gorge Golf Club today to plan your visit and enjoy a memorable escape.
Reserve your round today.
