Not a lot of people outside New Jersey know that from just about anywhere in the state, the countryside is a short ride away.

Come to think of it, not a lot of people in New Jersey know the countryside is a short ride away.

Here are two outings for cheese and herbs.

For cheese, check out Valley Shepherd Creamery in Long Valley, owned by a Jersey couple inspired by the cheese-making traditions they learned from shepherds in remote mountain passes of France, Italy and Spain. Public tours begin for the season this Saturday at 1 and 4 p.m. Call (908) 876-3200 or hit www.valleyshepherd.com.

Or, create a rustic container using grapevine, moss and soil, then fill it with herbs from Well-Sweep Herb Farm. Well Sweep is in its 35th year and grows 2,000 different species (“39 basils, 81 lavenders, 56 rosemarys, 109 thymes,” says www.wellsweep.com). Herbalists can teach you to keep your culinaries, medicinals and ornamentals healthy through the warm season. Be there Saturday 9:30 a.m. Bring $32 and let them know you’re coming, (908) 852-5390.

The rustic theme reminds us of friends in the 1970s who were fans of Southern rock. We can still hum some tunes.

The genre is not as big as it was, but two seminal bands are performing ‘round these here parts.

Friday at 8 p.m. the Marshall Tucker Band is at the Broadway Theatre in the Gloucester County town of Pitman, in New Jersey’s own Deep South. Call (856) 384-8381 or visit www.thebroadwaytheatre.org. Then Saturday, also at 8 p.m., Charlie Daniels plays the Community Theatre, Morristown. You know the drill: (973) 539-8008 or www.communitytheatrenj.org.

Step out of the country, to get ready for Prom Night; Neiman Marcus (www.neimanmarcus.com) at Garden State Plaza and Short Hills is hosting a Prom Shopping Show…check with each store for hours.

Finally, the kids will be hunting Easter eggs on Saturday, while you hunt bargains at the Liberty Premium Outlet in Flemington (www.premiumoutlet.com).

Give our regards to the Easter Bunny, and have a wonderful holiday!