Yeah, it's "Be Nice to New Jersey" week!
With most of the COVID-19 restrictions lifted, it's a perfect time to re-connect with family and friends.
Yes, this isn't my "normal" teaching post, but I can't help it ... I love sharing news about fabulous family friendly places to visit in my home state, and I've listed a few dozen or so that should be on anyone's bucket list.
If you've never been to beautiful New Jersey, summer would be the best time of year to taste the treasures that make it the true "garden" place among the states. Especially the tomatoes, berries and fresh corn, not to mention all the flowers.
With so much to see across the entire state and the reopening of most places, including some business incentives, it's worth the trip. Truly with countless reasons to come to New Jersey at any time of the year, a great reason to visit during NJ week is for the firework displays. There are tons of places to view them literally by land and by sea. Check here for where and when in some locations.
If you're not able to make it during Be Nice to NJ Week, consider adding some of these fun activities into your future schedule and budget. For instance, take time to visit the many unique and historical sites throughout the state.
Museums:
The Red Mill Museum, Vietnam Vets Memorial, the Korean War Memorial), or the Battleship New Jersey There are actually tickets for fireworks viewing with live music onboard for July 4th.
Zoos and Animal Kingdoms:
The wolf preserve (call ahead for tour dates), aquariums, journey the marshes on a pontoon boat with Meadowlands Eco Cruises, Insectropolis Museum, Liberty Science Center where T-Rex roars, planets come alive at night, Hot Wheels race and the climb chamber takes real skill to escape.
More unusual places to consider:
Experience the geological mystery of the Rainbow Tunnel and Silver Mine, Fisherman's Walkway Trail on Island Beach State Park,
Batsto Village and Mansion (this one is free!),
rent a surrey, the gigantic Colgate Clock, a Telephone Pole Farm (yes, that's right!).
For extreme fun the entire family will enjoy northern New Jersey's largest indoor amusement park iPlay America. With 1/2 price Wednesday, double ticket Thursday and unlimited Friday activities, this place has it all from games, rides, concerts, great eats, shops ... you name it.
What about those beautiful garden areas? The 180 acre Rutger's Gardens is a "natural" place to start. Grounds for Sculpture is a 42 acre wonderland that was once home to the NJ State Fairgrounds. Now, it's a site to behold with the most fascinating, whimsical giant designs you've ever seen in a garden and forest! I promise, this one you'll never forget!
Something else you might find interesting is to work your way through a human maze of flowers or take part in the Sunflower festival.
There are plenty of living historic farms or roadside farmland produce markets in the southern areas.
Just a short ride from where I grew up is the famous "Cowtown Rodeo" and Farmers Market on the legendary Route 40 (also know as Main Street of America) in Pilesgrove.
South Jersey Shore Points of Interest:
For those special occasions, eat at one of the various Jersey shore points fine dining restaurants to feast on fresh fish delicacies. During those "munchie" times, don't forget to try the famous Atlantic City boardwalk fries and waffle cones!
After a day of "fun in the sun" swimming and making sun castles for the Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpture Festival, walk the moonlit sandy beaches or stroll the boardwalk piers for special gifts, seashells, collector mugs and souvenirs you can only get in Jersey. Lastly, don't forget those scenic post cards.
Get a kick out of watching candy makers while they make homemade fudge or mouthwatering salt water taffy. With about 60 flavors in the summer, Shriver's is the oldest and best shop in Ocean City and Steel's is in Atlantic City! In my opinion, both are excellent. Be sure to bring extra home to your friends and family.
As the sun sets, watch it all come to life at night with the amusement parks, circus acts, live entertainment and rides for all ages.
While at the shore, be sure to allow time for climbing a lighthouse along the Atlantic coastline. Although there are 18, only 11 are currently open to the public.
Book a whale and dolphin watching cruise in Cape May, or stand in awe over the performance of the UFAF Thunderbirds Atlantic City Air Show this August.
If you're looking for dinner shows or concerts (with the "favor"-ite "oldies music"), Atlantic City is where you want to be this summer (through September) if you want to see Rod Stewart, Air Supply, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, the Platters, the farewell tour of Kiss, the Beach Boys, Three Dog Night, Michael Buble, just to name a few being featured. Now that's some line-up! Of course, there are many other kinds of acts booked for the shore area that may be of interest to you besides musical.
Do you like outdoor or sports type activities?
NJ is a fantastic place to bring the family for a more athletic sort of vacation with all that water! Rushing rivers, bays, streams, gorgeous waterfalls and the Atlantic Ocean are certainly noteworthy.
Try boating, water skiing, free splashgrounds (splash pads) parks, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, camping, horseback riding or trailing. This year a Night in Venice Boat Parade and fireworks in Ocean City is scheduled for July 24th, and friends ... it's free!
Let me add two more that may surprise you! In some areas kids bowl for free and several cities provide FREE movie night in parks or on a beach throughout the summer for the entire family! Before traveling find out if the towns you plan on visiting offer this activity and where they are located.
In your planning be sure to ask for group rates, discounts, manager specials and specific calendar date preferred rates. Oh, and don't forget to inquire if prices are reduced or even free for kids including meals.
For those who desire that great tan, not all beaches are free and you will have to purchase a tag, so figure that pricing per person in your overall figures as well.
Everyone is welcome so why not plan a trip? Once you've visited this beautiful state, being nice to Jersey will come easy!
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Until next time, Favored Blessings
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