Things to do in New Jersey

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

New Jersey is a small but densely populated American state located between New York and Pennsylvania. Although wedged between the tourist magnet of New York City and Philadelphia, by itself the state offers visitors many attractions that are well worth exploring.

New Jersey is often noted for excellent shopping. Indeed the state is one of the mall capitals of America. Visitors of search of the perfect mall experience should trek to the Willowbrook Mall. Located in the bedroom community of Wayne roughly twenty miles outside of mid-town Manhattan, the Willowbrook Mall is a large complex of indoor stores. Here youll find everything from fine china to pets as well as terrific restaurants and a movie theater. The pleasant mall has a well lit interior filled with skylights and lots of parking.

Other great malls in New Jersey include Jersey Commons, near Newark Liberty Airport, Jackson Outlet Village adjacent to the Six Flags amusement park and the Woodbrige Center mall just outside Staten Island.

If your tastes run more to outdoor pursuits there are plenty of places to have fun in New Jersey. During the fall find out why New Jersey has been nicknamed the garden state and go apple picking. You can pick apples in many different delicious varieties directly from the tree at numerous farms including Hillview Farms in Morris County, Eastmont Orchards in Middlesex County and Demarest Farms in Bergen County.

A popular summertime trip is a visit to one of the states dozens of excellent beaches. The Jersey shore has one of the finest coastlines in the entire nation. If you would like to stay close to New York City, head for the small town of Keyport and Sandy Hook public beach. Keyport has several amusement parks including a water park. Sandy Hook is a long, narrow stretch of sand that has several very lovely beaches and trails where you glimpse lots of birds and marine mammals. Get there as early as possible on a hot day because parking is limited and the beach closes after the lots are full.

Farther down the shore there are many other fantastic places to catch some sand and surf. The communities of Spring Lake and Ocean Grove are family oriented but quiet resorts where the focus is on gentle activities. Seaside Heights and the Wildwoods have long boardwalks filled with amusement parks and games of chance. Those in search of eye-catching architecture should check out sedate Cape May at the very tip of the state where youll find hundreds of restored Victorian homes many of which have been converted into luxurious hotel accommodations.

If you travel inland you can also find great pleasures. Princeton is home to New Jerseys only Ivy League college and definitely worth a visit even if you college days are long past. The pretty and quaint historical town is located in the middle of the state about an hour and half from New York City. You can tour the grounds of the beautiful campus and then stroll through the town itself where youll find many quirky shops and great cafes. You may also want to tour Dumthwacket, a large mansion that is the official residence of the governor of New Jersey and houses the states historical society.

If youre staying close to New York City and have children check out the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. This large museum has hundreds of interactive exhibits designed to help children have fun with science. Visitors can see an actual working ambulance, climb through the completely dark touch tunnel and watch a big screen IMAX film.

Whatever you like to do youll find someplace to do it in New Jersey.