New Jersey State Guide from Cheap Hotels Worldwide
New Jersey is a vibrant state with much to offer locals and visitors alike. No matter what your age or interests, New Jersey has an abundance of entertainment and history for you and the entire family. You 'll have a wonderful time visiting the states pristine beaches, metropolitan areas, spas, boutiques, high-end shopping, fine dining, golf, theme parks, wildlife, historical sites, and all sorts of diverse cultural treats. The Jersey Shore is a very popular playground for millions of visitors from all around the world each summer. New Jersey is also scattered with historic and rural towns with many options for open air activities every season, including along the beautiful Delaware River. New Jersey sits between Manhattan and Philadelphia, two major cultural and economic capitals of the U.S. Only a short drive on the Jersey Turnpike will take you from one the other. You 'll have no trouble navigating the state, as the transit system in New Jersey is superb, safe, reliable, and inexpensive. For these reasons and many others, New Jersey is a great place to experience for yourself.
One city with tons of shopping and cultural activities just off the Holland Tunnel or a short trip on the PATH commuter train from Manhattan is Jersey City. In addition to ten major shopping districts, there are two shopping malls in Jersey City, The Newport Centre Mall and the Hudson Mall on Rt. 440. While shopping in the area, you can enjoy a reduced sales tax of 3.5 percent. Visit the revitalized Journal Square to enjoy boutique stores and catch a movie at the historic Loew 's Jersey Theater. Just a short ferry ride from Liberty State Park will bring you to Ellis Island, where over 40% of Americans ' ancestors first set foot on U.S. soil. Jersey City lies on the Hudson River and boasts eleven miles of waterfront and a dazzling view of the Manhattan skyline.
Just north of Jersey City lies Hoboken, home to many young professionals who commute daily to New York City. Hoboken has a handsome downtown area, vibrant bar scene, and a huge, annual Saint Patrick 's Day celebration. Union City is not far up river from Hoboken and is easily accessible by the Lincoln Tunnel. Once known as the embroidery capital of the United States thanks to the handiwork of Swiss and Austrian immigrants, Union City has one of the largest Cuban populations in the U.S. Don 't forget to try some arroz con pollo and a cafe con leche, and visit Celia Cruz Park, named after the famous Cuban-American siren.
Secaucus, just off the Jersey Turnpike and only five miles from downtown Manhattan, is best known for inexpensive shopping opportunities at area outlet malls. The Meadowlands is located in Secaucus where you can watch the Jets or Giants play or even see Disney on Ice. For fun times outdoors, visit Snipes Beach Park, The Duck Pond, Schmidts Woods, and Mill Creek Marsh, in the northern area of town. These parks offer great bird-watching over marshlands and mud flats. You can canoe or kayak the Hackensack River at Lauren Hill Hudson County Park, or take a guided trip of the river with or without the kids.
If you want to retreat after a long day of sightseeing, North Bergen is a great option for lodging. This suburb, located just outside Union City, is just miles from the Hudson River. North Bergen is famous as the filming location for the popular HBO series, "The Sopranos " and for its huge annual German-American festival, now in its 134 year of existence. The Festival is held each August, so prepare your belly for two days of bratwurst and beer.
Englewood is a diverse community on the Hudson, about a 20 minute drive from Union City, and only 10 miles from the George Washington Bridge. The famous trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie once resided in this township. Twenty percent of this community identifies itself as Hispanic, so make sure to sample the Latin cuisine. There is also a 150-acre preserve and educational center at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, one of the last remnants of the magnificent Palisades Forest, open free to the public.
Fairfield is a small town of only 7,000 west of Englewood, off of the Bergen Passaic Expressway. Fairfield offers a conservative, traditional community where you can enjoy family owned restaurants and a friendly atmosphere.
This year, Parsippany, was ranked as 13th in the line of Best Places to Live in the United States by Money magazine. It is part of the metropolitan area of Newark and was formerly the home of the Lenni-Lenape Indians whose history is displayed in the town museum. Take a walk through Parsippany 's past by visiting historical Condit House, the Olde Littleton Schoolhouse, the Bowlsby-DeGelleke House, and Craftsman Farm. You can also enjoy the relaxing entertainment at the popular Parsippany Playhouse or tee off at some of the best golf courses in the country.
Morristown is a beautiful and busy place with much to offer any visitors. Morristown has culture and theater for the whole family, restaurants galore, antiquing, boutiquing, and historical walks. The Morristown Airport is the third largest in the state, offering convenience to all vacationers. Located near Morristown, historical Hanover, was settled in 1676 and offers a pleasant mix of suburbs, parks, and industry. Some of the businesses located in the Township include Lucent Technologies, Abbott Labs, and Verizon. Hanover has abundant natural resources for all to enjoy, including dense forests and the Whippany River.
Wayne, located off of US 202, is a great place to just relax with the family. There are many local parks and historical city sites, so take a walk around Wayne and enjoy the laid-back style of northern New Jersey.
About a half an hour north of Wayne, at the foot of New York 's Harriman State Park lies Mahwah. If you have a hankering for nature, this is the place for you. Mahwah is nestled in the abundant beauty of the Ramapo Mountains on the Ramapo River. Ramsey is another rustic destination, settled at the foothills of the mountains. When visiting either town, you 'll be able to experience nature 's virtues. Take a ski and snowboard in the winter or swim and hike in the summer.
Franklin is just off of Rt-23 and is bordered by the Raritan and Millstone Rivers. It is a town with a rich past as it was once inhabited by Raritan Indians, Dutch settlers, and during the Civil War, locals played a helpful role in the Union 's victory. The mining heritage of Franklin, also makes it a destination spot for geology buffs, who can visit a life-sized replica of a mine at the Franklin Mineral Museum. You can enjoy outdoor recreation at the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.
Also located in the Delaware River Region, in historic Warren County, is the town of Columbia. You can come here to visit the lush wildlife of Worthington State Forest, for hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and a range of sports. You can also tee-off at a variety of golf courses, including Apple Mountain Golf and Country Club or Blair Academy Golf Course. For animal lovers, there 's the Lakota Wolf Reserve where wolves are integrated back into their natural habitats.
Clinton is a charming, rural town just west of Newark. Here you will find Voorhees State Park and the Spruce Run Park Recreation Area, where you and your family can enjoy time in or on the water or just stroll down the tree-lined historic streets of the shopping area. One of Clinton 's highlights is the old truss bridge which overlooks a sparking 200 foot wide waterfall. On either side of the river is a museum, on one side at the Red Mill, is the Hunterdon Historical Museum and on the other side is the Stone Mill, which houses the Hunterson Museum of Art. East of Clinton on I-78 is the quaint town of Springfield, which has something to offer all visitors; art museums, billiards, sports, and locally grown foods at the farmers markets. It is also very close to many activities in Newark.
Newark is best known to house one of the world 's busiest airports. It acts as a gateway for much of the world to the New York/New Jersey areas. Newark has an efficient public transportation system, enabling any vacationers to find their way around this big city with ease. Anything you might be looking for in a vacation destination city, you can find in Newark, including luxury resorts, shopping, history, and museums, like the New Jersey Historical Society and The Newark Museum. Outdoor play is an option too, such as at The South Mountain Reservation for hiking or skiing, and Weequahic Park Golf Course for a relaxed day on the green. When in Newark, you are only a short train ride from Manhattan. A ticket to the Big Apple will cost you less than $12.
The city of Elizabeth is very ethnically diverse, so get ready to eat some delicious foods from all around the world. This city is known for its great shopping, and there is even an IKEA where you can buy stylish accents for your home. There are dozens of pre-revolutionary and historical sites all throughout Historic Midtown Elizabeth. One area of particular interest is located in Union Square which was an important portal used during a key battle of the Revolutionary War. Elizabeth Avenue is known as ÒThe MarketÓ where you can find anything your heart desires.
Easily accessed from I-78, Plainfield is known as the birthplace of George Clinton 's Parliament-Funkadelic, one of the most successful funk bands of all time. Music lovers can enjoy the sweet sounds of The Plainfield Symphony, founded in 1919, which regularly performs at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Woodbridge is a city of about 100,000 people right off the Jersey Turnpike. Art fanatics will love the Baron Art Center, which is listed on the national Register of Historic Places, and is a great setting for art activities and musical performances.
Middletown is the oldest European settlement in New Jersey and now 66,000 people live in this tranquil town. As this community was founded in the early part of the 17 century, there are many historical sites to see for buffs of the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and even for pirate fanatics. You can enjoy Middletown 's beaches, horse trails, hiking trails, camping sites, fishing spots, and cross country skiing in the wintertime.
Edison was once the residence of the famous inventor, Thomas Edison. The Edison Memorial Tower marks Edison 's inventions created here, the phonograph and a commercially viable incandescent light bulb filament. With more than 75 ethnic communities represented here, you will definitely not have any trouble finding a meal that suits your palate. Edison also offers an extensive network of highways that will connect you to most any other drivable destination on the continent. Close by, in Stone Harbor, is The Wetlands Institute and Museum where the family can learn about conservation and costal ecosystems through back bay boat rides, kayaking, live animal shows, family entertainment, and guided beach and dune walks. If the nightlife is more your scene, Edison offers a variety of martini bars and quiet pubs.
One of the Rutgers University campuses is located in New Brunswick near Somerset, a town of 25,000 located in eastern New Jersey. When you 're not hanging out with the college kids, you can check out sumptuous plant life or take a bike tour at Duke Farms.
Another college town you 'll definitely not want to miss is Princeton, which has all the amenities of a university, including museums, theater, and nightlife. When you think of the ivy and red bricks of a northeastern college town, there is Princeton. Mosey down Nassau Street for some high-end shopping or a scoop of ice cream at Thomas Sweet Ice Cream and Chocolate. A trip down to Princeton Battlefield State Park will allow you to step into the past, by watching Revolutionary War reenactments. Grab a glass of wine at the award winning Unionville Vineyards right outside of town and enjoy the green countryside.
Halfway between Princeton and Trenton lies the small town of Lawrenceville. Check out the Lawrenceville School, designed by Frederic Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture, also known for designing Central Park. While on Lawrenceville 's Main Street, you can visit a variety of family owned businesses, shop for unique gifts, or even get a haircut at the local barbershop. Lawrenceville is a great place to visit any time of year. You can enjoy summer concerts, their city 's Fall Festival, or the seasonal farmers market.
Take a walking tour of historic downtown Bordentown where you can enjoy local boutiques, bookstores, and eateries. This intimate community is located 15 minutes south of Trenton and hosts a variety of annual festivals. Most significant is the Cranberry Festival in October, where you can purchase a variety of arts and crafts and enjoy a Vintage Vehicle Show. During the holidays there is a tree lighting ceremony, a historic homes tour, and horse carriage rides.
The City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, borders western New Jersey. There are many New Jersey towns ' just minutes from this metropolis. Philadelphia is overflowing with exciting historical and cultural opportunities, including the Liberty Bell, delicious Italian food, and bohemian shopping spots on South Street.
One thriving city in the Philadelphia area is Cherry Hill, known for the Alexander Ross Animation and Fine Art Gallery, which offers an entertaining day out for both adults and kids. The whole family will enjoy the works of some famous animators, such as Chuck Jones and Walt Disney. Your kids will also get a kick out of the Garden State Discovery Museum offering hands-on, educational entertainment for young people.
Located right between the major cities of Trenton and Philadelphia is Mount Laurel. If you 're looking for a place to stay near either of these two cities, Mount Laurel is the place to rest your head, as it has the third most hotel rooms in the state; it even has its own ÒHotel Row.Ó Laurel Acres Park has playgrounds, sports fields, a nature trail, a fishing lake, a sledding hill, and a War Memorial. Each fall you can enjoy family fun at the Mount Laurel Fall Festival.
Berlin is a relaxing, quaint town near Wharton State Forrest and also a short ride from Philadelphia. When you 're in Berlin, you can enjoy locally grown, fresh produce at the Berlin Farmers Market, shop for crafts, and pick-your-own strawberries.
Woodbury is a town that takes great pride in preserving its historical architectural gems. Woodbury 's Historic Preservation Commission preserves the rich culture of the area, including Victorian houses, parks, and waterways. Enjoy their community accomplishments by visiting their Historical District, see the Quaker Friends Meeting Hall, visit a Revolutionary War site, and grab a relaxing meal to finish off a lovely day.
Also in the Philadelphia area is rural Bridgeport where you can take part in an American past-time at the Bridgeport Speedway, or check out the Logan Township Historical Society Museum with its antique farm equipment, artifacts, and memorabilia.
Further south, is Bridgeton where you can taste a bit of colonial heritage and travel through almost every period of American history. The people native of New Jersey are the Lenape Indians, known today tribally as the Nanticoke Lenni-Lappe; they continue to live in this area. For museums, visit the Woodruff Museum of Indian Artifacts and the Southern New Jersey All Sports Museum and Hall of Fame where you 'll see the legend Willie Mays ' Golden Glove.
Back along the Atlantic are a variety of pristine beaches and luxurious casino resorts.
Wall is a small town on the Jersey Shore, right off of the Garden State Parkway and I-195. You will be able to see for miles from the area 's lighthouses, Sandy Hook, Twin lights, and Sea Grit. You can enjoy a variety of water sports, or just a relaxing stroll on the beach. In Wall, you can fish, hike, camp, horseback, and visit a World War II simulated German Village that was used as a training ground for American soldiers, all in Allaire State Park.
South of Wall and just inland, is Lakewood where you can partake in rounds of golf at the area 's courses, listen to music in the park, watch performing arts at the Strand Theater. Get outdoors at one of the area 's surrounding parks, Lake Carasaljo, Ocean County Park, Lake Shenendoah County Park. There 's also the Lions Medieval Renaissance Festival every September where you can joust, make merry, and feast on the best of the Middle Ages. Six Flags Great Adventure is just twenty minutes away, so don 't forget to get your feet wet enjoying the park 's many slides and rides.
About an hour down the Garden State Expressway is the ever popular Atlantic City. People flock to Atlantic City from all over the mid-Atlantic region to spend hours in the sun and to take their chances with lady luck at the casinos. The kids will have a great time checking out amazing oddities at the Ripley 's Believe It or Not Museum. The whole family can go deep-sea fishing, kick back at a spa, check out art and historical artifacts at the Atlantic City Historical Museum and Art Center on Garden Pier, Noyes Museum of Art, and learn about ocean-life at the Atlantic City Aquarium. Don 't forget the great shopping, restaurants, arcades, golfing, and beaches. The highlight of the trip may be your visit to the Absecon Lighthouse, built in 1957, and standing over 150 feet tall.
Just surrounding the exciting Atlantic City area are the more laid back communities of Manchester, Absecon, and Ocean City. You can visit the Pine Barrens in Manchester where you will witness New Jersey wildlife in its natural habitat. Every January, this town hosts a celebration for American icon Elvis 's birthday. You can visit the crash site of the Hindenburg or take a short ride to the beach.
In Absecon you can enjoy a promenade on the Boardwalk, or visit Storybookland with the kids in nearby Pleasantville.
Ocean City hosts an annual Easter Fashion Parade with an egg hunt and a pet fashion show for your kids and animals. Visit shops and arcades on the Boardwalk or at historic Smithsville. You can end the day eating a yummy seafood meal overlooking the ocean.
New Jersey is truly a diverse state, which stands onits own as a fabulous, fun, and interesting holiday destination.
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