Earlier this week Justin and I ventured off to NYC and Jersey City for a fun July fourth celebration. A part of the planning I decided to do a bit of research and find out where the most fun would be had – where in New Jersey (but within public transportation distance of NYC) could we "be a kid again" or have an ice cream sundae because, y'know… #BeAKidAgainDay and #InternationalIceCreamSundaeDay.
Luckily, the two go together particularly well. How can you not "be a kid again" without an "international ice cream sundae"?
(Any idea how one has an
international sundae?)
Anyway! On to the list!
1. ice cream in Jersey City.
But not necessarily international ice cream. Because duh.
Lynn Hazan created an awesomely fun list of 10 ice cream spots I'd more than willing to try.
2. Eat at the Surf City Megabar in Jersey City.
Yes you have to be dressed appropriately when arriving after 6pm, but supposedly the views of Manhattan at sunset are gorgeous and you can sit anywhere you like – whether that's on the beach in the sand or at a table looking out the boats. As much as I, as an adult, think I would love this place, I'm certain my inner child would probably like it almost as much as ice cream!
3. Play (or tour) the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton.
Looking to see art come to life? Want to photograph your own interpretation of a famous art piece? Explore the grounds and become one with the art.
4. Duke Farms in Hillsborough provide fun gardens to explore that get your out of the city and into the country.
Stop to smell a flower or two, walk through grass as high as your knees, scream when you see an Eastern garter snake, be super still when you spot a white-tailed deer, and learn more about the heritage of the farm and the green initiatives they are implementing to make the 2,742-acre property as earth friendly as possible.
5. Daydream at the Great Falls of the Passaic River.
A short trip by bus, train, or taxi, the 77ft falls can be accessed via the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park or viewed from Haines Overlook Park on the south and Mary Ellen Kramer Park on the north.
6. Visualize the street art of Columbus Drive in Jersey City.
Then walk it and see it for real. Up close. In person. Because why not?
7. See the Old Red Mill in Clinton.
This looks like it would be especially lovely in the fall, but I would be willing to visit any time of year!
8. Feel like royalty at Kip's Castle Park in Montclair.
A medieval-style mansion built in 1902 on 10.5 wooded acres overlooking the unmistakable beauty of the New York City skyline, the "castle" itself is not open to the public, but the park it is in is…
9. Take a walk through downtown Princeton.
Maybe you are already out of college and could never have afforded to go to Princeton in the first place, but that doesn't have to stop you from being a "college kid" again and exploring all that there is to do in this college town full of beautiful natural elements and history.
10. Savor the beauty of the the Riverside Gardens Park in Red Bank.
Located next to a marina, you can watch boats come and go, snuggle up next to your sweetie and see the sun set, or participate in one of the many events that take place in the park. Truly, it seems like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!
And just like that! Be Nice to NJ week is over, with what I think to be a great list of places to take day trips when you are visiting NYC. Or hey! What about just taking some time to visit NJ for it's own sake? If I can come up with ten places within a short drive/public transport of NYC, then surely there are far more if you are willing to explore the whole state!
What do you think? Will you be celebrating any of the non government holidays today? A yummy ice cream sundae? Playing video games (or coloring?) like you did when you were a kid? Planning a fun trip to NJ?
Have you been to any of the places on my list? Will you be including them in future travel plans?
* I'm spending July writing my blog posts in response to all of the wacky (and not so wacky) national and international holidays that occur during this month. Today's post was written in response to National Be A Kid Again Day, International Ice Cream Sundae Day, and Be Nice to NJ Week.
** This post was written in advance. I am out of town and working full time most of this month. I appreciate your understanding if I am slow to respond to comments and questions. :)
