Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for new jersey
Life in the Gilded Age
By Linda Tancs
Imagine the life of a silk baron in the 19th century. Grand estate, lavish parties, extensive artwork collection. You can experience it vicariously at Lambert Castle. That’s in New Jersey (bet you had a different destination in mind, now didn’t you!). Modeled after an English castle by silk baron Catholina Lambert, the stately manor overlooks the city of Paterson from Garret Mountain. Now a museum, it houses period rooms and collections on the first floor, permanent exhibits featuring local history, folk arts and portraiture on the second floor and revolving exhibits on the third floor. Only $5 for adults; visiting hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
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Got You Covered in New Jersey
By Linda Tancs
If you thought New Jersey was nothing more than a patchwork of open road punctuated by exit signs, then imagine how surprised you’ll be to discover the romance of the covered bridge. You know, like The Bridges of Madison County–only not quite so many. In fact, only two: Green Sergeant’s in Hunterdon County and Scarborough in Cherry Hill. Green Sergeant’s, a 19th century queen post truss at Rosemont-Sergeantsville Road over Wickecheoke Creek near Flemington, is perhaps better known thanks to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974. Scarborough carries two-way traffic over the North Fork of Cooper River, however. Built in the 1950s, it sports an incomplete A-frame and town truss construction. Either bridge is navigable, so be sure to cross when you come to it.
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An Exit Strategy
By Linda Tancs
New Jersey suffers its share of jokes: “I’m from New Jersey. Oh yeah, which exit?” So why not make lemonade out of those lemons. Or beer. That’s what the folks at Flying Fish Brewing Company in Cherry Hill have done. They have an Exit Series celebrating the State’s highway system. In fact, Exit 4 (the others so far are 1 and 11) captured the gold at the Great American Beer Festival. What’s your favorite exit? Hit the road and find out.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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The Wizard of Menlo Park
By Linda Tancs
History buffs know that the Wizard is none other than Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb, phonograph and over 400 other inventions. Menlo Park is the site within Edison, New Jersey where the great innovator worked his magic. Although another museum in West Orange gets more attention (and more tourists), this little enclave on Christie Street has one of those first light bulbs and the letter to the editor giving rise to the Wizard appellation. You would have trouble finding the place but for the concrete tower topped off by a 3.5 ton bulb that rises like a phoenix above the trees on Lincoln Highway. Are you the next great American inventor? Stop by for a visit and maybe you’ll find your muse.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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Slopes are Recession Proof
By Linda Tancs
According to the National Ski Areas Association, the 2008/2009 season is the fourth best on record despite an agonizing recession. That might not seem all that surprising to enthusiasts in ski-heavy areas like California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming–well, you get the idea. But look east to New Jersey and you’ll find a welcome uptick, quite an accomplishment for a state facing one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. And with fresh snow from this weekend’s blizzard-like weather event, things are bound to look rosier. So before you head west for skiing’s traditional mecca, maybe you should try out one of New Jersey’s signature resorts–Hidden Valley, Campgaw Mountain or Mountain Creek. Hidden Valley Club resort is open to the public this season, but thereafter an uncrowded atmosphere will be assured on weekends with private membership. At Campgaw, the whole family can partake in skiing, snowboarding or tubing. Speaking of snowboarding, tomorrow is Go Snowboarding Day at Mountain Creek, which means you get a free lesson, lift ticket and rental. The West may have Big Sky, but New Jersey has the Best Deal.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.
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A Cape May Christmas
By Linda Tancs
Cape May might not seem all that enticing for a visit in December, but the holiday seasonal offerings make this storied beach haven (the oldest in the U.S.) a must-see in winter. Learn more at Travelrific® Radio.
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The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services related to the travel destination of Cape May that are mentioned herein.
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Trail Mix
By Linda Tancs
Since 1920 the folks at the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference have been developing, protecting and educating the public regarding the myriad of hiking trails in the region–1700 miles of them, to be exact. With all that acreage, aren’t you glad that someone can help you find the trail that best suits you? Their Web site’s search function lets you find a hike based on difficulty (ranging from easy to moderate to strenuous) and the kinds of features you’re after (like good views, swimming or wheelchair accessibility). You can even volunteer to help build or maintain a trail or engage in fundraising. As the song goes, this land is your land. Mother Earth is counting on you.
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Wheeling Around Princeton
By Linda Tancs
Albert Einstein biked his way around Princeton, so why shouldn’t other brilliant minds (yours included) do just the same? Princeton is a biker’s dream. If you’d like a little help learning your way around, there’s a tour company in Princeton that’d be happy to help. Tours include Albert Einstein’s house, Princeton University Nassau Hall, and the D&R Canal. You can rent a bike along with a universal fit helmet or bring your own gear for a discounted rate! Time to start wheeling and dealing.
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Tiger on the Course
By Linda Tancs
News that Tiger Woods is playing at The Barclays PGA Golf Tournament now through this weekend had hearts aflutter, but what’s truly inspiring about this year’s competition is the location. Hosted at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, the 18th tee is met with the imposing presence of Lady Liberty in the harbor less than a 1000 yards away. That’s certainly a distinct departure from the typical slate of seas and mountains ringing most clubhouses. Add to that a library and cigar terrace overlooking championship point like a luxury skybox. Whether you love golf or not, the ambience is worth the price of admission.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it on sites such as StumbleUpon, vote for it, bookmark it or Tweet it. Thanks for your support! Travelrific® was featured as Blog of the Day on NJ.com!
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Casino Resort Towns Offer Genteel Charm
By Linda Tancs
Less than five miles from the bright lights, big city atmosphere of Atlantic City, New Jersey is a Southern-style genteel charm offered up by the cities of Ventnor and Margate. Look out for the wrought iron-terraced homes, white picket fences and covered porches reminiscent of Charleston and other Southern U.S. cities. Even more surprising, against the backdrop of this style and sophistication, Margate hosts a giant elephant–that’s right, an elephant–named Lucy. It’s a museum, actually, celebrating 128 years this July. Six stories high and shaped like an elephant, the museum (on the National Register of Historic Places) offers a view into southern New Jersey history. You won’t want to miss this stop on a tour of roadside America.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it on sites such as StumbleUpon, vote for it, or bookmark it. Thanks for your support! Travelrific® was featured as Blog of the Day on NJ.com!
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