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
Jersey Building is First to Go Net Zero
By Linda Tancs
A nondescript warehouse in Branchburg, New Jersey enjoys the distinction of being the first “net zero electric” facility in the U.S. A net zero electric facility produces more electricity than it consumes. The Branchburg facility, owned by Ferreira Construction, accomplishes this feat through over 1200 rooftop solar panels that heat the tap water and a series of hoses under the floors that circulate the water. It seems only fitting that a construction company should lead the charge in sustainable building practices. Statistics put the market in green building products and services at $12 billion this year. Consider the advantages. In addition to energy conservation and environmental stewardship, going green could provide tax incentives for suppliers and other municipal benefits for the building’s owner.
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The Derby in Jersey
By Linda Tancs
Okay, so it isn’t the Kentucky Derby, but the Breeders’ Cup Grand National this weekend in Somerset County, New Jersey surely makes the cut for panache. And it doesn’t hurt that proceeds from the race are donated to Somerset Medical Center’s Steeplechase Cancer Center. Set amidst the rolling countryside of Far Hills, this Grade 1 steeplechase race attracts 50,000 or so faithful each year, among them the tailgating cognoscenti occupying prime real estate at the hilltop overlooking the proceedings. So come and see–and be seen.
Answer to yesterday’s trivia question: Ben Vereen.
Sands Implosion Marks End of an Era
By Linda Tancs
Sands Casino in Atlantic City, once the stomping grounds for such luminaries as Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack, is slated for implosion tomorrow at 9:30 p.m. amidst much pomp and flurry, including fireworks. Aside from marking the end of a celebrity-infused era of glitz and glamor, the demolition is somewhat symbolic considering A.C.’s shaky economic footing these days. So far this year, casino revenue is down nearly five percent. Only time will tell if Pinnacle’s new luxe property will help improve the bottom line. And so we salute the grand old Sands with a trivia question (answer to be posted tomorrow): who was the last performer to grace the stage at Sands?
Cranberries Provide Autumn Color
By Linda Tancs
This time of year, it’s more than just the crimson treetops glowing against the cool blue sky. Look under your feet–in the marshy bogs, that is. ‘Tis the season for harvesting the cranberry, along with a few festivals to mark the occasion. So where to go? That part’s easy because cranberries only grow in a few regions, like the Cranberry Coast of Washington State, Wisconsin’s Cranberry Highway, Cape Cod, or South Jersey. Might get a little cool. Bring your Wanderful Places(r) sweatshirt along for the ride.
New Jersey Building To Go Green
By Linda Tancs
New Jersey’s nickname is the Garden State, and so it is only fitting that, as gardens evoke green imagery, the state gets ready to christen its first environmentally-friendly public building. When solar panel construction is completed on the police station in Maplewood, New Jersey, the building is slated to be certified “green” by the U.S. Green Building Council. The Council promotes the economic, environmental and health benefits of high performance, sustainable buildings. Despite what Kermit famously said, it is easy being green after all.

