This state lies just below New York State and is nicknamed the “Garden State”. The city of Trenton is the capital of New Jersey and the largest city is Newark with its International Airport that brings in millions of people from all over the world.
New Jersey is broadly divided into three regions: North Jersey, South Jersey and Central Jersey. The southern parts of New Jersey along with the central and northeastern parts have a humid subtropical climate and the northwest area has a continental climate with cooler temperatures throughout the year. April through October is a good time to visit this state.Major rivers in this state include the Hudson, Delaware, Passaic, Raritan, Hackensack, Rahway, Musconetcong, Mullica and Rancocas.
The second oldest state capitol building in the country is in Trenton. This is home to New Jersey’s government processes and can be spotted at 125 West State Street (609-633-2709). “Grounds for Sculpture” is a 35 acre sculpture park that is set in the outdoors to promote and appreciate contemporary art and sculpture. (609-586-0616). There are many other attractions in this capital city including the State Museum, Alexander Douglas House, etc.
In Princeton, guests can visit the world famous Princeton University along with many other attractions such as the Art Museum of Princeton University, Battlefield State Park, Museum of Natural History, Princeton Chamber Symphony, etc.
Try your luck at gambling in the casinos of Atlantic City or take the ferry to Liberty State Park to view the majestic Statue of Liberty. Check out the largest collection of North American wild life in the world at the Space Farms Zoo and Museum in Northern New Jersey. Rodeo fans can get their thrills at the Cowtown Rodeo in Southern New Jersey. Additionally, for the children, there is the Camdens Children’s Garden, CoCokey Water Resort, Pequest Fish Hatchery, Turtle Back Zoo and Battleship New Jersey. Visit the Rankokus Indian (Native American) Reservation to see the costumes, culture and talent of the original people who inhabited these lands millenniums ago.
For an offbeat trip, try the Ripley’s believe it or not museum, Keansburg Amusement Park, Bobolink Dairy Farm, Land of Make Believe, Northlandz, Storybook Land and Six Flags Great Adventure.
As in most of the Eastern States, New Jersey also has a number of State Parks that cover over 375,000 acres of land. Alliare State Park is a well preserved, early 19th century style town with the typical general store, carpenter’s store, blacksmith, church, museum, etc. At the Barnegat Lighthouse Park, visitors can get a panoramic view of Barnegat Bay, Island Beach and the Long Beach Island from the observation deck of the light house.
At the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary, tourists can enjoy the 16.5 acres of hilly slopes and natural beauty including an amphitheater created by glaciers. This arboretum has over 150 species of wildflowers, 45 species of trees, over 100 species of birds and 300 year old tulip trees.
Visitors interested in fishing will enjoy the Hacklebarney State Park with its Black River gorge and beautiful scenery. With the perfect weather for fishing, most people enjoy the outdoors hiking, biking or picnicking.
