Located a few hours from New York City, New Jersey is a gorgeous state on the East Coast that offers visitors a wide variety of things to do. If you’re looking for some ideas, this list has you covered. From untouched nature to hidden bars, here are 8 off the beaten path things to do this summer.
1. Visit Lakota Wolf Preserve
Get a chance to see some stunning wildlife up close at this beautiful nature preserve. Lakota Wolf Preserve, as the name implies, is home to 4 different packs of wolves, as well as other animals such foxes and bobcats.
2. Explore High Point State Park
High Point State Park lives up to its name, marking the highest elevation in the state. This is a great choice for those looking to enjoy a peaceful day in nature. The park offers visitors a wide variety of activities to choose from. Check out some of the hiking trails, or go for a swim in Lake Marcia (only permitted when lifeguards are on duty). If you’re looking to extend your trip, consider camping or renting a cabin in the park.
3. Grab A Drink At Thirty3
If you’re looking for a night out, consider checking out – after you find – Thirty3 in Towaco, New Jersey. This “hidden” bar is located below Rails Steakhouse – a beloved restaurant that offers delicious dishes, if you’re also looking for a place to enjoy dinner. To get to the bar, you’ll pull a specific book on a bookshelf in the restaurant. It can be fun to try to find it on your own, but you can ask for help if needed. From there, you can head down below to enjoy some delicious cocktails!
4. Play A Game At Silverball Retro Arcade
If you find yourself near Asbury Park, consider checking out Silverball Retro Arcade. This vintage game arcade features dozens of pinball machines and games hailing from the 1950s to present day, and also features Silverball Cafe, a great place to grab an afternoon snack.
5. Explore Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park
Take in a gorgeous, 77-foot cascade with a visit to this beautiful park. Unlike many parks run by the National Park Service, entrance to this park is also free, making this a great option for those looking for some memorable and budget-friendly places to explore this summer. The bridge over the falls is currently closed, but they can still be viewed up close from Mary Ellen Kramer Park or from a further lookout at Overlook Park.
6. Check Out Grounds for Sculpture
This art museum is a far cry from the sterile, quiet images that might come to mind when you hear museum. Grounds For Sculpture is a beautiful outdoor sculpture park located in Hamilton, New Jersey. Consisting of countless art pieces spanning 42 acres, this is a great way to not only view art but also enjoy some fresh air.
7. Explore The Deserted Village Of Feltville
Here’s an option for an adventure that’s literally off the beaten path. This ghost town is home to several historic buildings, and you can see them yourself with a self-guided tour of the area. Some of the houses in the area are actually still inhabited, while some of the older buildings are unsafe to enter, so it is requested that visitors don’t try to enter any of the buildings except for the restored store.
8. See The Fluorescent Rocks Of Sterling Hill Mine
This former mine was one of the last to close in the state and has since been turned into a museum. Sterling Hill Mine nowadays is home to a collection of hundreds of objects and rocks that glow under blacklight, creating a true one-of-a-kind, underground viewing experience that feels otherworldly. Reservations are currently required and can be made by calling the number on their website.
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