5 Fun Things To Do In New Jersey

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Thinking of visiting New Jersey? Here are a few fun things to do when exploring this state.

Hit the beaches of Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore’s beaches are renowned worldwide as being the ultimate sunbathing spot. They’re less humid than Florida’s beaches whilst still offering plenty of sunshine to catch a tan. Even if you don’t fancy lazing on a beach, the shore offers plenty of other activities. You can snack out at Dunkin’ Donuts in Ocean City and go shopping along the boardwalk. Meanwhile, those looking to explore some history can head to Cape May, where there is plenty of Victorian architecture to marvel at and a range of museums. And of course, there’s Atlantic City, where you’ll find casinos and world-class spas.

Go tubing on the Delaware river

Many people head to the Delaware river in the summer to paddle in its crystal clear waters. Whilst thrill-seekers can try kayaking or white water rafting, a more leisurely way to explore the river could be to go tubing. You can hire a tube from companies such as Twin Rivers Tubing and drift down the river whilst catching a tan.

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Be dazzled by Sterling Hill Mine

This former iron and zinc mine is a must-visit attraction whilst in the state of New Jersey. The mine’s most famous feature is its multi-coloured fluorescent rocks which make for a magical experience. This is the result of the mine’s lighting which causes the zinc to glow. Visitors at Sterling Hill Mine can also learn about the mine’s past and various mining techniques.

Walk around the Grounds for Sculpture

There are plenty of parks and gardens in The Garden State, but for those looking for an attraction that slightly more unusual The Grounds For Sculpture are well worth a visit. There are over 240 sculptures in this 42-acre park, on top of an array of trees and flowers. It’s the perfect park for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

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See the Statue of Liberty from Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park sits across from New York and offers impressive views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You can even catch a ferry from here and get to see both attractions up close. Of course, there’s also the option of taking a day trip to the Big Apple (New York’s not in New Jersey, but it’s practically on the border and worth experiencing if you’ve never been before). Liberty State Park is also home to the Empty Sky Memorial and Liberty Science Centre.

A Getaway To The Gateway City! Exploring St. Louis

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Sometimes, with all of the advice out there to live like a local when you head into a specific destination, you actually want to appreciate the amazing aspects of a chosen place only, not the warts and all parts! Sometimes the option to be a tourist can throw up so many wonderful experiences that you’re better off putting your tourist cap on. St. Louis is one of those places that seems purpose-built for tourism, especially when you really delve deep. So, let’s have a look at what we can really do.

Head Up The Gateway Arch

You can’t talk about St. Louis without mentioning this world famous monument. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you can take a ride up this 630-foot structure and look at St. Louis like a bird in the sky. Naturally, if you’re not so keen on heights, this may not be a big draw, but you can head to the nearby Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and see where Lewis and Clark set off on their cruise down the Mississippi river!

Feeling Sociable?

If you’re looking for a night, as with anywhere, you are spoilt for choice. But what do you really want from the tourist side of things? There are plenty of escape rooms in St. Louis, such as Mastermind Room Escape or Escape The Room, but if you’re looking for a more relaxing evening with music and bars, you can head to the ballpark village St. Louis for some sports-themed entertainment. If food and drink is more your style, there are plenty of restaurants that serve fresh Asian cuisine, like Lonas Lil Eats, or if you’re wanting more traditional Italian fare, you can head to the Hill neighborhood which is famous for Italian cuisine. If you’ve got the delectable sweet tooth, frozen custard at Ted Drewes will provide you with the most exquisite brain freeze!

For The People Craving Some Education…

Being a tourist is about learning a little something about the place. Luckily in St. Louis you’ve got plenty of options. You can head to the Museum Of Contemporary Religious Art which, as the name suggests, provides plenty of religious iconography. If you are keen to ingratiate yourself with the religious side of things, you could head to the National Shrine Of Our Lady Of The Snow and attend mass (as well as get something tasty in your stomach). And if religion isn’t your thing, you can head to the Saint Louis Science Center and experience the planetarium and go through time at the Omnimax theater, as well as seeing up close and personal a life-size tyrannosaurus rex. Be careful, this is animatronic and will move, so if you’ve got children of a sensitive disposition, be careful.

For a luxurious experience of Middle America, St. Louis has more than we can list here. But when you are looking to get a feel for the place, you don’t always have to treat it as if you’re a local. Get some knowledge of the big tourist attractions and you will be surprised as to how much you and your family will enjoy the place, and feel none of those famous “Saint Louis Blues”!

Roosevelt Island

A gem of New York City. Roosevelt Island is a narrow island located in the East River. The Island is considered to be apart of the borough of Manhattan. Manhattan sits to the west of the island and the borough of Queens sits to the east. Once known as Blackwells island, and also welfare island. The island was home to prisons, hospitals and asylums. The island was renamed in 1971 after Franklin D Roosevelt.

What to see and do

Roosevelt Island tram

Take the aerial tram at least one when visiting Roosevelt Island. The views are amazing, providing a unique skyline view of the city. The tram runs from 59th street and second avenue in Manhattan to Tramway plaza on Roosevelt plaza. The tram ride definitely offers an exciting aerial view of the city. A must see for anyone visiting New York City.

Four Freedom Park

This beautiful four acre park is a memorial, dedicated to President Franklin D Roosevelt. The park celebrates the Four Freedoms he articulated in his 1941 state of the union address. The park is located at the southern tip of the island, and I would recommend this to be the number one sight that you must see on Roosevelt Island. The landscape is stunning and the views of Manhattan and Queens are gorgeous. If you love sunsets, I would suggest viewing one during the winter the months, they are absolutely breathtaking.

The smallpox hospital

A very unique sight to see in New York City. The hospital is a historic landmark structure. The hospital was built in 1854 and was the first major hospital in the United States dedicated to treat the victims of smallpox. It is an interesting sight to see and represents an era of old New York life. It is great to see at different times of the year. The fall foliage is gorgeous, the winter adds more of an eerie vibe and it is very pretty during the warmer months, with the greenery covering the hospital.

Cornell tech

An impressive engineering campus, with an innovative design and beautiful grounds. Exploring this area is a change of scenery from the rest of the island, as it represents modern growth.

Blackwell Island light house

The majority of the sights to see on the island, are located in the southern region. However, a visit to the northeast tip is well worth the walk (or bus ride) to view the pretty stone lighthouse, which was built in 1872.

From stunning aerial views, escaping the chaos of midtown, relaxing with the breeze of the east river and exploring historic sights Roosevelt Island is a top place to visit when exploring New York City.