NEw jersey
The Garden State
(Look for Voice Narration Added to Various Postings)
(Look for Voice Narration Added to Various Postings)
Millburn
You want to see how fairies live? Oh, there is a magic place in the woods of New Jersey! A 1/2 trail brings a touch of magic to your senses as you explore the South Mountain Fairy Trail.
Atlantic City
What? A nude Lady Liberty, draped in a French flag, cradling an agonizing, dying soldier stands in an enormous 16-column stone temple on a super busy intersection. As you walk around the outside, gazing inside, you will see some of the most unusual images throughout this 124-foot diameter statue constructed in 1922. The artist, Frederick William MacMonnies, entitles it, "Liberty in Distress." His intent was to remind New Jerseyans of their contributions to World War I. A very bizarre piece of art in New Jersey!
Feltville (Ghost Town)
Welcome to Feltville! One of the only standing ghost towns in New Jersey! A New York man, Dr. Townsend, was manufacturing over 5,000 bottles of sarsaparilla for medicinal purposes. He sold the business and moved to New Jersey to enter the real estate market and political arena. He built fifteen tiny duplexes in a small area. Each duplex had four rooms (two upstairs and two downstairs) and each room measured only 10 feet by 10 feet. One family, Jennings, lived in one of the duplexes with their 7 children. Because of the size of the duplex, some of the children slept in the kitchen and parlor. Somewhat difficult to find the ghost town of Feltville, as you travel on an ill-maintained dirt road.
Batsto Village
Let us step back into the days of the 1700's by entering Batsto Village. Over 40 original structures still stand in this once thriving iron-ore working village. It is easy to spend an entire day weaving through the dirt roads and exploring the outside and inside of each historic structure. An absolute must when visiting New Jersey!
Salem County
Historic brickwork, at its finest, can only be found in a few counties throughout South New Jersey. When bricks were individually handmade, masons used variations of colors and placement to create designs, dates and initials in the walls of their homes. This tradition was modeled from the Quakers' English homeland and was quite popular from the 1680's to 1830's.
Random Sights along the Roads of New Jersey
Spontaneous findings of rusted lookout towers, abandoned schools, stone-built homes and colonial wooden churches make road trips so much fun! Oh, there is so much to see!
Palisades Interstate State Park
A unique New Jersey State Park stretches along the Hudson River offering fantastic views of the interlinking George Washington Bridge, sky reaching Manhatton and towering, majestic rock cliffs. In the 1920's and 1930's, millions flocked here for sunbathing, parties at the bathhouses and extended stays at a beautiful country resort. Remnants of those past times are scattered throughout the park.
Liberty State Park
There is so much to take in as you trek through Liberty State Park. The abandoned Central Railroad, linking New Jersey to New York, comes to back to life with the restoration of the station amongst the weeds. This 19th century (1800's) train station was used as a gateway to America for over ten-million immigrants. A unique statue remembers the history of the 102-mile canal built also in the 1800's through this park. When you look closely at the bronze statue, you will see smaller statue of a slave family escaping New Jersey through the Underground Railroad in this area. Across the Hudson River, one views the Ellis Island Immigrant hospital which operated from 1902 to 1951. This 1,212-acre park offers so much history to learn and incredible views along the Hudson River! An absolute must visit when in New Jersey!
Liberty State Park
A tragic day where New Jerseyans stood helplessly on the bank of the Hudson River as they witnessed the attack on America. The horrifying event could be witnessed close up, at the mouth of the Hudson River. In Liberty State Park, one finds, "Empty Sky." The 911 memorial offers two 30-foot walls (each being the same length as the width of each World Trade building) with a granite path in between that is directed towards Ground Zero. On the walls are the names of the 746 New Jerseyan victims. In addition, another part of Liberty State Park offers another bronze remembrance plaque with the 746 names on it. Behind the plaque are 746 trees planted. As you walk the trails of the park there is so much more to see.
Liberty State Park
After standing for over 135 years, Lady Liberty is due for a rest. This 25-foot lying down version of her says many things to the viewer. Her hand holds her heavy crowned head. She seems to carry an expression of tiredness. The artist, Zaq Landsberg, wants Americans to stop and think of the direction of America. Will she continue to stand for liberty, freedom and justice. Or is America on a decline? A very thoughtful piece of art located in Liberty State Park.
Liberty State Park
New Jersey offers an entirely different perspective of our Lady Liberty. As you gaze at her backside, many thoughts might drift through your mind. Did you know she stands 305 feet from the ground to the tip of the torch? Did you know the same engineer also built the Eiffel Tower? Did you know she originally served as a lighthouse? How many stairs does one climb to reach the 25-window crown? 356!
Jersey City Waterfront
The residents refer to this waterfront as Wall Street West. The waterfront offers a fantastic, up-front view of New York City. Multiple ferries continuously cross the Hudson River connecting travelers to and from New Jersey and New York. Behind the waterfront are the two tallest buildings in the state of New Jersey - Goldman Sachs and 99 Hudson. In the far distance, one can get a glimpse of America's Great Lady - The Statue of Liberty.
Jersey City
A memorable stop in New Jersey is at the historic Colgate Clock. It is easy to find, as it stands in an empty lot along the Hudson River, separating New Jersey and New York. At one point in history, it was considered the largest clock in the world. Its original home was atop the Colgate-Palmolive factory. When standing aside it, you feel so small as the huge dimensions are 50 feet in diameter and a surface of 1,963.5 feet. If you look closely in the first photo, you can see an individual sitting on the base.
New Jersey Seaside Ports
Random shots of various abandoned seaports throughout the state of New Jersey.
Mount Tammany Trail
Climbing over 1,200 feet in elevation on a short 1 1/2-mile trail gives you an incredible view! I was told I couldn't do it! Determination and a few stops along the way brought me to the top! Check out the short video and the audio above to capture this inspiring moment.
Delaware Water Gap
An almost unspoiled adventure waits for kayakers entering the Delaware River at Water Gap Recreation Area. The river cuts through the ridges of the majestic Appalachian Mountains along the New Jersey and Pennsylvania state line.
Water Gap National Park
The most known hiking trail in the United States follows the majestic mountain range between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This trail, the Appalachian (AP), offers over 2,000 miles of a continuous trail from Georgia to Maine. Seventy-two miles of the two thousand miles is located in New Jersey. The New Jersey part of AP originates in Delaware Gap National Park. The trail is marked with solid white paint stripes (blazes) on trees, posts and rocks. More than 2,000,000 people hike this trail annually. A typical hiker takes about 5 to 7 months to complete the trail end to end.
Maplewood
A small rock carries a big message to a selected group of sport enthusiasts. In 1968, a group of Columbia high school students created a counterculture, non-aggressive, non-jock alternative sport called Ultimate Frisbee at this location. At that time, it was their school parking lot. The sport continues to grow and one day we could enjoy it in the Summer Olympics! The Frisbee sized and shape plaque is easy to miss as it is located in a very small parcel of land, located along a busy road.
Shell Pile
A true hidden gem is the town of Shell Pile, New Jersey! In the early 1900's, Shell Pile (yes, that is the real city name) was thriving by harvesting oysters. In the 1950's, a parasite decimated the oyster population taking this city's resource to a complete end. Today, the dock offers fond memories of the oyster businesses and deteriorating boats. There is a very small Discovery Center teaching the public about oyster harvesting in New Jersey. A few turkey vultures and an occasional flock of gulls picking through a small pile of clam shells gives you the sense you are really in a ghost town.
Heislerville
One of the eighteen lighthouses in New Jersey, is the East Point Lighthouse. Built in 1849, this eye-catcher assisted over 500 sailing vessels engaged in the local oyster trade. In early days, the US government offered a full-time position of a Lighthouse Keeper. He would have residency inside to completely maintain the lighthouse and most importantly, control the lighting to navigate the sea vessels. He was compensated $500 annually. When automation evolved, the Keeper was replaced with a Lighthouse Custodian. The Custodian was also offered residency inside and was paid a mere annual salary of $1 as the responsibility diminished to the works of a groundskeeper.
Patterson
Who is on 1st base? What is on 2nd base? I don't know is on 3rd base? One of the greatest comedy routines ever performed, in US history, is by the dual team of Abbot and Costello. Lou Costello was born in the New Jersey town of Patterson. His town proudly keeps his legacy alive by offering a beautiful life-size bronze statue, a memorial park, and the Abbot and Costello Center located on the university campus. Abbot also was also born in the state of New Jersey. The two also starred in 36 films and had a television series.
Raritan
What a hero! What an example! What a patriot! Meet Sargent Basilone. His armed force service is remembered as a courageous man who continued to fight in battle against all odds. The bronze plaque shares the words of President Roosevelt telling the Sargent's epic story. His hometown memorial is surrounded by 9 flags representing the United States. Each year his hometown, Raritan, offers a parade in his honor. Sargent Basilone is the only Marine to have an annual parade in the United States.
Bloomfield
Stopping by to take-in an old-fashioned malt shake at Holsten's Ice Cream Parlor, where television history was made. The controversial ending of the HBO series, Sopranos, took place in a 1950's style tableside jukebox booth in this popular establishment. As the camera fades to black on the life of Tony Soprano, many speculated his death. Walking around this nostalgic diner, one finds many framed photos of the actors and crew of this monumental series. Yes, the malt shake is absolutely delicious!
Edison
So Massive! Where to start? A Jewish deli in New Jersey is a local legend for so many reasons. The restaurant is known for serving the world's best corned beef. The homemade cakes are tower standing. They claim to have the largest pickle bar in the world. How about an extra-large sandwich at a whopping $95.95 serving 5 to 8 people. A mouth-watering experience at Harolds Deli Restaurant! An absolute must stop in New Jersey!
Millville (Part 2)
Not your ordinary glass bottle here! This hand-blown bottle stands at 7 feet, 8 inches and has a whooping capacity of 188 gallons. 188 GALLONS! It is the largest hand-blown glass bottle on the planet! Only at WheatonArts!
Millville (Part One)
Explore. Experience. Create. This 65-acre beautiful WheatonArts community offers working art studios, five museum stores, cafe and a nature hike. Thier goal is "to engage artists and audiences in an evolving exploration of creativity." A real hidden gem in New Jersey!
Scotch Plains
A dog's loyalty story is all the way from Japan! Meet Hachi-Kou. Every day, Hachi would be at the train station waiting for his owner who was a professor at a local university. One day the owner unexpectedly passed away while at work. For the next nine years every day, until his death, Hachi would arrive at the train station hoping to greet his owner. This wonderful story became a legacy for the Japanese culture as a true example of loyalty and fidelity. At the entrance of a New Jersey pet cemetery a statue shares this story with America!
Scotch Plains
A true legacy is laid to rest in New Jersey! Dudley Moore was a very gifted actor bringing laughter to several generations with films such as Foul Play (1978) and Arthur (1981). When filming Arthur many of the crew members taped their mouth shut to control their laughter. On a personal side, Dudley was only 5 feet and 2 inches tall. He was married 4 times and had a 25-million-dollar net worth. During his career, Dudley won 7 awards and received 11 nominations. A beautiful tombstone honoring Dudley S. Moore and his legacy.
Wantage Township (Part 4)
You're not finished yet at Space Farms until you visit the 11 fascinating museums located adjacent to the zoo. Look for the wooden tread horses walked on producing one-horsepower. How about the cast iron eagle which was perched atop Grand Central Station in NYC? You will be "hammered" at the display of old hammers in the tool barn! One-room schoolhouses, wooden dairy wagons and so much more awaits the curious mind! There are literally thousands of old and unique artifacts on display throughout the multiple museums. Space Farms Zoo and Museum is a must stop in New Jersey.
Wantage Township (Part 3)
These wild lions and tigers devour about 35 pounds of meat daily to live healthy at Space Farms Zoo. An exciting time to visit the zoo is during feeding time! The family-owned zoo has a unique way of providing meat to these beautiful animals. They are contracted to go out and search the New Jersey roads for deer roadkill. About 10 deer are collected daily during the winter months and that number jumps to about 25 a day during the fall and mating season. Wow!
Wantage Township (Part 2)
The family-owned zoo, Space Zoo, stretches 100 acres offering over 500 wild animals the freedom to roam and live as though they were in the wild. Plan on a whole day, enjoying the winding paths, observing from African lions to litters of squealing piglets. If your timing is right, you will enjoy watching the staff feed the animals. More stories and photos coming real soon.
Wantage Township (Part 1)
A 1927 general store, repair shop and wild animal shelter grows into New Jersey's largest combined zoo and museum. Meet the Space family! Oh, what a story we have for you. More coming soon!
Rural Roads
Getting out of city to enjoy the rural roads of New Jersey. If you look closely at the cows, they are styling some sporty sunglasses.
Sussex
How high can you go? In New Jersey, the limit is at High Point State Park. The view from the monument is an exhilarating 1,803 feet above sea level. Endless panoramic views can be seen from all four directions. Nearby is a 20-acre spring fed lake for swimming and sunbathing. A "high'light stop in the wonderful state of New Jersey.
Brick
An 8 ft "Angel in Anguish" monument remembers the 9 local citizens who tragically lost their lives in the 911 terrorist attack of the World Trade Center. The crying, bronze angel hovers over a waving American flag flying behind the skyline of New York city. In the center of the skyline is the prominent Twin Towers. The names of the nine residents are engraved below the towers. Adjacent is a smaller memorial plaque remembering the Columbia Space Shuttle explosion. Many of the locals visit this small park regularly to honor their fellow neighbors.
Edison
The mural of Thomas Edison was painted by a color printer robot in 2018. The township is nicknamed, "Birthplace of the Modern World." The motto of the township is, "Let There Be Light." In 1954, the name changed its' name from Raritan to Edison. Global fame came to this area in the 1800's as some of the most innovative research and manufacturing feats in the world occurred here because of one man - Thomas Edison.
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Edison
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In the city of Edison, we find Edison State Park. At the center of the park, is a towering 131-foot Thomas Edison Memorial Tower displaying a 13-foot light bulb. This amazing 36-acre park reminds us of a man who modernized the world with over 1,000 patented inventions. This location is where Edison invented the phonograph and electric light bulb. A matter of fact, this street is the 1st street in the world to be lit up by an electric light bulb. Listen to the audio, located above the photos, for a narrative sharing so much more about this unique park found in Edison, New Jersey.
Belvidere
Since 1944, Johny and his family continue to sell mouthwatering hotdogs accompanied with either a mug of Birch Beer or Buttermilk. The original 1944 hot dog shack is located in the back of the property. Currently, Johnny's daughter, Patricia, runs the joint. When Patricia was 8 years of age, she began her hot dog career by standing on a wooden crate handing out sodas. The Travel Channel featured a story as Johhny's being one of the most popular roadside stands across the country. This nostalgic stop is located along the Pequest River on Route 46, through Buttzville, New Jersey.
Throughout the State of New Jersey
Over 530 diners are spread out in the state of New Jersey marking it as, "The Dining Capital in the World." Oh, the delights of homemade meatloaf, buttery mashed potatoes and green beans. A quick lunch stop for a grilled tuna melt, French fries and a slice of lemon meringue pie. A morning ritual of a cup of Joe and a stack of pancakes. If you ask a New Jerseyan what a diner means to them, they will respond, "It is embedded into our hearts, culture and built landscape. In other words, our home away from home."
Throughout the State of New Jersey
This New Jerseyan staple sandwich consists of fried pork roll, American cheese and an egg placed between a grilled bagel. You might be asking yourself, "What is a pork roll?" In 1856, John Taylor of Trenton, New Jersey took ground pork shoulder meat and added salt, sugar and various spices. The exact recipe remains a trade secret today. The legal name is Pork Roll, but New Jerseyans call it Taylor Ham, after the creator John Taylor. It is unofficially considered the state meat of New Jersey. BTW, it is delicious!
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Metuchen
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A New Jersey, lifelong firefighter takes laughter to the grave. James Bechtold's tombstone is easy to locate! Atop the tombstone, one finds the three heads of the iconic "Three Stooges" with each displaying their trademark expressions. The inscription reads, "Laugh, Don't Weep It Feels Better!" A one-of-a-kind find only in New Jersey.
Rio Grande
It is the restaurant with the old man sitting in his rocking chair toking on a huge cigar! Watch out old man, as there is a shark breaking through the walls heading your way. Walking through the dining rooms and halls you will marvel at the overstocked antiques and oddities. This family owned restaurant is a local favorite as meals consists of local caught fish and locally grown vegetables.
Hamilton
It is so easy to spend an entire day roaming the trails, enjoying the larger-than-life outdoor sculptures, at Grounds for Sculpture.
Trenton
A step-back-in-time experience awaits in Trenton, New Jersey at the Barracks. Two-hundred and sixty-five years ago (1758), the Trenton residents were growing tired of having British soldiers quartering in their homes. They demanded a separate facility to be built. For the next 18 years, British soldiers lived full time in these new barracks. In 1776, General Washington surprised attacked and took complete control of the barracks. It became a military hospital for years fighting a new battle of smallpox. In the beginning of the 20th century (1903) the barracks become a historic museum. Today, the barracks are filled with colonial memorabilia, remarkable reenactments and detailed narrations of the difficult life in colonial America. A true step-back-in-time experience!
TRENTON
A massive column-type monument honors George Washington and his troop in a battle that redefined the American Revolution. The hollow tower offers an elevator ride to the top with beautiful views of the capital city. The entrance is guarded by two Continental soldiers. Crowning the 150-foot Trenton Battle Monument, stands General Washinton, with his right arm extended directing the fire of the artillery.
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TRENTON
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Considered one of the most pivotal points in United States history is remembered in the capital city of New Jersey - Trenton. Listen to the audio (above the photo) for a memorable narration of this remarkable event explaining these words imprinted on the monument, "All our hopes were blasted by the unhappy affair at Trenton."
When visiting a state, one needs to visit the State Capital building and the city which surrounds it. The city of Trenton is no exception! There is so much state history waiting to be learned. Did you know the Declaration of Independence was publicly read, for the first time, in Trenton? Did you also know Trenton was the nation's capital for two months in 1784? Did you know the first professionally played basketball game was played in Trenton in 1896? These are just some of the super interesting facts learned today at the Capital, located in the beautiful city of TRENTON!
Morristown
Definitely not your common tourist attraction in New Jersey! I will tell you; it got my attention as I drove past it! The local residents call it, "The Cornfield Cruiser." A 1/2 warehouse and 1/2 nuclear strike cruiser creates an eerie looking facility located smack in the middle of a corn field. Inside some of the most sophisticated anti-warfare and ballistic testing is done. This equipment is used to protect the world's oceans today. What looks like a warship, among the waving cornstalks is actually, well, a warship among the cornstalks! By the way, the official name is Vice Admiral James H. Doyle Combat Systems Engineering Develpment Site. Let's stick with "The Cornfield Cruiser."
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Camden
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She steamed throughout the waters more miles, fought in more battles, and fired more live ammunition than any battleship in history. Meet "Big J." Her formal name is the USS New Jersey Battleship, and she is docked on the Delaware River right across from the beautiful city of Philadelphia.
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Camden
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At the age of 16, a young boy began boxing to help feed his hungry family. Considered one of the grittiest professional boxers of all time, he fought 69 times, winning 50 by 30 knockouts. He broke the record of being the oldest man to win the title, at the age of 37. Born and buried in New Jersey is the one and only, Jersey Joe Walcott.
Traveling the roads of New Jersey, one begins to notice the pride of displaying the USA American flag from the biggest of the city to the rural town!
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Cape May
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A granite-carved memorial solemnly remembers the many fishermen who never returned home. A life-sized widow stands staring off into the endless waters with her two children clinched to her side. The young boy seems to be staring upward at his mom, wanting to ask so many questions. Also, in this small park are two granite slabs with 79 engraved names of men lost at sea. Atop the slabs are many seashell offerings placed by anonymous people. A unique tribute to something most of don't think about - fishermen lost at sea.
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Cape May
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Let us take a day to visit the southernmost point of New Jersey - Cape May. This seaside resort offers pristine beaches, streets lined with grand Victorian homes and a 3-block outdoor mall. If you are a peanut butter "nut", you must indulge at the Peanut Butter Company. The smell of fresh ground nut butter fills the entire store. How about a homemade peanut butter cookie topped with a Reece Peanut Butter Cup?
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Cape May
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A true hole-in-the-wall staple stop when in Cape May. There seems to always be a long line at Hot Dog Tummy's for their creative dogs. A perfect example of creativity is the Tornado Dog - an improbable mix of mashed potatoes, chili, shredded cheese, salsa, banana peppers and sour cream. So messy and soooo good!
Edison
One of the most bizarre attractions to be found in the state is the "Light Dispelling Darkness" sculpture. During the 1930's depression, an artist was asked to create a sculpture honoring Tom Edison and his invention of the electric light bulb. As you look closer you will see several eerie carvings. The artist wanted to show light exposes everything including evil. It is pretty darn frightening and weird!
LONGPORT
A blue smiley face water tower hovers over a New Jersey neighborhood.
Northfield
In a neighborhood traffic circle, there is an old set of cement stairs leading to a small 1800's graveyard. The first permanent settler of Atlantic City rests here with 3 other settlers.
Linwood
An eternal resting place for pets is located in a quiet neighborhood. In the early 1900's, a husband and wife loved their pets so much and wanted a place to always remember them. Over 100 years later, thousands of other beloved pets are laid to rest throughout the same cemetery.
New Jersey - Celebration Time! In the roaring 1920's, eighty 24-foot champagne bottles were erected along the highways coast-to-coast. These massive cement bottles were to promote Renault Wineries. Renault Wineries is the oldest active winery in New Jersey. The 1st vineyard was planted in 1864 by Louis Renault. Only 3 of the 80 original cement bottles are in existence today and are located throughout New Jersey.
New Jersey Rural - Keep all eyes open so you don't miss a thing. Unique yard fixtures, in various rural areas of New Jersey, bring character to ordinary yards!
Bayville - He is considered the oldest Dino sculpture in America. Since 1935, this 12-foot beast continues to turn heads on the road. He even has his own Facebook page! The locals nicknamed him Bud. Bud sports various hats, scarves and paint makeovers throughout each year. LONG LIVE BUD the Bayville Dinosaur!
FARMINGDALE - They do roam the face of the earth! If you dare, trek deep into the woods at Allaire State Park. Be aware, you have been warned! If you trek quietly, you might be able to spot them - DINOSAURS! A New Jersey artist, Robin Ruggiero, uses downed trees, real bones, branches and leaves to create these magnificent creatures. A sight to see!
Toms River - Most drive past it every day not thinking anything about it. On one side of the road, one can easily miss the small tar area spray painted. That small area marks the spot to enter the woods. Follow the brightly spraypainted trees and rocks, hopping over the abandoned railroad tracks brings you to chaos. Abandoned cement walls and tunnels come to life with massive, multi-colored graffiti everywhere. Everything is hit with paint! Everything! An abandoned brick producing factory turns into a massive graffiti jungle.
Toms River - It is so small; you could easily miss it! At this large military memorial is probably the nation's tiniest memorial plaque. Approaching the center column, you begin to make it out. Most of us know nothing about this historical incident. This tiny 4-inch plaque commemorates the crash of the world's 1st purpose-built aircraft - Akron Airship. President Roosevelt said, "The loss of the Akron with her crew of gallant officers and men is a national disaster." Below the tiny plaque is an actual tiny metal fragment of the ship. Ironically, the well-known Hindenburg crash happened four years later a couple miles away from this plaque.
Toms River - What a beauty! Her story is heartwarming! In remembrance of their father and his dedication to boating, the children had a riverboat custom built. Their mom named her River Lady. River Lady arrived in the city of Toms River on Father's Day 1989. River Lady continues to serve the public, by the family, throughout the waters of Toms River and Barnegat Bay.
Toms River - An aircraft carrier, USS Randolf, survives a kamikaze attack and decades later serves as a recovery ship for America's early astronauts. On March 11, 1945, a kamikaze plane slams into the starboard taking 27 men's lives and wounding 105. She survives! Decades later, the same carrier goes into history as the recovery ship for 2 American astronauts for 2 different historical space flights. One of her anchors sits at the waterfront in the city of Toms River. This historic anchor symbolizes the early shipbuilding industry of Toms River.
Toms River - Eight miles away from the city of Toms River, Seaside Heights boardwalk was demolished by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, sending multiple ride attractions into the sea. Today, a unique and somewhat bizarre looking statue sends a strong message of resilience to the locals of the area. Standing 20 feet tall, weighing in at 55,000 pounds, is a bronze statue of a family of five headed to the local beach. Below their feet are waves crashing, resembling Hurricane Sandy. The family stands above the waves, rising above the flood waters. Behind the family is a giant scallop shell and a stainless-steel Ferris wheel.
Pennsville - Finns Point National Cemetary carries a horrific story most of us were not taught in US history courses. Part of the Delaware River separates Delaware and New Jersey. On the Delaware side stands Fort Delaware and the New Jersey side is a graveyard of 2,436 Confederate soldiers buried in a large trench referred as a common grave. The fort became a prison, during the Civil War, housing over 12,000 Confererate soldiers. The maximum capacity was 4,000. The living conditions were horrible. The dead were transported by boat from across the river to be dumped into a trench. Today, a towering monument marks the spot. The monument bears each name of the 2,436 dead. Also, in this cemetery are 13 white tombstones which recognize the 13 German soldier WWII prisoners who died while being detained at Dix Fort located in New Jersey. A unique graveyard in the State of New Jersey.
Pennsville - Everything about this unusual lighthouse is worth sharing. This 115-foot wrought iron lighthouse was built in 1876 in New York. It was moved by train and then by a mule wagon to its current location. The first keeper, Edward Dickinson, would climb 130 spiraling stairs to light a double wick burner and kerosene lamp for the next 30 years of his life. Edward was paid $500 annually and never received a raise. Finns Point Lighthouse.
Seaside Heights - Traditional sandcastle building taken to an extreme level in the city of Seaside Heights. Six international sand sculpturers arrive to create their masterpiece. Each sculptor receives approximately 20 tons of sand! Check out what tons of sand and lots of water can create!
Seaside Heights - Where to start? So many choices! We have taste proven the top three tasty stops along Seaside Heights Boardwalk. You might want a napkin handy, to wipe your chops, as we describe each mouthwatering experience. 1) Grab a bucket at the entrance as you are going to need it! So many choices of unique saltwater taffy to choose. Find a nearby bench and start unwrapping! Oh, so good and sticky! Berkeley Candy continues to delight board walkers for over 60 years! 2) A true boardwalk legend is the tomato pies at Maruga's. One slice overextends the plate! Um, Um GOOD! The thin style pizza has been featured on Man vs. Food. 3) In 1919, three brothers used a horse-drawn carriage selling their frozen custard door-to-door. Today on the boardwalk, expect to stand in a line at Kohr's. This will give you time to decide which flavors entice your tastebuds. The flavors range from orange cream to cotton candy. You will be licking the bowl wishing you had more!
Seaside Heights - As you step onto the Seaside Heights Boardwalk, prepare yourself for a FUNtastic day! This classic boardwalk is lined with amusement rides for all ages, finger licking places to eat and multiple games to play for prizes. Ride the lift overhead, from end to end, to see it all from a bird's point of view. Take a breather by stepping off the boardwalk onto the sandy beach. Remove your shoes so you can feel the sand between your toes. Listen to the calming sounds of the waves coming in and out. Feel the cool waters washing over your feet. One of the best of eighteen boardwalks in New Jersey!
Atlantic City - "There she is, Miss America!" sang the master of ceremonies, Bert Parks for a solid 25 years. The Miss America pageant was created in 1921 to extend tourism in Atlantic City. It began as a bathing suit contest. Almost 100 years later, they got rid of it. Currently, the pageant boasts offering the world's largest scholarship program for women. Atlantic City is proud of its heritage of the creation of the Miss America Pageant with multiple statues and plaques throughout the city. Standing underneath the jeweled crown of the statue of Bert Parks triggers a recording of, "There she is Miss America!" A guaranteed smiling experience.
Atlantic City - The Beatles and Frank Sinatra ate here. Oprah Winfrey ate here. The World Boxing Champion, Rocky Marciano ate here. White House continues building submarines since 1946. A matter of fact, the term "submarine" was coined in the City of Patterson, New Jersey by an Italian immigrant named Dominic Conti. He saw an actual submarine, on display, and said to his granddaughter, "It looks like the sandwich I sell at my grocery store." People continuously line up to experience a submarine from White House. Lip Smakin' Good!
Atlantic City - Atlantic City is also known as "Little Las Vegas". Little fits the bill as Las Vegas hosts 75 casinos while Atlantic City hosts only 9 casinos. Over 27,000,000 (million) people visit Atlantic City yearly. Nine out of ten visitors are either from the home state of New Jersey or the neighboring states. Definitely an East Coast thing.
Atlantic City - A city considered, "Little Las Vegas" lines the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Did you know that the properties on the classic board game, Monopoly, are based on real life locations in this city? Did you know that the first boardwalk in America was built in this city in 1870. Did you know the Miss America Pageant was born in this city in 1921. Over 27,000,000 (million) people visit annually. Welcome to Atlantic City, New Jersey!
Wildwood - The City of Wildwood honors their local veterans by offering a beautiful memory lane and park. The lane displays two lifelike statues sharing joyous moments of a reunion with a loved one. As you drive throughout the city, you sense the community's patriotism as hundreds of American flags line the streets.
Wildwood - Wildwood Beach has truly gone to the dogs. A 25-foot-tall, 5,000-pound fire hydrant stands in front of one of the largest dog beaches in the world. Furthermore, this dog beach is rated as one of the top ten in the United States. Local artists built this paw-refic hydrant from recycled amusement rides and is adorned with bones, dog paws and even a squirrel perched on the top. It is doggone awesome!
Wildwood - "We're going to rock around the clock tonight, We're going to rock, rock, rock till broad daylight." Cruising the Wildwood streets, steps us back in time to the 1950's. The main streets are lined with nostalgic motels, various ice cream shops and souvenir shops. (Bill Haley and the Comets lyrics)
Wildwood – It began as a small city situated in a forest by the sea, giving it its name, “Wildwood.” Today, over 9 million people annually visit the 38-block, 70,000 wooden plank boardwalk. The boardwalk is lined up with foods of every sort and over 100 rides and attractions. A memorable taste bud moment is slowly eating the warm, hand-dipped and made to order donuts at The Fracture Prune. Specialty donuts, such as banana cream and strawberry shortcake, are just a couple of examples. The coast of Wildwood offers 5 miles of free, pristine beaches to relax, soak in the sun and get your toes wet in the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cape May - Memorable relics of World War I and World War II are easy to find on Sunset Beach in New Jersey. Off the shoreline, an eerie skeletal structure protrudes the waves. A 1918 cement - yes, cement - ship was used to return troops back from Europe after WWI. Years later, a severe storm hit the docked ship, freed it, and the storm took it 150 feet from the shores of Sunset Beach where it rests today. The building and using of cement ships was short-lived because of their massive weight. Twenty-one years later WWII began. In the middle of the war the fear of a German attack prompted the construction of a lookout tower also located on the same beach. Today, it is the freestanding World War II Lookout Tower in New Jersey. Inside, one can climb the spiral staircase to the top to view over 160 Veteran photos.
Cape May - On the southern shore of New Jersey. one will encounter two enormous concrete structures. As you enter Cape Cod State Park, you find yourself gazing up 157 feet of the Cape May Lighthouse built in 1859. If you dare, there are 199 spiral stairs you can climb to the top. Behind the lighthouse, your feet hit the soft sand of an endless beach. Off to the right a massive cement structure stands alone. During WWII, this was an active fort housing heavy artillery and hosting gunnery crews scanning the waters for enemy ships and submarines. A most unique beach offering something for everyone.
Morristown - "Would you please get all these sleds out of here?” said the wife of Philip Snow. Philip was obsessed with the Flexible Flyer sled since he was a young boy. He accumulated over 40, filling the basement and garage of their home. He decided to put them on public display for all to enjoy at the entrance of the Morristown Library, creating a unique small museum. These nostalgic red, wooden sleds were invented in this county in 1889, making it the perfect home of Phillip's collection. The largest one on display is over 8 feet long at the 1900 retail price of $12. As one could say, "I haven't seen many kids sledding in today's world. It really has gone downhill."
Grover's Mill - Aliens invade New Jersey! Before television, 12 million people were tuned into an evening radio broadcast. The routine program was abruptly interrupted with a live news update sending the world into a frenzy over an alien invasion in Grover's Mill, New Jersey. Locals, with faces covered in wet handkerchiefs, ran into the streets with their guns. Some shot at a local tower thinking it was the antenna to the alien ship (remnants of the tower stand today). All of it was a hoax! It was a dramatization of H.G. Wells book, War of the Worlds. Eighty years later, one can visit the small community of Grover's Mill to view a monument and the tower. Be sure to stop by Grover’s Mill Coffee Shop, as it is filled with memorabilia and actual news articles framed on the wall. Oh, New Jersey is going to be so much fun!
