FIND THE VERY BEST THAT NEW JERSEY HAS TO OFFER. FROM THE MOST ROMANTIC PLACES IN NJ TO THE BEST CHEESEBURGER. THESE ARE OUR CHOICES OF THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NJ
THE MOST ROMANTIC PLACE IN NEW JERSEY
Rat's Restaurant Located in Central Jersey 16 Fairgrounds Rd. Hamilton 609-584-7800
When you arrive at Rat's you'll think you've stepped into a European village reminiscent of French impressionist Claude Monet's beloved town of Giverny. The bar/restaurant is one of the most romantic places in NJ. The bar has a stunningly beautiful small cozy french country ambiance. Sip your drinks on the lush couches by the fireplace or in the exquisite outdoor cafe. Located on the beautiful 35 acre Grounds for Sculpture. You are free to roam the gorgeous Grounds for sculpture which is a lovely breathtaking sculpture park boasting many sculptures in a variety of styles and media, including bronze, steel, stone, wood, concrete and mixed media. All Surrounded by beautiful gardens. This is one of the most unforgettable romantic experiences that NJ has to offer.
The Appalachian Hotel at Mountain Creek offers fantastic vacation lodging at the foot of the mountain. The Appalachian Hotel is the resorts first true ski-in/ski-out hotel. Your studio, 1 or 2 bedroom suite comes with a cozy fireplace, fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, wireless internet, and many feature private balconies overlooking the mountain or valley below. Valid today through - Mar 16, 2008. Advertised package rate is per person per night, based on minimum occupancy in Appalachian Studio Unit midweek in low season. Advertised package rate does not include tax, surcharge or booking fee. Restrictions may apply. Click Here to check for availability and to book your package.
THE BEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IN NEW JERSEY
Echo Lake Stables Located in Northern New Jersey 55 Blakely Lane Newfoundland, NJ (973) 697-1257
Night time Horseback riding adventure We found a wonderful spot in Morris County. Echo Lake Stables in Newfoundland NJ is very easy to get to from central and North New Jersey. The Night time Horseback riding adventure leaves the stable area every Friday and Saturday evening at 7:00PM.
Night time adventure ride with a Old fashioned Western Barbeque On the Night time adventure ride. You will go through streams and under the moon and stars. You will then arrive at a campsite and enjoy a 1 1/2 hour Old fashioned Western cookout with free beer and wine.... You then play fun games with your partner as you listen to live entertainment. An old fashioned hayride back to your car caps the evening. WOW VERY ROMANTIC. The night time ride is $50 per person which includes all the beer and food you can handle. The trip is 4 hours from 8 PM to midnight. This is an Unbelievable date idea. Click Here for more details, reservations and directions. Or call 973-697-1257.
THE MOST LUXURIOUS GETAWAY IN NEW JERSEY
Crystal Springs Golf and Spa Resort Northern New Jersey Route 94, Vernon, New Jersey 973-827-5996 Enjoy a luxurious and relaxing getaway at Crystal Springs Golf and Spa Resort. Located in New Jersey’s Sussex Skylands, Crystal Springs offers seven amazing golf courses, two award winnings spas as well as the Latour Restaurant which is a top-rated fine dining establishment in New Jersey. Also, enjoy a glass of wine from the Crystal Springs wine cellar which is considered one of the best in the world with over 50,000 bottles of wine.
Delaware River Tubing Located in Central New Jersey on the Delaware River 2998 Daniel Brey Hwy (route 29) Frenchtown NJ 1-866-Wet-Tube Enjoy a 4 hour river adventure that includes lunch - all for an unbelievable $14.95! A great way to spend the day with the kids or relax with a loved one. You can stop and explore the small islands and sun bathe. Find little nooks to stop in and swim at your leisure. We took six hours when we did the tubing adventure! Halfway down the river you stop for a terrific barbecue lunch, which is included in the price! This is the most reasonably priced one day adventures that we have found in all of New Jersey. Click on the Link above or Call 1-866-Wet-Tube or 908-996-5FUN for more info and reservation information. Rafting and tubing only.
THE BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT IN NEW JERSEY
Ryland Inn Located in West Central New Jersey 115 Old Highway 28 Whitehouse Station NJ 908-534-4011
Chef Craig Shelton never ceases to amaze his cliental at The Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station NJ. Since taking over control of The Ryland Inn, Mr. Shelton has received a torrent of critical acclaim including the first "Extraordinary" (equivalent of 4 Stars) from the New York Times. The Ryland Inn Wine List, composed by Chef Shelton, features over 1000 selections. Need we really say more here? This is probably one of the top ten restaurants on the entire East Coast if not the Nation. P.S County French Fare is what you'll find at this fine establishment.
THE BEST CHEESEBURGER IN NEW JERSEY
Stage left Restaurant Located in Central New Jersey 5 Livingston Avenue New Brunswick NJ 732-828-4444
Awesome aged Cheddar Cheese, a perfectly crisp bun, and by far the juiciest most flavorful 11 onces of beef that we have ever had. This truly is the best cheeseburger in the State. However beware as It is not the least inexpensive burger at $15.95, but is well worth every penny.
Jackson Hole Located in Northern New Jersey 362 Grand Avenue Englewood NJ 201-871-7444 For a fast food type burger joint, Jackson Hole gets the nod here, for the best burger in New Jersey. Home of the famous 7 oz burger which you can order in 25 different varieties.
The Barn(No website) Located in Northern New Jersey 359 Sicomac Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 201-848-0108 The Barn in Wykoff NJ is rich with history. It was Built in 1779 as a dairy barn, and then converted in 1929 into a restaurant with cozy booths inside of Horse stalls. The bar was built from an old farm wagon and still stands today with its original wagon wheels. They arguably have one of the most unique settings as well as one of the best juciest burgers in NJ.
THE BEST CHEESESTEAK IN NEW JERSEY
Voltaco's Located in Southern New Jersey 357 West Ave Ocean City NJ The cheesesteaks here are a long time favorite of all the locals. The meat and cheese is all mixed in together with an awesome seasoning and overstuffed into a perfect hoagie roll. All their subs and Pasta's are way above average. Well worth the trip if you are in the area.
THE BEST PIZZA IN NEW JERSEY
Star Tavern Orange NJ - Located in Central New Jersey 400 High Street Orange NJ One word... Wow!
Pete and Elda's bar- Carmen's Pizzeria Located down the shore New Jersey 96 Woodland Ave - Highway 35 Neptune City NJ 732-774-6010 For a thin crust Pizza, you can't beat Pete and Elda's (Carmen's Pizzeria) in Neptune City NJ. Take the challenge and Win a free T-shirt - If you can eat, by yourself, one extra, extra large pie!
DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies (No website) Located in Central New Jersey 530 Hudson St. Trenton, NJ 609-695-9534 Eat in and take out pizza joint in Chambersburg Trenton. The tomato sauce is sweet and fresh, the crust slightly burned to perfection, and the cheese is amazing. This all boils down to one very consistent pie. Add a side of fresh chopped garlic and you will be in heaven.
Nellie's Place Located in Northern New Jersey 9 Franklin Turnpike Waldwick, NJ 201-652-8626 Another thin crust, basic hole in the wall type pizza joint. But well worth a try. You can sit at the bar with beer and enjoy one of the best thin crusts that NJ has to offer.
THE BEST HOT DOGS IN NEW JERSEY
Casino Restaurant (No website) Located in Central New Jersey 15 Anderson Street Trenton, NJ (609) 393-5875 Italian Style Hot Dogs second to none! Come experience a grilled dog smothered with peppers and potatoes on an Italian Hoagie roll. Now thats Italian! Don't forget to jump over to 530 Hudson St. for the best Pizza in NJ at Delorenzo's Tomato Pies. You can kill two birds with one stone. Both located in Trenton and both are the best in New Jersey.
THE BEST DINER IN NEW JERSEY
Mastoris Routes 130 & 206 Bordentown, NJ 609-298-4650 Located in Central New Jersey Huge portions and more huge portions gets the edge here. Enjoy dining in large spacious rooms designed for the comfort of customers. Sit in a marble floor terrace surrounded with large windows creating an open-air atmosphere. Enjoy a European style tavern, complete with fine wood carved decor.
Ponzio's Restaurant and Bakery 7 Route 70 West, Cherry Hill, NJ Located in Southern New Jersey With so many great Diners in New Jersey, it sure is tough to pick the best. But with that said, when was the last time you had a terrific meal with outstanding service at a Diner? Probably the last time you visited Ponzio's Restaurant in Cherry Hill, NJ! Ponzio's originally was an old fashioned diner but they have tried to convert to a restaurant theme. They may now call itself a restaurant, but everyone in South Jersey knows it's a good old-fashioned diner. Come try their turkey with mashed potatoes, beef stew or amazing Meatloaf. It's worth it just to come here for their bread basket, which is an assortment of sweet and savory baked "in-house" treats.
THE BEST MUSEUMS IN NEW JERSEY
Northlandz Railway and Doll MuseumBestKids Pick! 495 Highway 202 South Flemington, NJ Phone (908) 782-4022 Located in Central New Jersey For a day that the whole family will not soon forget, Northlandz gets the nod here. Northlandz is a museum of some of the finest scenery in America all under one roof. They have built landscapes of miniature cities and mountains and railways that will blow your mind. 25 years went into sculpting this place. The tour length is 1 mile and well worth the trip. Included in the tour is,- The Great American Railway, La Peep Doll House, The Music Hall ( with a huge Pipe organ!), Art Gallery, Doll Museum and The Raritan River Railway.
Princeton Art MuseumBest Adult Pick! Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton, NJ (609) 258-3788 Located in Central New Jersey - Free Attraction! For a nice upscale romantic date, try visiting the Princeton University Art Museum, in beautiful Princeton New Jersey. We chose the Princeton Art Museum for several reasons. First, you get to walk the grounds of the world famous Princeton University. Second, the Museum is free! Third, the museum has some great Art Exhibits, and lastly because a nice glass of wine is just a stone's throw away in Downtown Princeton.
Stokes State Forest - Tillman Ravine Natural Area The Tillman Ravine Natural Area is located in Stokes State Forest and is a cool evergreen forest of eastern hemlock that is ideally suited for the steep slopes carved by the rushing waters of Tillman Brook. Several trails wander through this spectacular ravine, providing views of waterfalls and ferns clinging to rock crevices. Tillman Ravine retains an old world natural beauty of pine and hemlock forests. A mountain stream, Tillman Brook, flows through the area and rises in a spring along side of the Kittatinny Mountains.
This is a wonderful place Nature lovers of all types but is especilly suited to hikers and photographers. The Ravine is open March - December, from dawn to dusk. Stokes State Forest is open year-round, but the road to Tillman Ravine is closed in winter and spring.
Sunrise Mouintain Also located in Stokes State Forest is Sunrise Mountain. The crest of Sunrise Mountain is one of the most frequently visited sites in Stokes State Forest. The mountaintop provides a breathtaking view at an elevation of 1,653 feet above sea level. The thin soil and harsh climate characteristic of Sunrise Mountain is a difficult environment in which few plants can survive.
BEST VIEWS OF THE HUDSON RIVER
Allison Park in Englewood Cliffs NJ Hudson Terrace (between the George Washington Bridge and Palisade Avenue) Englewood Cliffs, NJ. 201 768-1360. A landscaped, scenic cliff-top park with scenic overlooks, ornamental gardens, paved walkways, restrooms, and water. Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. No fee for parking.
TRAIN RIDES
New Jersey
Train Rides New Jersey New York Susquehanna & Western RR Throughout the year they operate trips on the New York Susquehanna & Western Railway, Morristown Erie Railroad as well as New Jersey Transit. Trips leave from
Phillipsburgh and there is also Glen Rock to Rutherford trip featuring Santa in December. They have many trips including the Easter bunny trip. Click on the link above for more info.
Centerville & Southwestern Railroad Cross Street and Pine Alley - Phillipsburg NJ 908-859-1146 Museum exhibits railroad memorabilia. Tickets are by donation and the museum is free. Train rides offered on certain days. Please call or Check out their website. They also have an annual Santa train ride.
Black River & Western Railroad Ringoes NJ 908-782-6622 Take a scenic train ride this weekend The old fashioned charm of the Black River & western railroad is fun any time! Kids of all ages love their excursions through beautiful Hunterdon County. Trips leave from Ringoes and Flemington New Jersey! Take a ride with Santa. OPEN YEAR ROUND
New York
Adirondack Scenic Railroad Old Forge/Utica, New York Climb aboard and relive the golden age of railroading. See the beauty of the Adirondacks aboard their vintage railroad coaches across sparkling Adirondack lakes & the unique Adirondack mountains.
Upper Hudson River Railroad Enjoy the breathtaking Adirondack scenery as this scenic train winds along the Hudson River to the picturesque train station at Riverside.
Steamtown National Historic Site Scranton Pennsylvania Located in Scranton Pennsylvania. Take a gorgeous 26 mile round trip ride on a real steam train. Open year round but train excursions are every weekend from April - October. They have many special events like the Polar express and the Santa train in December. Great day for the whole family with ranger guided tours and technology and history museums.
Tioga Central Railroad Wellsboro PA Tioga Central Railroad of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania operates excursion trains, dinner trains, romantic moonlight dessert trains, and charter trains on a thirty-four mile railroad extending north from Wellsboro, Pennsylvania to a location about three miles south of Corning, New York.
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad New Hope PA Relax as you travel through the rolling hills and valleys of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and experience first hand the sights sounds and romance of the Golden Era of Steam.
Connecticut
Essex Steam Train A nostalgic and exciting tourist destination operating live steam trains in the Connecticut River Valley since 1971. All Aboard!
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