New Jersey Travel Guide

The Pinelands (www.state.nj.us/pinelands), or Pine Barrens as it is also called, is a 1.1-million-acre National Reserve full of gently rolling hills, sandy soil, streams, swamps, and a vital underlying aquifer, as well as the namesake dense pine forests. Check the calendar of events on the website for special hikes, festivals, and activities, or for the history of the Jersey Devil (no, not just a sports team's name), a mythical, scary creature said to roam the forests of the Pine Barrens.
For a long time, Atlantic City seemed a little bit broken down, sort of a poor man's Vegas, assuming the poor man had at least some money to spend on a hotel and a night of gambling. But lately, it seems to be catching the "Viva Las Vegas!" spirit. After the opening of the swanky Borgata with its high-end rooms, shops, and entertainment in 2003, and then Food Network star Bobby Flay's restaurant in 2006, as well as dozens of other pricey shops and eateries, it seems Atlantic City is gambling on its new image and is certainly worth a visit.
A fantastic spot for kids (of all ages), Jersey City's Liberty Science Center, 251 Phillip St. (tel. 201/200-1000; www.lsc.org), is a fun, engaging learning facility dedicated to the promotion of science, nature, technology, and the creativity that spurs invention. The construction of a $104-million wing caused the facility to temporarily relocate, but it will be back with lots of new space and exhibits in 2007.

The Garden State has had a bit of an identity crisis recently, which boiled over in 2006 when New Jersey officials began a search for a new state slogan; nobody seemed to know what to say. Too bad Hoboken-born Frank Sinatra wasn't around, as surely Ol' Blue Eyes could have crooned a song suitable for the richly historical, gorgeously pastoral third state in the Union. Some grumbled that it was because New Jersey has a bit of an inferiority complex, and getting past the miles of factories and industrial smoke stacks in cities like Elizabeth and Newark clouds one's view of what is beautiful about the state. What some may have forgotten, though, was those smoke-stack laden cities speak to the vital role the state played during the Industrial Revolution, and still does today. Ever hear of a guy named Thomas Alva Edison? Hundreds of his inventions were made in his factories West Orange and Menlo Park, the latter of which now houses a museum dedicated to Edison's amazing inventions of modern convenience at 37 Christie St. in Edison (tel. 732/549-3299; www.menloparkmuseum.com). This, of course, is just one example of how history comes to life here. Revolutionary War buffs know New Jersey as a vital spot in the struggle for independence of the original 13 colonies from Mother England. In fact, four of the biggest battles of that bloody struggle—the two Battles of Trenton, the Battle of Monmouth, and the Battle of Princeton (Washington's successful surprise attack on the Brits)—were all fought on the land that would become New Jersey, which was so named for the British island of Jersey in the English Channel. Today, you can stop into spots like Morristown National Historic Park (tel. 908/766-8215; www.nps.gov/morr), the headquarters of General George himself, where you can hike among 27 miles of trails or visit the park's great museum, which is undergoing renovation. Read More

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Am staying in Ft. Dix area. What is the best way to get to D.C. and NYC for sightseeing without driving?
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Is there clam digging on new jersey beaches?
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I am new to the Philadelphia/New Jersey area. I would like to be able to drive to the oceanside on a saturday or Sunday just for the day.. where is the closest beach for swimming to me? My area cose is 19115.
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