Favorite Things and Places within NJ Driving Distance

When people ask us "what do you like about NJ?"...our response is always "how easy it is to leave NJ."

We LOVE that we can get to Manhattan in 20 minutes, Connecticut in 45 minutes, Philadelphia in 90 minutes, Boston in 3.5 hours, Newport, Rhode Island in 3 hours, etc.  We haven't driven to Washington DC since moving to NJ, but DC is only about 4 hours away too!  Portland, Maine is about 5 hours away.  After 8 months of living here, I am still amazed that I can drive thru 6 states in 5 hours (NJ, NY, CT, MA, NH, ME).  It's GREAT!  And, so different than living in the midwest!

So, here are a few of our favorite places within driving distance:

1.  NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

Newport is one of my absolute favorite places!  I love downtown Newport, the Cliff Walk, and Brenton Point State Park.  It is a great place to spend a weekend, or a day, as we often do!  We went to Newport on July 1st for the America's Cup.  It was our first sailing event and a great day!

2.  PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

Philadelphia was an easy 90 minute drive.  We parked in a garage near Independence Hall, waited in line to see the Liberty Bell (free to all), then walked a few blocks away to grab a Philly Cheesesteak at Campo's.  We drove towards Boathouse Row, parking for free on a side street, and walked around, ending up at the Rocky steps at the Art Museum!  Not too many people were running up the steps...too many cheesesteaks perhaps?

3.  BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Boston is about 4 hours away.  A bit long for a day trip...but doable.  We went to Boston on a whim last weekend.  Next time, we'll plan ahead a bit.  It was a game day, so Fenway Park was packed early and the tours sold out super early.  We also tried to take a tour of the Samuel Adams Brewery, but since it was a game day...they closed early and we missed that tour too!  We did enjoy walking around Fenway.  And, we made our way to Cambridge to walk around Harvard University.  We found an awesome children's park near the university in Cambridge Commons.  We also enjoyed walking thru the park and reading the monuments and plaques on display.  I know a little more US history than I did prior to our visit!  Boston made for a long day, but definitely worth it.  We'll be going back!

Favorite Things and Places in NJ and NY

Since moving to New Jersey in November, we have tried to hit the ground running.  We don't know how long we'll be here, so we try to make the most of our weekends.

So far, here are a few of my favorite things that we have done and seen.

1.  MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

The parade made for a long day, but it was definitely worth it.  We researched our parking garage ahead of time, opting to park on the Upper East Side around 63rd Avenue.  With a coupon, I think we paid $15 to park (not bad!).  We walked thru Central Park and found a spot on Central Park West.  We arrived around 6 am.  The teenagers in front us arrived at 5 am.  They deserved their spot upfront!  We brought blankets and chairs...next year we'll bring caution tape to identify "our" spot and keep the late arrivals away.  Those that arrived after 8 tried to crowd in and make their way up to the front...which is NOT appreciated by those that arrive at 5 or 6 am!  The parade is in our agenda for this Thanksgiving!

2.  ROCKEFELLER CENTER AT CHRISTMAS

Rockefeller Center is a must at Christmas.  I think we took Annie three or four times, including going on Christmas Eve - which was the most crowded time.  Each time we park in the same garage on 40th, near Times Square.  With a coupon, we pay about $15 (without a coupon you are looking at $26).  It is great fun to walk past Radio City Music Hall, Bryant Park and around Times Square.  There are always people (and a line) ice skating at Rockefeller Center, which is fun to watch.  I plan on ice skating there this winter, at least once!

3.  THE BELMONT STAKES

The Belmont Stakes is run at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY in June.  We spent $10/person (kids free) for general admission tickets, along with another $10 to park.  Most of our time was spent in the "backyard" at the playground.  But, we made our way towards the track for the big race.  We moved away from the finish line towards the last turn to have a bit more space, due to having a stroller with us.  The whole experience was great.  Excellent atmosphere.  We have talked about going to all three of the Triple Crown events in 2013.  A side note:  Until the Belmont, I had never seen so many men wearing pastels!

4.  CENTRAL PARK ZOO

Above is a picture of our friend Gus, the Polar Bear, who lives at the Central Park Zoo.  We have been to see Gus 5 or 6 times.  Upon our first visit to the CPZ, we became members.  Joining gives you access to five zoo's around NYC, as well as to the NY Aquarium in Brooklyn.  The CPZ is our favorite, because it is small with just a few exhibits and it is in Central Park - our next favorite place!

5.  CENTRAL PARK

Most people think of Central Park immediately when planning a visit.  But, it is awesome for locals.  The amount of runners, bikers, athletes and kids in the park is tremendous.  The park is huge and great fun to explore.  We actually need to dedicate more time to exploring and utilizing the park.  In the summer, it is best to get there early in the morning, beating the heat and the crowds!

6.  JANE'S CAROUSEL AT DUMBO PARK

Jane's Carousel is located in Brooklyn, under the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge's in DUMBO Park.  DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.  The carousel cost $2, I believe.  And, I think they charged for my husband, not my daughter.  We parked for free on a residential street in Brooklyn, then walked thru Brooklyn Bridge Park and over to DUMBO Park.  The park has great views and the best carousel we've ridden so far!