The Ultimate 2025 New Jersey Bucket List (100+ Thi The Ultimate 2025 New Jersey Bucket List (100+ Things to Do)😆
📌Full guide with details including timeframe and address on my blog.
Here’s some of them:
1. Skiing & Snowtubing at Mountain Creek
2. Visit a Pop-Up Ice Rink for Ice Skating
3. Go Skiing or Snowtubing at Campgaw Mountain
4. Take a Hike at Palisades Interstate Park
5. Take a Pottery Class at a Local Studio
6. Take a Winter Hike at Ramapo State Forest
7. Visit the New Jersey Botanical Garden & Skylands Manor
8. See the Cherry Blossoms at Branch Brook Park
9. See a Field of Daffodils at Reeves Reed Arboretum
10. Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Tulips Spring Spectacular
11. See the Flowers at Frelinghuysen Arboretum
12. Go Hydrobiking on Lake Hopatcong
13. Explore Lambertville, NJ & New Hope, PA
14. Walk Across the Swinging Bridge at Stony Brook in Princeton Battlefield State Park
15. Visit the Grounds for Sculpture
16. Go Whale Watching in Cape May
17. Explore Willowwood Arboretum
18. Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden
19. See Peonies in Bloom at Peony’s Envy
20. Go Birdwatching at Cape May Point State Park
21. Climb the Cape May Lighthouse
22. Visit the Ocean City Boardwalk
23. Spend a Summer Day on Long Beach Island (LBI)
24. Go Railbiking in Cape May With Rev Rail Co
25. Visit Island Beach State Park
26. Stroll the Asbury Park & Ocean Grove Boardwalk
27. See the Roses at Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown
28. Visit the Leonard J. Buck Garden
29. Kayak at the Delaware Water Gap
30. See a Concert at the Stone Pony Summer Stage
31. Explore Batsto Village in Wharton State Forest
32. Do a Zip Tour at Mountain Creek This Summer/Fall
33. Ride the Alpine Mountain Coaster at Mountain Creek
34. Visit Jenkinson’s Aquarium & Boardwalk
35. See the Sunset Behind the Waves in NJ
36. Go Blueberry Picking at a Local Farm
37. Try Parasailing in Wildwood
38. Seek Thrill at TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park
39. Catch a Minor League Baseball Game
40. Spend an afternoon at Beach Plum Farm
41. Pick Your Own Flowers at Melick’s Town Farm
42. Visit the NJ Sunflower Trail at Von Thun Farms
43. Go Peach & Apple Picking at Melick’s Town Farm
44. Hike the Appalachian Trail Boardwalk
See my blog for the rest!✨ #njblogger #njthingstodo
The Ultimate Winter Day Trip in New Jersey!❄️🎿🏂
📍Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon, NJ @mountaincreek 
If you are looking to do a ski trip but don’t want to travel too far, consider checking out Mountain Creek Resort in North Jersey.
📌Open daily this winter
📌Full-Day Lift Tickets & Discounted Twilight Lift Tickets (start after 3 PM) can be purchased online.
📌Snowtubing is a separate activity you can get tickets for
Mountain Creek also has Waffle Cabin which is so yummy!😁🧇
I usually stick to the greens & blues, but they do have a good amount of terrain park, as well as some black diamond trails.
Happy winter, and don’t forget to follow me for more fun things to do in and around NJ and the Northeast!😆 
#newjersey #nj #skiing #njthingstodo #northjersey #njfun #njlocal #explorenj #visitnj #njisntboring #mountaincreek #njblogger #mountaincreeknj
Winter Activity in New Jersey⬇️ 📍Hit the s Winter Activity in New Jersey⬇️
📍Hit the slopes at @mountaincreek in Vernon, NJ
I got into skiing back in 2022 and have been loving it ever since! While we usually venture more north, it’s great to know that there’s a local spot in NJ that’s perfect for a winter day trip!🎿
Mountain Creek is open daily and even offers twilight skiing, which starts at 3 PM, if you want to go after work or school on a weekday.❄️
They also offer snow tubing here, which looks so fun. And bonus points for Mountain Creek bc they have a Waffle Cabin!!🧇
Happy winter, and don’t forget to follow @lifestylejessica for more fun things to do in and around NJ and the Northeast!😆 
#njblogger #mountaincreek #skiing #newjersey #northeastbloggers #eastcoastblogger #northjersey #njisntboring #njthingstodo #explorenj #visitnj #njisbeautiful
3 Winter Hikes in New Jersey❄️🌲🥾 1. Ram 3 Winter Hikes in New Jersey❄️🌲🥾
1. Ramapo State Forest in Oakland, NJ
📌Park at 67 Skyline Dr, Oakland, NJ
📌Hike the Ramapo Lake Spur Trail or the 3.9-mile Ramapo Lake Brook Loop trail on @alltrails 
📌Relatively easy with minimal elevation gain
2. South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, NJ
📌Park at the “Falls Parking Lot” on Google Maps
📌Short & easy 0.3-mile walk from the lot to Hemlock Falls. From the falls, you can continue on the Lenape Trail or other trails and loop back to the parking lot.
3. High Point State Park in Sussex County, NJ
📌Park at the High Point Lookout/Monument parking lot or the one by Lake Marcia
📌Hike the Moderate 3.4-mile Monument Loop Trail, which has some elevation gain and rocky terrain at points.
Remember to wear proper footwear and be safe while hiking, especially in winter conditions.
Happy exploring, and don’t forget to follow @lifestylejessica for more fun things to do in and around NJ and the Northeast!😆
#nj #njblogger #njhiking #njoutdoors #njwinter #newjersey #northjersey #northjerseyadventures #explorenj #southmountainreservation #hemlockfalls #highpointstatepark #hikenj #visitnj #njisntboring #njisbeautiful
Hiking spot in North Jersey to check out this wint Hiking spot in North Jersey to check out this winter!❄️
📍High Point State Park in Sussex County, NJ
We hiked the Monument Loop Trail, which is easy-to-moderate with some rocky terrain at points. The trail takes you along a wooded path and has a few bridges and water features. 
I love this hike in the fall season and also enjoyed it this winter!☺️
Happy exploring, and don’t forget to follow @lifestylejessica for more fun things to do in and around NJ and the Northeast.
#njblogger #newjersey #njhiking #northjersey #highpointstatepark #nj #explorenj #visitnj #njisbeautiful #njisntboring #njoutdoors #njwinter #hiking
Check out this fantastic restaurant in North Jerse Check out this fantastic restaurant in North Jersey!🍣🥩
📍Ventanas Restaurant and Lounge in Fort Lee, NJ
@ventanasatthemodern [Hosted]
Ventanas is a modern fine dining restaurant featuring dishes with American, Asian, and Latin flair.
📌Top-Notch Service
📌Hip Ambiance
📌High-Quality & Unique Dishes
Ventanas is perfect for your next date night, special occasion, or night out with friends!🎉
I was blown away by all of the food, but the A5 Japanese Wagyu Sushi Roll really stood out!😍 Everything we ordered was clearly crafted with high-quality ingredients and love.
Definitely check out this restaurant for some great bites and vibes!
Happy dining, and don’t forget to follow @lifestylejessica for more recommendations in and around NJ and the Northeast!☺️
#nj #newjersey #njrestaurants #newjerseyfood #njeats #njfoodie #njfood #njbites #explorenj #northjersey #northjerseyeats #bergencountynj #fortleenj #njspots
Winter hike in New Jersey to a waterfall❄️
📍South Mountain Reservation (Lenape Trail - Hemlock Falls)
This hike is relatively easy and quick to the waterfall. On Google Maps, the parking area is called “Falls Parking Lot, South Mountain Reservation”.
From the lot, it’s about a 0.3-mile hike (easy and basically no elevation gain) to Hemlock Falls. We passed another smaller waterfall on the way, as well as a bridge!
You can continue to walk beyond the falls on the Lenape Trail, or other marked trails.
#njblogger #njhiking #newjersey #centraljersey #northjersey #explorenj #njisbeautiful #njisntboring #visitnj #njwinter #southmountainreservation #hemlockfalls #waterfallhike #eastcoastblogger #northeastbloggers
15 Winter Hiking Spots in New Jersey❄️🥾 1. 15 Winter Hiking Spots in New Jersey❄️🥾
1. Ramapo State Forest (Oakland - Ramapo Lake Trailhead - shown in video)
2. Apshawa Preserve (West Milford - Green Loop)
3. Norvin Green State Forest (Wanaque - Wyanokie High Point Trail)
4. Mt. Tammany (Hardwick Township - Red Dot Blue Dot Trail)
5. Cheesequake State Park (Matawan)
6. Wawayanda State Park (Vernon - Stairway to Heaven, Appalachian Trail Boardwalk, Pochuck Suspension Bridge)
7. Franklin Parker Preserve (Chatsworth)
8. High Point State Park (Sussex)
9. Stokes State Forest (Branchville)
10. Hacklebarney State Park (Long Valley)
11. South Mountain Reservation (West Orange - Hike to Hemlock Falls)
12. Palisades Interstate Park (spans along Eastern Bergen County)
13. Merrill Creek Reservoir (Harmony)
14. Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area (Califon)
15. Bass River State Forest (Tuckerton - Yellow “Poppy Allen” Trail & Orange Trail)
Stay safe & happy exploring! Don’t forget to follow @lifestylejessica for more fun things to do in and around NJ and the Northeast!😆
#newjersey #nj #njhiking #winterhike #njthingstodo #njblogger #northjersey #southjersey #centraljersey #njisntboring
*Almost* everything I saw in New Jersey in 2024🥹
I love New Jersey and exploring this state. Excited to see what 2025 brings!
I couldn’t fit everything in this one video, but here’s the list of everything I saw in NJ in 2024:
1. Stokes State Forest
2. Cheesequake State Park
3. Sayen House & Gardens
4. Princeton Battlefield State Park
5. Liberty State Park
6. Oak Hill Farms
7. Holmdel Park
8. Tulips at Holland Ridge Farms
9. Frelinghuysen Arboretum
10. Grounds for Sculpture
11. Cross Estate Gardens
12. Leonard J. Buck Garden
13. Cape May Lighthouse
14. Rev Rail Co. Railbiking in Cape May
15. Battleview Orchards Strawberry Picking
16. Wedding at Renault Winery
17. Pochuck Boardwalk (Appalachian Trail)
18. Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden
19. Lavender at Happy Day Farm
20. Beach Plum Farm
21. Wildwood
22. Peach Picking at Melick’s Town Farm in Califon
23. Waterloo Village Historic Site
24. Deep Cut Gardens
25. The NJ Sunflower Trail at Von Thun Farms in Washington
26. Mt. Tammany
27. Atlantic City
28. Zinnia Fields at Happy Day Farm
29. TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park
30. Sunflowers at Holland Ridge Farms
31. Sunset Beach
32. Allaire Village
33. NJ Devils
34. Cape May Around Christmas
35. Ramapo State Forest
There are so many places that I didn’t fit into this video like Asbury Park, Pier Village, Lake Mohawk, Van Saun County Park, Palisades Interstate Park, Red Bank, Lambertville…
See you in 2025😆 #newjersey #2024recap #nj #northjersey #southjersey #centraljersey #njisntboring #njisbeautiful #visitnj #njblogger
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New Jersey, New Jersey Places, Travel · January 8, 2022

When Should You Start Booking Your New Jersey Summer Vacation Rental?

Image: Daniels Realty

While summer may not be right around the corner just yet, that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start booking your summer vacation rental! According to The New York Times, 90 percent of Jersey Shore and Cape Cod beach rentals for July 2021 were booked by March. So when is a good time to start looking for a rental?

I recommend beginning your beach house rental search at least six months prior to when you plan on having your stay. As a fellow Jersey Shore native myself, I know the best rentals tend to go quick, so being early to the game will allow for more options to choose from.


Find A Vacation Rental

Image: Daniels Realty

There are many ways to go about finding your next summer vacation rental. It is important to find a company that will offer quality customer service as well as a great selection of rental options. If you are looking for a vacation rental in the South Jersey area, utilizing a realty company such as Daniels Realty can be efficient and helpful with your search. Daniels Realty will help you find your next vacation rental by having you put in your ideal arrival and departure date, budget, number of rooms you’d like, and preferred location. You can find your dream vacation rental with ease and sort through many different rental properties via Daniels Realty. This company can efficiently help you find your next Diamond Beach NJ rental.


5 Things to Consider Before Booking Your Vacation Rental

Image: Daniels Realty

1. Figure Out What Type of Place You Want

When you are beginning your vacation rental search, figure out if you want a place that is beach-front, ocean-front, kid-friendly, has a pool etc… This will help narrow down your search for your dream rental.

2. Be Flexible With Your Dates at First

If you begin your search during the early winter, you will have more time to figure out what week(s) you want to take your trip. The most popular times for people to visit the Jersey Shore are in July and August. Planning your beach vacation for June may be more ideal as it can be less crowded and less money, while still being a beautiful time to visit.

3. Avoid Holiday Weekends if Possible

Rentals are typically going to be more expensive for a holiday weekend as this is a common time for people to have off of work. I personally still enjoy going to the beach during the Fourth of July holiday, but it definitely gets very crowded, so be aware of this when planning your summer rental. If you have flexibility with your job, then planning a vacation during a non-holiday set of weekdays may be best for you.

4. Be Safe and Avoid Scammers

Unfortunately, trying to find a vacation rental online may not always be reliable. That is why it is important to utilize a trusted company to source your next rental. I also recommend asking a lot of questions to ensure you are paying for what you expect.

5. Research the Area/Town You Want To Stay In

Before choosing a town you want to rent in, look up activities, restaurants, and things offered in that area. New Jersey has so many amazing beach towns, and each of them offers a different vibe. If you are vacationing with kids, then looking for a rental in a town with amusements may be a fun option. Research beach towns based on what they have to offer such as nightlife, fine dining, mini golf, a relaxed vibe etc…


Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute

Beach rentals go quick and are mostly booked up before the spring even hits. I suggest not waiting until the last minute if you have a specific time frame, list of amenities, or area you want to vacation in this summer. Beginning your vacation rental search in January is a great time as options are more widely available. Yes, you may be able to save some money if you wait until the last minute, but then it isn’t guaranteed that you will even get a place, or one that you will truly enjoy. Plus, it’s fun to start thinking about warm summer fun during the winter!


Comment below your favorite NJ beach town to visit in the summer!

In: New Jersey, New Jersey Places, Travel

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The Ultimate 2025 New Jersey Bucket List (100+ Thi The Ultimate 2025 New Jersey Bucket List (100+ Things to Do)😆
📌Full guide with details including timeframe and address on my blog.
Here’s some of them:
1. Skiing & Snowtubing at Mountain Creek
2. Visit a Pop-Up Ice Rink for Ice Skating
3. Go Skiing or Snowtubing at Campgaw Mountain
4. Take a Hike at Palisades Interstate Park
5. Take a Pottery Class at a Local Studio
6. Take a Winter Hike at Ramapo State Forest
7. Visit the New Jersey Botanical Garden & Skylands Manor
8. See the Cherry Blossoms at Branch Brook Park
9. See a Field of Daffodils at Reeves Reed Arboretum
10. Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Tulips Spring Spectacular
11. See the Flowers at Frelinghuysen Arboretum
12. Go Hydrobiking on Lake Hopatcong
13. Explore Lambertville, NJ & New Hope, PA
14. Walk Across the Swinging Bridge at Stony Brook in Princeton Battlefield State Park
15. Visit the Grounds for Sculpture
16. Go Whale Watching in Cape May
17. Explore Willowwood Arboretum
18. Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden
19. See Peonies in Bloom at Peony’s Envy
20. Go Birdwatching at Cape May Point State Park
21. Climb the Cape May Lighthouse
22. Visit the Ocean City Boardwalk
23. Spend a Summer Day on Long Beach Island (LBI)
24. Go Railbiking in Cape May With Rev Rail Co
25. Visit Island Beach State Park
26. Stroll the Asbury Park & Ocean Grove Boardwalk
27. See the Roses at Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown
28. Visit the Leonard J. Buck Garden
29. Kayak at the Delaware Water Gap
30. See a Concert at the Stone Pony Summer Stage
31. Explore Batsto Village in Wharton State Forest
32. Do a Zip Tour at Mountain Creek This Summer/Fall
33. Ride the Alpine Mountain Coaster at Mountain Creek
34. Visit Jenkinson’s Aquarium & Boardwalk
35. See the Sunset Behind the Waves in NJ
36. Go Blueberry Picking at a Local Farm
37. Try Parasailing in Wildwood
38. Seek Thrill at TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park
39. Catch a Minor League Baseball Game
40. Spend an afternoon at Beach Plum Farm
41. Pick Your Own Flowers at Melick’s Town Farm
42. Visit the NJ Sunflower Trail at Von Thun Farms
43. Go Peach & Apple Picking at Melick’s Town Farm
44. Hike the Appalachian Trail Boardwalk
See my blog for the rest!✨ #njblogger #njthingstodo
The Ultimate Winter Day Trip in New Jersey!❄️🎿🏂
📍Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon, NJ @mountaincreek 
If you are looking to do a ski trip but don’t want to travel too far, consider checking out Mountain Creek Resort in North Jersey.
📌Open daily this winter
📌Full-Day Lift Tickets & Discounted Twilight Lift Tickets (start after 3 PM) can be purchased online.
📌Snowtubing is a separate activity you can get tickets for
Mountain Creek also has Waffle Cabin which is so yummy!😁🧇
I usually stick to the greens & blues, but they do have a good amount of terrain park, as well as some black diamond trails.
Happy winter, and don’t forget to follow me for more fun things to do in and around NJ and the Northeast!😆 
#newjersey #nj #skiing #njthingstodo #northjersey #njfun #njlocal #explorenj #visitnj #njisntboring #mountaincreek #njblogger #mountaincreeknj
Winter Activity in New Jersey⬇️ 📍Hit the s Winter Activity in New Jersey⬇️
📍Hit the slopes at @mountaincreek in Vernon, NJ
I got into skiing back in 2022 and have been loving it ever since! While we usually venture more north, it’s great to know that there’s a local spot in NJ that’s perfect for a winter day trip!🎿
Mountain Creek is open daily and even offers twilight skiing, which starts at 3 PM, if you want to go after work or school on a weekday.❄️
They also offer snow tubing here, which looks so fun. And bonus points for Mountain Creek bc they have a Waffle Cabin!!🧇
Happy winter, and don’t forget to follow @lifestylejessica for more fun things to do in and around NJ and the Northeast!😆 
#njblogger #mountaincreek #skiing #newjersey #northeastbloggers #eastcoastblogger #northjersey #njisntboring #njthingstodo #explorenj #visitnj #njisbeautiful
3 Winter Hikes in New Jersey❄️🌲🥾 1. Ram 3 Winter Hikes in New Jersey❄️🌲🥾
1. Ramapo State Forest in Oakland, NJ
📌Park at 67 Skyline Dr, Oakland, NJ
📌Hike the Ramapo Lake Spur Trail or the 3.9-mile Ramapo Lake Brook Loop trail on @alltrails 
📌Relatively easy with minimal elevation gain
2. South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, NJ
📌Park at the “Falls Parking Lot” on Google Maps
📌Short & easy 0.3-mile walk from the lot to Hemlock Falls. From the falls, you can continue on the Lenape Trail or other trails and loop back to the parking lot.
3. High Point State Park in Sussex County, NJ
📌Park at the High Point Lookout/Monument parking lot or the one by Lake Marcia
📌Hike the Moderate 3.4-mile Monument Loop Trail, which has some elevation gain and rocky terrain at points.
Remember to wear proper footwear and be safe while hiking, especially in winter conditions.
Happy exploring, and don’t forget to follow @lifestylejessica for more fun things to do in and around NJ and the Northeast!😆
#nj #njblogger #njhiking #njoutdoors #njwinter #newjersey #northjersey #northjerseyadventures #explorenj #southmountainreservation #hemlockfalls #highpointstatepark #hikenj #visitnj #njisntboring #njisbeautiful
Hiking spot in North Jersey to check out this wint Hiking spot in North Jersey to check out this winter!❄️
📍High Point State Park in Sussex County, NJ
We hiked the Monument Loop Trail, which is easy-to-moderate with some rocky terrain at points. The trail takes you along a wooded path and has a few bridges and water features. 
I love this hike in the fall season and also enjoyed it this winter!☺️
Happy exploring, and don’t forget to follow @lifestylejessica for more fun things to do in and around NJ and the Northeast.
#njblogger #newjersey #njhiking #northjersey #highpointstatepark #nj #explorenj #visitnj #njisbeautiful #njisntboring #njoutdoors #njwinter #hiking
Check out this fantastic restaurant in North Jerse Check out this fantastic restaurant in North Jersey!🍣🥩
📍Ventanas Restaurant and Lounge in Fort Lee, NJ
@ventanasatthemodern [Hosted]
Ventanas is a modern fine dining restaurant featuring dishes with American, Asian, and Latin flair.
📌Top-Notch Service
📌Hip Ambiance
📌High-Quality & Unique Dishes
Ventanas is perfect for your next date night, special occasion, or night out with friends!🎉
I was blown away by all of the food, but the A5 Japanese Wagyu Sushi Roll really stood out!😍 Everything we ordered was clearly crafted with high-quality ingredients and love.
Definitely check out this restaurant for some great bites and vibes!
Happy dining, and don’t forget to follow @lifestylejessica for more recommendations in and around NJ and the Northeast!☺️
#nj #newjersey #njrestaurants #newjerseyfood #njeats #njfoodie #njfood #njbites #explorenj #northjersey #northjerseyeats #bergencountynj #fortleenj #njspots

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