Traveler’s Guide to Hidden Gems in New Jersey

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New Jersey is never what you expect. It is a mix of an urban region, farmland, beach retreat, and the Appalachian Mountains. The state combines elements of Pennsylvania and New York. In New Jersey, there are specific locations where you'd think you were in Vermont and others where you'd think you were in South Carolina. However, when people think of New Jersey, they typically associate it with two things: the Hudson River's extension of New York City, which stretches from Newark to Hackensack, and the seaside resorts like Atlantic City, which have long been favorites of New York City residents. New Jersey, however, is much more than that. Here is our traveler’s guide to hidden gems in New Jersey.         

Gilchrist Downbeach

If you've ever visited Atlantic City, you are probably aware of how crowded the pancake shops are early in the day, even in the off-season. Gilchrist Restaurant is one of the more well-liked pancake restaurants. There are four sites, and the ones in Tropicana and Gardner's Basin consistently seem crowded. The location of Gilchrist Downbeach, however, remains unknown to many.

Gilchrist Downbeach, only 4 miles from the Atlantic City Boardwalk down the beach, is a fantastic area to eat breakfast and (maybe) get away from the crowds. Monopoly players traveling there from the center of Atlantic City will undoubtedly recognize the names. To get to Gilchrist Downbeach, drive along Ventnor Avenue through Marven Gardens, which served as an influence for Marvin Gardens in the video game.

What to order? Those famous pancakes, of course. Try the blueberry pancakes if you like blueberries; otherwise, the regular hotcakes are good. The Hungry Man Combo, which includes two eggs, two hotcakes, and your choice of meat, is arguably the most well-liked meal.

High Point State Park

Mountains are not typically associated with New Jersey. However, the Appalachian Mountains are found in the state's northwest. There in the Kittatinny Mountains in High Point, New Jersey's highest point, which is well titled.

High Point State Park is located around High Point. The High Point Veterans Memorial, a 220-foot tower with New Jersey's best view, is perched on the peak. No need to climb the spire's stairs to enjoy the fantastic views; High Point's top offers plenty. Outside-of-state automobiles enter the park for $20, while in-state vehicles pay $10. However, the views are priceless; you won't believe you're in New Jersey.

When you go on a trip, you may decide to stay longer. You certainly want your valuables to be in safe hands during this time, so renting a storage unit is probably best. Once you place your items in a secure unit, you won’t have to worry about the condition of your valuables. You will be able to enjoy your explorations as much as you like.

The Pub

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Stylish interior of a bar in restaurant Caption: The Pub, one of the hidden gems in New Jersey.

Since you're in the Garden State, you should do something uniquely New Jerseyan. To travel back in time to the 1950s, go to The Pub in Camden, New Jersey. You'll be transported back in time by the tables, carpet, decorations, and even the vintage sign outside a restaurant like The Pub on a Saturday night. You can visualize the corner lounge singer if you close your eyes.

But there are other aspects of the restaurant that are as wonderful. The food of The Pub is also well-known. With space for up to 500 guests, the dining room is enormous. The food is great, including the steaks and seafood as well as the renowned zucchini bread served at each table. Even though the filet mignon is among the most popular dishes served here, try the "sea-kebab," a shish kebab that substitutes shrimp, scallops, and lobster for the usual beef and chicken.

The Empty Sky Memorial

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Empty sky memorial Caption: Since it opened in 2014, Memorial & Museum has become one of the most well-liked tourist spots in New Jersey.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum has grown to be one of New York City's most popular tourist destinations since it opened in 2014. However, many are unaware of the Empty Sky Memorial in Liberty State Park, a nearby memorial in New Jersey just over the river.

Just across the Hudson River from the Manhattan skyline sits Liberty State Park. Additionally, it is located close to the Statue of Liberty on Hudson Bay, as its name suggests. The Empty Sky Memorial, located in the northeastern portion of Liberty State Park, honors the 746 New Jersey residents who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

It's a modest but effective sculpture. The sky is framed by two enormous stainless-steel walls that bear the names of those who perished in the towers. You may see the precise location where the buildings originally stood if you gaze across the Hudson as you enter the memorial. It serves as a somber reminder of everything that was lost on that tragic day.

Despite this sad reminder, New Jersey is a wonderful place to live. It is evident from the sheer number of people who choose to make it their home. Still, if you are considering relocating to this beautiful city, you would certainly like to avoid the stressful moments surrounding the move. Experts from Van Express Movers advise hiring relocation experts to help you with this endeavor. No matter how small your move is and how capable you think you are, there are many variables and too much heavy lifting for an inexperienced person. Professional movers will help you minimize the stress, no matter where you come from.

The State Line Lookout

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Brown mountains Caption: The best place to visit in this area, known as The Palisades, is probably Lookout, which is close to the New Jersey-New York state border. It’s one of the hidden gems in New Jersey you can’t miss.

A photographer's fantasy is the Hudson River Valley. The Hudson River Valley is located in New York and New Jersey, even though most people believe it is part of New York. The State Line Lookout, close to the New Jersey-New York state line, is perhaps the best location to visit in this region. This place is referred to as The Palisades.

The State Line Lookout is situated on a section of the cliff protruding into the valley above the Hudson River. The views to the north, east, and south are unhindered. If you squint, you can make out the George Washington Bridge in the foreground and the skyline of New York City in the background. You can see the brand-new Tappan Zee Bridge crossing the Hudson to the north. Yonkers, Mount Vernon, and New Rochelle are among New York cities that may be seen to the east. Consider eating at the State Line Café or taking a stroll along one of the Palisades Park pathways while you're at the overlook. Otherwise, travel along Hudson Drive and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Hudson Valley's earliest reaches.

Conclusion

With so many fantastic things to do in NJ, get ready and come here as soon as possible. Pack your things, and travel to the charming Garden State. After reading our traveler’s guide to hidden gems in New Jersey, you are ready to make exciting travel plans.

 

Photos used:

1. https://www.pexels.com/photo/high-angle-view-of-cityscape-against-cloudy-sky-313782/

2. https://www.pexels.com/photo/stylish-interior-of-bar-in-restaurant-5490965/

3. https://www.pexels.com/photo/empty-sky-memorial-6189390/

4. https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-mountains-2559941/