New Jersey is often the unfortunate recipient of little jokes, downright mean-spirited bashing, and a reputation that’s so unfair the state has reason to deem it ‘fake news’.
Whether it’s because of Jersey Shore (thanks, The Situation!), the cold weather, or having a larger than life neighbor in New York, the Garden State doesn’t get the props it often deserves.
This list of entertaining experiences will hopefully go a long way in changing your mind. New Jersey is unique, it offers a wide range of experiences, and is worth visiting as more than just a pit stop on your way to the Big Apple.
Atlantic City = Gambling Heaven
When it comes to gambling, sure, first place goes to Sin City. But after Las Vegas, there comes Atlantic City. And if you ask me, the Atlantic City Boardwalk has no equivalent. Featuring seven major casinos within walking distance of one another, the area has that permanent festival feel to it.
And New Jersey’s gambling haven has an added advantage: beaches. Perfect for when you need a breather from roulette. Far better for R & R than a desolate desert, if you ask me. The top venue has to be Borgata, opened in 2003. It’s not on the boardwalk, but it’s close. It offers music venues, an enormous 54,000 square-foot spa, several restaurants, and overall just solid entertainment.
Another advantage of NJ is that online sports betting is legal. It’s one of the few places in the United States where you can place a wager on your favorite team without worrying the Feds will come knocking. It’s so popular that people travel out of state just so that they can bet online (yes, you have to be physically present to gamble legally!). CasinoTopsOnline gives more information on the available online options.
Princeton, New Jersey
Move along, Harvard. It’s Princeton, New Jersey, that boasts the most beautiful college campus in the country. This Ivy League powerhouse was founded in 1746 and boasts a fusion of architectural styles. Sure, I never had the grades to get in, but I sure enjoy walking around the campus and just taking it all in.
You get the Oxbridge-inspired Gothic architecture that just oozes tradition, as well as modernist beauties designed by celebrated architects like Frank Gehry and Rafael Viñoly. Trust me, the place is worth a day trip. It’s not the kind of entertainment that will get the adrenaline going, but Princeton deserves its slot on this list.
If you’re a film buff, Princeton is also a cool place to go. It’s featured in several big-ticket films, including A Beautiful Mind (2001), the incredible account of John Nash Jr.’s life, The Happening (2008), and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009). It’s also the place where Indiana Jones went to college, although the campus is never actually featured on screen.
Pro tip: go in the autumn, when the foliage takes this place to next level stunning.
NJ State Parks
I can’t pick just one, so I’m going to have to list a few of my favs. Because when it comes to state parks, New Jersey is stacked with quality entertainment:
Liberty State Park
The pure definition of a city oasis. It’s right in the center of Hudson county’s metropolitan area, yet boasts a staggering 1,212 acres. It’s perfect for those of you visiting the city, but looking for a nature escape in the midst of the urban madness.
Allaire State Park
What can I say, I’m a sucker for history. Allaire State Park is the definition of New England village life, with its 19th-century iron making village being the main attraction. The place is super quaint, and I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t loved it. It’s also a nature lover’s dream, featuring hundreds of species of trees, wildflowers, and other plant life.
Ringwood State Park
If you need some autumnal bliss, visit Ringwood State Park. It’s drop-dead gorgeous, with jaw-dropping views of the Ramapo Mountains, a wide variety of plants, and historical sites that hark back to the English countryside. It’s also great for those looking for outdoor activities, with various trails, swimming in spring-fed lakes, fishing, and ideal locations for hiring a canoe or kayak.
Out of Left Field: New York Red Bulls
Yes, the baseball reference was on purpose. I want you to think outside of America’s national pastime and opt for that ‘other sport’ people in the rest of the world seem to go crazy about, soccer (or ‘real’ football, as they call it).
Major League Soccer used to be a bit of a laughing stock, but it’s a bona fide entertainment option now. In New Jersey, you can see some of the best soccer in the MLS by visiting the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
The thing that irks me the most? That the owners insist on calling the team the New York Red Bulls, even though the team’s roots are firmly planted in New Jersey. They say it’s because they’re aiming for regional support, but I have another theory: the American dollar. In any case, it’s an entertaining day out and you should expect to see plenty of goals.
New Jersey, More Than Jersey Shore
For those of you who only know New Jersey through that television show, I hope this list has given you a bit of an insight into the various entertainment options available to those visiting the state.
There’s the home of one of America’s most famous educational institutions, the Valhalla of American betting, stunning nature and jaw-dropping vistas, and a sports team to rival anything that’s based in New York. If none of those get your entertainment levels up, I don’t know what will.
