Planning A NJ Beach Vacation With A Mini Trip to NYC

by Bethany
(Virginia)

My family would like to go on a beach vacation in New Jersey. A couple of us would like to go to New York City a couple of days. What is the best way to travel from the shore to NYC that is not expensive? Also, what beach would be our best bet to stay at for this?

Frank's Reply:
Hi Bethany,

Not sure if your plans are for staying at the NJ beach town for the entire trip and taking a couple of day trips into NYC or splitting your overnight stays between the NJ beach town and NYC.

Either way, I can suggest staying in Point Pleasant Beach. It is nice place for families with a safe, clean beach and a boardwalk with an amusement park. To Learn more about Point Pleasant Beach visit:
Point Pleasant Beach

The trip is approximately 1 1/2 hours by car or train.

If you plan on splitting your trip and staying in NYC, this can become very expensive as NYC hotels are costly, especially if you are taking your car with very pricey parking fees.

The one way fares for train travel (NJ Transit) are: Adult, One Way $15.50
Child/Senior/Disabled, One Way $7.00
For information on train fares and schedules visit: NJ Transit

Enjoy your vacation in NJ,

Frank


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Best Places to Shoot Unique Photos in NJ

by Caitlin S
(Medford, NJ)

Credit to Allyson Crozier

Credit to Allyson Crozier

I am looking for the best places in South Jersey to photograph portraits at. Different and unique places. Like under a cool railroad bridge, cool street, a neat graffiti wall, abandoned store, old train station, etc. Looking for just some out of the ordinary places to take portraits for some of my clients. They don't want the typical: Farm, Park, etc. Thanks for all your help in advance!

Reply:
Hi Caitlin;
Here are some abandoned sites that you may want to look into for some unusual pictures. Before setting up a shoot, I suggest you visit them to confirm that they are still open.

Lambertville High School, Lambertville, NJ across the river from New Hope, PA. Burnt down years ago, today the remains still stand, There are many stories about it being haunted. You can walk right up to it; it's right off a main road, though visitiors are discouraged from entering the building.

The Old Silos in Toms River, NJ (Off of First Avenue, South Toms River, NJ) It's 13 abandoned silos with openings in the sides that look into small chambers containing old clutter and graffiti.

The World War II Bunker in Cape May, located 900 feet off the beach, near the Cape May Lighthouse.

Abandoned Terra Cotta Factory, Pasadena, NJ (Pine Barrens)
From Rt. 70
Take Rt. 70 to Rt 539. Follow 539 until you see McMahon Ave on your right. Turn right and follow that. It will eventually go around a bend and turn into Pasadena Rd. Follow Pasadena Rd. down for quite a while - you'll pass a cranberry bog on your left, some houses on either side, Buckingham Road, keep going straight! You'll see some RR crossing signs and what appears to be a clearing on your right hand side. Keep going straight until you see the white blazes on the trees on the left hand side of the road. Park across from the blazes. There will be a path into the woods - follow that over the RR tracks and into the woods. You should then see the factory ruins.

If you are willing to do some hiking, check out Baldpate Mountain In Mercer County, There is an extensive network of trails, some old logging roads and some specially built trails, lace the southern and northern flanks of the ridge, and a 2-mile trail runs along its spine. There have abandoned ruins of a 19th century settlement and scattered farms can be found on or near some of the Baldpate trails. There are five entrance points to the preserve—two from Fiddlers Creek Road, two from Pleasant Valley Road, and one from Church Road.

Regards,
New Jersey Leisure Guide

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Looking For A Marina Near Bonnet Island Estate, Manahawkin, NJ

by Laura
(Port Chester, NY)

Looking for a Marina with dockage that provides electric in or near Manahawkin.
Frank's Reply:

Hi Laura,
The closest marina to Bonnet Island Estate in Manahawkin is:
Causeway Marina
Route 72 On the Long Beach Island Causeway
(609) 494-1371
http://www.causewayboatrentals.net
They have docking slips for boats
16' to 35' with electric and water hook-ups.

The next closest Marina is
Hochstrasser's Marina
401 West 8th Street
(609) 494-5340
(no website)

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Where Can I Purchase Organic Produce?

I would like to purchase organic produce. Where can I find it?
Reply:
Hi Susan;
There are many places to purchase organic food in New Jersey.
You can visit Organic Farms
and Organic Retail Stores for information on the locations.

Happy healthy eating,
Frank

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Looking For Living History Farm In NJ

A few years ago we visited a farm (I think it was on the 4th of July or a significant anniversary of something) that had people dressed in costume doing activities as they were done in the 19th century: churning butter, canning, horse shoe smithing. I can't remember where it was but would like to go again, this time with my grandchildren. Do you know where I went?!

Thank you.

Reply:
Here are two of the largest and most popular living history farms in New Jersey

Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
73 Kahdena Road
Morristown, NJ
(973) 326-7645
Website
As part of the Morris County Park Commission, the 200-acre farm offers educational activities and demonstrations of turn-of-the-century - 1920s farming methods and life. Visitors are encouraged to participate in various farm-related activities whenever appropriate at this National Register Site. They can churn butter, crack corn and feed it to the chickens, and tend the garden. Staff are dressed in period attire and interpret the lives and roles of Foster family members, domestics, and farm laborers. They perform a daily regimen of farming and domestic chores and raise livestock and crops by historical methods.

Howell Living History Farm
101 Hunter Rd.
Titusville, NJ
(609) 737-3299
Website
A popular living history farm for kids, especially on Saturday's when most of the events occur. The farm offer's many activities for kids to get involved. Since the 1730s, just about every type of farming situation has occurred here. The farm has evolved from a grain producing farm to a dairy farm and over the years various crops have been grown, animals raised, products produced, etc. Family events and hands-on activities are seasonal and include Maple Sugaring, Workhorse Rides, Crafts Workshops, Wagon Tours, Hay rides, Sheep Shearing, Corn planting and husking, Plowing Matches, Cutting ice from a frozen pond and storing it, and making pancakes from wheat grown on the farm. Students get to grind and sift flour and churn butter to get these pancakes!
A Self-Guided Tour takes about an hour and a half, inspecting some thirty unique features. Begin in the Parking/Picnic area, where the day's farming activities are posted.

Enjoy your day with the grandchildren,
New Jersey Leisure Guide


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Where Can I Take Zeibekiko and Greek Dance Lessons?

Where can I take Zeibekiko and Greek dance lessons? Any recommendations please.
Frank's Reply:

I suggest you contact these two sources who offer Greek Dancing Lessons. If they cannot provide a program in your area they may be able to recommend someone.

St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church
1447 Sussex Turnpike
Randolph, NJ 07869
973-584-0388
They have children Greek dancing classes and are interested in creating an adult Greek dance class


St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church
51 Paramus Road
Paramus, New Jersey 07652
201-368-8881
Greek Ethnic and cultural dances are taught to the children of the community.
Classes will be held on Fridays from 4:30 –7:00 p.m., beginning September 17th

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Do you Know of Any Corporate Team Building Ropes Courses in the Princeton -New Brunswick Area.

by Alsheila
(North Brunswick)

I need some information on rope courses in the New Brunswick/Princeton, NJ area. We do not have a huge budget and if there are any recommendations of a college course, I would appreciate it. Thank you.
Reply
Hi Alsheila;
Here are some alternatives to consider for having a corporate ropes course for team building:

Tall Pines Day Camp
1349 Sykesville Road
Williamstown, NJ
856-262-3900
Website
Offers Corporate Customizable Team building progams on their campgrounds

Rutgers University
732-445-0462
Website
Offers Corporate team building programs on University-grounds at a quiet wooded 6-acre site.
Standard half-day (4 hr), full day (8hr) or multi-day programs can be scheduled throughout the year.

Adventure Associates
800-987-5582
Website
They can customize a ropes course challenge program to your schedule, ranging from three hours to multi-day programs.

Frank Dalotto

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Are There Public Tennis Courts in Brick, NJ?

Are there any public tennis courts in Brick?
Reply:
Hi:
The public tennis courts in Brick are located at:
Brick Township Municipal Complex
Angela Hibbard Parl
Lake Riviera Park
and Norman Sherman Park

For information on the use of the tennis courts please contact:
The Brick Recreation Department:
270 Chambers Bridge Road
Brick, NJ
732-262-1044

Have fun

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Where is the Free Farm Festival
In Somerset County?

by chantale
(raritan, nj somerset)

My father in law said that there is a free farm festival on November 1st from 11a-5pm at a farm in Somerset County. It offers free food, drink and rides on large farm and crop tractors. Is there such an event? I cannot get any more info on this event if it does exist. Can you help me with a web link if this is a real event? Thank you for your time.
Chantale

Reply:
Hi Chantale;
We are not aware of any free farm festivals on November 1st with the activities you describe, though many farms in New Jersey offer a number fall farm events with hay rides, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking. For a listing of the popular pumpkin picking farms and festivals in NJ

However, the Flying Pumpkin Festival on October 17th is near Somerset County and offers a number of unusual fall activities including two pumpkin launching machines, a cake walk and corn car building activities, pumpkin picking, a miniature pumpkin launching challenge, face painting, balloon animals, a petting zoo, a guess-how-many booth, family races, and pop singer Gillian Held will be giving a live performance at noon.

This event is held at:
Peaceful Valley Orchards
150 Pittstown Road
Pittstown, NJ
908-730-7748

Regards,
Frank Dalotto

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Where are the Floresent Rock Mines in N.J.?


I am looking for the florescent rock mines that are available for visits and collecting in N.J.

Hi:
You are propbably referring to the;
Franklin Mineral Museum
2 Evans Street
Franklin, NJ
973-827-3481
The Franklin mine is a zinc mine known for its mineral fluorescence rocks. They have thousands of mineral specimens on display with a huge fluorescent presentation of brilliant and glowing colorful minerals. Although the primary focus is mineral science, geology, and local mining history, they also cover the science of archeology and anthropology with field collection and mineral identification.
Enjoy,
Frank Dalotto

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Are There Any Outdoor Movies in Morris County This Summer

by Jeanine
(NJ)

Is there any place in Morris County where they show outdoor movies under the stars?

Thanks
Reply:
Hi Jeanine,

Unfortunately, with municipalities experiencing financial pressures, many have cut events like movies under the stars. As result, I have not been able to find any venues in Morris County that will be holding outdoor movies this summer.

Enjoy your summer,
Frank Dalotto


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Do you have any info on shopping?

by Josephine
(Flemington, NJ)

I'm new to the area and was wondering how to go about finding information on shopping in the state. Looking for little towns that have quaint shops as well as outlets that have designer name brands.

Hi Josephine;
Here is a listing of the top Outlet Malls in New Jersey;

Harmon Cove Outlet
Center

20 Enterprise Ave
Secaucus, NJ
201-348-4780
33 Stores,
5 Restaurants

Jersey Gardens
651 Kapkowski Road
Elizabeth, NJ
908-354-5900
213 Stores,
18 Restaurants

Jackson Premium Outlets
537 Monmouth Road
Jackson, NJ
732-833-0503
69 Stores,
5 Restaurants

Liberty Village Premium Outlets
One Church Street
Flemington, NJ
908-782-8550
41 Stores
1 Restaurant

Jersey Shore Premium Outlets
One Premium Outlets Blvd
Tinton Falls, NJ
732-918-1700
102 Stores
6 Restaurants

Atlantic City Outlets,The Walk
1931 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ
609-872-7002
78 Stores
13 Restaurants

Happy shopping,
Frank

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What are the Best Places for Antiques?

What are the best places to visit for antiques?

Here are a few suggestions for antique shopping in New Jersey;

Golden Nugget Antique Market
Lambertvile
609-397-0811
2 Miles South of Lambertville on Rt 29
Open year round
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday,
6 AM to 4 PM
They have vintage and retro items such as furniture & home decor, paintings, clothing, jewelry, Victorian collectibles, sports memorabilia, model trains, books, dolls, arts & crafts, toys & games, lamps, pottery, comic books, vinyl albums, clocks, watches, glass, china, porcelain, garden items, coins, stamps, art deco, hardware and more.

Center Stage Antiques

King Street & Rancocas Road
Mount Holly
609-261-0602
Open Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM,
or by appointment
18,000 square foot showroom filled with the largest selection of antique furniture and collectibles. They also specialize in estates bought and sold.


Lafayette Mill Antiques Center
12 Morris Farm Road, off Rte 15
Lafayette
973-383-0065
Open daily, except Tuesday and Wednesday,
from 10 AM to 5 PM
23,000 sq ft of quality antiques and collectibles displayed in room-like settings. The merchandise is juried and authenticity is guaranteed. They have furniture, including country, period, victorian, continental, and oak, from folk to formal, lighting, toys, dolls, advertising, china, jewelry, and sporting collectibles.


The Yellow Garage Antiques
66 South Main St.
Mullica Hill
856-478-0300
Open All Year Round, Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm
6,500 sq. feet of quality antiques with
35 Dealers.
Happy antiquing,
Frank Dalotto



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Looking for a Pumpkin patch closest to Newport, NJ

Hi,
Just moved to newport Nj next to the hudson river. Am looking to take my 4 yr old child to a place where they have a pumpkin patch, child-sized haybale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, pony rides etc...

Did some searching but want some expert local opinion.

Thanks
Suman

Reply:
Hi Suman;
For pumpkin picking, hayrides, etc., in northern NJ, I would suggest contacting:

Farms View Road stand
945 Black Oak Ridge
Road Wayne, NJ 07470
973-839-1212

Grochowicz Farm Market
2401 Rt 31 South
Glen Gardner
908-537-4332

Demarest Farms
244 Wierimus Road
Hillsdale, NJ 07642
201-666-0472

Please call in advance to confirm their programs and schedule.

Regards,
New Jersey Leisure Guide

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Where are Tennis Courts in the Cape May Area?

by Randy
(Blue bell, PA)

How many and where are the outdoor tennis courts located in Cape May and surrounding areas?

Hi Randy,
Here is a listing of the tennis courts that are open to the public in the Cape May area. While all of them are open to the public, some of them may charge a fee.


William J. Moore Tennis Center

1020 Washington Street
Cape May


Wise Anderson Park

Lafayette Street
Cape May

22nd & Delaware Avenues
N. Wildwood

Atlantic Avenue
between Columbine & Wisteria
Wildwood Crest

Borough of Wildwood Crest Tennis Courts>
6300 Ocean Avenue
Wildwood Crest

Fox Park
Ocean & Montgomery Avenues
Wildwood

Cape May County Park
707 Route 9 North
Cape May Court House

Freeman S. Douglass, Jr. Memorial Park
Seashore Road adjacent to the Lower Cape May Regional High School
Lower Township

Mitnick Park

Jonathan Hoffman Rd.
North Cape May

Have fun,
Frank Dalotto



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Irish History and Culture in NJ

by Mr. G
(belleville high school)

I have an Irish Lit. class of high school juniors and seniors (25 students) at Belleville High School in Essex County. I would be interested in a local field trip that would expose them to any and all things Irish. Any suggestions???
[email protected]

Hi Mister G,
The Best options I have come up with that would expose your H.S. kids "to any and all things Irish." are the following list of Irish events you may want to consider:

The Irish Spectacular! Celtic Pops Concert -- Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra
February 21, 2009
State Theatre
15 Livingston Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ
732-246-SHOW
Direct from Ireland, this Celtic Pops concert and U.S. Premiere engagement will feature traditional folk musicians and a premier orchestra.
Derek Gleeson, Music Director and Conductor and Ireland’s Leading Pop Stars

Trinity Irish Dance
March 20, 2009
Bergen Performing Arts Center
30 North Van Brunt St.
Englewood, NJ
201-227-1030
The Trinity Irish Dance Company and Different Drums of Ireland have united to reintroduce Irish tradition as revolutionary performing art. For the first time ever, the genius of these two renowned percussive groups push through every limit, bringing you a show of unrivaled power, grace and innovation.

Tuckerton Irish Festival
Saturday, May 2 & Sunday May 3, 2009
Tuckerton Seaport
Tuckerton, NJ
[email protected]
Enjoy Irish bands, pipers and step dancers with Celtic crafts, artists and vendors, Celtic food. Featuring The Barley Boys and Na’Bodach.
10:00 A.M. to 6:00 pm

Regards,
Frank


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What are The Flowers Along the Road on the Way to Sunset Beach?

by shirley
(burlington county)

We were in Cape May beginning of September last year and traveling the road towards Sunset Beach, I don't know if they were flowers, bushes, or a vine. Could you tell me what the name of the white flowers that seem to have engulfed the roadside?
Thank you.

Hi Shirley;
This is a tough question to find the answer to but I managed to do some research to come up with the answer.
The white flowering plant along the road to Sunset Beach that blooms in September is a vine called the Autumn Clematis. If you get close enough, you will get a whiff of it's mild scent.

Hope you enjoyed your stay in Cape May, it's my favorite Jersey Shore community.
Frank Dalotto

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What are the top 20 activities outdoors that nj residents like to participate in?

Can you list them from the most popular of the 20 down to the 20th on the list. please let me know. i am talking about things like hiking, biking, etc. according to numbers of people that participate in them.
Hi;
We don't track the activities of New Jersey residents by numbers of people who participate (honestly, don't know who does?) but we do have some knowledge of how many people view our activities web pages. Outdoor activities have seasonal variations, but here is a list of the ten most popular (not necessarily in that order):

Outdoor Concerts, fishing, biking, festivals, camping, kids attractions, amusement parks, sporting events, beaches, and hiking.
Regards,
Frank Dalotto

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Is there a First Night Celebration in Red Bank this year?

by Douglas Beam
(Bayville NJ)

Is there a first night celebration in Red Bank this year? (2010)

Frank's Reply:
Hi Douglas;

As a result of too few volunteers, in recent years many towns across the USA have had to cancel First Night Out, New Years Eve celebrations. Unfortunately, Red Bank is one of the towns that is currently not having a 2010 First Night celebration to bring in the 2011 new Year.

Happy New Year

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Dec 29, 2010
First Night 2010
by: Kurt

Where in NJ are they having a first night celebration. A bunch of non-drinkers are looking to ring in 2011.

>Hi Kurt;
Due to a scarcity of volunteers and budget cuts, many towns in NJ have canceled First Night events. Here is information on family oriented New Years Eve events and the towns that are still holding First Night celebrations New Jersey New Years Eve First Night celebrations


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When will the
Annual Hightstown Fair Be Held?

by Anita
(North Brunswick, NJ)

When will Hightstown, NJ hold their annual Fall Festival in 2010? Has the 2010 date been set yet? I missed it in 2009.

Reply:
Hi Anita,
While Hightstown still plans to hold this fair again in 2010, the date has not yet been set.
Further information on the fair can be obtained by calling 609-490-5100.
Regards,
www.new-jersey-leisure-guide.com

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What is special about Monmouth County?

by Dr
(India)

What is special about Monmouth County? Is there any good place to see in Monmouth ? I wanna see pics of all the nice places... how can i see?

Hi Dr.
Monmouth County, in addition to being often rated by Money magazine as one of the top places to in the United States to live in, has a lot to offer for visitors including it being an outstanding place with beaches, boating and fishing having waterways that include several rivers and bays that flow into New York Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as camping, great restaurants, and museums. Red Bank is considered the cultural center of Monmouth county with a charming downtown area lined with boutique shops, excellent restaurants, the Count Basie Theatre, the Two Rivers Theatre, and a quaint railroad station that is a station for trains that can take you to/from NYC. Our website is full of pictures from Monmouth and a good way to find pictures about your area of interest is to browse the site by your category of interest, or just simply enter "monmouth county" in the search site and it should bring up many links to Mounmouth County Leisure events and activities.
Frank

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What is the zip code of Ocean Grove, NJ?

What is the zip code of ocean grove in new jersey?

The zip code of Ocean Grove, NJ is 07756.
Happy mailing,
Frank Dalotto

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