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Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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November 2, 2015

Five things I love about New Jersey

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I’ve lived in New Jersey now for about 4 years now. Like most hardcore New Yorkers, it’s been a slow process to get me to let go of this idea that I have to venture into the city for good food, entertainment, or activities.

I still get teased by friends for becoming “Bridge and Tunnel”, and I get it. There was a time I wouldn’t even date a boy if there was a bridge or tunnel between us. But what did I know?

I definitely didn’t know that there was so much I would love about living in New Jersey. I didn’t really expect it to get me excited enough to write a post about it, for sure. I can’t imagine that I will convince my New York friends to take the 30-minute train ride into my little village of Maplewood, NJ – recently name New Jersey’s Best Downtown, but, as I often still do for New York, I wanted to highlight the things that people who live here love that others wouldn’t know about. Maybe, if you get lost on the train and end up here, or if you find yourself wanting to explore something different, this will serve as an inspiration and guide of what not to miss.

The nature. So much nature.

I am a hiker. I love going on long hikes, short hikes, easy hikes, challenging hikes. Point is, a good weekend often involves getting out and hiking, or walking, depending on the mood.

A quick search revealed that there are over 50 state parks, state forests, recreation areas, and other protected natural areas in New Jersey. We’ve loved searching for waterfalls only minutes from our house, exploring natural swamp lands, and venturing out a bit more to explore some of the 1.1 million acres of the Pinelands. We share the Appalachian trails with NY and other neighboring states and are planning a few camping and hiking trips to check it out.

This New Yorker fell in love with New Jersey. One reason, the Pinelands.

The thing is, for all the fun I used to make about New Jersey smelling, and to tell the truth that first highway view you get upon entering the state from New York isn’t too convincing, there are so many places that have left me in complete awe with how beautiful they are.

The beaches and boardwalks

Ok, to be honest, the closest beach from me is about an hour away, so it’s not like I’m there daily. But that is nothing when I think about the hours upon hours I have spent trying to get to coastal Long Island from the city.

 

The world only knows New Jersey beaches from what they saw in the infamous MTV show, The Jersey Shore (what’s funny is that more than half the cast was actually from New York’s Staten Island). Seaside Heights, where the show was filmed is a real place and yes, it is known for its party scene, but venture a bit away from there and you will come across another part of the Jersey Shore, Cape May, a complete contrast from the stereotype of what most believe the Jersey Shore to be.

Our favorite boardwalk is at Wildwood, NJ, home to Morey’s Pier and a fun beach scene that we’ve found ourselves returning to every year.

You think you know the Jersey Shore? You have no idea.Morey's Pier_girlgonetravel

The Jersey Shore covers 141 miles of oceanfront, so trust me when I say, there’s a lot more to it than you think.

The food

I am not kidding when I tell you there is a pretty great food scene here in New Jersey. I haven’t even begun to explore it all, but the list is long.

The 100 Steps supper club in Cranford is a favorite of ours. We’re still trying to back to Cranford for brunch at their partnering A Toute Heure, but always end up missing out before it gets filled up.

100 Steps Supper Club_NJ_GirlGoneTravel 100 Steps Supper Club_NJ_GirlGoneTravel

Ramen noodles at Ani Ramen in Montclair is heaven. Small space which requires a bit of a wait, but never anything compared to when trying to dine at other popular ramen places in the city. They are working on opening another restaurant in Jersey City – though I am begging them to come to my foodie hood too!

Ani Ramen_new Jersey_girlgonetravelAni Ramen_new Jersey_girlgonetravel Ani Ramen_new Jersey_girlgonetravel

My own neighborhood has places that I can easily just walk to, yes, that’s right – walk to. Coda Kitchen and Bar, Arturo’s Osteria and Pizzaria, which always has lines out the door, and Lorena’s for fine dining. All of these, except for Coda, are BYOB which there is a lot of here in Jersey and which I LOVE.

We are huge fans of McCloone’s Boathouse in West Orange and on a nice day we like to go for brunch and a walk around the adjacent reservoir.

The arts scene

One of the reasons we fell in love with where we live now is the creative scene here. Sure, you have the hedge fund guys, bankers, lawyers, doctors. But what attracted us were the writers, photographers, painters, illustrators, actors, and musicians.

I can type in a search for a Meet Up in my neighborhood and come across a ton of like-minded creatives willing to connect and share. Coming from a city and borough (Brooklyn) where artistic freedom and creation was the backbone of communities long since erased, being surrounded by artists in a refreshing and inspiring.

My area alone has produced a number of actors and musicians including Zach Braff, Elizabeth Shue, and Lauryn Hill, just to name a few. We have the celebrated Paper Mill Playhouse and the South Orange Performing Arts Center.

These are things that I didn’t really think I would have access to “in the burbs” and yet, I am always in awe of the incredible amount of creatives I meet.

The farms

There are over 9,000 farms in New Jersey. We have explored many of them for everything from Christmas tree hunting, to historic walks, to picking pumpkins, apples, and fresh vegetables.

There are always tons of farmers markets around for those times when we can’t make the drive to the farm, but there’s nothing like having that access to fresh produce when we want it.

Hidden Pond Christmas Tree FarmFrom summer to winter, visiting the local farms has become a favorite family pass time. Especially when there is hot chocolate involved!

I still get to enjoy the best of both worlds. New York City will always have a special place in my heart. It’s where I was born. It’s where my family immigrated into and where they created the opportunities that led to this life I enjoy now. I still love coming in and checking out the scene, what’s new, what’s happening, what’s worth your time and money. But it’s nice to be able to get on that train and escape it all to a place a bit more mellow, less loud, and not as fast, where I can grow my garden and I have more than 900 square feet to spread my wings in.

I plan on continuing to cover areas of interest in New York, but I also expect to blog more about New Jersey as I learn about what else this state, my new hometown, has to offer.

 

 

 

 

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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2 Comments
  • Kelly Whiteside
    November 6, 2015

    Carol, loved your post!
    I visit New Jersey every summer and stay with my aunt in Shrewsbury! (Have you ever been to bagel masters?!) I love New Jersey, and think it is such a beautiful place to live. Shrewsbury to me, is more of a quiet than where i live which is Michigan. I love traveling and when i go to New Jersey, i also take the ferry on over to New York City which is such a great place as well. I Loved reading about what you wrote and am definitely going to have to remember these places when i am visit soon! Thank you for sharing your information.
    Kelly Whiteside 🙂

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Kelly Whiteside
      November 6, 2015

      Thank you! I\’m not familiar with Shrewbury or the bagel masters…as a Brooklynite, you know I have to check it out! Thanks for the tip and thanks for reading!

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

#myflx
These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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