New Jersey has a hard time with tourists from Europe. The proximity to visitor magnets such as New York , Washington DC and Philadelphia is a real mortgage for the tourism managers of the “Garden State”, as New Jersey is also often called.
On the other hand, this closeness is of course also an opportunity. An opportunity, by the way, that is actually being seized more and more frequently. Because if you’re already there, you can actually take a look around, right? True to this motto, it pays to leave the gray industrial centers (where a lot of money is made) behind and get to know another New Jersey. That of the long beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and the dense forests, that of the fine restaurants and the sophisticated music festivals, historic New Jersey and finally also the land of the Indians, who have lived here undisturbed for almost 3000 years.
Facts worth knowing
New Jersey is a comparatively small US state. It has that in common with its namesake. The birthplace of Sir George Carteret, who was the first British colonial ruler to be granted the area, is on the British Channel Island of Jersey. Before the English, however, Dutch and Swedish settlers had already claimed the land and made life difficult for the Indians. In terms of area, New Jersey is the fourth smallest US state, but this has not affected its economic success. The small country on the Atlantic is the most densely populated and the second richest (after Maryland) in the entire United States. No question about it, not only is it good to live here, it is also a great place to go on holiday.
Summer freshness on the Atlantic
New Jersey has many, many kilometers of coastline directly on the Atlantic and offers an excellent infrastructure for vacationers. Many small towns have hotels and pensions in every price category. There is also no shortage of snack bars, restaurants and attractions especially for children. So it’s no wonder that the seaside resorts of New Jersey are particularly popular with neighboring New Yorkers. For them, the journey is a stone’s throw. But also vacationers from more distant US states are increasingly among the guests. Ocean City and Cape May are considered special highlights. Ocean City is the preferred destination for everyone traveling with children and young people. Cape May is a bit more adult, but hardly quieter. The place has around 5000 inhabitants – in summer the number can quickly grow to almost 100,000! The special charm of Cape May lies in the enchanting villas that shape the character of the place. The Cape May lighthouse is not only a popular destination, but has also blossomed into a symbol of the entire Atlantic coast of New Jersey.
A visit to Atlantic City is an absolute must for everyone. This city is known as “Las Vegas of the East Coast”. Not only players get their money’s worth here. In the large hotels, which, by the way, can definitely compete with those of Las Vegas in terms of architecture and furnishings, you can dine and shop in luxury just like in the Nevada desert. The shows that take place here in the evening do not have to shy away from comparison. Do not miss: the eight kilometer long “Boardwalk”, a footbridge made of wooden planks directly on the Atlantic.
History at every turn
The states of the east coast are just because of their location regions already steeped in history – this is where most of the European immigrants ended up. Of course, New Jersey also has many historical sites to offer. If you want to combine the past and the present on a day trip, the little town of Morristown, located a little inland, is recommended. George Washington, who later became the first President of the United States, had his winter headquarters there during the War of Independence. After visiting the museum and the associated park, where the enemy armies spent a few very cold winters at the end of the 18th century, the city invites you to relax and unwind. In addition to eating well, Morristown is also great for shopping.
Newark
According to trackaah, Newark is not the capital of New Jersey, but it is the largest city in the state. Many visitors to New York get to know their airport more or less involuntarily. Because if you don’t arrive at JFK Airport in New York, you will land in Newark. The city is the economic heart of the state. At first glance from an airplane, the city may appear gray and “busy”. If you have a few hours to spare, you should take a second look. It’s always worth it – the city is bursting with life, has an excellent cultural scene, excellent restaurants and almost always has an art, music or gourmet festival at the start.
NEWARK – MORE THAN JUST A NEW YORK AIRPORT
With almost 280,000 inhabitants, Newark is the largest city in the US state of New Jersey and is still mostly reduced to its airport. Wrongly…
New York is one of the dream destinations of many US tourists and is approached dozens of times a day from Europe. However, the planes by no means always land at New York’s ” John F. Kennedy ” (JFK) airport. Almost as often, the traveler arrives in Newark, New Jersey, or flies from there later. This is of course not a cause for concern, on the contrary. Newark is less than 15 kilometers from Manhattan and has excellent connections to the metropolis on the Hudson. Maybe the “EWR” is on the ticket (as the international designation of Newark Liberty International Airport is) even a reason to take a closer look at the city. It would have a lot to offer…
Risen like a phoenix
Almost 280,000 people now live in the city, which was founded in 1666 by English emigrants from Newark-on-Trent in the county of Nottinghamshire. In its 300 year history, the city has not always seen good times. The second half of the 20th century in particular was characterized by a steadily decreasing population. Mainly the white middle class left a city that suffered from corruption and violent crime. But this trend was stopped at the turn of the millennium. Today Newark offers its visitors (and residents) an interesting and relaxed multi-ethnic mix, for which there is sufficient work space and living space. The city has developed accordingly positively. Going out, shopping, strolling, eating well, All of this can be done at a good level in Newark. Granted, that’s close New York is in a different league, but that’s not what this is about. In Newark it is not as crowded and hectic as in the neighboring metropolis.
Culture close to the metropolis
After (or even before) a walk along the river, you can visit the Newark Museum. The museum is the largest in the US state of New Jersey and has 80 departments that deal with the fine arts of all continents as well as scientific achievements. Not only art lovers are in good hands there; the museum is also a tip for travelers with children. In addition to a mini zoo and a planetarium, there is also a lot to see in the extensive gardens. Among other things, there is the first school building that has ever existed in the state of New Jersey. The house with a single classroom has only recently been lovingly and faithfully renovated. The real highlight in the park is, besides a sculpture garden, the so-called “Ballantine House”. Built in Newark in 1885 for the wealthy entrepreneur couple John Holme and Jeannette Ballantine, exactly 100 years later it was elevated to the rank of national historical landmark. The house shows down to the last detail what “people” understood by an ideal home in the USA at the end of the 19th century.
Newark’s highlights in a nutshell
- Newark Museum, 49 Washington St., Newark, NJ 07101
- New Jersey Symphony Orchestra 60 Park Pl., Newark, NJ 07102
- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) 1 Center St., Newark, NJ 07102
- Aljira, Center for Contemporary Art 591 Broad St., Newark, NJ 07102
