Take A Drive To The Country To Dine At This Exceptional Rural Restaurant In New Jersey

When people talk about travel in New Jersey, it's pretty rare to hear anyone say "Let's take a drive out to the country". After all, New Jersey is such a heavily urban and densely populated state that rural havens aren't easy to find. But that doesn't mean they're not out there - the tiny town of Cream Ridge, population 650, is home to one of the country's largest tulip farms. It also happens to be home to the Happy Apple Inn, our pick for the best countryside restaurant in New Jersey. A lovely, rustic old-school dining joint located in a charming old barn, this retro dining destination serves up some great old-fashioned cuisine in an environment that feels like going back home to the old family farm. It might be a pretty big drive from where you are - but we're pretty sure that this is one drive that's well worth the time.

The Happy Apple Inn looks like an old-school country barn, but the only thing it's storing is delicious food.

Inside, this rustic country restaurant feels a little like coming home - the dining room has a wonderfully old-school, casual feel.

Right down to the mounted animal heads on the wall - there's probably a story behind every one!

But you're here for the food, and this place doesn't disappoint - the steaks are massive and cooked to order.

There's a surprisingly great fish and seafood section to the menu, too - the Captain's Catch plate is a great way to sample several favorites.

If there's a signature dish, though, it would have to be the European-style roast duckling, bathed in a sweet and savory Grand Marnier sauce.

Also perfectly rustic and old-school? The bar, which will make classic cocktails and looks like it could be found in a classic saloon.

Have you visited the Happy Apple Inn in Cream Ridge? Let us know what you thought about this unique countryside restaurant in New Jersey in the comments section! The delicious-looking menu can be found on the Happy Apple Inn website, and you can see the latest specials on the Facebook page of this country restaurant in New Jersey. Cream Ridge is out of the way, but it's not all that far from the state's largest theme park - home to a new safari glamping adventure - so pack up the car and head on over to this rural destination.