12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In New Jersey This Year
By Raymond Goldfield|Updated on January 09, 2024(Originally published January 11, 2023)
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
Living in New Jersey means virtually never running out of fun things to do and unique places to explore. There are so many hidden gems in the Garden State that many people living here for decades haven’t scratched the surface. These 12 attractions, restaurants, and events give you a taste of the best of New Jersey – with one adventure selected for every month of the year. From a humble fish market hiding in one of the state’s best towns to a vintage restaurant serving elite modern cuisine to an arcade celebrating one of the very first electronic games ever played, these hidden gems in New Jersey will give you a new appreciation for just how unique this great state of ours truly is. Ready to explore some of the most unforgettable hidden gems in New Jersey? Let’s go!
1. January - Winterfest Ice Skating Rink - Cooper River (Cherry Hill)
Winterfest Ice Skating Rink At Cooper River Park, Cuthbert Blvd and, Park Blvd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003, USA
This massive skating rink in Cherry Hill is open all winter long - and it's the perfect way to celebrate the season. When it comes to winter day trips in NJ, Winterfest Ice Skating Rink definitely belongs on your radar.
2. February - Whispers Restaurant (Spring Lake)
Whispers, 200 Monmouth Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762, USA
Located in the Hewitt Wellington Hotel, this Victorian-style fine dining restaurant is a popular location for Valentine's Day. The A La Carte menu fuses classic ingredients with modern techniques. Learn more about planning your visit to the one-of-a-kind Whispers Restaurant in New Jersey.
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3. March - Dooney's Pub (Delran)
Dooney's Pub Delran, 1361 Fairview Blvd, Delran, NJ 08075, USA
St. Patrick's Day is a big event in New Jersey, and Dooney's is a popular spot for downing pints and eating some corned beef and cabbage. Located in a strip mall, it's easy to miss - but those in the know are in for a treat. Have you ever visited Dooney's Pub?
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4. April - Nassau Street Seafood & Produce Company (Princeton)
Nassau Street Seafood & Produce Co., 256 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA
This humble New Jersey fish market on the main street of Princeton mostly sells fish for cooking at home, but they also have a regular menu of fried and grilled fish specialties. This hole-in-the-wall is especially popular during Lent.
5. May - Popcorn Park Zoo (Forked River)
Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, 1 Humane Way, Forked River, NJ 08731, USA
This zoo isn't your usual animal exhibit - it's a certified animal sanctuary, and all the animals here have been deemed unreleasable. You'll find everything from big cats to peacocks to tiny lemurs here! Learn more about this special New Jersey zoo and while you'll want to visit. Learn more about the important work of Popcorn Park Zoo when you watch the brief video below:
6. June - Silverball Retro Arcade (Asbury Park)
Silverball Retro Arcade, 1000 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Pinball ruled the arcades before video games came along, and this beachside pay-per-hour arcade collects hundreds under one roof. Play to your heart's content without a single quarter needed! Truly, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Silverball Retro Arcade.
This historic site was used to guard the New Jersey coast from German attacks, and today visitors can climb the tower for a stunning view and a fascinating history lesson. Learn more about planning your visit to the fascinating World War II Lookout Tower in New Jersey. You can learn more about the WWII Lookout Tower in Cape May when you watch the brief video below:
8. August - Just Peachy Festival (Princeton)
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
Whitesbog is a beautiful spot to explore, but during September it's home to the state's biggest cranberry festival - and that means a lot of cranberry goodies for sale! A trip to Whitesbog Historic Village is one that belongs on everyone's New Jersey bucket list. Take a look at what makes Whitesbog so unique when you watch the video below:
10. October - Scare Farm (Hillsborough Township)
Scare Farm, 120 S Branch Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844, USA
Located on a working farm, this elaborate network of haunted houses is one of New Jersey's most immersive seasonal experiences. Plus, it might just be one of the best haunted corn mazes in the region.
11. November - Metuchen Inn (Metuchen)
Metuchen Inn, 424 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840, USA
A charming historic restaurant in a residential area of Metuchen, this inn is known for its elaborate Thanksgiving feasts. It's been serving food since 1843, and has been faithfully preserved for a one-of-a-kind experience.
12. December - Polar Express Train Ride (Whippany)
The Polar Express Train Ride, 1 Railroad Plz, Whippany, NJ 07981, USA
New Jersey's most iconic Christmas experience, this trip on Whippany's recreational railroad transforms the train into a magical wonderland on a ride to the North Pole.
Have you visited any of these unique hidden gems in New Jersey? Tell us about your visits, and let us know about your travel plans for the upcoming year in the comments section! For more unexpected adventures in New Jersey, consider taking one of these ideal winter day trips!
And, if you’re planning to road trip to any of these destinations, don’t forget to check out our ultimate road trip essentials packing list.
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More to Explore
Hidden Gems In New Jersey
Beth C. |January 09, 2024
What are some bucket-list-worthy attractions in New Jersey?
The Garden State is seriously underrated as a travel destination. For proof of this, look no further than the following list of bucket-list-worthy attractions in New Jersey:
Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton
The Red Mill, Clinton
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Atlantic City
High Point Monument, Sussex
Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Cape May
The Delaware Water Gap, Northwest New Jersey
Duke Farms, Hillsborough
Battleship New Jersey, Camden
Princeton
Great Falls, Paterson
How many of these popular NJ sites have you visited? If you're curious to learn more, be sure to check out our full article outlining the most visit-worthy destinations in New Jersey.
