Before summer is over, there are a few places you need to hit up in the Garden State to round out your summer repertoire. There are many cool spots in New Jersey that will pique the interest of the outdoorsy type, the shopaholic and the beach enthusiast!
1. Belmar
Whether you want a relaxing day at the beach, yummy lunch or stroll along the main street there is a lot the town offers. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat a healthy snack, head over to Playa Bowls for the acai bowl (aka, everyone’s new obsession). You can also stop by nearby Rook Coffee for a caffeine pick-me-up. If you want an ice cream concoction, head over to Coney Waffle. There they have insane milkshakes huge enough to share, with cool toppings and candy that would make any kid at heart happy. Belmar is beach galore, so there is no issue there. Stop by Bar Anticipation, The Boathouse or D’Jais for a fun night out with friends. Headed out shopping? Try Hazel Boutique for trendy pieces and awesome jewelry!
2. Short Hills Mall
This one is for the shoppers! Head to the mall of all malls in Jersey, where they have hundreds of designers dotted throughout the stores, ranging from Tiffany and Co. to Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo. There are also many restaurants of all cuisines. My personal favorite is California Pizza Kitchen. How can you go wrong shopping?
3. Grounds for Sculpture
This place is nothing short of gorgeous! Located in Hamilton, New Jersey, there are beautiful flowers by the thousands, bushes, grasses and walkways filled with hidden and sometimes huge statues (hence the name). There is also a beautiful French-style restaurant called Rats. While pricy, it is nothing short of delicious (from what I hear). There is no way anyone could possibly say that Grounds for Sculpture is boring. It is so unique, a wonderful photoshoot location and ultimately serene.
4. Hoboken
Hoboken is one of the places that is very versatile, whether you’re a foodie, want a night out with friends, or plan on sightseeing one of New Jersey’s most interesting cities. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and pubs to meet your needs. Looking for brunch? Try Turning Point. Looking for Cuban fare? Check out The Cuban. Wanting Italian cuisine? Give Augustino’s a try. Maybe you feel like French food? Elysian Café will do (so people say). Check out some of the boutiques in town -- whether you are looking for chocolates, clothing, shoes, or the like, Hoboken is sure to please. Maybe even grab a pastry from Carlo’s Bakery, featured on TLC's "Cake Boss."
5. Red Bank
Red Bank is another cute town that has a main street filled with shops, bars, restaurants and much, much more! Whether it’s Juanito’s Restaurant for Mexican food or Teak for Asian food, the downtown for a quick bite to eat and drink on the town there are many restaurants to meet the needs of any foodie. Looking for a sandwich? Try Hansel and Griddle. Looking for a burger? Try Juniors. Want a steak? Try Char. Check out the shops dotting the streets. Tiffany and Co., jewelry stores, Urban Outfitters or Coco Pari to check out the best designers around.
6. Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls located in Layton, New Jersey is one of a kind. Many people think that all New Jersey has to offer are beaches and farms. Uh, no! Have you ever seen pictures of the gorgeous waterfalls? I’m not necessarily the outdoors type, but I may actually not mind hiking to see the gorgeous view on the end of the journey.
No matter where you head, make the last few weeks of summer fun! Whether you want to chill on the beach, hike a mountain or tour a main street, there’s no messing up the last dew drops that summer has to offer, so make the most of it!
