Cultural New Jersey: Way More Than Tan, Gym & Laundry!

Exploring New Jersey – It’s More Than Just TGL

Sadly, the vision that the world often get of New Jersey is the one put forward in reality TV shows like Jersey Shore. This is, of course, where the slogan tan, gym, laundry comes from as it describes a typical Shore residents preparation before going out. However, it is definitely worth knowing that there’s a lot more to this state than the wild parties you see on TV. Keep reading to see what.

Liberty State Park

If you are looking for a calm and peaceful outdoor location with fabulous views of some major New Jersey and New York sites, Liberty State Park is well worth a visit.

There you can sit on the waterfront benches, or stroll around the paths and neatly manicured lawns. Form various vantage points through the park you can see Ellis Island, Lady Liberty herself as well as all the way across to Brooklyn.

Take a picnic if you are looking for a low-cost family day. Although there are concession stands there if you’d; like, but they are a little on the pricey side. There are many things to experience at the Liberty State Park, so be sure to visit it this summer.

Lake Carnegie

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Further south into the state you will find the beautiful lake Carnegie. This is a reservoir that is partly on the Princeton University Campus.

It is a beautiful location to visit because of its beautiful scenery and wildlife. The lake itself is also well stocked with fish and is a favorite angling spot for visitors and students alike.

You can even rent a boat or take a kayak out onto the lake. However its vital that you remember to check out on how the water traffic works beforehand, so you are as safe as possible.

Of course, as Lake Carnegie is a fair distance from the top end of the state that starts around Ellis Island, it can be a good idea to find accommodation local to the lake, especially if you want to make an entire day of it.

Luckily there are plenty of excellent and reasonably priced hotels in the areas such as the Crowne Plaza Princeton –Conference Center where you can get a well-appointed room for under $100 a night. There are also some great Airbnb options as well if you are looking for accommodation that is a little more relaxed.

Grounds for Sculpture

About 20 minutes further south of the Princeton campus, in the region of Hamilton, you will find a park known as The Grounds for Sculpture – a venue that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is more to New Jersey than boozy Saturday nights.

In fact, in this beautiful 42-hectare space, you will find all sorts of modern sculpture set sympathetically into the grounds. There is also a fascinating indoor gallery space that is home to sculpture and other types of artistic media such as photography.

Tickets are timed at busy period though and can sell out quite quickly. To that end, it is best to hop online and reserve yours before traveling all that way. Otherwise, you could end up disappointed!

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