Hidden Gems of NJ - Tear Drop Memorial

The parks across New Jersey are open, temperature has gone up and the best time of the year is here, “The Summers”. Though we are going through a global pandemic and are locked in our homes from past 2 months, it is now recommended to go out a bit, following all the safety measures and social distancing practice.

New Jersey have a lot of hidden gems which are not crowded and quite scenic during the Summer times. I will introduce you to one of them through this post.

Today we will talk about the Tear Drop Memorial.
This stunning 10 story sculpture was an official gift to United States by the Russian government as a memorial to the victims of 9/11 twin tower attacks. The artist who created this sculpture is Zurab Tsereteli, a Soviet/Russian painter, sculptor and architect who is known for his large scale and at times controversial monuments.

         

This magnificent bronze-plated sculpture is located in Harbor View Park of Bayonne, New Jersey.
The center of attention of this sculpture is a huge tear made up of nickel which hangs from the top of the sculpture.
I loved the way this sculpture is built and the way it projects the emotions and feelings for the victims of terrorism.

             

Apart from the sculpture, you can also catch sight of the world's most iconic skyline – Manhattan Skyline from the park. The Statue of Liberty is also visible from this place, but we only get to see the side view. There is also a small lighthouse - Robbins Reef Lighthouse situated in the vicinity.

Overall it is a great place to come and chill on a Sunny Afternoon and pay our homage to those who have suffered from the hands of terrorism.

Address:
Harbor View Park, 51 Port Terminal Blvd, Bayonne, NJ 07002

Parking:
The cruise parking is free and available for those visiting the memorial. Only when cruises are running from the harbor, the parking might be unavailable.

Admission:
Entry to the park is free.

Amenities:
- Benches
- Dustbins
- Portable Restroom

There is also a classic golf course in Bayonne, situated on the Hudson river from where you can get a view of the Manhattan. This famous gulf course is known as Bayonne Golf Club and is in the vicinity of the memorial.  Check out the below picture.

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Best Hikes of NJ - Wyanokie High Point

Finally the state parks in New Jersey are open and also the hiking trails.
Though, it is advised not to go out frequently, one hike a month is still feasible.

You can start early morning when the trails are not crowded and you might also see the sunrise.

So the next question that pops up is, which hikes are worth doing at this point of time. According to me, you should go for the ones which are known for their mesmerizing views throughout the year and also provide you with the serenity of the forest.

Well you don’t have to worry, as I will be providing with the list of the Best Hikes of NJ.
The first hike on the list and one of my favorite is - Wyanokie High Point.

This great trail is located in Norvin Green State Forest, New Jersey. It is an 8.8 mile loop trail and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is accessible year-round.

At the summit the 360 degree view is quite scenic. You can see patches of lake, valley and even the New York City skyline. On the way there are two waterfalls and as they are still gushing with water, it is a great site to watch.

The trail is very well marked and you get to see different types of terrains along the way.
But be well prepared, as there are patches of rocky terrains and the ones which require steep climb.
Also we confronted a snake which was passing just infront of us and my wife was about to step on it. It crawled very quickly into the bushes, may be because it saw by wife :P

Overall, it is a great workout with stunning views at the summit, and definitely a recommended trail to take especially during the spring times.

More Details:

Trail Directions -
https://www.njhiking.com/best-hikes-in-nj-norvin-green/

Difficult Level -
Moderate to strenuous

Best Time to go -
During Spring season, when the waterfalls are their peak and days are big.

Thins to carry -
1. Map of the trail
2. Hiking boots
3. Water
4. Food and Snacks
5. Mask
6. Gloves
7. Insect repellent for sure as they are lot of flies
8. First Aid kit and sunscreen

Parking -
The New Weis Center allows hikers to use in their outer gravel parking lot on Snake Den Road.
Check it out on Google Maps
Though on a weekend, parking spaces are quite less and you might have to park on the roadside.

Parking near the main building is reserved for guests attending programs and events at the Center. Parking off Snake Den Rd near the Highlands Natural Pool is reserved for Pool and Weis members. Parking is not allowed along Snake Den Road.

Distance -
Approx 8 miles loop trail

Time -
4.5- 5 hours (Includes lunch time, breaks and time at the waterfalls)
Add extra half hour if you are not taking lunch at the summit.

Activities in the Park -
Right now the only activities allowed are Hiking, Hunting and Fishing

Fees -
No Entry fee

Website -
https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/norvin.html

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Scenic Drives in New Jersey - Old Mine Road

It has been more than 2 months now that we are locked inside our homes and waiting for the corona curve to flatten. It is still not recommended to go to parks or get to the beaches, and frankly we are also scared to do so, but the traveler, explorer and nature lover inside us, wants to get out amid the nature and refresh ourselves.

So here is some good news for the people of New Jersey.
There are some amazingly beautiful scenic drives in NJ, which you can experience from the comfort of your car. So through this new series, I will share some picturesque roads with you that will appease your mind and add some new colors to your otherwise stagnant life.

The first scenic road in my list that we drove through last weekend is Old Mine Road.
It is one of the oldest continuously used roads in the USA and most part of it is in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

The road is mostly single lane, with rocks on one side and river on the other. The speed varies from 15 to 25 miles per hour.
There are lot of historical buildings, old mills, farms and wide open grounds along the way, which look quite stunning.

The main USP of the trip are the spots in the vicinity of the river, where you can park the car in a small patch near the road and hike few steps downhill to witness the mesmerizing view of the river and surrounding mountains. Not to forget the wildlife which you might have never seen roaming so freely before. We encountered two groups of deer and one bear during our entire trip, which was just priceless. I couldn’t take pic of the bear as it went inside the forest quickly.

I would definitely suggest to take his day trip from the comfort of your car, for the peace of mind and refreshment of soul, during these hard times.

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Sandy hook beach: A perfect getaway in Summers for the people of NJ

For the people living in New Jersey, going to the beautiful beaches of NJ is a must getaway for weekends. Living near-by Jersey shore, how can someone avoid the sand and the water? But for those living in north NJ (like me), it is not always easy to plan a trip all the way down to the south Jersey beaches like Long Beach Island.

So Sandyhook beach is a good option for us

The seven-mile stretch of spectacular ocean and bay beaches are excellent for surf casting, swimming, and relaxing on the sand. For the bike and hike lovers, there are number of trails to enjoy and explore, where they can find 300+ species of migratory birds and lovely forest.

You got your sun, sand and surf. What more can you ask for? Sandy Hook is huge with multiple beaches on both, the ocean and bayside of the peninsula. If you drive all the way up, you can bump into some old war barracks as well as the active fort for the United States Coast Guard. There's fishing areas, trails to run/bike on, sunbathing beaches and New Jersey's only nude beach (it’s true although I missed it due to time constraints)

You can spend your day here indulging in many interesting activities and few of them are:

1.) History tour

If you plan to visit Sandyhook beach and interested in nature walk and history tours, we recommend you to take a walk around Fort Hancock historic walk. The Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Keepers' Quarters and Barn are open seven days a week.

2.) Beaches

Sandyhook has multiple beaches on both, the ocean and bayside. Your pets are allowed on the bayside beaches, but they must be leashed everytime. Lifeguards are available only on the ocean side beaches from 10am to 6pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

3.) Fishing

Surf fishing is permitted at all the beaches except when the lifeguards are not at duty or the area of the beach is closed due to one or the other reason. Salt water fishing in NJ requires permit from the state of New Jersey. Registration is free.

4.) Biking

The seven mile long stretch can be covered with bike as well. Bring your own bike or you can rent a bike and enjoy the complete path on your bike starting from the entrance till the Fort Hancock. Please stay on your side of the yellow line while biking.

5.) Boating and Kayaking

Non-motorized boats can be launched from beach C and Horseshoe cove. Windsurfing and kite-boating can be done smoothly on the bay across from the beach C. Kayak and Standup Paddleboard rentals are available at Beach C Bayside.

6.) Camping and Picnic

Overnight tent camping is available at Sandyhook. You can visit their site for booking info. The North Beach Observation Deck has tables and a view of New York Harbor. Guardian Park has picnic tables, shelters and grills. Grilling is only permitted at Guardian Park in Fort Hancock.

Tickets and fare

Although there is no entrance fee to Sandy Hook, there is a $15.00 per car parking fee. If you come often enough, its worth purchasing a season pass for $75.

Connectivity

Sandyhook beach is easily accessible by ferry from Manhattan to New Jersey. You can easily reach there by car as well.

Food

There are food trucks and beverage machines available on the ocean shore beaches. No food, restrooms and parking is available on the bayside beaches. You can also bring your own food here.

Stay

If you want to experience the skyline of the New York and indulge into authentic seafood and nightlife, you should stay at the Highland. Number of good hotels are available there. You can also try Airbnb for homelike stay.

Explorerlens Gyan

1.) If you are planning to go on weekends, please reach there early in the morning else the parking slots may get full and you have to go back (doors may close). We recommend going on the weekdays since it is less crowded in those days.

2.) Bring you own food, picnic tables, beach towel and some games to play at the beach if you plan to spend the complete day there. Don’t forget to keep you sunscreen and hats as well.

3.)There are number of beaches to explore (including nude beach) so plan your trip accordingly. We recommend to explore the complete area in two days to have a relaxed and fun trip.

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Places to visit in New Jersey - Cape May

Cape May is counted as one of the top beach destinations on East Coast and also holds the top spot in New Jersey.

It is located on the southern tip of Cape May Peninsula in Cape May County, New Jersey, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Amazing beaches, seafront lip-smacking dining options and vibrant architecture of 19^th century, is what makes Cape May as one of the most popular tourist destinations in NJ and also a paradise for beach lovers.

There are lot of amazing places to visit here and below ones are on the top of the list -:

1. Sunset Beach
    Sunset Beach has a heart-touching evening flag ceremony, wrecks of a concrete ship S. S. Atlantus
    from World War I, Quartz pebbles which resemble diamonds, and stunning sunsets.
    If you are a sunset lover, this place should be definitely on our to-visit list.

    Definitely one of the best sunsets of the East Coast can be observed here.

2. Cape May Lighthouse
     Standing 158 feet tall is the Cape May Lighthouse which was built in the year 1859. There are 199
     steps to the top from where you can get stunning views of the beach, the city, nearby trials and the      bunker. The trials provide great sites for those who love bird watching.

3. Cape May Point Beach
     Just adjacent to the lighthouse lies the Cape May Point beach which is home to the historic World
     War – II bunker. The beach is clean and not so overcrowded.

4. Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum
     Though I didn’t go to this museum but it is a great family outing destination. You can climb a real
     air traffic control tower, sit inside the cockpit of an aircraft, try the flight simulator games, and 

     witness the 26 helicopters and planes on display.

5.  Wildwood Boardwalk
      Just 10 miles from Cape May lies the most amazing, happening and fun filled boardwalk of the
      East Coast, Wildwood Boardwalk.

      Amusement parks, food junctions, adventure activities, arcade games and beach, this boardwalk
      has it all. 

Tickets & Fees

The ticket to enter the lighthouse is $8 for adults and for wildwood boardwalk, it is $15 for the parking.

Connectivity
All the places mentioned above is easily accessible and has a good connectivity.

Food
Cape May has one of the finest seafront dining options in NJ. Also Wildwood boardwalk is known for its food junctions, hence you will find the best meal here.

Stay
There are lot of hotels and resorts available but are a little heavy on the pocket, so as always I will prefer the homely feeling and comfort of Airbnb. Salem is a good place to stay if you plan to cover Cape May and other popular tourist destinations in proximity to it.

Now time for some gyan from Explorer Lens
1. Visit Wildwood Boardwalk in night as it becomes very colorful and vibrant in the night lights.
2. Attend the evening flag ceremony on the Sunset beach.
3. Carry a zoom lens with you so that you get the best shots from the top of the lighthouse.
4. There are a lot of parking spots everywhere but Wildwood, where the parking is limited and paid.

5. Plan for atleast 2 days to cover everything.

Few more pics from my visit -:

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Places to visit in New Jersey - Barnegat lighthouse state park

There are more than 10 lighthouses in New Jersey and the Barnegat Lighthouse is the most famous among them. Build in 1859, this lighthouse is more than 150 years old and is 172 feet above sea level. There are 217 steps to the top of the lighthouse from where you can have a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean, nearby islands and water activities.

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is situated on the northern tip of Long Beach Island in Ocean County.

There are a lot of activities that can be done here -:
1. Barnegat Lighthouse
    Climb to the top of Barnegat Lighthouse and enjoy the cool breeze and breathtaking views of the
    scenic beauty around.

2. Water Activities
     If you own a boat or Jet Ski, this is the place to be it. You can also rent a boat and have a gala
     time.

3. Visit an Island
    There are beautiful islands around which can be visited using boats.

4. Birdwatching
    Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is an excellent area to observe many species of birds during the
    spring and fall migrations.

5. Nature Trial
    One of the last remnants of maritime forest on Long Beach Island is found at Barnegat Lighthouse
    State Park.

6. Beach
    There is a rocky pathway from the lighthouse to the beach where you can have a fun with family.

7. Picnic Spot
    Picnic tables are located along Barnegat Inlet where visitors can picnic, relax, and observe the
    waterway.

Tickets & Fees
The ticket to enter the lighthouse is $3 for adults.

Connectivity
The state park is easily accessible and has a good connectivity.

Food
There are restaurants and cafes nearby, so finding good food won’t be a problem.

Stay
As we have Long Island Beach also nearby so there are a lot of hotels and motels to stay.
But as always I will prefer the homely feeling and comfort of Airbnb.

Now time for some gyan from Explorer Lens
1. If you are interested in photography, do carry a zoom lens also with you as there are some stunning
    views from the top of the lighthouse.
2. There is a lot of parking available so that won’t be a problem
3. There are some beautiful islands nearby so if you own a boat or Jet Ski do bring it along.
4. It will take 4-5 hours to cover the complete state park, right from the lighthouse to the beach, so try
    to come before noon.

Lets have a photowalk of the state park thru the lens of explorer

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