I'm Going To...

[RoccoP72]

Jersey!?!

I know a lot of members here are from New Jersey or near the area and I need some travel help! So I recently switched careers from being an HVAC Dispatcher to now becoming a Web Processor for a Payroll Company about 3 months ago. Well they must really like me (or hate me depending on if Jersey is as bad as some people make it seem) because they are already sending me to a conference in Moorestown, NJ in about 2 weeks. Aside from an 8th grade trip to Washington DC, I've never been to the east coast so I really don't know what to expect. I'll be there for about 4 days and am assuming that my days will be spent at the seminar but I'll have my nights open. Is anyone familiar with the area as to where to eat or anywhere I should drive to for fun? I mapped directions to New York City (which is a place I want to go to at least once in my life) and it looks like it's about 2 hours away, but a 4 hour round trip may be too much to take in one night. Ok fire away at suggestions please!!!

[goindowntofla]

Ok, I'll start since I grew up in NJ. First of all, for me (a Northern NJer), Mooresville is pretty much in the middle of nowhere - meaning, nothing I know of that is exciting to do is right where you are. However, as you can see on a map, you are right in between the shore and Philadelphia.

Philly is a great city, and you may want to solicit Philly advice here from some of the PAers. Many, many great restaurants and museums, etc. But, for nights, museums won't do you much good. I am sure the city has a lot to offer.

Atlantic City is doable, but not my cup of tea.

My suggestion would be to head over to Long Beach Island. I say this because it is nothing like the "Jersey Shore" of MTV. It is a long barrier island with many towns on it. When you cross over to the island, you are on a bridge in the middle of the island. There is a main drag that goes from one end of the island to the other. Because the island is so thin, it is nearly impossible to get lost. One side is the ocean, the other side is the bay - that's it.

When you enter the island from the bridge, there are many restaurants to choose from. Head right (south) to Beach Haven for a carnival type/boardwalk atmosphere with rides, etc. Or, my personal favorite, head left (or north) to the end - a town called Barnegat Light. As you head north, it will get less populated and more residential. At the end of the island is a lighthouse that is worth seeing if you are a light house type person. But, even if you are not, it is pretty, peaceful, calm - a great place to hear the ocean and see the stars. Being a midwesterner, I can't tell you how much I recommend just going up there and sitting on the beach in the dark and seeing why we NJers all love the beach so much. It isn't something you get to do much in the Midwest.

The restaurants in this direction are more scarce, but you will see them along the way - and some good ice cream joints, as well. I've never had bad food on the island, so pick your fancy.

That's my 2 cents - enjoy!

[newjerseynick]

Moorestown is close to Philladelphia, plenty to see there. Independence Hall are if you are into history. The museum if you are an art lover. Yards Brewery if you dig good beer. Lots of good restaurants.
Otherwise...do you like malls? Cherry Hill Mall has a Disney Store.

Nick

[RoccoP72]

Thanks for the info goingdowntofl & Nick! Unfortunately a co-worker in my dept has gone on medical leave for some time so my trip had to be cancelled so that we can remain fully staffed. It looks like the trip will be moved to possibly August, so if that ends up being a go I will be sure to bug you guys again for help!