This was one we were sure we were going to hate. After not being able to sit through an episode of the TV reality show, I assumed I knew everything I needed to know about NJ. Regardless, a few of our friends were in the area and we wanted to at least cross that state off the list, so we bit our tongue and made our way to the coast.
Upon entering the state, it seems strange to me that it was so rural. When we finally got to our campground it looked like it was the start of the disaster we were fearing. We were staying at the Sea Pines campground near Cape May in the southern tip of the state. The campground was HUGE and VERY WOODED. That's great for shade, but not so good for parking...but when we finally found a spot (thanks to some help from the Setzer clan) we were able to get backed in after a few tries. It was tight, but we made it....hurdle 1 had been cleared.
When we started exploring the area we really started to like it. The people were super nice, there were multiple beaches around with varying topography and affluence, and the towns are constructed more spread out so you never really feel like you are in a city...just a series of smaller villages. There really was everything we needed, but it was spread around so that no particular area was overwhelmed...
We found a couple great attractions in the area, starting with the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center in Millville. This was a phenomenal art museum covering multiple mediums, but with a large focus on what put Millville on the map....Glass. We actually got to watch them building glass pumpkins for the Halloween fund raiser and it was truly insightful. They also had the largest hand-blown glass bottle which was definitely interesting. I highly recommend checking it out if you make it to the area.
We also made our way to Sunset Beach. This is a beach on the west coast of NJ facing into the Delaware Bay. Here we found an old concrete ship that is wrecked off the coast, a World War II tower that you can climb, and a beautiful strip of beach where a lady showed the kids how to find crabs in the washed up sea grass. Just be aware there is no place to eat out there except the fried food shack, so bring your lunch with you.
We also climbed the Cape May Lighthouse, and were able to visit Historic Cold Springs Village. The village is a living history museum that has people actually doing the jobs they would have done in the 18th and 19th century. Book binding, tin smithing, etc. It was a fantastic museum and we learned a TON while we were there. Extra kudos to Jim Stephens for the fantastic lesson on the history of the American Flag. It was totally engaging and extremely insightful. Even the kids were able to focus on the presentation for the entire time and came away with an awesome understanding of how our flag became what it is today.
We also were able to visit the Wetlands Institute near Stone Harbor and were able to walk out for the release of a baby terrapin that was voted to be named "Steve". "Peter Pan" was the second choice...so I think the group chose wisely ;)
I have to take a minute to mention the best ice cream in NJ...Springer's. We sampled many shops in the area, but there really is no comparison. Take if from the ice cream experts, there is no better place in the area.
We wrapped up our stay with another trip to the beach, but this time it was for the annual sand sculpture contest. There were tons of sculptures ranging in complexity, but even the amateur and little kids pieces made me feel inadequate in my sand sculpting skills. Unbelievable stuff to experience!
After all that, we came away with a new respect for Jersey. The people were great, there is tons to do, and everything is within a decent distance without feeling overly crowded. I highly recommend it if you have a chance to visit!
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