Saturday, March 23, 2024
For those passionate about discovering new horizons and embracing the thrill of travel in 2024, New Jersey beckons with a plethora of fresh adventures ranging from scenic shorelines and majestic mountains to vibrant urban hubs. This year, New Jersey shines with landmark celebrations, alongside a wave of newly unveiled or revitalized lodgings, dining options, and attractions, giving travelers ample motivation to explore the state’s rich offerings across all seasons. Delve into 24 must-visit locales in New Jersey for 2024:
2024 HIGHLIGHT EVENTS
Celebrating 50 Years: The Stone Pony’s Legacy
The heart of Asbury Park’s cultural and musical vibrancy, The Stone Pony, commemorates its golden anniversary. Since opening in 1974, this legendary music venue has been pivotal in the rise of New Jersey’s most acclaimed musicians, including Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. Adorned with half a century’s worth of memorabilia, The Stone Pony announces a year filled with celebratory events, featuring the renowned Stone Pony Summer Stage.
Golden Jubilee: Six Flags Great Adventure Turns 50
Since its inauguration in Jackson in 1974, Six Flags Great Adventure has been a cornerstone of amusement for countless visitors. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the park introduces major enhancements, including the debut of THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity, North America’s premiere super boomerang coaster. The park reinvigorates its safari adventures with personalized tours across a sprawling 450-acre wildlife sanctuary and unveils the Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa for an immersive African glamping experience. Additionally, classic attractions like the log flume and the iconic big wheel are receiving updates.
25th Television Anniversary: “The Sopranos”
“The Sopranos,” an iconic series that redefined television drama, marks its 25th anniversary. Set against the backdrop of North Jersey and airing from 1999 to 2007, the show’s fans can now explore its filming locations through On Location Tours. Departing from New York City, this journey through New Jersey visits iconic spots such as Cozzarelli’s, Car Wash, Searchlight Diner, and St. Cecilia’s Church. A special highlight includes a stop at Holsten’s, the setting for the series’ final scene, where guests can relive memories and even sit in “Tony’s” booth.
NEW LODGINGS
Madison Resort Wildwood Crest: A New Chapter in Cape May County
Scheduled to welcome guests in July, the Madison Resort Wildwood Crest emerges as Cape May County’s premier resort hotel. This new destination merges the historic Royal Hawaiian Motel and the Oceanview Motel into a sprawling 196-room resort. Guests can enjoy an array of amenities including multiple dining venues, pools, fitness centers, and event spaces, all while experiencing the preserved charm of the Doo Wop era in the famed Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District.
Introducing Graduate Princeton in Mercer County
The debut of Graduate Princeton in 2024 introduces a unique lodging experience in the heart of Princeton. Part of the Graduate Hotels collection, known for its presence in dynamic university cities, Graduate Princeton encapsulates the spirit and optimism of its locale, offering guests a memorable stay enriched with local charm.
Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa at Six Flags Great Adventure
Accepting reservations for stays beginning June 14, the Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa offers an unparalleled African glamping adventure within the confines of Six Flags Wild Safari. With stunning views of a diverse array of animals and landscapes, the resort promises a unique experience complete with luxury amenities, VIP theme park access, and an array of outdoor and spa services.
Nobu Hotel Caesars Atlantic City: Elevating East Coast Travel
The eagerly awaited Nobu Hotel Caesars Atlantic City has officially opened, further cementing Atlantic City’s status as a premier East Coast destination. This addition is part of Caesars’ $400 million investment into the city, featuring the Nobu restaurant and luxurious accommodations designed with a blend of minimalist elegance and Japanese-inspired aesthetics.
Exciting Developments in Attractions and Culinary Delights
Unveiling the Edelman Fossil Park Museum
This upcoming summer, the Edelman Fossil Park Museum, located in a repurposed marl quarry in Mantua Township and supported by Rowan University, is set to open its doors. Poised to become a premier destination, the museum is nestled in a 65-acre expanse, offering visitors a glimpse into the world 66 million years ago, right before the dinosaurs’ demise. It aims to draw over 200,000 visitors annually with its engaging exhibit galleries, life-sized dinosaur reconstructions, interactive learning opportunities, live animal showcases, and virtual reality experiences. Boasting eco-friendly features like geothermal heating and a solar field, it’s on track to be New Jersey’s biggest net-zero public building.
American Dream Expands with New Venues
The colossal American Dream mall in East Rutherford, encompassing 3 million square feet, is introducing three additional entertainment options: the New Jersey Hall of Fame, Skip Barker Karting Academy, and The Gameroom Powered by Hasbro. This expansion adds to its already impressive lineup of attractions, which includes indoor parks, luxury shopping, and gourmet dining.
Wildwoods Boardwalk Revitalization Progresses
The iconic Wildwoods Boardwalk is undergoing significant improvements as part of a phased renovation plan, enhancing the experience in Wildwood city. Following the completion of the initial phases, the upcoming stage will refurbish the area from Oak Ave to Schellenger Ave, including Cedar Ave, further beautifying this beloved seaside walkway.
Remarkable Culinary Ventures
Distinguished Dining at James Beard Nominated Eateries
New Jersey’s gastronomic landscape is celebrated with three James Beard nominations this year, highlighting Lita, an Iberian gem in Aberdeen Township, alongside chefs Dane DeMarco and Nur-E Gulshan Rahman for their contributions to American and Bangladeshi cuisine, respectively.
D’Serve Debuts This Spring
Flemington’s culinary scene will be enriched with the opening of D’Serve, offering a blend of French, Latin, and Caribbean dishes. This 25-seat bistro, helmed by Chef Andrew Mercado and his wife Shannon, promises an ever-changing menu and unique pop-up events.
FiNNBAR’s Grand Opening
Taking over the historic Frenchtown Inn, FiNNBAR offers a vegetable-centric Italian and Mediterranean menu under the guidance of renowned chef Cal Peternell. This restaurant not only delights the palate but also supports the local arts community through charitable contributions.
Ram & Rooster: A Culinary Homage
In Metuchen, Sean Yan introduces Ram & Rooster, a Chinese-inspired eatery reflecting his heritage and honoring his parents. The intimate restaurant will provide a fixed menu in a cozy atmosphere.
Explore the Jersey Brews Trail
The New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism recently launched the Jersey Brews Trail Pass, a mobile guide to the state’s finest craft breweries. With exclusive discounts and prizes, beer enthusiasts can embark on a flavorful journey across New Jersey.
Enhancing Arts and Culture
Morven Museum & Garden Presents: Untold Stories
In Princeton, the Morven Museum & Garden marks its twentieth anniversary with “Morven Revealed,” showcasing a rich collection of objects and photographs that narrate New Jersey’s pivotal role in American history.
Star-Studded Performances at MetLife Stadium
East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium is set to host a lineup of musical giants, including Morgan Wallen and P!NK, in addition to being the chosen venue for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final.
Montclair Art Museum’s “Century” Exhibition
The Montclair Museum of Art celebrates a century of Black artistry with its extensive “Century: 100 Years of Black Art at MAM” exhibition, featuring a diverse array of works spanning a hundred years.
Grounds For Sculpture Introduces “Slow Motion”
This innovative exhibition at Grounds for Sculpture, curated by Monument Lab, explores new dimensions of public memory through unconventional materials, offering a fresh perspective on sculpture.
Old Movies by the Sea: A Nostalgic Retreat
The charming Old Movies by the Sea in Wildwood, a restored 1915 theater, offers a unique blend of classic film screenings, live entertainment, and gourmet tapas, inviting guests to step back in time.
Enchanting Seasonal Celebrations and Unique Festivities
Branch Brook Park’s Spectacular Cherry Blossom Display
Each spring, the United States’ most extensive collection of cherry blossoms transforms Branch Brook Park, stretching between Belleville and Newark, into a pink and white paradise. The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, taking place April 6-14, showcases over 5,200 Japanese cherry trees in magnificent bloom. Bloomfest, the festival’s pinnacle on April 14, features a day packed with live entertainment and activities, drawing over 7,000 participants for a celebration filled with cultural exhibits, crafts, music, food, and fun for all ages.
Crystal Springs Resort Revives NJ Wine + Food Festival
Crystal Springs Resort welcomes back the esteemed NJ Wine + Food Festival, May 3-5, after a pandemic-induced pause. This 12th edition revives with signature events, such as the “Top Chefs & Top Wines” dinner, spotlighting “Top Chef” alumni, and a unique Wine Cellar Dinner within their award-winning cellar. The festival weekend is brimming with winemaker-led seminars, cocktail crafting sessions, spirit tastings, and The Grand Tasting event, showcasing New Jersey’s culinary stars, including David Burke and Ryan DePersio among others.
North to Shore Festival: A Tri-City Cultural Odyssey
Initiated in 2023, the North to Shore Festival is a vibrant expression of New Jersey’s artistic, diverse, and innovative spirit. Over three weekends, the festival animates Asbury Park, Atlantic City, and Newark with performances, film screenings, and dynamic gatherings across 100+ venues. It kicks off in Asbury Park (June 10-16), continues in Atlantic City (June 17-23), and wraps up in Newark (June 24-30), celebrating the state’s rich cultural fabric and pioneering contributions to the arts and technology.
Sea.Hear.Now Festival Welcomes Bruce Springsteen
The Sea.Hear.Now Festival, set against the Asbury Park Waterfront on September 14-15, promises an unforgettable lineup of over 25 bands across three stages. This year, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band take the spotlight on September 15, with an array of artists like Noah Kahan, Action Bronson, and The Black Crowes also gracing the festival. Besides musical acts, the event highlights a surf contest featuring renowned and up-and-coming surfers, bridging the worlds of music and surf culture on the scenic shores of New Jersey.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
