Cheesequake State Park

      Saturday, September 25, 2021: Cheesequake State Park, 300 Gordon Road, Old Bridge (Middlesex County), New Jersey (732-566-2161) proved unique in that this was one state park containing two eco systems near each other: wetlands and forest. This 1,509 acre park offered five trails to observe the local flora & fauna. On one of those trails, the White Trail, the public could walk or go bicycling. All the trails required moderate hiking skills except for the Yellow Trail that park officials listed as an easy trail for hiking. In addition to hiking, the public could also go fishing, crabbing, and camping, as well as boating, canoeing, and kayaking. For a more relaxing change of pace, many people came here to picnic. During the winter, sledding proved popular, and in summer, swimming in Hook’s Creek Lake seemed to be the most popular activity with the public. After I stopped into the park station to pick up some literature, we headed over to the lake section and picnicked. Afterward, we drove to different sections of this park to look at both the wetlands and forest areas. (When I was there, the Nature Center was closed due to covid-19.) Anyway, close to the beach, on opposite sides, I saw some of the forest area on one side and the wetlands area on the other side. They were that close!    

Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve

      Saturday, September 18, 2021: On the way back from Somers Point, New Jersey, we stopped at the Egg Harbor Township Nature Preserve (EHTNP), 317 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township (Atlantic County) NJ (609-625-1897). Here on a 220-acre nature sanctuary, this wooded area contained three sections: a learning center (that was closed when I was there due to covid-19), a wooded forest, and a lake area. Unlike other park areas, the EHTNP had no plans to add sports areas and playgrounds. Instead, they planned to keep this park as a nature preserve only! Nevertheless, they provided opportunities to observe the local flora & fauna, fish at the lake, and walk the different trails, as well as go biking, canoeing or kayaking on the lake, and picnicing. Overall, I found this place relaxing as I picnicked by the lake.   

Somers Point

     Saturday, September 18, 2021: In the past, the only part of Somers Point (Atlantic County), New Jersey I ever saw was Route 52 that led to Ocean City, NJ. This time, however, I did stop at Somers Point and visited the oldest building in Atlantic County: Somers Mansion, 1000 Shore Road, Somers Point (609-927-2212). Richard Somers built this house of Flemish-bond bricks in the 1720s. The house stayed with the Somers family until 1937 when the family gave it to Atlantic County. Then in 1941, the State of NJ took over ownership of this house and started restoration through the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The goal of the WPA was to restore the house to the way it looked in the 1720s—and the work went on! The Atlantic County Historical Society loaned the furniture and other items inside the house. When I was there, I saw a room on the ground floor that included a large open-hearth fireplace, benches, and a table, as well as cooking items, dinnerware, and other household tools. Upstairs, I noticed a bedroom with a large bed and warming pan, other furniture, and a smaller fireplace. Another room exhibited spinning wheels, toys, and a few other items from the 18th century. A local non-profit group, Patriots for the Somers Mansion, have been fund raising and working to improve the mansion. I was impressed with what I saw.    

Garden Farm Market

      Friday, September 10, 2021: Unlike the last two farm markets, Garden Farm Market (or Garden State Farmers’ Market as it is sometimes called), 2545 US-1, North Brunswick (Middlesex County), New Jersey (732-940-9877) was not in a peaceful farm setting. In fact, it has not been on any farm but located near a busy highway. Inside, however, I saw what looked like a medium-sized supermarket. Unlike most supermarkets, however, this place sold more and different kinds of produce than most supermarkets—even compared to large supermarkets! I would estimate that about two-thirds to three-quarters of the store sold produce. Nevertheless, this store did sell other foods and in more varieties than most other grocery stores, including products from overseas that I seldom or have never seen in other supermarkets in my area.    

Giamarese Farm

     Friday, September 10, 2021: While traveling the back roads of Middlesex County, New Jersey, I arrived at Giamarese Farm & Orchards, 155 Fresh Ponds Road, East Brunswick (732-821-9494). This farm, like Von Thun Farm, offered pick your own produce; family events in the autumn that included hay rides, pony rides, a corn maze, vendors, and so on; and a greenhouse displaying and selling flowers and herbs. Then there was the farm market. Here, I noticed many kinds of produce that has been grown on the farm for sale, baked goods, food in jars, dairy, and seasonal decorations. In another part of the farm, I saw where they grew Christmas trees. Therefore, Giamarese Farm also proved to be colorful and interesting!     

Von Thun's Farm Market

      Friday, September 10, 2021: On this day, I did my share of browsing and a bit of shopping at different farm markets in Middlesex County, New Jersey. At the first of them, Von Thun’s Farm Market, 505 Ridge Road, South Brunswick (732-329-8656), there has been a lot more going for it than just the farm market. This farm offered opportunities for the public to pick seasonal fruits and vegetables, go to special events for the whole family, and see the nearby greenhouses with their colorful displays of flowers for sale, as well as meet the farm animals, learn about gardening, and learn about life on a farm. As for the farm market, I browsed—and sometimes bought—many kinds of seasonal produce that has been grown on this farm. The market also sold Angus Beef, eggs, and honey. Other food products for sale included jarred foods, candies, baked goods, apple cider, and so on. This place is definitely worth the trip!