Wells Mills County Park

     Tuesday, January 3, 2023: Later, after seeing the Popcorn Park Zoo, and being in the mood for nature and seeing more of the New Jersey Pinelands, I went to Ocean County’s largest park: Wells Mills County Park, 905 Wells Mills Road, Waretown (609-971-3085). At over 900 acres, this park contained over 20 miles of hiking trails. Other activities offered here included boating and fishing, as well as a picnic area and playground near the nature center. This nature center educated me better about the local wildlife nearby via texts, pictures, and taxidermy animal exhibits. Videos in this center presented a history of Wells Mills and its past lumber industry that used to thrive here by way of two saw mills. The local Atlantic White Cedar wood has been prized by many people for constructing buildings, boats, fences, and so forth because it was lightweight and rot resistant. From the 1700s to the late 1970s, different people owned the land. Then, the NJ Conservation Foundation bought 200 acres of this land. Since then, the county bought more land that increased the park size. In another room, I watched another video about the industries in the NJ Pinelands from the 18th century into the early years of the 20th century: ironworks, glassworks, saw mills, clay mining, cranberry farming, blueberry farming, etc. Therefore, between being informed about the nature around here and the history of this area, I learned a lot!    

Popcorn Park Zoo

      Tuesday, January 3, 2023: Because the weather in January was mild in New Jersey, I decided to look at animals in Ocean County at the Popcorn Park Zoo, Humane Way at Lacy Road, Forked River (609-693-1900). (The “Popcorn” in the name refers to the popcorn that some of the animals receive as a treat.) When I arrived, the first thing I noticed were several peacocks and peahens, both the colorful breed and the white breed, and they had the run of this place. Different humane societies operate this zoo, and there has also been an animal adoption center here as well. Unlike other zoos, Popcorn Park Zoo only took in rescue animals. The exotic and wild animals could not survive by themselves in the wilderness, and some of these animals had been abandoned or abused by their former owners. On seven acres in the NJ Pinelands, this zoo included three kinds of animals: exotic animal species that originated from other parts of the world, wild animals native to this area, and farm animals. In a setting of mostly double chain-link fences, I found it interesting to think that those fences were the only barrier between me and many of those animals! First I entered the reptile house where I saw a boa constrictor, two alligators, and an iguana. A nearby aviary displayed some cockatoos and parrots, and the rest of the exotic animals consisted of monkeys, baboons, and lions, as well as tigers, llamas, tortoises, etc. Much of the indigenous wildlife on exhibit included turtles, hawks, owls, bears, bobcats, cougars, deer, squirrels, and others wild species. This zoo also presented the following farm animals: pigs, horses, donkeys, ponies, goats, sheep, cows, chickens, pigeons, and so on. All in all, I spent a few hours here learning about the history of some of these animals who are currently being taken care of in this pineland setting. I definitely recommend a visit to this zoo.     

          

Tuckerton Seaport

      Friday, December 30, 2022: After visiting the New Jersey Maritime Museum in Beach Haven, I headed toward another nautical attraction in Ocean County: Tuckerton Seaport, 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton (609-296-8868). During the 1960s and ‘70s, my family and I used to go fishing and crabbing along the inlets near the bay in Tuckerton. Years later, this museum & reproduced seaport opened in the early years of the 21st century. The date above had been the first time I’ve been in this area for years. Therefore, the first place I headed to was the lighthouse in this mock seaport village. Inside, the ground floor displayed exhibit areas by way of texts, pictures, and exhibit items covering such subjects as the Lenni-Lenape Native-Americans, movers & shakers from Tuckerton’s past, local industries from the past, and so forth. On the upper floor, the staff presented temporary exhibit themes. When I was there I saw Christmas trees and other holiday decorations dating back through the 20th century. As for the village itself, I walked along a boardwalk surrounding a creek, and this boardwalk included entering different small buildings that presented the businesses one would have found in a typical seaport village. In each of them, texts, pictures, and historic items gave more details of each place: fishery, hotel, and surfing, as well as hunting, livestock—with live goats and sheep nearby, decoy carving, oystering, clamming, a folk life center, etc. I found it a fascinating place!      

NJ Maritime Museum

     Friday, December 30, 2022: In a nautical mood, I traveled to Ocean County, New Jersey and visited the NJ Maritime Museum, 528 Dock Road, Beach Haven on Long Beach Island (609-492-0202). Upon entering, I thought that this museum would contain a few exhibit areas, but I was wrong! A friendly guide told me that on two floors, there were several exhibit areas showing items from floor to ceiling. Therefore, by way of texts, pictures, videos, and many exhibit items, I learned quite a bit about NJ’s role near the sea, on the sea, and under the sea. Many of the stuff on display were things recovered from shipwrecks, uniforms worn by navy, coastguard, and United States Life Saving Service personnel, as well as deep sea diving outfits, equipment used on ships, lighthouse objects including a Fresnel lens, examples of animal life in and near the sea, and much more. In an area about shipwrecks, the museum had a room detailing what happened before, during, and after the 1934 fire onboard the Morro Castle.  I also looked at plenty of boat and ship models as well as an area about fishing, especially a Women’s Surf Fishing Club exhibit, and photos of NJ storms. If I had stopped to read and study everything, I would have to have made a return visit or more. As it was, I spent a few hours here at this “must see” attraction that has been opened year round.  

Cattus Island

      Monday, December 19, 2022: I was at a New Jersey state park earlier in the day, but later, I arrived at an Ocean County, NJ park: Cattus Island County Park, 1170 Cattus Island Boulevard, Toms River (732-270-6960). Back in 1895, John Cattus bought this island and used it for a vacation home. Years later, it became part of the Ocean County Parks & Recreation system. The first thing I did was enter the Cooper Environmental Center where I learned more about the local natural history of the area. By way of texts, pictures, and different kinds of exhibits, I saw live animals such as reptiles, amphibians, and fish as well as other animals represented in carvings and taxidermy. I also noticed some interactive exhibits for children. Other activities at this park included eight hiking trails where the three ecosystems included a forest area, a salt marsh, and the natural area of Barnegat Bay! Near the Environmental Center was a picnic area, playground, bird observation blinds, a boat launch, and a butterfly garden. The Center also had a room for temporary exhibits. When I was there, I glanced at several gingerbread houses, and the surrounding area displayed holiday decorations. Overall, this whole day was a good introduction to what creatures and plants lived in this area. 

Double Trouble

      Monday, December 19, 2022: Because it was a bright sunny day, I decided to travel to Ocean County, New Jersey, and visit the following place: Double Trouble State Park, 581 Pinewald-Keswick Road, Bayville (609-726-1191). Despite the name, this place was once a thriving company town. As far back as the 1700s, there once was a lumber industry here until early in the 20th century. Another industry that gave fame to this place was the growing of cranberries, starting in the 1860s. The town reached its peak in the early 1900s. As for the name “Double Trouble,” there have been stories about the town’s earthen dam breaking twice in one year. By 1964, the State of NJ bought the property, but by then cranberry profits had decreased. Nowadays, some of the mostly early 20th-century buildings have been standing in this former village: the cranberry packing house, the supervisor’s home, the company store, and so forth. When I was there, the only building opened was the information center that provided brochures and men’s & ladies’ rooms. Meanwhile, signs around the area explained, via texts and pictures, the history of the area, and other signs covered more about the natural life nearby, both flora and fauna. For a closer look at the natural life, this park offered six trails located over service roads toward the former cranberry bogs that nature has been reclaiming. Anyway, I learned more about how life was lived here in the past and in the present!      

Seaside Heights

      Tuesday, December 13, 2022: After visiting Island Beach State Park, I next headed north toward a place in Ocean County, New Jersey, that my parents used to take me to in the 1960s and ‘70s: Seaside Heights (732-793-9100). Of course, back then, we visited during a summer day that included the crowds, but everything along the boardwalk was opened: the arcades, the carnival games, and the amusements, as well as the stores, the eating places, and the beach. This time around, however, I had a different experience because it was off season. It felt strange seeing the mostly closed businesses. Anyway, because there were no crowds, it felt more relaxing. I saw a few people here and there, including some men in wetsuits with surfboards, and a few places were opened such as the arcade section of Casino Pier, 800 Ocean Terrace (732-793-6488), where I played a few computerized games. In addition, I also noticed that some stores were opened, and I ate a great slice of pizza at another place opened year round: JR’s Ocean Bar & Grill, 601 Boardwalk (732-793-0800). Here, I encountered a friendly staff as I enjoyed my pizza and soda. The pizza slice was very large and not greasy! Another bonus for being at Seaside Heights this time of year was seeing it decorated for the holidays.    

Island Beach State Park

      Tuesday, December 13, 2022: I took another day trip within Ocean County, New Jersey. This time I spent part of the day at Island Beach State Park, 2401 Central Avenue, Seaside Park (732-793-0506). Many years ago, I visited here, but I only went during the summer and stayed in the swimming area. This time it was off season, and because of that, I didn’t have to pay any admission. Meanwhile in the swimming area, where I picnicked, it seemed as though I had this white sand beach to myself! In addition to the swimming area, I also saw more places at this state park than I had ever seen on my last visit, including the many dunes with its flora & fauna—especially birds. (I read that there are many foxes on this island, but I didn’t see any.) My favorite stop at the nature center proved educational and enlightening. Although the inside of the center was closed for the season, I did look at some outside exhibits and several signs displaying pictures & texts about the nearby animal life, both on land and in the ocean, and more about the plant life around here. Overall, for this time of year, it proved to be a relaxing place to spend a few hours.      

Jackson Premium Outlets

     Wednesday, December 7, 2022: After doing a bit of shopping in New Egypt, I later visited another shopping area in Ocean County, New Jersey: Jackson Premium Outlets, 537 Monmouth Road, Jackson (732-833-0503). Unlike the market at New Egypt, the founders of this outlet shopping center had it built from scratch in a late-1800s-looking exterior. The insides of these buildings contained many brand-name outlet stores offering “bargains.” (Please keep in mind that most of those clothes may have a brand-name label, but most likely, they were made in a different factory from the same brands sold in department stores. Therefore, a dress that might cost over $100 in a department store was made in a factory using good materials and good workmanship. Meanwhile, at quick glance, the similar-looking outlet dress for about $10 was made in another factory of cheaper materials, and the workmanship will not be as good. Nevertheless, if you keep this in mind, you can find bargains—just as long as you know what you are bringing home!) Most of the stores sold clothing, but I did see a few shoe stores, accessory stores, jewelry stores, furniture stores, snack food stores, and so on. (As far as I knew, I didn’t see much of a difference in the outlet version of these other stores, especially in the snack foods and accessories.) If you are in the area, it is worth a stop.    

New Egypt

      Wednesday, December 7, 2022: In a quest to do some sightseeing on the date above, I also did some shopping and browsing in Ocean County, New Jersey. The first place I visited was the New Egypt Flea Market Village, 933 Monmouth Road, New Egypt (609-758-2082). Unlike other flea markets, this place contained a “village” of small buildings once located in other parts of NJ. The latest buildings, from the 1970s, had once been barracks from Fort Dix. Nowadays, around 40 plus vendors painted and decorated these buildings in different ways and colors! Even if you didn’t buy too much, just walking around here and looking at the buildings was interesting enough, but looking inside, browsing, and sometimes buying the merchandise added to the enjoyment. In addition, on warmer days, many vendors also displayed their goods for sale on outside tables in front of the buildings. The stuff for sale included books, antiques, and collectibles, as well as furniture, household goods, toys, clothing, accessories, jewelry, hardware, etc. Meanwhile, the quality of the items being sold ranged from valuable to pure junk—and much in between. This market operated on Wednesdays and Sundays—rain or shine. Chances are that if you visit this place, you will come away buying something.    

Jenkinson's Aquarium

      Friday, December 2, 2022: After walking through part of the campus of Georgian Court University, I headed toward Point Pleasant Beach in Ocean County, New Jersey to see the sea or what has been in or near the sea: Jenkinson’s Aquarium, 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach (732-899-1212). This mid-sized aquarium contained two floors of exhibit areas via water tanks, other animal enclosures, and marine animal exhibit items, as well as videos, pictures, and texts. Among the animals presented, I saw seals, sharks, and many different kinds of fish. Other areas displayed monkeys, parrots, and an area showing the flora & fauna of the NJ Pinelands—and that was just the upper floor. On the ground floor, the aquarium exhibited jellyfish, stingrays, fish from off the NJ Coast, as well as a coral reef, a Pacific habitat, turtles, penguins, and other creatures: fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals who either live in or near or near both salt- and fresh-waterways or both. Whew! Because I was there in the off season and near the holidays, there was plenty of parking nearby, and I also saw the aquarium decorated for the Christmas season. No matter what time of year you visit, you are sure to have an educated and entertaining few hours here.       

Georgian Court University

      Friday, December 2, 2022: Ocean County, New Jersey was another county that I decided to visit for 2022/’23, and the first place I went to became a brief stop to see the Italian Garden at the Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum on the campus of Georgian Court University, 400 Lakewood Avenue, Lakewood (732-987-2373). Upon arriving, we had to present an ID at the gatehouse, and the guard gave us a campus map. Anyway, of the four main gardens: Italian, Formal, Sunken, and Japanese, only the Italian Garden was opened to the public that day. In addition to the main gardens, this campus also had several smaller gardens. Nevertheless, even during the off season, the Italian Garden looked impressive along with the rest of the landscaping at this university campus. Here, I saw some conifer trees along with Roman-styled statues, urns, and fountains, as well as benches, an eagle/dragon statue, and the Apollo Fountain. It made for an interesting brief walk! A nearby welcome center provided mens & ladies rooms, and on certain days, tours of the campus started from here. 

Huber Woods Park

     Wednesday, July 6, 2022: After doing the scenic tour of Ocean Grove, New Jersey earlier that day, I visited another place in Monmouth County, NJ: Huber Woods Park, 25 Brown’s Dock Road, Locust (Middletown Township) (732-872-2670). The Huber Family donated this house and grounds to the Monmouth County Parks system in 1974. This 103-acre land has grown through the years to 390 acres, thanks to other nearby land donations. Meanwhile, this park contained over eight miles of trails: some for walking and others for both walking & riding horses. Those trails ranged from easy, to moderate, to challenging hiking. Because I was still tired and aching from my walk in Ocean Grove, I mainly visited first, the reptile house that showed cases of live snakes and turtles as well as frogs (amphibians). Afterward, I spent most of my time in the environmental center. Here, I found myself drawn to one of the rooms exhibiting text, pictures, and some items that explained more about the Huber Family and about the flora & fauna of the surrounding woods. Nevertheless, my favorite room gave a detailed account about the history and lifestyles of NJ’s first people: the Lenni-Lenapes! Besides texts, pictures, and items to look at, this area also contained plenty of “hands-on” exhibits that looked like it would be popular with children. This place even had areas where children could sit down and read books written for them about the Lenapes as well as about the nearby animal and plant life. Another room I liked presented cases of models of animals, both wood carved and taxidermy while another side of the room provided a big window with bird feeders outside where I could sit and watch different birds eating. If nothing else, a visit here could make you more aware of the environment around you and about the people who first lived here.        

Ocean Grove

           Wednesday, July 6, 2022: I took two scenic tours of Ocean Grove, New Jersey: the first by car through the downtown business district on Main Avenue, and the second on foot in this Monmouth County town. Originally, Ocean Grove started as a Methodist camp-meeting seaside town in 1869. Nowadays, the influence here could still be felt by the Methodist Church, and they currently have laws against selling alcoholic beverages. (Yes, you can bring in your own alcoholic drinks that you bought elsewhere.)  Nevertheless, the other laws against driving and riding bikes in town have been lifted years ago. For my part, on the driving tour though the commercial area of Main Avenue, I saw about two blocks, on both sides of the street, of many retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses housed in very colorful Victorian-Gothic buildings. After this, we parked near the non-commercial boardwalk. Then, we walked along part of the boardwalk until we crossed the street and entered a park called “Ocean Pathway” that led to the 1894 Great Auditorium. While it wasn’t open that day, I did hear bells ringing different tunes at noontime. I also glanced at their nearby “Tent City.” These have been tents connected to a shed containing a kitchen and bathroom that people, who have been approved by the Ocean Grove Camp Association, may rent from May to September. They have been so popular that there has been a 10-year waiting list. I did step inside one place in town: The Hub, 27 Pilgrim Pathway (732-774-9262). This building would be a good first place to visit in Ocean Grove because besides being a book store and gift shop, they also included an information center about the town. In addition, they also had a coffee room and a play area for children. Later as I walked on the way back to the car, I also noticed the many lovely Victorian buildings that were in this town—or at least along Ocean Pathway. While staying in Ocean Grove for days, weeks, or the summer season may appeal to some people, for many of us, I highly recommend visiting for a day because seeing all that fancy Victorian architecture was well worth it! (Get there early, preferably on a weekday, if you want to get a good parking space.)       

Keansburg Amusement Park

     Tuesday, June 28, 2022: After being in Red Bank, New Jersey earlier on this day, I arrived at another Monmouth County town: Keansburg. In fact, I visited the attraction that gave the town its renaming (in 1917), the Keansburg Amusement Park, 275 Beachway Avenue, Keansburg (732-495-1400). This has been one of NJ’s oldest (1904) and northern-most sea shore amusement park! Admission to this park along the Raritan Bay was free, and you paid by the tickets to ride the amusements. While I didn’t ride anything here, I did walk along the former boardwalk—nowadays a concrete walkway-and looked around. Along the way, I noticed rides for younger children mostly on the east and west sides of the park closer to Beachway Avenue; in between, were a few thrill rides, three large arcades, and carnival-styled games. On the side closer to the beach, I saw more rides for young children, some more carnival games, and a few smaller arcades, as well as several thrill rides for older children and adults, and several food concessions. At the end of the park I glanced at two go-kart tracks: one for young children and one for adults. Of course, this park would not be complete without more food concessions in different areas here and other attractions such as a park store, batting cages, face painter, fishing pier, and even a cool zone for sitting and taking a break in a shaded area. Then there has been the free beach nearby. In addition to this park, across Beachway Avenue has been a water park called Runaway Rapids with the usual water rides that one could find: several water slides, inner tube rides, a pool, and an area to get sprayed with water. Anyway, I enjoyed walking around this amusement park and sometimes taking a break while I people watched and snacked. I also had people tell me that on a clear day, you could see the skyline of NYC from the beach. (It was cloudy for most of the day that I was there.)  

Red Bank

     Tuesday, June 28, 2022: There have been a lot of antique districts in several towns in New Jersey, and I have seen many of them along with different antique stores. Recently, I visited one of the largest antique stores in a Monmouth County town with one of the largest antique districts: Antique Center of Red Bank, 226 West Front Street, Red Bank (732-842-3393). Starting in 1964 with 12 dealers, this store has grown to having over 100 dealers in two buildings! On two floors in the big red building, I didn’t know where to look first. Nevertheless, I did browse in aisle after aisle on both floors. It would take a book to list the categories of items in antiques and collectibles for sale here, but I felt as though I were looking through decorative arts in a museum—except that this art was for sale. While it took me a long time to browse, in the end, I did buy a few things. Meanwhile, the town of Red Bank also has had plenty of other retail stores, besides antique stores, for shopping. One of the most famous stores was Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash comic book store as seen on the TV show Comic Book Men. This town also has had its share of restaurants and nightlife, especially the Count Basie Theater, named after one of its famous former residents, William “Count” Basie. Throughout the year, Red Bank presented many special events for the whole family. Although I only visited there for a short time, Red Bank included enough things to see and do for several days. 

Longstreet Farm

      Friday, June 10, 2022: After visiting Monmouth Battlefield State Park, I arrived at another Monmouth County, New Jersey, attraction: Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel (732-946-3758). This nine-acre farm tried to recreate an 1890s farm atmosphere: sights, sounds, and smells! The Visitor Center gave a history of the area as well as life on a farm during the 1890s by way of texts, pictures and some exhibit items of tools for both the farm and the household back then, including some innovations from the 19th century. Once on the grounds, I noticed that the 20 some buildings had—and in many cases still have—a purpose. The gardens grew cash crops, and the animals were real working animals: horses, mules, and sheep, as well as cattle, hogs, chickens, etc. At any time during a visit, volunteers in 1890s-styled clothing could be seen doing farm chores. When I was there, I saw farm workers planting pumpkins. One of the oldest buildings was the farm house because some parts of it dated back to the 1700s, and other owners added other section in the 18th- and 19th-centuries. Overall, it made for an educational experience in a relaxing way.   

Monmouth Battlefield State Park

     Friday, June 10, 2022: I’ve heard plenty about the Battle of Monmouth and Molly Picher (Mary Hays), but until the date above, I have never visited here: Monmouth Battlefield State Park, 37 Freehold-Englishtown Road, Manalapan (Monmouth County), New Jersey (732-462-9616)! The first thing I saw, at the Visitor Center, was a 10-minute film about the battle. After the film, I looked through the museum at the Visitor Center and learned more about one of the largest battles of the American Revolution via texts, pictures, and exhibit items. A few other sections covered living in the surrounding area, from the first inhabitants, the Lenni-Lenapes, to the early European settlers, as well as what happened to the battlefield grounds in the years after the battle, up to the current times. Another section told the truth about “Molly Picher.” Meanwhile the nearby grounds offered many hiking trails and areas for picnicking. In addition, different special events happen throughout the year, especially the Battle of Monmouth re-enactment during the 3rd or 4th weekend in June.    

Allaire Village

     Thursday, May 19, 2022: Later, after my being at Historic Walnford, I arrived at another historic Monmouth County, New Jersey village: Allaire Village, 4265 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale (732-919-3500). Unlike Walnford, Allaire was once a livelier company town with about 5,000 acres. At the peak of its prosperity, around the 1830s, about 400 people lived here, most of them were employed at the Howell Iron Works company. The iron works operated from the 1820s to 1846. Then in 1850, James P. Allaire retired here until his death in 1858. Years later, the Allaire family sold the property to newspaper editor Arthur Brisbane in 1901, and in the early 1940s, Arthur’s widow, Phobe, donated the grounds to the State of NJ in the hope, in Arthur Brisbane’s words, that it “… be used as a historical center and forest park reservation to be known as Allaire State Park….” When I visited here, the visitor’s center wasn’t open, but a box on the front door provided brochures and maps of the village. Nearby, I saw what had once been an Episcopal Church but has been currently serving as a non-denominational chapel. (It can be rented for weddings.) Similar to Walnford, some of the staff opened some of the buildings to the public. My favorite was the General Store! This 1835 store was one of the largest at the time in NJ, and it didn’t just serve the workers because people traveled for up to 40 miles to shop here. Afterward, other places that impressed me were the Manager’s House, the oldest building here, dating back to the 1700s, before Allaire Village.  I also entered an 1835 Bakery, an 1836 Blacksmith & Tin Shop, and an 1835 Carpenter Shop. In each of these places, I found an enthusiastic employee or two who either demonstrated his or her craft or gave a history of how important of his or her trade was the village or both. Some of the employees dressed themselves in 1830s style. Finally, I completed my visit by walking around and glancing at the other, mostly circa 1830s, buildings.      

 

Historic Walnford

      Thursday, May 19, 2022: I started this day by visiting Historical Walnford, 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, New Jersey (609-259-6275). This historic Monmouth County village at its height in the early 1800s had around 50 people living there and working on the farm in the fields, orchards, mills, and elsewhere. By the latter part of the 19th century, most agriculture and milling moved west partly due to the railroads. During most of the 20th century, this village became a retreat for its owners. In 1985, the owners donated this property to the Monmouth County Park System. On the day I was there, a guide greeted me as I walked through a corn crib. The nearby former wagon house showed texts and pictures that gave visitors a good introduction to the history of this place. Afterward, I saw the different buildings, some of which I could enter. One of those buildings, the 1879 carriage house, displayed a carriage, a sidesaddle, and harnesses to either ride a horse or for the horse to pull a vehicle. The highlight of my visit, however, became the tour of the 1743 Waln House! Here I looked at rooms on both floors from an 18th century kitchen with an open-hearth fireplace, to a fancy parlor—but not too ostentatious because the Waln family were Quakers. One room showed different styled chairs from the 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century. I also noticed some of the Waln family portraits. My second-favorite building was the 1872 grist mill. In here I observed pictures and texts, as well as milling machines and other equipment that explained the everyday operation of the mills and their value to the community. For the rest of this 36-acre village, I glanced at other buildings from the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s near Crosswicks Creek. It made for a good day in the country.