New Jersey executives offer some ‘must-see’ destinations

Wildwood brings me back to my childhood. With some of the only free beaches in the state, you can’t beat the games, rides, and food on one of NJ’s best boardwalks.

Watching a Devils game at Newark’s Prudential Center is also great. The excitement of live hockey is amazing, and the arena has a lot of options for refreshments.

The Stone Pony in Asbury Park is one of the coolest music venues anywhere, and it’s quintessential “Jersey.” It hosts great musicians, especially in the summer when the outside stage is rockin’.

The Newark Museum of Art is a must-see. The local artists, film festivals and public programs are incredible, and its science and natural history collections are captivating.

The arts are a powerful way to learn about our history, and we’re lucky to have its world-class exhibits right here in New Jersey.

One of the best times to go is during the first full weekend of the month when (Bank of America) cardholders are eligible for free admission through Museums on us.

Whether you are a foodie, a beach enthusiast, or a music fan, Asbury Park has something special to offer everyone. When in the area, I recommend visiting Porta, Talula’s, AP Rooftop or Asbury Lanes for music and bowling.

Here are my recommendations:

• Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove is the longest-running weekly rodeo in the country. There’s bull riding, barrel racing, and good old-fashioned cowboy fun.
• New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville is the best place to be for professional races, hopping into a go-kart, or just soaking in the high-speed energy.
• Rowan University’s Edelman Fossil Park and Museum in Mantua opens this March, bringing hands-on fossil digs and prehistoric discoveries to South Jersey.
• South Jersey’s farms and vineyards offer something special in every season. From spring tulips at Dalton Farms in Swedesboro to the summertime Red, White, and Blueberry Festival in Hammonton to autumn apple picking at Hill Creek Farm in Mullica Hill, there’s always a reason to get outside. For wine lovers, William Heritage winery in Mullica Hill and Valenzano Winery in Shamong are really special.
• Nothing beats a trip to the Jersey Shore! Morey’s Piers in Wildwood is my favorite. It’s even where Inspira holds its annual employee picnic. Whether you go for the nostalgia, the food, the fun or the sun, there’s always something for everyone at the Jersey Shore. It’s part of what makes living here so special.

Two can’t-miss places in New Jersey are Morristown and Cape May. Morristown has the Jockey Hollow National Historical Park where you can absorb Revolutionary War history while also hiking or biking.

Morristown also offers first-class entertainment at the Mayo Performing Arts Center and a plethora of fine dining options in a beautiful town setting. Cape May is historical with its Victorian homes, Congress Hall, and the Harriet Tubman Museum. Beaches and fine dining add to the allure.

As a Jersey Girl, my first instinct is to say that a day at The Shore – the lively boardwalk of Asbury Park or the peaceful sands of Cape May – is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But, as the publisher of Jersey’s Best magazine, I know New Jersey is bursting with hidden gems for everyone. Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton is a must-visit with its gardens filled with larger-than-life art. And head to the Skylands for hiking trails, lakes and breathtaking mountain views. New Jersey has it all.

Our state has about 130 miles of beach, and Point Pleasant Beach is a good place to get a sample of the best of the Jersey Shore. The beach is terrific, wide with soft sand.

There’s Jenkinson’s Boardwalk which has games, an aquarium and rides for the kids. And there are plenty of hotels, shops and restaurants, and party-boat fishing trips. It’s an overall great experience for the whole family.

• Paterson Great Falls: Beautiful falls in the center of historic industrial town now designated as a national historical park.
• Delaware Water Gap: Given the beauty and accessibility of the water gap, it provides people with a better understanding of the outdoor activities associated with New Jersey and helps dispel misconceptions associated with our densely populated state.
• The Beach in Manasquan: Manasquan gives people a great flavor of the Jersey Shore.

We are headquartered here, so I’m partial to many Morris County sites – given their rich history.

For anyone with an interest in how the U.S. became a nation, they have to visit Morristown National Historic Park. This includes the soldier huts and sprawling fields and forests of Jockey Hollow, where the Continental Army encamped during the harsh winter of 1779 to 1780.

You also should visit Washington’s Headquarters Museum and Fort Nonsense – two more sites that comprise the Morristown National Historical Park.