Duke Farms is a 2,700 acre farm formerly owned by tobacco and hydro-power magnate James Duke and his daughter Doris Duke. Through demonstrations, research and educational programs, Duke Farms hopes to inspire a new approach to conservation and sustainable living. Various activities are available for visitors of all ages, including geocaching, horticultural programs and organic gardening classes, and for little ones, there's the Family Wonder Walk. Information and materials are available at the orientation center.
Wildwood Boardwalk is a vacation hot spot for all ages within a close drive of Philadelphia. The boardwalk offers two miles of beach shops, games, food, treats, and four piers of amusement rides and attractions.
Three Must-See Attractions at Wildwood Boardwalk
The amusement rides on Morey's Pier, Mariner's Pier, Adventure Pier, and Surfside Pier alone are reason enough to visit the boardwalk. Ed's Funcade is a great place to spend some time playing arcade games with the kids and kids at heart, and it's also home of the World Championship Skeeball $1,000 Tournament over Labor Day weekend. Whatever you decide to do, "Watch the Tram Car, please!"
Where to Stay Near Wildwood Boardwalk
You will find no shortage of accommodations within walking distance of the Wildwood beach and boardwalk. The trick is booking your stay far enough in advance to have a variety of choices. Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood are great places to find a beach house for rent.
Best and Worst Time to Go to Wildwood
The boardwalk gets busier as the summer progresses, especially into July and August. The entire area sees an influx of vacationers around the summer holidays, so be aware if you want to avoid traffic or crowds. The early summer, especially June before all the schools let out, tends to be a slower time for the boardwalk; just know that all of the ride piers may not be open during weekdays in those early days of operation.
Discounts at Wildwood Boardwalk
You can check the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce website for coupons and discounts at Wildwood businesses and attractions. When you purchase your ride tickets for the boardwalk, take note that the booklets typically include coupons to various boardwalk merchants and food stops as well.
Food at Wildwood Boardwalk
Be sure to grab a slice or two of Mack's Pizza and you will likely keep dreaming of it until your next visit. Ice cream never tastes as good as it does on the boardwalk, so get a soft-serve cone the size of your head at Mr. Softee or opt for frozen custard at Kohr Bros. A trip to the boardwalk wouldn't be complete without some candy, fudge, and saltwater taffy from one of the famous fudge shops along the strand--take your pick of Laura's Fudge, James Fudge, Douglass Fudge, and countless others.
Parking at Wildwood Boardwalk
The streets of Wildwood provide ample parking options, from metered parking to paid lots and free parking. You will pay for a shorter walk to and from the car, so park on the other side of New Jersey Avenue. If you do choose metered parking, keeping a roll of quarters in your car will serve you well.
Transportation Alternatives at Wildwood Boardwalk
Depending on where you stay, you may be able to walk to the boardwalk. Fun transportation options like the Victorian open-air trolley will give you a memorable ride to and from your destination. New Jersey Transit and traditional taxi cabs can also take you around the Wildwoods to your heart's content. Once you are on the boardwalk, take a ride on the Sightseers Tram Car as everyone should do this at least once.
Author's bio: Kathryn M. D'Imperio is a freelance writer and marketing specialist in Pennsylvania. She has vacationed in Wildwood since her early youth and now enjoys taking her own family to the beach and boardwalk.
Nestled amongst the seven-mile barrier straight in the Gateway National Recreation Area in Highlands, New Jersey, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse stands as the oldest working lighthouse in the United States. The majestic structure was designed by Isaac Conro and has been guiding seafarers since 1764. With its 103-foot octagonal tower, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse sits alongside the historic buildings of Fort Hancock and adjacent to pristine beaches, offering visitors more than just the spectacular views from the top.
How to get to Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Conveniently located in the Gateway National Recreation Area in the Highlands, New Jersey, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse is easily accessible by car. New Jersey Transit Bus 834 drops visitors off near the park entrance gates. Academy Bus Lines runs buses from New York City to the Highlands. Travelers by rail can take the North Jersey Coast Line to the Red Bank Station and then pick up New Jersey Transit Bus 834 to the park. However, bus passengers will have to walk once inside the park to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, which sits on the far end of the seven-mile long recreation area. During the summer months, ferry service is offered from Manhattan to Sandy Hook from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend and is a popular way to get to the lighthouse from NYC.
Best and worst time to go to Sandy Hook Lighthouse
During the summer season, the population along the Jersey Shore swells and the Gateway National Recreation Area, which houses the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, is no exception. Memorial Day through Labor Day is considered prime beach time in New Jersey. The Gateway National Recreation Area will close the park gates once the parking lots reach full capacity. Travelers visiting the Sandy Hook Lighthouse during May, June, July, August, and early September should plan on arriving early in the morning since the lighthouse tours end at 4:30 to avoid getting locked out. The busiest peek times in the summer months are between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sandy Hook Lighthouse is open to visitors year-round and tends to be more crowded on weekends and during the annual Lighthouse Challenge that takes place every October in New Jersey.
Admission to Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Free tours of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse are offered year round from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. The guided tours are on a first come, first served basis. However, large groups are required to make reservations at least three weeks prior to their scheduled visit; groups larger than 35 can not be accommodated. Children visiting the lighthouse must be a minimum of 48-inches to climb the tower. While entrance to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse is free of charge, visitors should note that from Memorial Day through Labor Day, a fee is charged for beach parking. Parking at Fort Hancock where the lighthouse is located is always free.
Must see/do at Sandy Hook Lighthouse
When visiting the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, a climb to the top via a guided tour is a definite must do. The lighthouse is impressive from the outside. However, the stunning views from the top are not to be missed. Keep in mind though little ones must be at least 48-inches to climb. The Lighthouse Keepers Quarters/Visitors Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. People can view the exhibits on display and ask lighthouse questions of the park rangers on duty. A walk around the surrounding area afterwards is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
Other places to visit near the Sandy Hook Lighthouse
The Gateway National Recreation Area, which houses the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, is chock full of activities. The lighthouse is the central focal point. However, visitors can enjoy the seven-mile loop that stretches around the park on bike, foot, or rollerblades. The park's six beautiful Oceanside beaches attract over 20,000 sand lovers on a summer weekend and clothing is optional at South Gunnison Beach. Fishing is another popular activity and is allowed in areas that do not permit swimming or that are not closed due to nesting birds. Exploring Fort Hancock is popular with history buffs. Hurricane Sandy caused widespread damage to many of the Fort Hancock buildings and some may still be subject to closure. Lighthouse lovers should venture across the highway to climb the Twin Lights. Also in Highlands, New Jersey, the Twin Lights overlooks the Sandy Hook Bay and also houses a museum.
Insider tip for visitors to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse
As much as locals love the beach, many shy away from Sandy Hook during the time period from Memorial Day through Labor Day. With over 20,000 people descending on the Gateway National Recreation Area during the summer, the traffic getting to the park by car or bus can become a test of patience and perseverance. Plan a visit to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse during off times and avoid the stress. Many lighthouse lovers have discovered the beauty of late September along the shores of Sandy Hook.
Author's bio: Dawn Miller is a freelance writer and author. She lives in New Jersey.
