By Erin McFeeters
The summer tourism hubbub has subsided, and the scorching summer weather has come and gone. With crisp cool breezes in our midst, there isn’t a better time to get away for a fall weekend. Escape everyday life and visit one of these destinations for some peace and quiet.
Long Beach Island
During the summer, traffic can be tough going across the two-lane bridge onto the island. However, in the off-season you can breeze up and down the 18-mile island in no time since nearly 90 percent of the traffic lights aren’t in use after the first weekend in October. You can visit Barnegat Lighthouse State Park and climb the lighthouse and eat at some local favorite restaurants without a wait such as the Chicken or the Egg in Beach Haven, Scojo’s in Surf City, the Greenhouse Café in Ship Bottom, or Roberto’s Dolce Vita in Beach Haven.
Hoboken
If you’re looking for a trendy place to shop and dine, escape to Hoboken this fall. This city is lively even in the offseason. Stroll along the tree-lined cobblestone streets with striking fall colors, take a cake decorating class with the Cake Boss himself, or visit one of the 120 bars that call Hoboken home. Hoboken is exceptionally walkable, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes.
Whitesbog Village
Take a step back in time and visit Whitesbog Village, located in Browns Mills, New Jersey. Whitesbog was once the largest cranberry farm in New Jersey but is also known as the birthplace of the first cultivated blueberry. The historic company town has 25 historic buildings along with blueberry farm fields, cranberry bogs, and hiking trails. The daughter of the town’s founder, Elizabeth White, had a passion for New Jersey’s Pine Barrens and its native plants. Her garden continues to thrive on the property of her home and features her original blueberry test field.
Lambertville
Right over the bridge from New Hope is a charming town lined with Victorian homes and federal townhouses. What was once a hub during the Revolutionary War is now a quaint small town with B&Bs, specialty shops, and award-winning restaurants. People from around the region come to Lambertville to go antiquing in one of the 30 antique shops downtown and take a peek in one of the many art galleries in town.
Clinton
Shops and restaurants fill this highly photographed small town, but the main draw is an old grist mill. Take a walk along the Raritan River, view the historic Red Mill and 200 feet wide waterfall, and take a peek inside to learn the 200-year-old history of Clinton. This Hunterdon County Scenic Town is a popular getaway throughout the year and sought out by hikers and wildlife lovers alike.