New Jersey Vacation PackageKathryn Hoyt2023-06-19T11:07:22-05:00
LET TRAVELKATZ PLAN YOUR NEW JERSEY VACATION PACKAGE
Travelkatz will put together a New Jersey Vacation Package custom tailored just for you. We handle all aspects of your trip so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. We provide three options for every state in the USA. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
MILITARY
Alabama Military: Alabama is a southeastern U.S. state that’s home to significant military landmarks and events from the Civil War, World War I and World War II, all the way through history to space travel.
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum: This Museum is operated by the Alabama Center of Military History and is dedicated to promoting and disseminating the accomplishments of American military men and women. The emphasis is on participants of World War I and subsequent conflicts. The survivors and families can use the Museum facilities to reminisce on their own experiences and those of parents, grandparents, and other close relatives. There are displays – more than 30 historical military vehicles from World War I to the present, as well as tableaus, artifacts, and other memorabilia dating back to the Revolutionary War. Supporting organizations include the 19th Alabama Infantry which sponsors exhibits from 18th and 19th Century conflicts, and the 8th Air Force Historical Society, which sponsors a Bomb Group briefing room. Both organizations support ‘living history’ presentations on many Saturdays. At the Museum is a reference library, in addition to published material such as the Seventh Army After Action Report from World War II. The library offers written and oral reminiscences of Alabama veterans. In this vein, veterans and their families are invited to send written material or audio cassette tapes to the Museum for inclusion in the library. A narrative by the veteran, or an interview by a relative, will provide a legacy of the contribution. The Museum welcomes the participation of military and veterans’ groups and individuals in making this a valued educational piece of history in Huntsville.
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park: At this Battleship Memorial Park, you don’t have to look very far to find heroes. From the Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM and over 25 aircraft, the spirit of military pride is alive and well. Aboard the battleship you will be able to explore 12 decks. Among those, you can climb inside gun turrets, get locked in the Brig, man a 12mm gun and much more. Also at the park, you will be able to go below and explore the oldest Submarine on display, the USS DRUM. In the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion as well as in the park, you will be able to view many rare and historic aircraft. A few in the collection include a A-12 Blackbird Spy Plane, OS2U Kingfisher, F-86L Sabre Jet, and B-52 Bomber, just to name a few. While in the pavilion, don’t forget to take a ride on the Flight Simulator and experience flight without ever leaving the ground. It’s an unforgettable experience for the entire family. All tours are self-guided. Allow approx. 2.5 hours to really see what it was like to be on this battleship when on active duty in Mobile.
United States Army Aviation Museum: The U.S. Army Aviation Museum maintains a collection of over 160 military aircraft, including one of the largest collections of military helicopters in the world. Approximately 50 beautifully restored, historic, and one-of-a-kind aircraft are proudly displayed both inside the Museum exhibit space and outside on the grounds. The collection includes many significant examples of early research efforts and developments in rotary wing technology and the evolution of the helicopter. Represented is the Army’s involvement in military aviation from the Wright brothers, the early combat aircraft of WW I, and today’s technological machines such as the AH-64 Apache and the UH-60 Blackhawk. You’ll find this in Ft Rucker.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC): This is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. On Display, they have one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia anywhere in the world. Guests journey through America’s Space Race and NASA’s plan to put man on the moon. Witness the development of the space shuttle program and the International Space Station, get a glimpse of the future in commercial space ventures, and the latest technological innovations. The Rocket Center regularly features traveling exhibits from around the world. Also, enjoy daily films on the 67-foot screen in Huntsville’s only full-dome IMAX® Theater or in the 52-foot, high-definition screen in the National Geographic Theater. Finally, plan a ride on the motorcoach tour of Redstone Arsenal, headquarters to the Army Material Command and home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Travel to Huntsville to enjoy.
Crooked Creek Civil War Museum: This is a must see if you are a Civil War buff. It’s small but it makes this time in our history come alive in Vinemont.
Travelkatz is waiting to hear from you so we can make the history of our country come alive. Call us at 352-277-7300.
GARDENS
New Jersey Gardens
New Jersey Gardens – New Jersey is a northeastern U.S. state with some 130 miles of Atlantic coast. Jersey City, across the Hudson River from Lower Manhattan, is the site of Liberty State Park, where ferries embark for nearby Ellis Island, with its historic Immigration Museum, and the iconic Statue of Liberty. The Jersey Shore includes notable resort towns like historic Asbury Park and Cape May, with its preserved Victorian buildings.
New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands.: This Botanical Garden, also known as Sayen House and Gardens, is a municipal park and botanical garden. The garden is open year-round from dawn to dusk without charge, though park activity is at its peak in the spring. It became municipal property in 1988 and was opened to the public in 1991. Today the garden contains more than 1,000 azaleas, nearly 500 rhododendrons, and more than 250,000 flowering bulbs for spring display, as well as ponds, bridges, gazebos, and walking trails. You will find this Garden in Hamilton Square.
Skylands is an estate property located in Ringwood State Park , which includes the historic Skylands Manor, The Castle at Skylands Manor and the New Jersey Botanical Garden; which includes 96 acres and it is open to the public year-round. The house and gardens, including formal gardens and specimen plantings, were built in the 1920s by Clarence MacKenzie Lewis, a civil engineer. Lewis hired architect John Pope to design the 44-room Tudor revival manor house. The manor is a reproduction English mansion featuring rectangular, bay and oriel windows. The estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 1990, for its significance in architecture and landscape architecture. You will find this Garden in Ringwood.
Rutgers Gardens: This garden is the official botanic garden of Rutgers University, located on the outskirts of Cook Campus. The grounds include 60 acres of designed beds, specialty gardens, tree and shrub collections, lawns, and walking paths, as well as the adjoining 70-acre Frank G. Helyar Woods. As a place of learning and beauty, Rutgers Gardens strives to provide a fun, educational, and engaging place for students, faculty, and the community to enjoy the natural world. The gardens are open year-round, without fee, and feature horticultural collections arranged in garden settings. You will see a wide variety of plants such as American Hollies – one of the largest collection in the United States, a Bamboo Forest by a small stream, the Lacey Display Garden – annuals, topicals, herbs, and vegetables, a water garden, Ornamental Tree Collection that contain unusual small trees. Rhododendron and Azalea Garden as well as a Rain Garden. The list goes on so, you will find gardens that you will be interested in when you go to North Brunswick.
Willowwood Arboretum: This arboretum and park is 131 acres and is part of the Morris County Park System open to the public daily. The location was first cleared for farming in the 18th century, which led to the formation of the meadows that now exist on the property. It was bought by amateur arborist brothers, Henry and Robert Tubbs, in 1908, who then named the property Willowwood after the natural collection of willow trees that exist in the area. They expanded the farmhouse that dates back to 1792 and made it into their family home. The brothers slowly collected and grew many specimens over the next half century, including a vast collection of rare and exotic species, thanks in part to the popular New York horticultural scene at the dawn of the 20th century. Afterward, the property was formed into a private arboretum and run by Rutgers University as a plant and tree research facility. It then became part of the Morris County Park System in 1980. The arboretum consists of both wild forest and tended tree collections, farmland, a residence with two small gardens and a handful of smaller out-buildings. There are about 3,500 types of native and exotic plants, many rare. The historic collections include oak, maple, willow, magnolia, lilac, cherry, fir, pine, a superb specimen of Dawn Redwood now more than 98 feet tall, masses of ferns and handsome stands of field and forest wild flowers. Both wild and cultivated plantings can be seen on self-guiding tours through informal paths in open areas and woodlands. You will find it open to the public daily in Chester Township.
Travelkatz is waiting to hear from you when you and your family decide to go to New Jersey. Give us a call at 352-277-7300 or go online at www.travelkatz.com .
STATE PARKS
New Jersey State Parks:
New Jersey State Parks – The Jersey Shore includes notable resort towns like historic Asbury Park and Cape May, with its preserved Victorian buildings. This state is known for their wonderful beaches and 130 miles of Atlantic coast. New Jersey is home to 34 State Parks, a State Wildlife Management Area, and 11 State Forests.
Cheesequake State Park: If you like nature, fresh air, have a baby or dog, or have a date, or need to air your thoughts this is the place for you! It is a perfect place for hiking, or strolling, or picnicking on the local grills.
There are 4 different trails: red, green, yellow and blue. They are different lengths, different levels of difficulty and all are fun and beautiful. There are several lakes, and you will find great bird watching too. They have a beach area and a camping area. The offices are not always open, but the restrooms are open at the main office. There are a lot of geocaches in the park. There is a nature center too. Found in Matawan.
Liberty State Park: What a beautiful park this is and wonderful memorial, in memory of the lives lost on September 11th. It’s a great place to visit if you’re wanting to get out and enjoy some time outside and just gaze at the beautiful scenic vistas, of the Manhattan Skyline. Located within the park is the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, a grand setting for much of New Jersey’s transportation history. A two-mile promenade, Liberty Walk, links the picnic area, interpretive center and terminal while presenting visitors with sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan. A new outdoor area and other improvements mark the northern section of the park, while the western portion is dominated by the state-of-the-art Liberty Science Center, an exciting, interactive science museum. For photographers you can enjoy the view you can obtain here of lower Manhattan and even leading up towards Midtown Manhattan. If you want that signature image of gold tones falling upon the buildings, especially the One World Trade Center at sunset, then this view will be one that you appreciate. This beautiful place you at least must visit once, in Jersey City!
Monmouth Battlefield State Park: This Park preserves the historical battlefield on which the American Revolutionary War’s Battle of Monmouth was waged. This Park is AMAZING! It’s so beautiful and green, so clean and well kept. It is a great please to have bbq picnic at the pavilion, which is open to public, first come first use but no permit needed. Lovely place to walk around, bike, play ball and there’s a playground, restrooms, and a wonderful visitor center with lots of info on the historic battle that took place here. The Park preserves a splendid rural 18th-century landscape of hilly farmland and hedgerows that encompasses miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, picnic areas, a restored Revolutionary War farmhouse and a visitors’ center. The Battle of Monmouth Reenactment is an annual event held each June at the park that routinely draws thousands of visitors. See pacing sentries, enlisted men cleaning their weapons or idle away their time gambling and watch the women of the army cook, mend, and wash. You may encounter a drum major drilling his musicians or the court martial of a rebel. At the parade ground, watch soldiers drill or artillerists fire their cannon. Park facilities and activities include interpretive center, visitor center, picnic tables, playground, deed hunting, by permit. Winter sports include sledding, cross-country skiing. Trails are available for horseback riding and hiking. Found in Monmouth County.
Double Trouble State Park: The Park was once the Double Trouble company’s company town. The park’s wilderness provides a unique insight into the Pine Barrens ecosystem. All areas are well marked and there is plenty of parking. This is a historical site was originally used for logging, and later cranberry processing. Some buildings remain, an old sawmill and the cranberry processing plant. Most buildings in need of rehab because the area is still recovering from Sandy. There is lots of great history to be learned and they still have buildings to observe. The trails lead to a lake where a lot of kayakers cross over to the local creek. Awesome place to go with the family fun swimming good trails always have a great time no matter what rain or shine with lots of beautiful scenery. In Bayville.
TravelKatz is looking forward to helping you have a wonderful family vacation in New Jersey – the Garden State. Call us at 352-277-7300 or “Chat” at www.vacationnationradio.com
MUSEUMS
New Jersey Museums:
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New Jersey Museums: New Jersey is a northeastern U.S. state with some 130 miles of Atlantic coast. The “Jersey Shore” includes notable resort towns like historic Asbury Park and Cape May.
Cape May Lighthouse: The 1859 Lighthouse is fully restored, and visitors can climb 199 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The original Oil Storage Building is accessible and houses a Museum Shop and accessible displays. Open daily from April through November and weekends in the shoulder seasons. Evening trolley tours and Full Moon Climbs are offered during the summer season. The Cape May Lighthouse is managed by the non-profit Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. While located at Cape May Point State Park, it is not affiliated with State Park System. The State Park is open sunrise to sunset and offers many opportunities for nature lovers, including the Hawk Watch platform and well-marked nature trails. Summertime programming is offered to introduce visitors to the history of the Lighthouse and is free of charge. The beach is free, but swimming is not allowed. This Lighthouse is found in Cape May.
Sterling Hill Mining Museum: Come take a quarter-mile underground walking adventure into the 4th oldest mine in the country and the last working underground mine in New Jersey. Most everything man made has something to do with mining. This Museum will show you just how it is done. From drilling and blasting to the processing of the ore, they have got it all! While on tour you will see a mining equipment history display, a drilling and blasting demonstration and the world famous fluorescent “Rainbow Tunnel” where everybody gets to take home a fluorescent mineral specimen. One of the world’s richest zinc ore deposits, has over 350 minerals. That is about 10% of the known minerals in the world and has the richest fluorescent mineral deposit in the world. You can collect minerals from all over the world, including fluorescence, yourself when the museum is open. Found in the town of Ogdensburg.
The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms: This museum was originally Gustav Stickley’s fantastic house! He was a furniture maker during the ‘Arts & Crafts’ movement who believed that objects should be built from local, natural materials. His objects are simple in design, but ultimately beautiful in their craftsmanship and attention to detail. You do not have to be a Stickley fan, or even a fan of craftsmanship to enjoy this tour because it is also a tour of a historical house. Enjoyed listening to the creaking wooden floorboards, stories about the family, and observing the dim lighting. If you enjoy the Arts & Crafts style, you should definitely want to explore the gift shop! Travel to Morris Plains to enjoy this unique museum.
Thomas Edison Museum: This museum was built on the location of the former Edison Laboratory, along the first street which was entirely lit by light bulbs. There were many mechanical inventions from the early 1900s (not likely directly from Edison but representative of the era) including different types of phonographs. The museum has a lot of old objects and inventions, which are fun to learn about. The tour guide is able to demonstrate many of the objects, which is fun. There is an on-going tour with the volunteer guide taking you through the displays (2 small rooms), with interesting stories. Be sure to see the big memorial tower as well where the tour ends outside the Edison Tower which housed the eternal light. Interestingly found in Edison.
Insectropolis, the Bugseum of New Jersey: This bug museum can be enjoyed by all, especially since most are behind glass and not moving, but certainly the live bugs moving around in tanks and tunnels are cool to see, too. The live presentation where creatures like a tarantula, cockroach, centipede, and scorpion are introduced and carefully handled for petting by visitors is a highlight. The various insect artwork within the exhibits is fun. There is a small garden outside the museum to attract monarchs. This is a great way to entertain young children and the older kids will benefit from the written information and facts within the exhibits. Visit Toms River to enjoy this museum.
TravelKatz will be happy to help you with this vacation to New Jersey. Give us a call at 352-277-7300 or visit www.vacationnationradio.com to chat with us!
FESTIVALS
New Jersey Festivals:
New Jersey Festivals are some of the best mid-Atlantic festivals on the books. You’ll find just what you are looking for up and down the coast and in the county of your choice.
Italian Fest at Monmouth Park: Racetrack’s Little Italy at the Track – a celebration of all things Italian! The day will be filled with fun games, delicious Italian favorites, unique crafts, classic Italian music, horse races and more. Venture over to Monmouth Park in Oceanport on Sat, Aug 3. If not this year, perhaps in 2020!
25th Annual Clam Festival: Discover the true meaning of “Succulent Seafood” at this the Highlands Business Partnership’s Annual festival! It is a four-day action packed event featuring the freshest seafood, live music and entertainment, thrill rides, games, contests, retail vendors, and more. Admission and parking are free, and the event takes place rain or shine. Come to Highlands the first full weekend in Aug 2020 to enjoy the fun.
Westfield Street Fair & Craft Show: This festival, fair and craft show will feature local artists, crafters, vendors, delicious food, typical carnival rides, and live music. Come to downtown Westfield all day on the 3rd Sat in Aug, enjoy the fun.
Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Festival: The Bands playing are Damian & The DCQ, Slidewinder Blues Band, Jane Stuart, The Shadetree Mechanics, The Mikey Junior Band, and many more. This is a Jazz and Blues music lovers heaven. You see all these bands and fireworks at dusk. Great Lawn Beach, Long Branch. Aug 24 at 1PM.
Bradley Beach Lobsterfest: There will be 6 bands, a live DJ and emcee! There will be plenty of food to eat with 30 food vendors and over 200 local craft vendors! This is a Two Day Event and has a Huge Kids Area! You’ll be among 50,000 attendees over the 2 days. So, if you love lobster, this is the best fest to go to. On the boardwalk all weekend long. Sat, Aug 31 – Sun, Sep 1
5th Annual NJ Taco Festival: This Festival is certainly one you will not want to miss. This year’s event takes place on September 7th at the Sussex County Fairgrounds and features the area’s Best Taco Producers alongside a variety of other food choices. Additionally, our main stage has a full day of Live Music and Culinary Inspired Competition. A couple of returning favorites are our Chihuahua Costume Contest and Live Lucha Wrestling. This is a family-friendly event and we continually expand our Kids Zone featuring inflatables, face painting and more. General Admission to this event includes access to the grounds and all on-site music entertainment. While full menus are available, all vendors are required to include a $2 sample taco so you can graze and taste the afternoon away. Kids under 10 are Free. Venture over to the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta for an all-day feast on Sat, September 7.
3rd Annual High Caliber Festival: This festival is the world’s first and only bass music festival aboard a US Navy Battleship. The festival takes place over two days and features over 50 artists across three stages. After an explosive first two years, High Caliber is ready to blast off again. The New Jersey (BB-62) was launched in Dec 1942 and commissioned in Philadelphia in May 1943. Over the 48 years, the New Jersey earned the Navy Unit Commendation for Vietnam service, nine battle stars for WW II; four for the Korean conflict; two for Vietnam, three Campaign Stars for service off Beirut, and service in the Persian Gulf prior to Operation Desert Storm. After it’s decommissioning in 1991, BB-62 was donated on Jan. 20, 2000, to Camden, N.J. With a total of Nineteen Battle and Campaign Stars, BB-62 is America’s most decorated battleship and surviving warship. Visit Battleship New Jersey in Camden. Sat, Sep 14 – Mon, Sep 16.
Sea.Hear.Now Festival: This Festival is coming to Asbury Park September 21-22, bringing with a celebration of live music, art, and surf culture; produced by Danny Clinch of Between The Sets and C3 Presents. Come to Asbury Park, where the music will continue through the night if you choose to stay.
TravelKatz will be more than happy to help you plan your next trip to the Jersey Shore or any of these festivals. Call 352-277-7300 and let us know when you want to go!
PLACE OF INTEREST
Jersey City
Jersey City is in northeastern New Jersey. Its eastern waterfront faces the Hudson River where it meets Upper New York Bay. Liberty State Park has panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the former immigrant gateway. The park’s Liberty Science Center features interactive exhibits, live animals and an IMAX Dome theater. Bars and ethnic eateries line downtown’s Grove Street.
Liberty State Park: This is a beautiful park. Offerings include nature trails, bike paths and a waterfront walkway with amazing views of the New York Harbor, Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. This is a great place to run. There is a serene memorial for 911. This is a great place for kids and there are BBQ areas with picnic tables. This is also where you take the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island and to Battery Park. Great views from the top deck. Security like airport security before boarding the ferry. Liberty House is a wonderful refresh for food and beverage — outdoor seating on nice days and evenings must be experienced. During the off-bird migration period there are beaches and trails that will defy one’s belief of urban ecology.
Empty Sky – 9/11 Memorial: Empty Sky is a September 11 memorial in Jersey City. It is located at the mouth of the Hudson River in Liberty State Park across from the World Trade Centre site. The memorial is dedicated to the 746 individuals from New Jersey killed in the World Trade Centre in 1993 and in the September 11 attacks as well as those who died on September 11th at the Pentagon and in Shanksville. Empty Sky features twin walls transecting a gently sloped mound anchored by a granite path directed toward Ground Zero. Each wall soars 30 feet high and stretches just over 206 feet long – the exact width of the World Trade Centre towers if they were lying on their sides. The name of the memorial comes from Bruce Springsteen’s song “Empty Sky” which is about the “empty sky” where the towers once stood. Brace yourself for the emotions to flow, hearing and seeing the story unfold. The movies are well worth the time.
White Eagle Hall: This is a newly restored and renovated historic theater located in the thriving nightlife scene of Downtown Jersey City, New Jersey. White Eagle Hall presents live music, theatre, comedy, dance, film, family shows as well as other performances while serving food and drinks. This place is awesome! So excited to such a fantastic music venue in the neighborhood! They have done a beautiful job on the decor and the bands sound great. It’s so encouraging to see beautiful new places like this where people truly care about listening to live music! In addition, White Eagle Hall is a warm and intimate event space perfect for weddings, receptions, and private parties.
Recommended eateries:
1. City Diner a 24hr diner does great breakfasts that will set you up for the day.
2. Hudson Hall – German style beer cellar with great sliders!
3. Skinners Loft – great for brunch (highly recommend the filet mignon sliders and steak Caesar salad as well as the banana bread beer)
4. Kitchen Step – a neighborhood bistro offering high quality food and unique cocktails! These are just a few suggestions.
Liberty Science Center: is an excellent place to take children. There are activities for toddlers up to children of all ages. I even learned some things in the energy section. The aquariums were especially interesting. Be sure to leave plenty of time for your visit, because you’ll find one interesting exhibit after another. The IMAX movie theater is lots of fun, too. And be sure to take in the Planetarium show.
Statue of Liberty: Iconic and meaningful. The history behind this and Ellis Island must be scene and read about to gain the full respect. To visit the crown, you need to book months in advance to guaranteed access. The climb is over 400 stairs to reach the top (hard work but well worth the effort). 2 staff members in the crown are informative and helpful. You want to take your time (this is needed to get catch your breath!) and you will want to spend a good 30 minutes just taking in the views. It is something you will remember for a very long time. Well worth the effort to book in advance to experience this special place. Even if you choose to just do the park and the regular tour of the Statue of Liberty you will be amazed what you see and learn.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum: So much about our country is tied up in the story of immigration, and there is no better place to learn about that than in the Immigration Museum on Ellis Island. We are a nation of immigrants, and our diversity is our strength–of that there is no doubt. The displays and artifacts here are poignant, moving, thought-provoking, and astonishing in their immediateness. It is easy to imagine the life of so many newcomers to our country crowded into this place 100 years ago and reflect on what it must have been like for them. There is no better way to understand what it means to be an American than to visit sites like this one. The best way to get to Ellis Island is from NJ even though it is part of New York.
Fly into Newark Airport and rent a car to Jersey City. Give Travelkatz a call at 352-277-7300 and we will make this special trip happen for you and your family.
GARDENS
Alabama Gardens- Come witness the beautiful colors and varieties of flowers and plants as we travel to Alabama for a look. There are 13 varieties of gardens located all over the state. Call us to help you create that springtime Alabama adventure! Or maybe you would rather witness the fall colors instead.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens: A cherished place of respite and inspiration since 1962, these Gardens promote a passion for plants, gardens, and the natural world. Located in the heart of Birmingham, this 67-acre urban oasis offers beautiful blooms, glorious specialty gardens, and opportunities to grow your green thumb throughout the year. The Gardens are free and open to the public every day of the year. A facility of the Parks and Recreation Board, these Botanical Gardens are the result of a public-private partnership between the city the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Beautiful gardens with lots of incredible plants and water features and benches to sit and take it all in and it’s also right across from the zoo. It’s a beautiful place to take a walk, read a book, have a picnic, or take photos. The gift shop is lovely as well. Found in the city of Birmingham.
Dunn Formal Rose Garden: This Rose Garden is an official All-America Rose Selection Display Garden. It features tea roses, floribundas, grandifloras, climbers, miniatures and shrub types that bloom in glorious colors from late April until frost. You’ll see old favorites such as ‘Peace’, ‘Chrysler Imperial’, and ‘John F. Kennedy’ mingle with newcomers like ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Dolly Parton’ and ‘Fourth of July’; our bounty of roses has made this spot a mainstay attraction since The Gardens first opened in Birmingham.
Hess Camellia Garden: Another beautiful site, this Shade Garden and the Japanese Garden are found at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Come and enjoy the diversity these gardens offer.
Huntsville Botanical Garden: The 112-acre Botanical Garden is open year-round and contains a diverse ecosystem of meadows, upland and bottomland forest, and wetlands, as well as a variety of specialty gardens and native plant collections. The Mathews Nature Trail contains the largest accredited trillium collection in the U.S. and the Anderson Education Center is home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. The Native Plants Teaching Garden is a public space that highlights the way local plants, soil, pollinators, and birds create distinct communities and how they interact to form a diverse, sustainable, and attractive landscape. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens Association of North America. Discover this garden in Huntsville.
Dothan Area Botanical Gardens: Serene retreat featuring 50 acres of lush, manicured gardens with ponds & shady walking trails. It is on the smaller side but for $5 a person it was well worth the money! There is a gorgeous Asian garden and tropical plant house. You can see a good variety of roses, camellias, and herbs, too. There are paved walkways for a very peaceful and quiet stroll on a Sunday morning. For the children, there is a kid zone which everyone loves. Found in town Dothan north of Atlanta.
Aldridge Gardens: This spot is amazing. Wonderful accessible walking trails, a hands-on bonsai educational opportunity, a Veterans Memorial Arbor and Pentagon Plaza with beautiful views of the lake, also a great place to take a run in the park – and just adorable geese or ducks! They also have a venue you can rent for events. Come experience the beauty and hospitality the city of Hoover has to offer.
Cornerstone Gardens: This garden is a beautiful hidden gem! You might very well love all the Bible verses throughout the garden! Cornerstone Gardens and Arboretum was created as a place of meditation, rest, and reflection for Carriage House Repose & Restore, Inc., a Christian support ministry for ministers, missionaries, and evangelists. The Carriage House is situated on the property close to the gardens, and the pastors and others come to stay there as a short-term respite. The caretakers and stewards of the Carriage House ministry have opened the gardens to the general public to share the natural beauty and wonder of over 5,000 plants and trees comprised of over 150 different species. Travel to Mobile to enjoy this garden.
TravelKatz is looking forward to helping you and yours have a special vacation in Alabama where you will get to see beautiful gardens. Just call us at 352-277-7300 or chat at www.travelkatz.com.
New Jersey State Capital: Trenton
Trenton was named for William Trent by William Trent. An early settler to New Jersey, Trent built a summer house in the area around 1719, and subsequently founded a settlement, naming it for himself. The name eventually evolved from “Trent-towne” to “Trenton.” Famous for its pivotal role in the Revolutionary War, Trenton is a city steeped in history, boasting several museums and monuments, including the Old Barracks Museum, the country’s only remaining British Barracks. But Trenton is not only for the history buff; sports fans will enjoy cheering on minor league baseball and hockey teams while art aficionados will enjoy the many galleries and the 35-acre Grounds for Sculpture park, as well as a number of theaters.
New Jersey State House: The State House Welcome Center is in the annex adjacent to the parking garage. The center has interactive exhibits about the Legislative process and the history of the State House dating back to 1792. The tour begins when you go through the visitor’s entrance located on the left group of doors. the dark red rotunda was especially beautiful with handsome portraits of the former governors; the General Assembly and Senate were also exceptional with gold-leaf moulding and an Edison-made chandelier in the former and handsome paintings in archways in the latter.
Old Barracks Museum: It’s a restored Seven Years War (French and Indian Wars 1758) and Revolutionary War Barracks with rooms reflecting the 1700’s with outstanding level of detail throughout. Guides dressed in period attire enlist troops (tour ticket holders) into George Washington’s army. The tour cost $8 for adults, $6 seniors and is 45 minutes long and starts at the top of the hour Monday-Sat 10-5pm. Saturday features free parking right behind the Old Barracks. You are free to roam around after the tour. The tour starts with a video of Washington’s 1776 crossing of the Delaware called “20 Crucial Days”, and the battles at Trenton and Princeton. Tour ticket holders learn what it was like to be a soldier in the Continental Army. How they slept, ate, spent leisure time and were generally cared for and treated are revealed in an interactive format which kids appreciate. Copies of pamphlets, articles of clothing, muskets, swords and furniture can be seen. There is a hospital with instruments of the day displayed and a real-time inoculation for small pox. Officer’s rooms as well as rank and file soldier’s accommodations are shown. There were 20 rooms with 12 soldiers per room. The second floor has a museum with small exhibit halls but no photos are allowed. It’s been a National Historic Landmark since 1972 and is a Blue Star Museum. The State Capital and the NJ State Museum are right around the corner within easy walking distance. The Trenton Visitor’s Center is right across the street.
New Jersey State Museum: to see all the exhibits and fine arts collection it was amazing. The museum was great. Archaeology, Paleontology, Art, history. This is good place for a day’s visit. Do not missed the planetarium show. Nice to know history of native Americans in NJ. Quite a few kids’ activities to keep them occupied. on business or pleasure trips during the late 1800s through the 1950s. The ethnographic collection also includes a significant collection of Alaskan Eskimo specimens. The collections provide data on the entire span of human occupation of New Jersey from prehistoric to historic 19th century.
Arm & Hammer Park: It’s clean, comfortable and not a bad seat in the house! SO much going on for kids to do. They now charge for the playground. It has all the accommodations of a major-league park on a smaller, friendlier scale. Conveniently located in Trenton near PA/NJ boundary along the Delaware River. This is a great place for families and baseball. Park usually offers either a giveaway of some sort to those who arrive early or a fireworks display at the close of the game.
Trenton Farmers Market: This is as good as it gets, with everything from seasonal produce, an outstanding BBQ joint, Hambone Opera, the iconic Pulaski Meats Polish deli, the legendary Cartridge ‘s, one of the oldest butcher shops in the country and several other Amish merchants selling baked goods, rotisserie and fried chicken and prepared foods, and grocery items. Fridays and Saturdays are magical here, the aromas, the colors, but best of all, the food!!!
You can fly into Trenton or Philadelphia from Tampa or Orlando. Just give TravelKatz a call and we will make a traffic vacation for you and your family. 352-277-7300
ADDITIONALLY: Please follow this link to 100 Best Things to do in New Jersey. Let us know what you think and if you decide to go to any of these places, please let TravelKatz be a part of those plans. We would love to help.
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