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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

This Long-Closed New Jersey Tourist Attraction Is Making A Comeback

Published Mar 12, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

When things shut down in 2020, it was a long, depressing time for those of us who love tourist attractions and public destinations like zoos and aquariums. As 2020 turned to 2021, most of these destinations reopened - but not all of them. Some sadly closed for good, while others were left in an odd limbo - but now in 2024, one beloved Atlantic City institution is about to finally return. The Atlantic City Aquarium, a small but popular haven for marine life, closed in 2020 with everything else, but then remained shuttered due to a combination of renovations, budget shortfalls, and other factors. Its fate was uncertain - but everyone rejoiced when this city-owned institution announced that it would finally be opening to the public again on July 1st, 2024. Let's take a look into the past of this beloved attraction and see what's to come with the grand reopening!

The Atlantic City Aquarium is getting ready for its big reopening, and there will likely be some big changes - but many things will remain the same.

Exterior of the Atlantic City Aquarium, featuring a wooden building and colorful fish sculptures in the foreground.
Atlantic City Aquarium/Facebook

This state-run aquarium is an affordable family destination home to dozens of unique species.

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Two visitors observe fish in an aquarium labeled "Fish of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean." Bright blue water and various fish are visible.
Christopher Reid/Google Local

This includes massive aquariums recreating the ecosystems of freshwater and saltwater sea life.

A vibrant underwater scene featuring colorful fish swimming among coral reefs.
Jamie Everett/Google Local

This includes some small fish - as well as some impressive predators who will be making their return.

A green moray eel peeks out from behind rocks in an aquarium, with a wooden surface in the foreground.
Christina S/Google Local

Of course, the star attraction at this popular aquarium was always the gorgeous sea turtles.

A turtle swimming gracefully underwater, with its flippers extended and a serene expression.
Knight of Tyumen/Google Local

The aquarium is also home to a small collection of surface animals, including lizards and turtles.

A lizard resting on a rock in a terrarium, illuminated with green lighting.
HG NYC/Google Local

It's right by the water, offering some amazing photo ops and serving as a fantastic portal to the rest of Atlantic City's boardwalk and beyond.

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A calm waterfront scene with a wooden pier, city skyline, and blue sky with scattered clouds in the background.
Ronald Lau/Google Local

d attraction, and peek ahead at what's to come!

Have you visited the Atlantic City Aquarium in the past? Tell us your memories, and what you're looking forward to seeing again at the grand reopening! You can find out more on the Atlantic City website, and follow the Atlantic City Aquarium Facebook page for more details on the upcoming reopening. While you're in town, why not check into the city's most luxurious resort, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa? It's also home to the best buffet in New Jersey.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The Audubon Center in New Jersey Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

Bird-watching in Cape May is a great adventure, and the charming shore town has an Audubon Center and a trail to enjoy.

Published Oct 12, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Cape May is one of the most beautiful towns in New Jersey, and this stunning shore destination is also one of the state's best hubs for bird-watching. Migrating birds come through the shore regularly, and its unique marshy ecosystem makes it an ideal spot for native birds to live and nest. For those who love these delicate creatures, there are plenty of opportunities for bird-watching in Cape May, and many center around the town's Audubon Center. The Cape May Bird Observatory, Northwood Center, is one of the hubs of nature in town, and it's next to the beautiful Higbee Beach and one of the best trails in town, the South Cape May Meadows. Join us for a look into the ideal spot for your next bird-watching adventure.

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A small bird with a gray head, yellow chest, and white underparts perched on a branch against a blurred green background.
Taxon name: Northern Parula
Taxon scientific name: Setophaga americana
Location: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Florida, USA

The Cape May Bird Observatory offers a unique opportunity to see dozens of birds, depending on the season. The area features beaches and observation platforms, but our favorite way to explore is to wander onto a nearby trail.

A flock of birds takes flight over a wetland, with a lighthouse visible in the background among lush greenery.
Doug Reese/AllTrails

The South Cape May Meadows Trail is a roughly one-mile loop trail, rated easy by AllTrails. This is a very popular birding trail, with a well-maintained path. You will have to leave the dogs at home. A bird haven isn't the best spot for them.

A wooden observation deck with a slatted roof, overlooking a natural landscape, featuring informational signs on the walls.
Donald Harrison/AllTrails

Along the way, you'll encounter several observation spots offering you shelter, along with diagrams to make it easy to identify the most impressive birds you see.

A scenic view of a wetland with a calm river, surrounded by tall grasses and trees under a clear blue sky.
Eric Bono/AllTrails

Some of these platforms offer an incredible vantage point of the area, allowing you to see the birds as they take off. The trail is usually pretty busy, but it's worth it for this rare view of nature in action.

A soaring eagle with outstretched wings against a clear blue sky.
Golden Eagle adult in flight taken in SE MN

The diversity of bird species here is truly stunning, so keep your eyes on the sky. This entire area is heaven for those looking for a rare sighting. When you're done on the trail, head back to the Northwood Center if it's open to find out the activities of the day.

Have you gone bird-watching in Cape May? Let us know your favorite spots and activities in the comments section! You can find out more on the website of the Cape May Bird Observatory, and check out the AllTrails trail listing for more pictures of this trail. We think Cape May is a wonderful town in New Jersey to visit, whether you're solo or with a group, and we highly recommend a stay at Elaine's Cape May, one of the most unique hotels in New Jersey.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

Experience The Ideal New Jersey Fall Day When You Go Apple Picking At Eastmont Orchards

Eastmont Orchards in Colts Neck, New Jersey, offers a family-friendly apple-picking experience with no entrance fee.

Updated Aug 7, 2024

Written by 

Rebecca

Is there a better season than fall in New Jersey? The weather is crisp, the leaves are colorful, and fun, family-friendly activities abound! One of our favorite ways to spend a fall day in New Jersey is by visiting an apple orchard. You get to experience nature, take beautiful photos, and walk away with delicious treats at the end. We've found a great orchard to do just that in the state - people of all ages will enjoy the best apple-picking experience at Eastmont Orchards in New Jersey.

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Eastmont Orchards is one of the best places to go apple picking in New Jersey.

Colorful hay bales form a sign for Eastmont Orchards, surrounded by autumn trees and a clear blue sky.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

Located in Colts Neck, the orchard was originally built in 1911. It's been owned by the same family since 1923.

A dirt path lined with apple trees under a cloudy sky, leading into the distance.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

The orchard is filled with apple trees, and you bring home whatever you pick.

A fruit orchard with fallen apples scattered on the ground beneath the trees.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

Apples are priced by the pound, and you aren't allowed to put the apples back -- so be conscious of how much you pick!

These apples are so fresh and delicious, you'll want to pick pounds of them. There are nearly two dozen varieties to choose from so you can find your favorite!

Close-up of green apples hanging from a tree branch against a blue sky.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

You'll have delicious apple-based meals for weeks after visiting Eastmont Orchards.

You can schedule a photography tour or a class trip here, too.

A sunny orchard with apple trees, featuring signs for "Red Delicious" and "Granny Smith" varieties.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

It's definitely a spot to take great photos.

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People of all ages will enjoy finding the perfect apple here.

Sign reading "Golden Delicious" in an apple orchard with green apples on trees.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

And don't worry! Workers at the orchard teach you how to properly pick an apple.

Apple picking season starts in September, but you can pick peaches here during the summer months.

Close-up of red apples hanging from a tree branch, surrounded by green leaves in bright sunlight.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

From June to October, you can select the perfect peach!

Eastmont Orchards also has pumpkins and beautiful flowers on the property.

A vibrant field of orange and red flowers under a clear blue sky, with greenery in the background.
Eastmont Orchards/Facebook

It's a nice place to spend a fall day!

Whether you're planning to make some delicious apple pies, press your own cider, or just enjoy some good eating, the Eastmont Orchards reviews are in - this quaint spot has some of the best apple picking in New Jersey! And while you do pay for the fruit you take home, there is no entrance fee for visiting. This delicious orchard isn't just fun and fall-appropriate, it's affordable, too! Be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page for any weather-related closures.

Have you ever checked out Eastmont on a recent fall apple-picking outing in New Jersey? Are there any other you-pick farms that your family loves to frequent throughout the year?

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We think heading to a local orchard is the perfect way to end a fall day! That's why we've rounded up a few beautiful, must-see spots to enjoy fall in New Jersey as a part of your adventures. You'll also want to make the most of your autumn outings with a gorgeous, luxurious weekend experience as well, so how does a fresh and airy beach cottage sound?

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-jersey/most-beautiful-fall-destinations-nj/

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