Cape May, New Jersey is a dream vacation for Jersey residents and out-of-state tourists alike. After all, the beach town is so pretty and charming! And we know just where you should stay: Congress Hall, a beachside resort with an impressive history and luxe touches.
Built in 1816, Cape May's Congress Hall is known as America's first seaside resort.
It's Christmas in NJ, and the whole state is full of adventures to be had. But what if you want to make your holiday adventure last? With visits to Whippany and Florham Park, you don't need to let the fun end prematurely. Your adventure begins at The Polar Express in Whippany, the best Christmas train in New Jersey and an experience no kid will ever forget. From there, it's on to a charming boutique hotel in Florham Park that knows how to celebrate the season in style. You'll enjoy festive drinks and have the chance to take park in the hotel's quirkiest holiday tradition. By the time you head home, you'll have experienced the best holiday getaway in NJ.
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steam train in a winter night
All aboard! Start your adventure by climb aboarding The Polar Express in Whippany for another unforgettable holiday adventure. The family-friendly train departs the station throughout November and December, with the last ride setting off on Dec. 30, 2024. Tickets tend to sell quickly; try to reserve your seats early, so you don't miss out. Prices depend on when you go and include value (best savings), standard (regular price), and premium (high demand times).
This Christmas train in New Jersey is themed to the classic Tom Hanks movie, and it transforms a standard vintage train into a kaleidoscope of holiday colors, promising a delightful adventure for guests of all ages. Enthusiastic crew members turn every ride on the Polar Express into a charming show with Christmas carols and dancing chefs who offer guests cookies and hot chocolate. Sit back and listen to the famous tale of The Polar Express, too. The highlight of the ride is, of course, an appearance by the big man himself. Santa Claus arrives for the grand finale to give the riders a unique holiday greeting.
After disembarking from The Polar Express, head north to Florham Park, where you will check into the Archer Hotel, the best Christmas resort in NJ. The Archer is known for its mascot, Archie the Elf. (Yes, the Elf from Elf on the Shelf fame.) Archie hides in a new place around the hotel every day during the holiday season. Look around and you just might find him hiding, which makes for the best holiday photo op in the region. If you find Archie, take a picture, and then make your way to the front desk, where a surprise awaits.
The Archer also features complimentary holiday beverages all day long. Sip on such favorites as hot chocolate, hot cider, coffee, and tea.
cropped shot of santa claus holding red cup with hot chocolate and marshmallows
The AAA Four Diamond hotel in New Jersey offers luxurious accommodations with all guest rooms and suites featuring a full menu of amenities, including walk-in showers, a fridge, HDTV with premium channels, and a safe that's large enough to hold a laptop. Bring your swimming gear, too. The hotel's indoor pool is the perfect way to relax after your adventure aboard The Polar Express.
Christmas in New Jersey is my favorite time of the year with neighborhoods awash in twinkling lights, holiday tunes playing while Christmas shopping at my favorite mall, Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing, and, if we're lucky, snow on the ground when we wake up on Christmas morning. Then there are all of the Christmas festivals in NJ. What are your favorite Christmas festivals in New Jersey? What do you think is the best Christmas resort in NJ? Let us know by filling out this nomination form.
Book your own holiday adventure by visiting The Polar Express and Archer Hotel websites for more information on rates and availability. While you're celebrating Christmas in NJ, don't forget to bring your camera to capture every magical moment.
It's summer and the Jersey Shore is in full swing - which means it's time to book that summer getaway, the closer to the water the better! Many people are choosing to book vacation rentals this year, liking the flexibility of a whole-home rental. I see the appeal - but often, I prefer a traditional hotel getaway where everything is taken care of for me. And when it comes to hotels on the shore, it doesn't get any better than Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club in Beach Haven, an amazing island resort in New Jersey. That's right, an island resort - this hotel is located right on Long Beach Island, a barrier island a little over a mile from the mainland. Long Beach Island is only half a mile wide, too, so you'll be near the water wherever you stay - but it doesn't get any better than a stay here, mere feet from the water, at one of the most charming beach getaways in the Garden State.
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The Sea Shell Resort is basically a tropical getaway in the middle of New Jersey, and it's open for its summer season.
But there are also more upscale dining options here, including a lounge and wine bar, and even a sushi restaurant. The crown jewel is definitely The Pine Tree, an upscale seafood-centric restaurant in the resort.
Have you stayed at the Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club in Beach Haven before? Let us know about your getaway at this island resort in New Jersey in the comments section! You can book your own stay on the Sea Shell Resort website, and follow this Beach Haven resort on Facebook for details on this upcoming summer's events and amenities. It's the perfect getaway to a summer on the shore, and Beach Haven is also home to Thundering Surf Waterpark, one of the most exciting splash zones in the state. Have fun - and make sure to bring your sunscreen!
