Summer Just Got Better!
By: Maria Iodice
Summer is a wonderful time - no school, no work (mostly), no endless homework assignments - just joyous blissful. But sometimes, it’s a little too blissful. Sometimes, you just want summer to be over so you can have something to do. This article will add action to your most slow and boring days! Read on to find out a few perfect getaways to cure your apathy!
Arboretums
If you like calm walks on designated paths around flowers, arboretums are a great place to enjoy nature! There are several arboretums near us. The first is the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary. It is a great escape and is in our very own Short Hills! You can not only see 150+ types of native wildflowers but experience many different birds up close!
Another great place to visit is the Frelinghuysen Arboretum. There is a small hike there, as well as a garden maze. In addition to a wonderful herb/fruit garden, the Frelinghuysen Arboretum houses a museum where you can see many different antique carriages. There is also a small pond with fish and a cafe. This is a wonderful place to spend your day and a great getaway!
The Reeves-Reed Arboretum is yet another incredible arboretum to explore! It has a huge range of plants and flowers. There are several sculptures on the arboretum grounds. You can even find a few beehives! There is a greenhouse filled with tropical wonders and charming nooks under huge trees. You can find a mile of scenic trails through the woods. When you reach the entrance, do not be alarmed when you are greeted by a large, closed gate. Simply drive closer and it will automatically open :)
*Note: the Reeves-Reed Arboretum is open to the public right now, but the Cora Hartshorn and Frelinghuysen Arboretums are closed, due to our current situation.
Biking
Whether you want to escape the sweltering summer heat or if you just have a free day, biking is a wonderful getaway. Not only is biking a great way to exercise, but it is also a great way to hang out with friends because it is easy to social distance! Just a 40 minutes drive from here is Colonial Park. There, in addition to visiting the gorgeous rose garden and having a peaceful picnic, visitors can take their bikes and ride along the scenic Delaware-Raritan Canal. The trail is 37.8 miles and goes all the way to downtown Princeton. On one side, you can see the peaceful water of the canal and the occasional turtle. On the other lies a vast forest, sometimes interrupted by huge fields of tall grasses. The shade will provide you a welcome break from the summer sun. Definitely worth the drive!
If you want a seaside view while you bike, definitely visit Sandy Hook! While you are biking, definitely stop by and visit Fort Hancock. It was used to provide coastal defense for the New York Harbor from 1895-1974. One of the houses is still open for visiting and gives you a glimpse of the life of military personnel and their family. A short bike from there is Battery Gunnison and the Sandy Hook LightHouse. Starting from there is an 8.7-mile bike route. It is protected by a nice shady tree canopy and goes along the coastline. At the end, you will reach a car bridge and, once crossed, several seafood restaurants. I particularly like Moby’s Lobster Deck, where you can find the best-breaded shrimps and ice cream in town!
Hopefully, you will enjoy these wonderful places and visit them during the summer! Enjoy!
