Every year I always find myself with these big summer plans, yet every year they fall flat. Partly because of coordinating with people, but also because I had no way of getting anywhere. But I always found places to go, regardless of my way of getting there. So here’s a list of all the things in New Jersey that you could go to based on if you can drive or not.
By Car
The shore is the most obvious and common thing people in Chatham do. Most people go to Point Pleasant, Spring Lake, and the entirety of LBI. They all have their pros and cons. Point Pleasant is one of the more popular, while Spring Lake is much more residential with easy access to Asbury Park and Belmar. Finally, LBI (Long Beach Island): it’s worth it if you know someone with a house down there, as that’s what makes it the most fun. My personal favorite, however, is Sandy Hook at the very northmost point on the Jersey Shore. It’s a state park, is relatively quiet, has views of the New York City skyline, and the towns of Sea Bright, Red Bank, and Rumson are only two miles away with lots to do.
Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson is also fun. Although Kingda Ka is officially gone, there is still a lot that you are able to do there. I’ve heard that El Toro and Nitro are two of the better coasters you’ll ride. Albeit I have no idea, because I am scared of roller coasters. My favorite rides are ‘Congo Rapids’ and the Indoor, tiny rollercoaster Batman. My personal opinion? Go on a weekday; weekend lines in July rival Disney World lines – it’s miserable.
By Train
NYC on NJ Transit is the best train option. From most days in Chatham, you’re looking at an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes into Penn Station. If you are a regular in New York, you know to immediately leave midtown as soon as you get there. Some of my favorite places to go in the City are the Village, Gramercy Park, Battery Park, the Upper West, and Columbus Circle. They all have their perks; the East/Greenwich Village is filled with young people, NYU calls it home; Gramercy Park is one of my favorite places in the city to go thrifting (my favorite place is Thrift NYC for jewelry, jeans, and graphics), the Upper West is fun to walk around and spot famous people (I’ve seen Denzel Washington a few times there), and finally, Columbus Circle has, in my humble opinion, the best best bagel spot and deli/bodega in the entire city: The Bagel Market, and the shop on the corner of W 57th and 9th.
If you’re unfamiliar with the city and have never gone alone, I suggest starting with Hoboken. It’s very easy to navigate, is walkable, and has insane views of Manhattan along the water. And if you feel like going into the city from there, the PATH runs from there and from Jersey City. The food options are good, and it’s a lot less overwhelming for people not used to the city than dropping into Penn Station on a Saturday.
Go to Bergen County. If you enjoy eating good food, and food that you won’t find anywhere near Chatham – specifically Asian food – go to Bergen County. Fort Lee is my personal favorite, with there being a huge Korean American Population that has some of the best and most authentic Korean food I’ve ever had at stupidly low prices.
