New Jersey
NJ Holidays and Holiday Rentals
If you're looking for a holiday destination to suite the entire family, where there is something fun and exciting for everyone to do, then consider New Jersey (NJ, for short) for your next vacation. NJ is chockfull of historical and cultural attractions, light entertainments, excellent cuisine, and outdoor activities.
NJ's Geography and Climate
NJ is found in northeastern and middle-Atlantic United States. It shares borders with New York on the northeast, the Delaware River and Pennsylvania on the west, Delaware on the southwest, and the Atlantic Ocean on the south and southeast. Mostly found within the major metropolitan areas of Ney York City and Philadelphia, NJ is the most densely populated state in the country and has the second highest median income, surpassed only by Maryland.
NJ summers are relatively hot and humid, averaging temperatures of 82-88 テつーF (28-31 テつーC) but they can reach lows of 60-70 テつーF (16-21 テつーC). Temperatures rarely exceed 100 テつーF (38 テつーC). Winters, on the other hand, average temperatures of 26-46 テつーF (-3-8 テつーC), and may briefly drop to 10-20 テつーF (-12--7 テつーC). (This means that it's very important to plan what time of the year you'll be visiting NJ, since the seasonal differences are rather pronounced, and can make a big difference in your holiday experience.)
On average, precipitation falls on every one of three days of the year, and the annual count for thunderstorms is usually between 25 to 30 thunderstorms. Since most of these occur during the summertime, you may want to take this into consideration when planning your trip.
NJ's History
During the early time of Western colonial expansion, the territory now known as New Jersey was disputed over by the Dutch and the British. In 1664, however, the British won a decisive victory over their rivals and took control of the area.
The NJ became known as a center of ethnic and religious diversity, having become home to varied groups like New England Congregationalists, Scottish Presbyterians, Dutch Reformed and English Quakers and Anglicans. The colony's relatively liberal policies, when combined with its fertile land, acted as a magnet for migrants from other colonies, and by 1775, NJ had a population of 120,000.
NJ numbered among the thirteen colonies who seceded from the British and fought the American Revolution. Among those who signed the Declaration of Independence were NJ representatives Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart and Abraham Clark. Several pivotal battles were fought in NJ, and it has come to be known as 窶弋he Crossroads of the Revolution.窶
In the 19th century, NJ continued to develop, this time as an industrial center, and its population (as well as its diversity) continued to grow.
NJ's Attractions
When talking about NJ's tourist attractions, it helps to look at the state as consisting of 5 areas, each having its own appeal.
The Gateway Region is located within the New York metropolitan area.
The Skylands in the northwest is a less urbanized area, where lovers of the outdoors can go to enjoy woodlands and mountainous terrain. Hikers, bikers and off-roaders will surely want to travel to Montague, Sussex County, where they can access the aptly-named 窶廩igh Point窶 which tops off at 1,803ft (550m).
The Shore, along the Atlantic Coast is home to the Sandy Hook, a popular recreational beach. Long Beach Island has other, similarly popular recreational beaches. If you want to get to the island, all you have to do is cross the bridge that connects it to the mainland.
The Delaware Valley is home to the renowned Princeton University, and a tour around this historic institution will give anybody a good dose of historical and cultural heritage. But there's much more to experience in the Valley, and visitors can look forward to enjoying diverse cuisines, a vibrant art scene, and elegant architecture.
If you want to see extensive mixed pine and oak forest, travel to the Pine Barrens in the interior of the southern part. This area is much less densely populated than the rest of NJ, so come here if you're feeling a little reclusive and outdoorsy.
Vacation Rentals in NJ
Mansions - if you have a lot of money to spare, and are traveling in a big group, then look for mansions for rent in NJ's beach areas. You'll have all the space you'll need to be comfortable, and may even have a private pool to boot!
Townhouses - this is for travelers who need more space than they can get in hotels, but are trying to save on expenses. Townhouses can comfortable house small-to-medium families and still provide a fair amount of privacy. When selecting townhouses, make sure that you will be able to access the rest of the area conveniently.
Cabins - there's no better way to enjoy the great outdoors while retaining modern comforts.
Whichever kind (or kinds) of holiday villas, homes, etc., you are considering, try to make reservations well in advance, just to be on the safe side.