Best places to bike in New Jersey

😊It’s Thursday, New Jersey!

☔Weather: Showers likely. High 72

👀What’s on tap today:

• Hidden Jersey restaurant gems

• What does ‘aging gracefully’ even mean?

• 3 tax hits retirees need to watch out for

Up first…

Best places to bike in New Jersey

🚵‍♂️From Jersey Shore boardwalks to mountain bike trails, there are plenty of places to go bike riding in New Jersey. Plan your trip with some of the best bicycle paths across North, Central and South Jersey. Here are some of our favorites.

Northern Valley Greenway | Bergen County

If forced to describe this planned bike trail in just two words, it would be “suburban splendor.” Once complete, the eight-mile-long multi-use linear park will traverse Tenafly, Cresskill, Demarest, Closter, Norwood and Northvale.

Duke Farms | Somerset County

You don’t even need your own set of wheels to pedal your way around the 1,000⁺ -acre natural sanctuary that is Duke Farms. Their bike rental program – which includes a limited number of adult tricycles for improved accessibility – allows visitors to explore farther than ever before along 12⁺  miles of paved and gravel pathways designated for biking and walking.

Sandy Hook Multi-Use Pathway | Monmouth County
Pedal 8.7 miles along the Sandy Hook peninsula, where you’ll enjoy salty sea breezes and spectacular views of the ocean and maritime forests. Perfect for summertime rides, this bike trail is a favorite for its beach access, which allows you to stop for a seaside picnic or a quick dip in the ocean before you finish your ride. The multi-use, paved path will also lead you to must-see historic sites including the country’s oldest operating lighthouse, Sandy Hook Lighthouse, and the former U.S. Army installation Fort Hancock, which defended the New York Harbor through both World Wars.

Cape May Shoreline Ride | Cape May County
Explore the charming town of Cape May on bike. Beginning and ending at the Cape May Lighthouse parking lot, this 46.4-mile loop takes bikers through the historic village, passing destinations like the Cape May County Park & Zoo, the Nature Center, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and the Sunset Pavilion. Along the way, you’ll pass by Victorian-era homes, bird sanctuaries, idyllic beaches, boardwalks and wetlands.

Hiddden Restaurant Gems

🍽️Check out today’s suggestions!

North Jersey

Andre’s Lakeside Dining | Sparta
The scene: Situated on the shores of Seneca Lake, indoor and outdoor seating serve rustic upscale vibes with breathtaking views.
The eats: The menu evolves – as often as weekly – to shine a spotlight on seasonal flavors.
Things to do nearby: Play a round at SkyView Golf Club or make a splash at Tomahawk Lake Water Park (in season).

Central Jersey

Ninety Acres | Peapack & Gladstone
The scene: Chic open-concept dining room and kitchen settings indoors with patio seating strung with lights and surrounded by gardens outside.
The eats: Many restaurants jumped on the farm-to-table trend but few can deliver as well as Ninety Acres which grows and harvests ingredients directly on its grounds.
Things to do nearby: You don’t have to go any further than the property’s borders to inspire your inner chef at The Cooking School at Natirar.

South Jersey

Bayshore Crab House | Newport
The scene: For a creekside place known for seafood, you may be surprised that it’s housed in a big red barn with a larger-than-life bull adorning one side. Inside the décor is rustic seaside shack (in the best way!).
The eats: With the blood of oystermen running through his veins, owner-chef Kenny Lore knows how to serve up scores of shellfish harvested from the Delaware Bay plus “buckets of clams and steaming heaps of South Jersey Style crabs” for lunch and dinner select days in season (May to October).
Things to do nearby: This truly off-the-beaten-path location is entirely shaded green in online maps, inviting you to take a stroll around the Nantuxent Wildlife Management Area.

Healthy Aging

What Does Aging Gracefully Even Mean? While there is no “right” way to pursue successful aging, experts have found common characteristics of the most successful agers within three key life components. Next Avenue

What to Do About Medicare and Social Security When You Move: If you’re a Social Security and Medicare recipient you need to let these Federal agencies know when and where you move so there are no hiccups in your benefits or coverage. The Oklahoman

3 Tax Hits Retirees Need to Watch Out For: It’s hard to get out of paying taxes in general. But many people assume that once they start retirement, they’ll be able to magically avoid owing the IRS money. The Motley Fool

Today in History

• 1945: Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) was declared, marking the end of World War II in Europe after Germany’s unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces. Celebrations erupted across Europe and the world to mark the end of the most devastating conflict in human history.

• 1973: The television show “Happy Days” premiered on ABC in the United States. Created by Garry Marshall, this sitcom became incredibly popular and is remembered as a cultural icon of the 1970s, immortalizing the era of 1950s nostalgia.

• LISTEN: The White House Historical Association released a new episode of The White House 1600 Sessions podcast featuring a conversation on the history and grand treasures of the Washington National Cathedral. The full video of this podcast episode is also available on the White House Historical Association’s YouTube channel here.

Today’s Birthdays

🎂Birthday greetings today for Isadore Perri of Avalon. Another year older, another year wiser! Wishing you a fantastic 68th birthday filled with love and laughter, Isadore! Other notable people sharing a birthday today with Isadore are:

• Melissa Gilbert (1964) – American actress, 60 years old

• Toni Tennille (1940) – American singer-songwriter, 84 years old

• Bill de Blasio (1961) – American politician, 63 years old

• David Attenborough (1926) – English broadcaster and naturalist, 98 years old

🥳Want to wish someone “Happy Birthday” here? Refer one friend to sign up for this free newsletter and receive a free birthday wish! Refer 20 people and get a free “Better With Age New Jersey” t-shirt. Use the link below:

Thought for Today

🌸“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” Actress Audrey Hepburn

😊Thanks for reading! Do you have a favorite bike-riding spot in New Jersey? Let us know about it!

📸Send us your photos! We’re looking for photos of iconic spots in New Jersey from days gone by to share with our readers.

Disclaimer: Nothing on this website should be considered medical advice. Always consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet, medical plan, or exercise routine. Likewise, we do not offer legal or financial advice.