Embrace the Chill: Fun things to do in New Jersey in January

It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!

🥶Weather: Sunny, with a high near 28 degrees. Northwest winds at 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Bundle up!

👀What’s on tap today

• Higher Social Security payments coming for millions

• Driving into the Big Apple? Prepare to pay more

• Attention gardeners! Don’t miss National Seed Swap Day

Up first…

Things to Do in New Jersey in January 

Feeling a bit down after the holidays? No worries! We've got some exciting spots to explore and fun activities to enjoy in New Jersey this January. Get ready for a month full of amazing relaxation, rejuvenation, and recreation, whether you prefer staying indoors or venturing outside. Let's dive in!

Book a Spa Weekend at SoJo Spa Club
660 River Road, Edgewater
You don’t have to be a “new year, new me” type to treat yourself to a spa getaway. With treatments like their Head-To-Toe Rebalance and Volcanic Sand Bath plus immersive amenities that include Himalayan Salt and Charcoal Saunas, an Ice Room, year-round outdoor Thermal Baths and more, this is not your average self-care experience. Want to push your pampering to the next level? Reserve an overnight stay in Hotel SoJo.

Play in the Powder at Campgaw Mountain 
200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah
At this multi-year Best of Bergen winner, you get to choose how to descend the mountain – skiing, snowboarding or tubing. No equipment? No problem! Campgaw offers every kind of rental you could possibly need. Need a confidence builder before riding that lift up, up, up the slopes? Take a group, semi-private or private lesson led by a certified instructor. Peak fun for you and the grandkids.

Make Spirits Bright (Again!) at New Jersey Distilleries
Various locations and regions around the state 
You can almost taste the history in every sip of double gold medal flagship gin at the Garden State’s first post-prohibition distillery, Sourland Mountain Spirits in Hopewell (Central Jersey). Or head down to the Shore to warm your soul with small-batch bourbon and specialty liqueurs at Asbury Park Distilling Co. If beer is more your drink of choice, you can raise a cold one with friends and earn wow-worthy swag with along the Jersey Brews Trail. Cheers!

Slip and Slide at Indoor Water Parks
Various locations in New Jersey 
Yes, the Garden State has some of the biggest and splashiest indoor water parks around – try one this January with the grandkids! Ride the waves with everyone’s good buddy Shrek watching over you at DreamWorks Water Park  – it’s North America’s largest indoor water park. Plus there’s a whole world of American Dream shopping and entertainment to dive into once you towel off. Or escape winter’s chill by leaning into the tropical vibe at the world’s largest beachfront water park – Island Waterpark in Showboat Atlantic City. No passport required!

Meet Fishy Friends at Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive, Camden
When it’s cold outside, you can bring the fam to Stingray Beach Club at Adventure Aquarium, where it’s always warm and bright, and everyone can safely pet and feed the resident cownose and southern stingrays. Other must-see aquarium attractions include Shark Bridge, Hippo Haven (say hi to Button and Genny!), Penguin Park, Undersea Explore VR Experience, Piranha Falls, Shark Tunnel and more. You can also watch your favorite marine animals chow down during live feedings. Bon appetit!

Dive Into History with an American Revolution Itinerary 
Various locations in New Jersey
Get ahead of our nation’s upcoming 250th birthday by marching in the footsteps of General George Washington and his brave Continental Army right now. We’ve already done the research and are sharing day-by-day trip inspiration, including revolutionary sites to see plus perfectly situated places to eat and stay along the way. Onward!

Go Luxe at Madison Resort Wildwood Crest
7201 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood Crest
When you hear “beach getaway,” do you automatically think summertime? Well there are unique seaside joys to be uncovered in the month of January. Indulge in chic accommodations and amenities at the new Madison Resort Wildwood Crest. Enjoy crowd-free strolling on boardwalks and beaches. And take in the mid-century vibes of The Wildwoods’ Doo Wop architecture. There’s nothing groovier!

Find Peace in a National or State Park
Various locations in New Jersey 
Take a wintery hike or give snowshoeing a try at High Point or Allamuchy Mountain State Park (both in the Skylands Region). These are just three of the natural areas mapped out on the Jersey State Parks Passport – which gives you the chance to earn popular perks while you seek serenity. Breathe in, breathe out, get stuff.

Center Yourself at Grounds For Sculpture
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton
This one-of-a-kind outdoor art park is open year-round. And aren’t you clever for visiting in January when you can really get up-close and personal with master works looming large under the winter sky? Gardeners also need to mark their calendars for two special events. On January 22, 2025, you can join horticulturists for a Winter Wonders in the Garden tour. Then a Rose Pruning workshop hosted on January 25, 2025, will share how, where and when to get your roses spring-ready. Everything’s coming up roses!

Fest It Up 
Or you could head to Mount Holly on January 25, 2025, for the can’t-miss Fire and Ice Festival. Watch pros carve ice sculptures and test your fortitude with spicy hot flavors in the Chili Cook-off.

To find even more events, visit https://visitnj.org/nj/events

Gardeners invited to National Seed Swap Day

🪴🌱Local gardeners are invited to celebrate National Seed Swap Day on Saturday, January 18, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center in Aberdeen. Hosted by the Monmouth County Park System, this free event offers an opportunity to exchange seeds and grow your garden community.

Event details:

• Seed Types Accepted: Vegetable, annual, perennial, and native seeds are welcome (please no invasive species).

• Packaging Guidelines: Place seeds in a sealed envelope or bag, labeled with the plant name, year collected, and source. Including a photo of the plant is encouraged but optional.

• Seed Submissions: If possible, drop off seeds in advance at the Huber Woods Environmental Center, Brown’s Dock Road, Middletown, throughout January.

• Seed Selection: Participants can choose from all available seeds during the event.

• Free Native Seeds: The Park System will provide native wildflower seeds to all attendees.

For more information about National Seed Swap Day, call 732-872-2670. To learn more about the Monmouth County Park System, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000. Persons with hearing impairments can contact the Park System through the TTY/TDD number at 711.

News & Notes

Higher Social Security payments coming for millions

President Joe Biden has signed into law a measure that boosts Social Security payments for current and former public employees. The change affects nearly 3 million people who receive pensions from their time as teachers, firefighters, police officers and in other public service jobs. Advocates say the Social Security Fairness Act rights a decades-old disparity. But it will also put strain on Social Security Trust Funds, which face a looming insolvency crisis. The bill rescinds two provisions that limit Social Security benefits for recipients if they get retirement payments from other sources, including public retirement programs from a state or local government. Biden signed the bill Sunday afternoon at the White House.

Surgeon General wants labels to warn of alcohol's cancer risk

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is proposed labeling alcohol as a cancer risk on drinks, highlighting its link to nearly one million preventable cancer cases in the U.S. over the past decade, with about 20,000 annual deaths. This proposal, requiring U.S. Congress approval, aims to better inform Americans, adding to existing labels that warn against drinking during pregnancy and impaired driving.

Congestion pricing begins in Manhattan

On Sunday, New York City implemented a new congestion pricing plan that essentially turns all of central Manhattan into a toll zone. It's like a cover charge for the city that never sleeps! The idea is to cut down on traffic, pollution, and fund public transit. So if you're heading anywhere south of 60th Street, get ready to pay up. EZ-Pass holders get a "discount" at $9 during peak hours and $2.25 overnight, while those without EZ-Pass are hit with $13.50 peak and $3.30 overnight. Motorcyclists get a half-off deal, which is great unless you're a bus or truck driver, in which case, prepare to empty your wallet. Emergency vehicles, school buses, and some disabled drivers get a free pass, because even New York has a heart. Low-income drivers can snag a 50% discount after 10 trips in a month. But the catch is you have to have a New York-issued EZ-Pass. And don't think you're off the hook if you're in a taxi or ride-share; there's a 75-cent surcharge for taxis and $1.50 for Uber or Lyft rides.

Aging News Roundup

How to spot hearing loss in a loved one: You're gathering with friends or family and something's just a bit off in conversation with a loved one. It could be new-onset hearing loss.

Treating substance abuse in older adults: Substance use often goes untreated in older adults, but psychologists have the skills and knowledge to help.

The seven key aging milestones in retirement: These seven milestone ages mark your eligibility for significant retirement benefits, including catch-up contributions and required actions, such as taking RMDs at age 73.

Last writes: The evolution of the obituary: How the process to tell a final life story has changed.

What do we do with the stuff our kids don’t want: Remember when heirs would fight over their parents' collections? Now, 'kids just don't want this stuff anymore,' a collector says.

January in the parks

Resolve to enjoy more time in your county parks this year! 🌳✨ Thanks to the Monmouth County Park System, it's easier than ever. Here's what's happening in January:

❄️ Wondrous Winter Walks
 📅 Dates: Wednesday, January 8, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen (Meet in Visitor Center Parking Lot) and again on Wednesday, January 22, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Hartshorne Woods Park (Meet in Rocky Point Parking Lot, Highlands)
Details: Dress warmly and explore nature's winter serenity with a Park System Naturalist. Open to all ages (under 18 with an adult). Sturdy footwear recommended. FREE!

🏖️ Winter Beach Walk
 📅 Date: Sunday, January 12
🕛 Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
 📍 Location: Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan
Details: Join a guided walk along the beach to collect and identify ocean treasures. Dress warmly and bring something to carry shells. FREE!

🎲 Parlor Games for Wintry Weather
 📅 Date: Sunday, January 12
🕛 Time: 12:00 - 2:30 p.m.
 📍 Location: Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Details: Play long-forgotten board games from the 1890s like Halma and Basilinda, plus old favorites like Backgammon and Checkers. FREE!

🦈 Nature Lecture: Cold Water Sharks of New Jersey
 📅 Date: Sunday, January 12
🕛 Time: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
 📍 Location: Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen
Details: Learn about local sharks found near the Jersey Shore during this informative talk. FREE!

🔥 Pine Barren Bonfires
 📅 Date: Monday, January 13
🕛 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
 📍 Location: Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold
Details: Enjoy an evening bonfire with games and s’mores under the full moon. Dress appropriately for the weather. Open to all ages (under 18 with an adult). Cost is $15 per family of four (cash or check only).

🐦 Casual Birder
 📅 Dates: Tuesday, January 14 at 9:00 a.m., Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch (Meet at Pavilion) and again on Tuesday, January 28 at 9:00 a.m., Manasquan Reservoir, Howell (Meet at Environmental Center)
Details: Join a laid-back morning bird walk with a Park System Naturalist for about an hour and a half. No expertise needed; binoculars available for borrowing. FREE!

For more information, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Park System at 📞732-842-4000. For hearing-impaired assistance, use TTY/TDD number 711.

Quick Question

What do you do for fun in January in New Jersey? Email your response to [email protected] so we can share your ideas with our readers next week!

Today’s birthdays

🎉 Happy 76th Birthday, Eileen Cooney of Spring Lake! 🎂 Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and sunshine by the shore! 🌞💐

A few other notable people that shared a birthday today with Eileen included singer Elvis Presley (would have been 90); singer David Bowie (would have been 78), and physicist Stephen Hawking (would have been 83).

On this date in history: The Beatles made their iconic appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964; the Concorde's first successful test flight took place in 1969; the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 in 2016, and in 1996, a significant blizzard hit New Jersey and other Northeast states, resulting in over 30 inches of snow in some regions. This storm caused widespread disruptions and is remembered as one of the most severe winter storms in the area’s history.

Thought for today

🙏✨Thanks for stopping by! A special shout-out today goes to all the gardeners out there who are helping to keep New Jersey lush and lovely.🪴

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Questions, feedback or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

👋😊See you next week!