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- 🌷 It’s Tulip Time in New Jersey!
🌷 It’s Tulip Time in New Jersey!
Spring Blooms & Fun Events Await! ✨🌸 Monmouth County edition
Better With Age NJ team
April 02, 2025
It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!
🌷 Spring is in full swing with dazzling tulips, exciting day trips, book sales, and fun local events — plus, don’t miss out on free tax prep help and this week’s top news for seniors!
☀️Weather Watch: A cool start with partly sunny skies and a high of 49 today, but clouds roll in tonight with a slight chance of showers. Thursday brings a warm-up to 74° before late-night rain moves in. Expect off-and-on showers through the weekend, with highs in the 50s and 60s. Keep the umbrella handy! ☔
Up first…
🌷 It’s Tulip Time in New Jersey!
Spring is here, and tulips are in full bloom across the Garden State! Whether you're looking to snap stunning photos, pick a fresh bouquet, or enjoy a fun day out with the grandkids, these tulip farms have something for everyone.
✨ Top Tulip Spots:
🌷 Holland Ridge Farms (Cream Ridge) – The largest U-Pick tulip farm in the USA, boasting over 8 million tulips in 100+ varieties! Tulips are $1 per stem (just 50¢ on weekdays). Don’t miss their weekend artisan market hosted by Asbury Fresh, featuring local vendors and crafts. Runs April through May.
🌷 Dalton Farms (Swedesboro) – Walk through breathtaking fields of tulips and daffodils and pick your own! Open daily from 10 AM – 7 PM (April 5–27, tentative). Weekends offer live music, food vendors, and a beer garden, making it a perfect multi-generational outing.
🦖 Arrowhead Farmstead (Manalapan) – Tulips + Dinosaurs! This unique Dinosaur and Tulip Festival (April 5–27) includes animatronic dinosaurs, tractor rides, a live dinosaur stage show, and, of course, fields of tulips. Admission is $21.50 for tulip days, $27.50 for festival days (online only).
🌷 Snyder’s Farm (Somerset) – A peaceful tulip-picking experience, with stunning fields of colorful tulips. Their season typically runs mid-April to early May, so check their website for exact dates.
🚶♂️ Plan Smart: Tulip fields require a lot of walking, and weekends can get crowded. If possible, visit on a weekday for a more relaxed experience. Wear comfy shoes and bring a basket for your blooms!
💰 Free Tax Prep Help at Monmouth County Libraries!
The April 15th deadline for filing taxes is almost here, but don’t stress—AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Volunteers are offering free income tax preparation at select Monmouth County Library branches! This service is available for most Federal and NJ tax returns (complex returns may not be eligible).
📌 Important Notes:
✔️ All taxpayers must be present when filing.
✔️ For joint returns, both taxpayers must be present.
✔️ Bring necessary documents (check the flyer or website for details).
📍 Where & When:
🖥️ Eastern Branch (Shrewsbury) – By Appointment Only
📅 Feb 11 – Apr 13 | Tues & Thurs: 9 AM – 5 PM | Sat: 9 AM – 1 PM
📌 Book online: tinyurl.com/TaxAideEasternBranch
🚶 Hazlet Branch – Walk-In, First Come, First Served
📅 Feb 7 – Apr 14 | Mon: 1 PM – 5 PM | Fri: 1 PM – 4 PM
🚶 Wall Branch – Walk-In, First Come, First Served
📅 Feb 3 – Apr 11 | Mon, Tues, Fri: 1 PM – 4 PM
🖥️ Marlboro Branch – Appointments Preferred, Limited Walk-Ins Before Noon
📅 Feb 5 – Apr 10 | Wed & Thurs: 10 AM – 2:30 PM | Sat: 10 AM – 12 PM
📌 Book online: tinyurl.com/TaxAideMarlboroBranch
☎️ Need Help? Call AARP Foundation at 888-227-7669
Don’t wait—get your taxes done for free! ⏳💼
🚗 Day Trip Alert: Mansion in May – Tickets on Sale Now!
Looking for a delightful spring outing? “Mansion in May” is a must-see event for anyone who loves history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking gardens. This exclusive designer showcase happens only every two to three years, and tickets sell out fast—so now’s the time to plan your visit!
This year’s event takes place at the historic Wildfair mansion in Chester Township, a stunning estate with 220 years of history. Stroll through elegantly designed rooms, explore lush gardens, and admire the work of top interior designers who transform this grand home into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Whether you go with friends or make it a special solo adventure, “Mansion in May” is the perfect day trip to soak in beauty and inspiration. Don’t wait—get your tickets now before they’re gone! Learn more here.
📰 Prime Time News
Your weekly link to retirement and aging news from trusted newspapers, magazines, and digital publications.
🔹 Aging Well: 10 Things You Should Know – Save on healthcare costs and make retirement more fulfilling with these expert tips. (Kiplinger, March 27)
🔹 A 5-Minute Blood Test Can Answer a Haunting Question – A simple test can detect early signs of Alzheimer’s—yet many people don’t know about it. (Next Avenue, March 27)
🔹 Retirement Savings on Track? How Much You Should Have by 55 and 60 – JPMorgan’s guide helps older Gen Xers determine if they’re saving enough. (Kiplinger, March 24)
🔹 Social Security Warning: Five Missteps Too Many Women Make – Claiming Social Security is tricky, and women often face higher stakes. Avoid these common mistakes. (Kiplinger, March 24)
🔹 Social Security Change Now Going Into Effect – The SSA is reinstating 100% benefit withholdings for overpaid recipients, up from last year’s 10% policy. (USA Today, March 28)
📩 Stay informed and make the most of your retirement years!
🗓️ Upcoming Events
🌸 Wheaton Springs – A Celebration of Creativity!
📅 Saturday, April 5 | 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 WheatonArts, 1501 Glasstown Rd, Millville, NJ
💰 FREE Admission!
Kick off WheatonArts’ creative season with art exhibits, hands-on projects, and live artist demos (glassmaking, pottery, and more). Enjoy discounted workshops and delicious bites from food vendors. A perfect outing for art lovers of all ages!
🎨 Part of Family Days! Presented by PNC Arts Alive!
👉 More info: WheatonArts Website
🌼 Daffodil Days – A Blooming Celebration!
📅 Saturday & Sunday, April 5 & 6
📍 Allentown, NJ
💰 Cost Varies Per Event
Step into spring with 10,000+ daffodils in bloom, walking tours, the "A Tonal Oasis" concert, and fun activities throughout historic Allentown. Enjoy the 4th Annual Daffodil Days hosted by The Allentown Village Initiative.
🌿 See the full event lineup: www.allentownvinj.org
🎨 Clinton’s Art in Bloom Festival
📅 Sunday, April 6 | 11 AM – 4 PM
📍 47 Main St, Clinton, NJ
💰 FREE Admission!
Main Street transforms into a vibrant arts festival featuring 100+ local artists and artisans, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more. Enjoy live music, a kids zone, and wine & beer gardens—a perfect way to spend a spring afternoon!
🌷 Spring is in full swing—get out and enjoy!
🌿This Week in Monmouth County Parks
🪓 19th Century Woodworking Demonstration
📅 Saturday, April 5 | 12–3 PM
📍 Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel, NJ
💰 FREE Admission!
Step back in time and watch a skilled woodworker craft beautiful, functional pieces using 19th-century techniques. A great outing for history buffs and craft lovers alike!
🌾 Milling Demonstrations
📅 April 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 26–27 | 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 PM
📍 Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold, NJ
💰 FREE Admission!
Experience history in motion as a 19th-century gristmill grinds corn into meal during this quick and fascinating 15-minute demo. Perfect for all ages!
📚 At the Library This Week
A week full of books, crafts, meditation, and more! Check out these fantastic events happening at your local libraries:
🧩 Puzzle & Game Swap Drop-Off – Hazlet Library
April 2, 6 PM – 8 PM
Drop off a puzzle or game and receive tickets to swap for something new on April 5!
📖 GIANT BOOK SALE – Ocean Township Library
April 2, 10 AM – 8 PM
Browse thousands of books, DVDs, CDs, and vintage vinyl, all organized for easy shopping. Proceeds support library programs!
🎶 Guided Meditation with Singing Bowls – Manalapan Library
April 8, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Unwind with the soothing tones of crystal singing bowls and guided imagery. Registration required.
🧩 Puzzle & Game Swap Pick-Up – Hazlet Library
April 5, 10 AM – 12 PM
Bring your swap tickets from April 2 and choose a new puzzle or game to enjoy!
📚 Hazlet Library Spring Book Sale
April 5, 9 AM – 1 PM
Find books from $0.50–$2 or fill a tote for $10. Cash only.
🧶 Yarn Works: A Crochet & Knit Drop-In – Allentown Library
April 9, 1 PM – 3 PM
Bring your yarn project and craft alongside fellow enthusiasts. No registration required!
Don't miss out—there’s something for everyone at the library this week!
🎂Cheers to Another Wonderful Year!
🎉 Wishing a very happy 72nd birthday to Gail Levinson of Marlboro—may your day be filled with joy, laughter, and all the wonderful things you love! 🎂💐
A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Gail include:
⭐ Michael Fassbender (1977) – Acclaimed actor from X-Men, 12 Years a Slave, and Steve Jobs.
⭐ Roselyn Sánchez (1973) – Actress and singer, known for Devious Maids and Without a Trace.
⭐ Christopher Meloni (1961) – A fan favorite from Law & Order: SVU and Oz.
⭐ Emmylou Harris (1947) – Legendary country and folk singer-songwriter.
Happy birthday to all celebrating today! 🎂✨
Thanks for reading!
A huge thank you to the dedicated AARP Tax-Aide volunteers who are making tax season a little easier! Your time, patience, and expertise help so many in our community—you're truly appreciated! 🙌💙
First time reading? Join thousands of New Jersey seniors. Sign up here for our free weekly newsletter.
Questions, comments or news to share? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at info@betterwithagenj.com
That’s a wrap! Stay happy, stay curious, and don’t forget to enjoy the little things this week. And remember—you’re not getting older, you’re getting better with age! See you next week! 😊
P.S. In case you missed it, we put together a list of fun Easter events in New Jersey—perfect for a day out with the grandkids! 🐰🌸 Get the list here.