New Jersey's hidden restaurant gems

Happy Monday, New Jersey!

⛅Today’s weather: Partly sunny, high 71.

👀What’s on tap today:

• More great spots to bike in the Garden State

• Check out some of N.J.’s hidden restaurant gems

• Using hearing aids can be frustrating for older adults

Up first:

Best places to bike in New Jersey

🚵‍♂️The suggestions keep rolling in! Here are three more spots across the state worth checking out!

North Jersey

Kittatinny Valley State Park, Sussex County

Forests, wetlands, swamps, fields – the landscape is diverse in this sprawling state park, which is home to New Jersey’s deepest natural lake. The park offers eight miles of mountain biking trails in addition to two rail trails: the 27.1-mile Paulinskill Valley Trail and the 18-mile Sussex Branch Trail. From gravel roads to rugged terrain, trails for all skill levels can be found at this park. So, whether you are just starting out or a seasoned biker, you’re sure to find a trail to enjoy.

Central Jersey

Washington Crossing State Park, Mercer County

At the site of General Washington’s iconic crossing of the Delaware in 1776, you’ll discover five miles of mountain bike trails. The Bike Trail begins at Phillips Farm and forms a 2-mile loop through meadows and forested areas. Here, you’ll also find the trailhead for the 2.2-mile, multi-use Horseback Riding Trail. The shorter D&R Feeder Canal Trail begins at the Washington Grove day-use area and follows along a former canal towpath and a 19^th -century railroad route. There is a total of 13 hiking trails at the park, along with museum exhibitions, living history demonstrations, and outdoor education programs, so be sure to park your bike and explore all the park has to offer.

South Jersey

Ocean City Boardwalk, Cape May County

Get moving and bike the iconic Ocean City Boardwalk for a 2.5-mile ride accompanied by dramatic ocean views. Along the way, you can stop and shop or dine at the popular restaurants that line the route. Be sure to check the permitted bike hours before you go since they vary depending on the season. Due to heavy pedestrian traffic during the summer, bicycles are often prohibited on the boardwalk after noon.

What’s your favorite place to ride in the Garden State? Email us at [email protected] so we can share your suggestion with our readers!

NJ news briefs

• Sea Girt ordinance bans digging large holes at the beach for safety reasons.   News 12

• For a second time, Sen. Bob Menendez faces a corruption trial. This time, it involves gold bars.  Associated Press

Hidden restaurant gems

🍽️🍴Check out today’s suggestions!

North Jersey

Buck Hill Brewery, Blairstown
The scene: Relaxed and casual, the brewery’s indoor and outdoor dining is all about creating a welcoming community.
The eats (and drinks!): Dig into the best of pasture-to-plate dishes and farm-to-foam beers.
Things to do nearby: Catch a show at Roy’s Hall or or meet some fluffy-faced new friends at Hidden Brook Ranch Alpaca.

Central Jersey

AMA Pizza and Cucina, Hillsborough

The scene: The quintessential warm and welcoming family-owned-and-operated trattoria.
The eats: The menu reflects the heart and soul of simple, delicious dishes beloved by owner and chef Achille Confuorto.
Things to do nearby: Stroll the 1,000-acre Duke Farm or sip some suds at Flounder Brewing Co.

South Jersey

The 50s Diner, Tuckahoe

The scene: Quirky and colorful with a traffic light adding to its “stop here” curb appeal.
The eats: Think fluffy waffles, juicy burgers and overflowing plates of fries – everything a great retro diner should have!
Things to do nearby: Get your shopping on browsing eclectic home décor at Tuckahoe Village – you can also sign up for a fun decorating class while you’re there.

What’s your favorite Jersey restaurant? Let us know at [email protected]

Around the Web

Healthy aging: Using hearing aids can be frustrating for older adults. KFF Health News

Travel: Spirit of Polynesian storytelling comes to life at new Disney Vacation Club Tower. Disney Parks

Retirement: Some older Americans are splurging to keep their homes accesible while others struggle to make safety upgrades. Associated Press

Entertainment:  “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” has reigned over the weekend box office. Studio estimates Sunday said the latest installment in the “Apes” franchise brought in $56.5 million in North American theaters. Ryan Gosling's “The Fall Guy”was No. 2 with $13.7 million. Zendaya's tennis thriller “Challengers” was third with $4.7 million.

In the Parks

🌸Here’s a look at some fun events planned in the coming weeks in Monmouth County Parks.

🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️“Explore a Shore” from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 18 at the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell. Discover what lives in and around the shore as you go exploring with a Park System Naturalist. Pre-registration and fee required. 👴👵

🌱Gentle Walks for Gentle Souls from from 10-11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21 at Tatum Park in Middletown. Wander old roads and wide paths during this Park System Naturalist-led walk. Pre-registration and fee required.

🎣Freshwater Fishing Derby, on Saturday, June 15 atthe Manasquan Reservoir in Howell, and Sunday, June 16 at Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold. Open to both beginner and experienced anglers, this event starts each day with a free hands-on clinic from 12:30-1:30 p.m., followed by the fishing derby from 2-5 p.m. Cost is $28 per family of 4 or $9 per person. Pre-registration is suggested; walk-ins are welcome (cash, check or credit card on site). 👴👵

🎾Reminder: Registration is underway for the Friends of the Park’s pickleball tournament, The Monmouth Cup. Held on Saturday, June 1 at the Dorbroook Park Recreation Area in Colts Neck. This charity event promises to be great fun for both seasoned tournament players and those competing for the first time. The cost is $65 per player. Register online.

For more information, visit Monmouth County Parks.

*👴👵Grandkid approved!

Events this weekend

• New Jersey Seafood Festival
  May 17-19
  Silver Lake Park, Belmar, NJ belmar.com 

• Ocean Grove Vintage Car Show
  Saturday, May 18
  Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ oceangrovenj.com

Today in History

• In 1973, in tennis’ first so-called “Battle of the Sexes,” Bobby Riggs defeated Margaret Court 6-2, 6-1 in Ramona, California. (Billie Jean King soundly defeated Riggs at the Houston Astrodome in September.) 

• In 2019, Doris Day, the sunny blond film star and singer who appeared in comedic roles opposite Rock Hudson and Cary Grant in the 1950s and 1960s, died at her California home at age of 97.

Thought for Today

Today’s Birthdays

"🎉🎂 Happy Birthday greetings today are for Allison Pearson of Manahawkin! 🎂🎉 Wishing you a day filled with joy, laughter, and all the things that make you smile! May this new year bring you countless blessings and adventures! 🥳✨

Sharing a birthday today with Allison are some other notable figures: 🎉🎂Actor Buck Taylor is 86. Actor Harvey Keitel is 85. Author Charles Baxter is 77. Actor Zoe Wanamaker is 76. Actor Franklyn Ajaye is 75. Singer Stevie Wonder is 74. Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich is 72. Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman is 63. “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert is 60. Singer Darius Rucker (Hootie and the Blowfish) is 58. 🎈

Thanks for reading! We appreciate you!

Send us your comments. Do you have news to share of interest to older adults? Email us: [email protected]