🌻See what's new to do in New Jersey!

🌻Happy Thursday, New Jersey!

⛈️Weather: Chance of thunderstorms, high 91

👀What’s on tap today:

• See what’s new to do in New Jersey

• Thursday Farmers’ Markets

• Recipe for Jersey Fresh Mexican Corn Salad

Up first…

See what’s new to do in New Jersey 

New things to do are always sprouting up in the Garden State. From North to Central to South Jersey, these are the attractions, experiences, accommodations and restaurants that are sure to wow – and score you serious points with the grandkids!👵🧒

Awe-Inspiring Attractions
🛕Looking to immerse yourself in a cultural wonder? BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham (Robbinsville) is the second-largest Hindu mandir (house of worship) in the world. The architecture, manicured grounds and pure tranquility will take your breath away.

🦖Make no bones about it, Edelman Fossil Park & Museum – slated to open later in 2024 – will be a one-of-a-kind attraction. Where 66-million-year-old marine and terrestrial fossils have etched the final moments of the dinosaur era into history.

🎢Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2024, Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson) isn’t a new attraction. But it is introducing its own new attraction (and a new place to stay – more on that under Inspiring Accommodations below). Gather up your courage to ride THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity, the park’s newest rollercoaster that hits a top speed of 59 miles per hour. Of course, this is just one of the adventurous must-dos we recommend there.

In 2024, American Dream (East Rutherford) got even dreamier with new entertainment offerings. Make time to visit the recently-opened New Jersey Hall of Fame and The Gameroom Powered by Hasbro. You’ll need to add these attractions to the ever-growing list of things to do during your visit.

All aboard Revolution Rail Co. (Cape May), where you can pedal-pedal-choo-choo along a four-mile trek powering your own railbike while taking in the scenery of The Nature Conservancy’s Garrett Family Preserve.

🕹️With a new location in Metuchen, fans of old-school arcades now have a fourth Yestercades where they can play their way to the top of the leaderboard. No need to bring rolls of quarters, Gen-Xers! Just purchase an hour-long or daily re-entry pass to get your game on as long as you like.

Exceptional Experiences
🍺Love craft beer? Then you should follow the Jersey Brews Trail! Enjoy great Garden State sips at over 50 breweries up, down and all around New Jersey. Be sure to sign up for this mobile-exclusive offering to earn points redeemable for wow-worthy prizes through November 7, 2024.

🏞️Prefer green spaces to amber ales? You can join in the Jersey State Parks Passport to rack up points by visiting participating parks and earn your own rewards through April 8, 2025. This experience is a can’t-miss for hikers and bikers, paddlers and oh-wow-ers, explorers and even-more-ers!

Amazing Accommodations
🏨Vacationers come to Wildwood for its impossibly wide beaches – and now they have a new place to stay for a night, weekend or entire week just steps from its powdery soft sands. Madison Resort Wildwood Crest boasts two hotel towers, three restaurants, two pools, two fitness centers and complimentary beach service for guests.

For peak Japanese luxury smack dab in the middle of our own glittering city by the sea, check into Nobu Hotel Caesars Atlantic City. The stunning views from its 82 guestrooms and rooftop pool are a sure bet every time.

There will also be a brilliant new place to stay in the heart of New Jersey’s Ivy League town. Graduate Princeton is slated to open its doors in Summer 2024. Make a plan to check in to this brand-new hotel and check out the legend and lore surrounding the world-famous university.

🦁Additionally opening in June 2024 is Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa – the one and only place you can go on safari in New Jersey! Set within Six Flags Great Adventure’s 350-acre Wild Safari, this new resort features luxe private glamping suites and sought-after benefits that include a Giraffe Encounter, Wild Safari Tour, access to the parks, made-to-order breakfast and nightly activities.

Rave-Worthy Restaurants
🍽️Hailed as one of the Best New Restaurants in America by Esquire and earning honors as a James Beard Foundation Semi Finalist, Lita brings the flavors of Portugal across the ocean to Aberdeen. Entrusted with his grandmother’s recipes, Chef David Viana will wow you with every dish.

🎳Enjoy made-from-scratch Italian fare at Pinstripes (Paramus). Once you’ve cleaned your plate, you can challenge your friends and family to a friendly (or not-so-friendly) match of bocce or bowling. You’ll find both under Pinstripes oh-so-chic roof.

Celebrate fresh new flavors in a venerable historic building at FiNNBAR in Frenchtown – a beloved Central Jersey destination. No matter what you order, you can’t go wrong with New York Times-bestselling cookbook author and acclaimed chef Cal Peternell in the kitchen.

Ready to pile more on your plate? Pull up a chair at Byrd (Hoboken), CatBird (Asbury Park) and The Roxy (Jersey City). And still on the menu for 2024: Eataly (Short Hills), and Bar MUTZ (Westwood).

Thursday Farmers’ Markets

Princeton Farmer’s Market
Select Thursdays, 10 am – 2 pm
Princeton Farmers Market is a registered 501c3 non-profit whose mission is to provide the community with local and fresh produce and artisan goods. They believe healthy food is a right and that it is important to support the local agriculture and farmers. You’ll find a variety of goods including local, organic fruits and vegetables, free-range beef, poultry, pork, eggs, cheese, pickles, honey, baked goods, linens, nut butter, and more!
Dinky Train Station Lot, 172 Alexander St., Princeton, NJ

Red Bank Boardwalk Fresh
Now – September 26, 5 pm – 9 pm
The 2024 Broadwalk FRESH market takes place every Thursday evening from June to September in downtown Red Bank, NJ. This pedestrian-only marketplace features artisan goods, gourmet treats, live entertainment, and activities for kids. The market runs from 5 PM to 9 PM, and vendors include farmers, food purveyors, makers, and vintage & collectible sellers.
Broad St and West Front St, Red Bank, NJ

Teaneck Farmers’ Market
Now – November, Thursdays 12 pm – 6 pm
Items being sold include farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, pickles, olives, baked goods, honey, jams, prepared foods, cheese, and more.
Corner of Garrison Ave & Beverly Rd, Teaneck, NJ

The NDD Downtown Market
Now – October, Thursdays, 11 am – 3 pm
In addition, to live music, a farm stand hosted by the Urban Agriculture Cooperative, curated arts and crafts vendors, physical fitness activations, and information tables highlighting local businesses and community-based organizations, the market will feature a seating area dedicated to food delivery services bringing food from downtown restaurants. Vendor selection featured restaurants, and programming will all be centered on downtown businesses.
Prudential Plaza, 80 Park Place, Newark, NJ

Barnegat Farmers Market
Now – September; Thursdays, 10 am – 3 pm
A variety of vendors and local produce from Stillwell Farms, Krowicki Farms, and Eckert Farms.
14 Birdsall St, Barnegat, NJ

Monroe Twp Farmers Market
Now – September, 2 pm – 6:30 pm
The 3rd year promises returning favorite vendors and musicians, as well as new offerings. The market features fresh produce, prepared foods, and the Friends of the Library Book Sale.
4 Municipal Plaza,Monroe Twp., NJ

And while you shopping at a local farmer’s market, pick up some Jersey Fresh corn and try this recipe for Jersey Fresh Mexican Corn Salad. Get the recipe here or watch the YouTube recipe video below. It’s sure to be a hit at your next summer BBQ.

Upcoming Events

July 11 – 13 – Randolph Freedom Festival (Randolph, Morris County)
July 11 – 21 – Bernardsville Restaurant Week (Bernardville, Somerset County)
July 12 – Galloway Green Market (Smithville, Atlantic County)
July 12 – 12th Annual Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival (Wildwood Crest, Cape May County)
July 12 & 13 – Car Cruise (Smithville, Atlantic County)
July 12 – 14 – NJ State BBQ Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival (North Wildwood, Cape May County)
July 12 – 14 – New Jersey Jeep Invasion (Wildwood, Cape May County)
July 12 – 16 – The Feast of Mt Carmel – Berkeley Heights (Berkeley Heights, Union County)
July 12 – 16 – Dream Food Fest (East Rutherford, Bergen County)
July 13 – Whitesbog Blueberry Summer Fest (Browns Mills, Burlington County)
July 13 – Taco Palooza (Sewell, Gloucester County)
July 13 – The Moody Blues’ John Lodge (New Brunswick, Middlesex County)
July 13 – Blueberry Festival at Mood’s Farm Market (Mullica Hill, Gloucester County)
July 13 – Sourland Mountain Festival (Ringoes, Hunterdon County)
July 13 – Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival (Atlantic City, Atlantic County)
July 13 – Freehold Twp Day (Freehold, Monmouth County)
July 13 – Afro Beat Fest (Newark, Essex County)
July 13 – The Peach Music Festival (Atlantic City, Atlantic County)
July 13 – Wine and Wildlife (Moorestown, Camden County)
July 13 – Voorhees Small Business Showcase and Expo Festival (Voorhees, Gloucester County)
July 13 & 14 – 30th Annual Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival (Haddonfield, Camden County)
July 13 & 14 – Terhune Orchard’s Blueberry Bash (Princeton, Mercer County)
July 13 & 14 – Maplewoodstock Music & Arts Festival (Maplewood, Essex County)
July 13 & 14 – Puerto Rican Parade and Festival (Elizabeth, Union County)
July 13 & 14 – Garden State Cat Expo + Show (Edison, Middlesex County)
July 13 – 27 – Jersey City Restaurant Week (Jersey City, Hudson County)
July 14 – The Somer(Ville) Market (Somerville, Somerset County)

Navigating Aging

• Older Women Are Different Than Older Men. Their Health Is Woefully Understudied. KFF Health News

• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Despite perceived challenges associated with grandparental kinship — delayed retirement, increased expenses — there are positive benefits for both grandparents and grandchildren. Next Avenue

• Researchers identify vascular changes in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Mayo Clinic

Today’s Birthdays

🎉 Happy 89th Birthday, Al Palik of Somerset! 🎉 Wishing you a day filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments. 🥳🎂 May this special milestone bring you happiness and warm memories. Here’s to many more wonderful years ahead! 🎈🎁

A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Al include fashion designer Giorgio Armani, 89; actress Lisa Rinna, 61; and rapper Lil’ Kim, 50.

Today in New Jersey History

• On July 11, 1804, one of the most famous duels in American history took place in Weehawken, New Jersey. Vice President Aaron Burr fatally shot former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. The duel was the culmination of a long-standing personal and political rivalry between the two men.

• On July 11, 1921, the New Jersey State Police was formally established. The organization was created to provide statewide law enforcement and improve public safety across New Jersey. The formation marked a significant development in the state’s efforts to combat crime and maintain order.

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😊See you tomorrow!