Stairway to the Stars Lighthouse Climb in Cape May

Cape May Lighthouse offers visitors the chance to climb the 199 steps up to the historic, cast-iron spiral stairway and witness a staggering view of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Built in 1859, the lighthouse also offers visitors a chance to take in the surrounding nature trails leading to the beach and Cape May Borough. 

Interpretive panels on the grounds, at the base of the lighthouse, and at the top of the climb tell the stories of the lighthouse keepers and how the lighthouse functioned traditionally and today. Still an active aid to navigation, the structure was restored and is maintained by Cape May Museum + Arts + Culture (MAC). Since the Cape May MAC opened the lighthouse to the public in 1988, more than 2.5 million visitors have climbed to the top.  more

Park Chateau Estate & Gardens Will Wow Your Wedding Guests

Nestled midway between Manhattan and Philadelphia at 678 Cranberry Road in East Brunswick, Park Chateau Estate & Gardens is quickly becoming the noteworthy wedding venue in New Jersey.

Spanning 15 rolling and manicured acres, visitors will be struck first by the 17th century classical French architecture and garden designs. This setting provides the bride and groom with a range of locations to move their wedding party through; from the chapel to the outdoor gardens and sparkling ballroom, every site is picture perfect. more

Seventh Annual Watershed Solstice Trail Run

Image Source: https://thewatershed.org

On Saturday, June 18 at 5 p.m., get ready to race in the Watershed Solstice Trail Run in Pennington!

Back and bigger than ever, the trail run offers both a 5K (3.1 miles) and 10K (6.2 miles) distance. Participants can run or walk virtually or in person. The in-person competitors will have the chance to enjoy the signs of early summer at the Watershed Reserve. No walk-ins are allowed, so all runners must purchase admission ahead of time at https://thewatershed.org/solstice-run/.  more

Fantasy Faire at WheatonArts, June 18 & 19

Located at 1501 Glasstown Road in Millville, New Jersey, join WheatonArts for the Fantasy Faire on Saturday and Sunday, June 18 and 19. This family-friendly festival will take place each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Fantasy Faire features talented performers as they bring to life the “Kingdom of Wheaton” by enacting a series of interconnected shows that tell the story of the day. Interact with strolling costumed characters portraying historical and mythical figures in their favorite fantasy garb. more

“Happy Birthday, Mr. Olmsted!” Parks Celebration

Celebrate the birthday of Frederic Law Olmsted on Saturday, May 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Anderson Park, located at 274 Bellevue Avenue in Montclair. The event is free to attend and open to all ages. The rain date is Sunday, May 15. Anderson Park is handicap accessible. more

Ansel Adams Photography Exhibition at Kean University

Photo Credit: From Wawona Tunnel, Winter, Yosemite, 1935. Photo by Ansel Adams. @The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust

Works by iconic 20th-century landscape photographer Ansel Adams are now on display at the Galleries at Liberty Hall Academic Center at Kean University. 

The “Early Works” exhibition features 42 original vintage photographs by the master photographer of the American West, ranging from the 1920s to the 1950s. It is open to the public with a pay-what-you-wish (PWYW) admission. more

Celebrate Children’s Day at the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center

Image Source: https://japanphilly.org/shofuso/

Located in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, every year the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center celebrates Children’s Day on May 5. Children’s Day is a Japanese national holiday and is the final celebration of Golden Week, a collection of four national holidays within seven days. It is a day set aside to respect children’s individual personalities and to celebrate their happiness. more

Local Organizations Partner to Save the True Family Farmstead in Skillman

True Farmstead (Image Source: www.ssaamuseum.org)

The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) and Sourland Conservancy have joined forces to purchase and save the historic True family farmstead in Skillman, N.J.

The property was originally owned by an African American Union army veteran who worked as a farmer after the Civil War. In 1891, after his death, his wife Cordina married Spencer True, a descendant of the former slave Friday Truehart. Interestingly, Truehart had gained his freedom in 1819 and became an early African American landowner in the Sourland region. Spencer and Corinda made their home on the farmstead, which originally included the land on which the National Historic Register-listed Mt. Zion AME Church stands today. Spencer and Corinda donated the land for the church in 1899 after the original church, built around 1866 on the Sourland Mountain, burned down. Mt. Zion AME Church welcomed its African American congregants until 2005, and now serves as the home of the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum. more

Historical Society of Princeton Spring Walking Tours

Photo Credit: Historical Society of Princeton

March 26 at 10 a.m.

Join author Clifford Zink for a walking tour outside Princeton University’s eating clubs. Learn about the architecture, origins, and development of the 16 Classical and Gothic-style clubhouses, which date from 1895 to 1928. 

Copies of Zink’s 2017 book, The Princeton Eating Clubs, will be available for sale at a discounted price at the tour.  more

Harry Potter Exhibition Now Open at The Franklin Institute

Visit the world premiere of “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, open now through September 18. Ticket prices range from $30-43 for adults and $30-39 for children. 

This groundbreaking exhibition celebrates the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter and the Wizarding World using best-in-class immersive design and technology. From the mysteries of Hogwarts castle to the antics of its mischievous yet brilliant students; from daring duels to dragons and Dark Arts; and from glittering Gringotts to the magnificent Ministry of Magic — the exhibition brings magic to life, connects visitors with the larger global community of fans of the Wizarding World, and reveals the artistry and craftsmanship behind the blockbuster films.  more

Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 13

New Jersey residents — it’s time to get your green on! The 8th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Asbury Park will take place on Sunday, March 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.., rain or shine. The parade will begin on Ocean Avenue at Sunset Avenue and proceed south to Cookman Avenue. Walkers will continue west on Cookman Avenue through the downtown and finish outside of Asbury Park City Hall. The parade is free to all participants! more

Intrepid Museum After Hours: Journey to the Moon and Mars

On March 1 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., take a tour through space and time, from the early days of space travel during the space race to present-day explorations of Mars. This unique program at Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is open to current and former service members only. Guest speakers will include present-day astronauts who will regal the audience with tales of their past and future space explorations and what it means for the future development of human understanding. Audience members will be able to get up-close and personal with model replicas of the Perseverance Mars rover and Ingenuity drone on temporary loan from NASA. The scientific conversations will continue over a catered dinner held at the space museum. more

Maple Sugaring Season at Howell Farm

It’s that time of year again!

With freezing nights and thawing days, the smell of maple syrup is in the air at Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township. Guests will have the opportunity to observe and participate in harvesting maple syrup from the farm’s trees on Saturday, February 19 and Saturday, February 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. more

Orchid House Opening Weekend at Longwood Gardens

February 26 and 27 

Join the celebration at Longwood Gardens for the annual Orchid House Opening Weekend on February 26 and 27. Meet the brains behind the beauty of Longwood’s orchid collection including facts about orchid restoration, research, and conservation. Orchid Collection Curator Greg Griffis will be on hand to answer attendee questions about everything orchid-related. Admission is free with the purchase of Gardens admission. Buy tickets in advance here: https://longwoodgardens.org/events-performances/events/orchid-house-opening-weekend. more

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for 2022

Heated rooftop igloos at Asbury Biergarten

By the time February rolls around in the Northeast, many residents may be experiencing a little bit of cabin fever. Thankfully, Valentine’s Day shines a bright spot on an otherwise wintery month with dating, dining, and travel options for you and your significant other. more

Maker’s Mark Pairing Dinner at Scarborough Fair in Sea Girt

Scarborough Fair Restaurant, located at 1414 Meetinghouse Road in Sea Girt, invites the community to a unique Maker’s Mark pairing dinner on Sunday, January 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. Door open at 3:30 p.m. The event will begin with a welcome cocktail and hors d’oeuvres followed by a four-course pairing dinner, and raffle prizes. Tickets are $110 per person and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3ncKDpd.  more

Frank Sinatra Statue Unveiled in Hoboken on Singer’s 106th Birthday

Frank Sinatra circa 1955 at Capitol Studios

One of the most famous Hoboken natives, Frank Sinatra, received his own six-foot-tall bronze statue on December 12, on what would have been the singer’s 106th birthday. The legendary personality and entertainer is depicted in a three-piece suit leaning against a flickering lamp post with his hat tilted to one side. The confident and charismatic look was a trademark of Sinatra’s and the singer’s own daughter, Tina, stated that the statue is of a strong likeness to her father. The statue was designed by Carolyn D. Palmer. more

Bryant Park’s Festive Winter Village is Back for 2021

Image Source: bryantpark.org

The European inspired open-air market curated by Urbanspace in New York City’s Bryant Park hosts artisans from New York and around the world. Enjoy world class shopping, eats, and drinks as you stroll through the shops, which are housed in custom-designed kiosks. The Winter Village operates from now through January 2, 2022. Monday-Friday hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekend hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Face coverings are strongly encouraged for all Holiday Shops staff and visitors. It is estimated that over 170 holiday shops will participate in this year’s Winter Village. more

Beloved Toys “R” Us Opens Flagship Store at American Dream Mall

Image Source: www.americandream.com

American Dream Mall, an entertainment and retail complex in East Rutherford, will be the site of the new Toys “R” Us flagship store. The two-story complex will stretch across 20,000 square feet of retail space. It will also be located adjacent to the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and DreamWorks Water Park inside of American Dream Mall. more

Give the Gift of a Whitney Membership This Holiday Season

Image Source: www.whitney.org

Delight, inspire, and surprise the art lover and creative talent in your life with a Gift Whitney Membership this holiday season. Members enjoy unlimited free admission, half-priced guest tickets, dedicated viewings, Whitney Gift Store discounts, early admission to new exhibits, and so much more.  more

NJ Transit Launches Holiday Travel Promotions

Customers can now celebrate the season and save!

The holiday season is here! To celebrate, NJ Transit is offering several promotional discounts running through the rest of 2021. Both new and current customers can save on holiday travel by using various promotional codes in the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, including an invitation for new customers to “Try NJT” to take a free ride, “Buy One, Get One” deals, as well as discounts to Newark Liberty International Airport and MetLife Stadium for NFL football.  In addition, the family SuperSaver fare, which allows kids 11 and under to ride for free, will be extended from December 17 through January 3.  Full details are available at  njtransit.com/holiday. more

Winter Skating on Palmer Square is Back!

Image Source: www.palmersquare.com

Make lasting memories this winter season by skating on Palmer Square in Princeton’s “eco-friendly” outdoor synthetic skating rink. Located on Hulfish Street behind the Nassau Inn, open skate will run from Saturday, November 20 through Sunday, February 27.

Hours are Thursday and Friday, 4-7 p.m.; and every Saturday and Sunday, 12-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. more

Edison Township Menorah Lighting

Celebrate Hanukkah 2021 with the Lighting of the Edison Township Menorah on Tuesday, November 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. The event will be held at the Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County, 1775 Oak Tree Road in Edison. Following the lighting ceremony, guests will join local dignitaries, JCC members and visitors from around the state for indoor entertainment, light refreshments, music, and more. The event is free to attend, and all are welcome. Masks are required during the ceremony but may be removed when enjoying refreshments. For more information, visit www.jccmc.org. 

Sauce for the Goose Art Market 2021

Ready, set, shop small!

The Arts Council of Princeton’s Sauce for the Goose Outdoor Art Market returns to the Princeton Shopping Center on Saturday, November 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, November 14. 

Purchase handmade gifts directly from local artisans and crafters working in ceramics, textiles, jewelry, fine art, and more. Find one-of-a-kind gifts all while supporting the creatives living and working in the greater Princeton community. more

Nature Therapy Walk: A Shinrin-yoku Experience, Nov. 21

On Sunday, November 21 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve will lead a unique and relaxing nature therapy walk. These guided walks are an immersive and slow-paced experience with proven health benefits. Inspired by the Japanese practice of forest bathing and led by certified nature and forest therapy guide Linda Domino, guests will explore the land of the Preserve and awaken their senses to its sounds, creatures, textures, and beauty.  more

Morven Museum’s Festival of Trees Opens Nov. 17

Image Source: www.morven.org

Morven Museum’s Festival of Trees will be on view Wednesdays through Sundays from November 17 to January 10, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This holiday tradition will celebrate its 16th year with a juried collection of themed trees and mantels displayed throughout the museum’s galleries, all decorated by members of garden clubs and organizations. 

This year’s decorators include American Spaniel Club, Contemporary Garden Club, Mount Laurel Garden Club, New Jersey Audubon Society, Nottingham Garden Club, Princeton Public Library, Stony Brook Garden Club, The Garden Club of Princeton, The Present Day Club, and West Trenton Garden Club.  more

Monmouth Museum Holiday Train Display Returns

The Holiday Train Display at Monmouth Museum makes a much anticipated return this November 21 through December 31. Situated in the Main Gallery, the display will be accompanied by elaborately decorated Christmas trees and seasonal artwork crafted by The Arc of Monmouth participants. The Arc is a nonprofit I/DD organization that aims to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The group’s holiday artwork is sure to get visitors into the Christmas spirit.  more

Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Flotilla in Central Park

Image Source: Central Park Conservancy

From Tuesday, October 26 through Thursday, October 28, New York City’s Central Park will become the home of all things seasonal! Not only is Central Park a great place to enjoy fall foliage, but this year the park will also play host to magical, family-friendly entertainment. more

Atlantic City Marathon Race Series

New Jersey’s historic marathon returns to the boardwalks and beachside roadways of coastal New Jersey and Atlantic County on October 17. 

Established in 1958, the Atlantic City Marathon is the third oldest marathon in the United States. The course is noted for being flat and fast, a great qualifier for both the Boston and Chicago marathons. With eight miles of boardwalk running, the scenic landscape is decidedly beachy and a beautiful setting for a fall race.  more

Taste of the Seaport in Downtown Manhattan

Downtown’s premier food festival, Taste of the Seaport, will return for its 11th year on October 16 at Pier 16 and 17 in the Seaport District of Manhattan. 

Over 40 of the best restaurants in Lower New York City will come together to highlight one of the city’s fastest growing neighborhoods and its vibrant food and social scene. Culinary lovers are invited to explore a variety of food options that the Seaport and Financial Districts have to offer. Delicious dishes will be available for purchase from Eataly Downtown, Brooklyn Chop House, Industry Kitchen, Watermark Bar, Beatnic, Fresh Salt, Stout FiDi, Route 66 Smokehouse, and Mac Daddy’s, to name a few. Proceeds from the festival support enrichment programs for children at both Spruce Street School PS 397 and the Peck Slip School PS 343.  more