When in New Jersey

It’s often said that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and when it comes to my home state, it’s definitely true. New Jersey gets a bad rap for all sorts of things, something I never really got when living there. We have beautiful beaches, mountains, farms, and access to New York City. I always thought it was just fine. But the more time I spend away, the more I want to visit. That definitely is mostly because of my family which has grown over the years to include my two favorite little people on the planet. I don’t think I would want to live there again, but I sure do like to visit.

My work schedule for the month of July and August this year is slow. There are exciting things on the horizon for Autumn, but for now, I have a little bit of time on my hands. Knowing that will change, I decided to spend this week working half days from my mom’s, spending the rest of the day making time for family.

When in New Jersey. . . you obviously have to hit up the Jersey Shore. Before the show, the shore was just a place I went my whole life. Since watching the show, I now pay more attention to my surroundings. There were lots of Snooki’s favorite “juiceheads” aka, super tan, super big and built, guys there this week.

The Jersey Shore holds fond memories for me from early ages, visits to Stone Harbor and Sandy Hook with my mom and later with friends. Prom weekend trips to Seaside Heights and Wildwood, and later nights out on the boardwalk, followed by dancing at Tradewinds, Jenkinson’s, and the Tiki Bar.

Kohr’s Custard, soft, super creamy frozen custard, is one of my favorite sweets of all time.

Clowns were creepy then, and they are now.

But boardwalk food like fried zeppoles, funnel cake, and cotton candy can’t be beat. Jersey Shore fashion is pretty great too. . .

Pizza in New Jersey is just better than anything I have eaten in Boston. At Joey Tomatoes, I went with the cheese-less option, nicely topped with a thick tomato paste.

And a trip to the Point Pleasant Aquarium is a cool, dark escape from the boardwalk, fun for kids and adults.

New Jersey also offers lots of beautiful lakes and ponds. One day brought us to Spruce Run Recreation Area for lake swimming.

When in New Jersey, you should check out some of the pretty green spaces and swimming holes. There are lots of them.

When in New Jersey, I also really, really love local produce. We have the best in sweet corn, blueberries, and tomatoes, and I enjoyed those at my mom’s, plus a delicious heirloom tomato Caprese salad at Stage House Tavern.

Stage House Tavern is a new favorite of mine, and this pork tenderloin with figs, bacon, gorgonzola, and veggies was divine. A little too autumnal for my current summery tastes, but still. . .

I’m incredibly lucky that I get to work from wherever right now. I adore my family, and this week has been a lot of fun.

This weekend, I am going wine tasting in Long Island with my husband, his sister, and her boyfriend. My travel bug is definitely quieted this week.

What are your weekend plans?