The One Thing You Must Do in Every NJ County

Burlington County
Get Lost in the Pine Barrens

Courtesy of Daniel D’Auria via Flickr Creative Commons

The Pine Barrens, also known as the Pinelands or the Pines, stretch across seven counties—Burlington just happens to have a large portion. The Pines’ massive Wharton State Forest itself spans three different counties including Burlington. To cover lots of land—or rather, sea—rent a boat and canoe through the forest via Rancocas Creek. The creek starts in Browns Mills and ends at the Amico Island Peninsula as it flows toward the Delaware River. The river has three tributaries—North, South and Southwest—with the North Branch covering the most ground in the Pinelands.
Crazy about cranberries? Be sure to visit nearby the site of the cranberry bogs in Chatsworth. Annual harvests take place every year in October. Although the farms are privately owned, visitors can view the harvest from Whitesbog Village or Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.

Camden County
Strike a Pose with Haddy the Hadrosaurus

Courtesy of Doug Kerr via Flickr Creative Commons

Visit Haddonfield where, in 1858, a group of farmers unearthed what came to be known as Hadrosaurus foulkii. At the time, it was the most complete dinosaur skeleton in the world. Ten years later, it was the first dinosaur skeleton in the world to be publicly displayed. Although the actual skeleton now resides at Drexel University, a full scale replica of a Hadrosaurus stands in downtown Haddonfield on Hadrosaurus Lane.
Shop ’til you drop. Downtown Haddonfield has plenty of unique shops like A Taste of Olive, for olive oils and balsamic vinegars; Flair, an accessories boutique; Haddonfield Record Exchange; Hooked Fine Yarn Boutique; and Nifty Thrifties.

Gloucester County
Find a Treasure in Mullica Hill

Courtesy of Emily Carlin via Flickr Creative Commons

The building in downtown Mullica Hill that houses Old Mill Antique Mall has quite the history. Built prior to the American Revolution, it has taken many forms since then including a woolen mill, iron factory and grain gristmill. Since 1967, it has served an entirely different purpose. The building’s historic charm just so happened to be the perfect setting for the display and sale of antiques. Today, the thriving antique center has more than a dozen dealers selling coins, jewelry, glassware, furniture and other vintage treasures.
There’s more on Main Street. The antiquing doesn’t end at the mall. There are several other well-stocked shops along the Mullica Hill’s main drag, North Main Street.

Atlantic County
Pick Blueberries in the Blueberry Capital of the World

Courtesy of rsseattle via Flickr Creative Commons

Nestled deep in the Pine Barrens is Hammonton, the blueberry capital of the world. Since the 1980s, Hammonton has celebrated this national designation with its annual Red, White and Blueberry Festival held every summer. At DiMeo Farms, visitors can pick their own blueberries from June to August. The family-owned farm also has 4-foot-tall blueberry bushes for sale for just $10.
Looking for some vino? The town is also home to three wineries—DiMatteo Vineyards, Plagido’s Winery and Tomasello Winery. Stop by for a tasting to sample blueberry wines and other award-winning red and white vintages.

Salem County
Rally at the Rodeo

Courtesy of jerseygal2009 via Flickr Creative Commons

Most New Jerseyans probably think they have to head west for some good old-fashioned rodeo fun. They might not know the longest running weekly rodeo in the U.S. actually belongs to New Jersey. Every Saturday from May through September, the Cowtown Rodeo features seven pro-rodeo events including bull riding and bareback riding.
When: May through September, every Saturday at 7:30pm
Where: 780 Harding Highway, Pilesgrove
Cost: Adults $20, Children $10; Group rates available

Cumberland
Catch a Flick at the Only Drive-In Theater in the State

Courtesy of jerdnall via Flickr Creative Commons

In 1933, automobiles lined up at the aptly named Park-In Theaters in Camden. Rightfully so, because it was the first ever drive-in movie experience. Today, New Jersey is home to just one—but that’s a story for another day. The Delsea Drive-In Theatre was built in 1949, closed in 1987 and then reopened in 2004. Although movies no longer cost 25 cents like they did in 1933, it’s still a fun and affordable night to spend with family or friends. Plus, there’s always a double feature playing, so consider it a bargain!
When: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night
Where: 2203 South Delsea Drive, Vineland
Cost: Adults $11; Children, 4-11 $6

Cape May
Stay at a Bed & Breakfast

The Southern Mansion. Courtesy of Jeff Kubina via Flickr Creative Commons

Cape May, with its historic charm and seaside location, is the perfect place to spend a weekend. Even better is a stay in one of the area’s Victorian-style bed and breakfasts. There are dozens to choose from, but the Queen Victoria and the Southern Mansion are two perennial favorites. This seashore town has even been designated a National Historic Landmark for its collection of Victorian buildings.

What’s your favorite thing to do in your county? Let us know in the comments!