Local Travel in NJ (Summer Edition)

It's been two years since the last time I flew on a plane. My last trip before the pandemic started was to FL to visit my grandparents and spend my mom's birthday there.

The first few months of the pandemic last year were rough because the whole country was in lockdown. Everything was closed, and no one could go outside, only to go to the grocery stores to pick up groceries. I spent my free time walking my dog, cooking, baking and doing Blogilates (pop-pilates) at-home workouts.

Towards June of 2020, I started to get tired of doing the same routine repeatedly, and I missed seeing all my friends physically. So, I decided to talk to my mom about doing some outdoor activities because it was one of the only places with ample space and open air. The first activity that I'll be talking about is hiking.

My first trip was to Hacklebarney State Park in Morris County, NJ, to celebrate my aunt's birthday. It was the first birthday that the whole family in person celebrated since the pandemic started back in mid-March. Depending on your experience hiking, you can pick which trail you want to go to, for example, beginner, intermediate, and advance. Since everyone didn't have much experience in hiking, we all chose the beginner path. There were many streams where we can wet our feet to cool off. We all got to see abundant animals in the forest life, such as frogs, chipmunks, and little bunnies. It was a nice change of scenery; it felt refreshing to breathe fresh air and see all of the different kinds of greenery. From that trip, I discovered that I found a new hobby, hiking.

Another place to go hiking is in the Palisades Interstate Park in Fort Lee, NJ. I've been here multiple times, even before the pandemic. However, it's a quick drive to go to if I want to go for a close getaway. There's also a Giant Stairs hike trail; it's a long section of massive boulders that have tumbled from the Palisades---- while enjoying views over the Hudson River into New York. I still haven't done that hike, but one day I will with a group of friends.

If hiking is not your thing, then you may enjoy this next activity, wine tasting. Around August 2020, I traveled to a Vineyard called Alba Vineyard. It's a far drive, but worth it! Not only do you get to sample delicious wine, but there's also an outdoor eating area where you can have a mix of savory and sweet. Although we didn't get to do a tour of the vineyard, the wine was sufficient. It's a great activity to do to relax and unwind with a glass of wine in your hand.

Another fun activity that you can do outdoors is going to lavender or a sunflower farm. Depending on the type of farm that you go to see, the lavender or sunflowers, sometimes you'll be able to find farm animals there such as goats, alpacas, pigs, cows, horses, and baby chicks. You can take as many photos as you like with family or friends, and you can pick up bunches of lavender and sunflowers to take home. If you're into aesthetics like me, then you know outfits are vital to making a picturesque visual of the background and the model, such as yourself ;)

In addition to another outdoor activity, you can go to a place called Grounds for Sculpture. It's a large area of greenery where there's an abundant amount of sculptures and statues that you can take pictures with and other forms of artwork. Some local animals you'll find there are peacocks, peahens, coy fish, bunnies, and deers. I highly recommend not going on such a hot day because you'll be sweating bullets. I would go during the first week of September, where it's not that hot and not too cold.

The last activity I have to visit is the beach. I saw on News12 that NJ has some of the best beaches. I love going to the beach as it's one of my favorite summer activities. You can explore the boardwalk in places such as Asbury Park, Wildwood, Seaside Heights, or what locals call it, down the shore and try all delicious local foods such as fried Oreos, funnel cake, freshly squeezed lemonade, and other summer foods. You can also take pics of the cool wall art that artists designed, making great shots for IG.

Whatever activity you end up doing, remember to have fun and cherish every moment. Take as many photos as you like to capture all of life's moments.