Grounds for Sculpture: Explore Art in the Great Outdoors

Trenton’s gorgeous Grounds for Sculpture is one of the most unique outdoor art experiences in America. Featuring over 240 works by modern artists, this astounding year-round exhibition located on the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds was opened to the public in 2000 and has been an incredibly popular destination for art lovers and dilettantes alike for over a decade. Regulars recommend not going with any particular goal in mind. Just wander the sprawling grounds exploring the myriad paths that snake through groves of trees, encounter the occasional wild peacock, and feast your eyes on some truly astounding artwork. Equal attention is given to the plant life on the grounds, making this one of the best places to just lazily explore on a nice day. See if you can find the hidden hammocks by the side of the pond for an afternoon nap. The park also features a world-class restaurant in Rat’s, a spectacular eatery that launched the career of Top Chef winner Kevin Sbraga.

Grounds for Sculpture
18 Fairgrounds Road
Trenton, NJ 08619
(609) 586-0616
www.groundsforsculpture.org

Brunswick Zone: Bowling and Fun For Everyone

If you haven’t been bowling in a while, maybe you should reacquaint yourself with the satisfying crack of the perfect strike. A great family fun destination, Brunswick Zone boasts a staggering 82 lanes of play in a gigantic alley. Kept scrupulously clean and well-maintained, this is widely regarded as one of the best bowling centers in New Jersey. There is virtually never a wait for a lane, even on league night or during one of the many tournaments hosted at Brunswick Zone. Early in the week, dollar game specials make a trip here very affordable, and every Friday night sees Cosmic Bowling with a laser light show and DJ playing the latest Top 40 hits. If you feel like taking a break from the lanes, three billiards tables and a wide variety of arcade games will keep you busy. The attached bar area makes a variety of appetizers and strong, cheap drinks.

Brunswick Zone
790 U.S. 1
North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902
(732) 846-2424
www.bowlbrunswick.com

Pine Creek Miniature Golf: A Scenic Spot For Mini Golf

If miniature golf makes you think of silly statues and shrunken dioramas, it's time for a visit to Pine Creek Miniature Golf. The 28-acre facility features trees, flowers, ponds, fountains, and waterfalls in place of most course's typically tacky accoutrements, inviting visitors to take the game seriously without getting too serious about it. Winner of New Jersey Monthly's 2010 Reader's Choice award, Pine Creek is a great place to refine your game on a smaller scale or enjoy a sunny outing with friends.

Pine Creek Miniature Golf
394 Route 31 North
Ringoes, NJ 08551
(609) 466-3803
www.pinecreekgolf.com

McCarter Theatre Center: The Place for Performing Arts in Princeton

McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts was originally built for the Princeton Triangle Club in 1930. Eighty years later, the Triangle Club is still performing and McCarter Theatre Center is now recognized as one of the leading theaters in America.  While it was originally built for the purpose of housing theatrical performances, it now lends itself as a concert hall, presenting a large variety of performance art.  Some of the artists who have performed at McCarter Theatre Center in the past include Bob Dylan, Herbie Hancock, the Flying Karamazov Brothers, James Taylor, Joan Baez, the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Bill Cosby.  The event calendar for the theatre is always booked with shows that are performed several times a week. McCarter Theatre Center’s mission is to make the arts accessible to all people, which is why they have established programs to educate children and adults throughout the nearby community.

McCarter Theatre Center
91 University Place
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 258-2787
www.mccarter.org

Need Some Travel Inspiration? Try These Budget-Friendly, Fascinating South American Destinations

Looking to plan en exotic trip that won't break the bank? These days traveling to Europe can be pretty expensive, and the cost for flights alone to countries in Asia and beyond can be very daunting. But don't fret just yet—there are still plenty of dazzling destinations much closer to home! Consider one of these South American locales for your next holiday.

Machu Picchu (Peru). The spectacular ancient ruins that mark the cradle of Incan civilization are a sight that every world traveler should behold at least once in a lifetime.

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). A colorful phantasmagoria of tropical sights and sounds, this ocean-side paradise can be a wonderful introduction to all that South America has to offer.

Buenos Aires (Argentina). You’ll love strolling through the quaint neighborhoods of this bustling – and surprisingly cosmopolitan —Argentinean capital.

Lake Titicaca (Peru and Bolivia). Drink in the stunning natural wonders that surround the highest navigable lake in the world, which spans two South American countries.

Need more inspiration? The Internet is a great source for travel ideas. Click here to check out The New York Times’ South American travel guide for more destinations and sample itineraries.

Where to Hike in New Jersey

Nevermind all those New Jersey-haters—the Garden State is as charming and natural world-friendly as the other 49. And there's no better way to take advantage of Jersey's scenic side than by exploring the state's many manicured trails and hikes. The Sourland Mountains Preserve Ridge Trail is a great place to get started, offering a variety of routes that seem ever-changing with the seasons and wildlife alterations. So strap on some boots, grab a bottle of water, and set out to explore the beautiful backwoods.

New Jersey hikeswww.njskylands.com/odhikesourland.htm

Mountain Creek Resort: A Ski Getaway Nearby

A snowy mountain getaway right in New Jersey, Mountain Creek Resort has a thriving nightlife, quaint shopping, and, of course, great skiing all winter long. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains on over 170 skiable acres, there is terrain for all ability levels, whether you are a skier or snowboarder. With 8 lifts and 43 trails trails, Mountain Creek provides an enticing snowbound weekend for a competitive price. If you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, snow tubing is a fun activity for the whole family. And when the slopes close at 10 p.m. the nightlife heats up with an array of dining options and Kink, Mountain Creek’s dance party club complete with DJ’s piped in from NYC. Check out the website for season and day passes (you can purchase on the mountain) as well as great weekend lodging deals.    

Mountain Creek Resort
200 Route 94
Vernon, NJ 07462
(973) 827-2000
www.mountaincreek.com

Peddler's Village: Shop, Dine, Even Stay the Night

Peddler’s Village offers a unique spin on the classic shopping trip. Nestled amid winding brick paths and pebble-bottom ponds, the center offers seventy high-quality shops for retail browsing, numerous unique restaurants to dine in, and even lodging at the Golden Plough Inn. Stores sell everything from home décor to clothing, gifts, and lifestyle amenities, while eating choices range from casual dining at Sweet Lorraine’s to the historically themed Colonial Kitchen Dinner and even the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. Open for nearly half a century, the charming Peddler’s Village complex makes for an enjoyable day out—no matter what your bring back.

Peddler’s Village
164 Peddlers Vlg
Lahaska, PA 18931
(215) 794-9888
www.peddlersvillage.com

Visit the USGA Museum For a True Appreciation of Golf

The USGA Museum is dedicated to the history, education, and appreciation of golf. The beloved sport is commemorated and studied throughout the museum's various exhibits (from Diamond Heroes on the Links to The Father of American Golf: Charles Blair Macdonald) and artifacts (from historical equipment to clothing, trophies, documentation, and other odd ephemera), while the hall of Champions features the complete history of America's National Championships (U.S. Amateur, U.S. Open, U.S. Senior Open, etc).

USGA Museum
77 Liberty Corner Road
Far Hills, NJ 07931
(908) 234-2300
www.usgamuseum.com

Princeton University Art Museum: One of the Top University Museums in the Country

The Princeton University Art Museum is considered one of the top university museums in the country. The museum is located in the heart of Princeton University, a five-minute walk from the shops and restaurants of Nassau Street. The museum has a collection of nearly 72,000 works of art that span many different eras and geographical locations.  The exhibits range from ancient to contemporary and cover almost every region of the globe. Chinese art, Greek and Roman antiquities, metal work from Medieval Europe and Western European paintings from the Renaissance are just a few of the collections stationed at The Princeton University Art Museum.  The best part about visiting? It’s free for you to enjoy! The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and if you feel like having a more structured experience, you can attend a free tour on Saturday or Sunday at 2:00 p.m. 

Princeton University Art Museum
McCormick Hall
Princeton, NJ 08544
(609) 258-3788
artmuseum.princeton.edu

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