20 Day Trips within 2 Hours of South Jersey

Summer is coming and that means more time with the family, great weather and outdoor adventures. Although fun, educational and a vibrant city, I get tired of redundant trips to Philadelphia visiting the same attractions. This year, I have taken it upon myself to research new, exciting opportunities to explore our ever-changing tri-state area. Below are 20 day trip ideas that are great for couples, friends, and family!

Longwood Gardens– tickets required. Hours fluctuate throughout the year so please check their site when purchasing tickets. It is also suggested that you purchase ahead of time as they do sell out quickly. You can only enter according to the time slot on your ticket but once inside there are no time constraints. About an hour drivefrom Cherry Hill, NJ. There is no shortage of free parking on site. Pick up a map as you enter (you’re going to need it to navigate this expansive estate).

The main attractions are located in the enormous, temperature controlled, 4-acre green house, but there are another 400 acres outside for you to enjoy. I encourage you to stroll around the historic Peirce-du Pont House, the Webb Farmhouse & Galleries if you have the time. They are all equally beautiful and educational. Be on the look-out for various “after-hours” eventshosted at Longwood. They give you a chance to take in the gardens with less disruption. If you’d like more information about the estate, there are always touring packagesto acquire. You may also choose to explore the area surrounding Longwood as it is historic. Their website has a list of hotels and other attractionsto offer.

Brandywine Valley Wine Tour– Comprised of 4 vineyards and 1 cideryall within 50 miles of one another. They are situated between Philadelphia and beautiful Amish country of Lancaster, PA. The vineyards are open year round.

Ricketts Glen State Park– 13,050 acres in Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties offering a large variety of recreation and conservation activities. Whether you want a day trip to hike or are looking to try glamping in one their gorgeous cabins, Ricketts Glenn has you covered. Admire the countless waterfalls all around the park including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls which the highest of 22 named waterfalls. Trails are open daily throughout the whole year from dawn to dusk. 

Six Flags- There is something to do at Six Flags for members of the family of all ages. Explore Bugs Bunnyor Daffy Duck themed rides along with classic carousels, swings and, for thrill seekers, the epic BATMANroller coaster. Tickets and hours of operation available on their website. 

Morey’s Pier and Waterparks- Established in 1968 by brothers Bill and Will Morey, this collection of 6 piers has every water-front attraction you can imagine. From go-karts and roller coasters to water slides and haunted ghost ships, you’ll never run out of fun-filled adventures with the family. Make it a weekend event! Book a package with one of the many luxurious resortswithin walking distance to Morey’s Pier & Waterparks. Visit their site now for Spring Sales and upcoming events! 

“Lambertville was founded in 1705, and its charming streets are lined with well-preserved federal townhouses and Victorian homes. A restored 19th-century train depot houses Lambertville Station, a popular waterside restaurant and a cozy inn. Open to visitors, the 1816 James Wilson Marshall House Museum is also the headquarters of the Historical Society of Lambertville.

Hidden treasures are everywhere in “The Antiques Capital of New Jersey.” Three days a week, the Golden Nugget Antiques Market offers a large outdoor and indoor market of rare finds. The People’s Store has more than 40 dealers on three floors.”

https://www.visitnj.org/city/lambertville

Belleplain State Forest has a slew of outdoor activities for you to choose from. Hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, environmental classes and camping are all included in your experience at this gorgeous, well-preserved state park. Cabins, lean-tos, and pet-friendly camp sites are among some of your overnight options.

Hershey Park- who would pass up on the chance torelive childhoodat this beautifully kept park. Enjoy the freewheeling, whimsical personality that flows through the entire amusement park. Not to worry, there are thrill-seeking coastersfor adults too! There’s even a waterparkto relieve you from the sun on unbearably hot, summer days. On the way out, be sure to stop by the chocolate factoryand hit the road loaded up on delicious, freshly prepared candy bars that you can customize. 

Lewes, Delaware– A quaint town situated between the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet at Cape Henlopen. Although small in size, just a half-square mile, this historic, yet vibrant, town has no shortage of activities to take part in. Enjoy the convenience of having beaches, historic museums, inns, B&Bs, fine diningand quirky shopsall within walking distance. Take a tour of the town, and see why residents of Lewes are proud to call it home. 

Abandoned City of Centralia, PA- Any sci-fi horror fans out there may be interested in the town that sparked the inspiration for the successful game and movie, Silent Hill. The city of Centralia has been burning brightly in the spotlight since the infamous coal fires began in 1962. As a result of these fires, most residents have evacuated leaving this ghostly town inhabited by just 12 brave souls. If you decide to visit this, a word of caution. Ghosts aren’t the only thing to be weary of. 

“ Toxic gases still billow from burnt-out places, and that poses a major threat. Vents were built to pipe the steam away from town into areas of eminent domain where no one lives anymore.”

Evan V. Symon- 10/23/2017

Ghosts of Gettysburg, PA– Discover the paranormal fields, taverns, and historic homes of Gettysburg this summer. Prepare to be spooked by spirits from the Civil War era as you walk the streets and listen to knowledgeable tour guides after dark. Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner with a ghostor complete your experience with an overnight stayat one of the many celebrated landmarks of Gettysburg. 

“Niagra Falls of PA”- Bushkill Fallsis nestled deep in the Poconos Mountains. It is a set of eight unique waterfalls included in Keystone State Park. Visit the great falls by trekking an expansive network of trailsand bridges which offer extravagant views of the beautiful surrounding landscape. Take the family fishing, paddle boating or mining for gemstonesat one of the many educational exhibits. Groups are welcome! Visit the official Bushkill Falls website for informational about boy & girl scout projects, weddings, and pavilion rentals.  

Baltimore Aquarium / Harbor- Enjoy half price admissionevery Friday from 5pm to 9pm. You can purchase tickets in advance onlineor on site. Experience a plethora of educational exhibitsand immersion tourswhich help the whole family discover the wonders that occur beneath the ocean’s surface. Kids can even continue their deep sea encounters with an aquarium sleepover! 

Sea Glass Hunting in AC- Mix up how your family experiences Atlantic City by enjoying this unique pursuit. This quest can be quite elusive, but do not be discouraged. Although AC was been damaged by Hurricane Sandyin 2012, ongoing beach restorationis revealing this once covered up treasure.

Nemours Mansion and Gardens- Walk the gardens, explore the mansion or admire the vintage vehicles on the DuPont premise. This expansive escape was owned and developed by Alfred DuPont I from 1864 through 1935. The estate is open to the public from May through December. Now is the time to discover the 77 rooms of the estate plus the largest formal, French garden in North America! 

Turtle Back Zoo – Since the zoo opened in 1963, it has more than doubled in size. A not-for-profit offering a fun, educational environmentfor all ages located in the heart of Essex County. Open daily from 10am to 4:30pm with special eventsoccurring throughout the year. Their mission:

“TURTLE BACK ZOO is committed to providing an enriching recreational experience that fosters excellence in wildlife education and wildlife conservation, so that present and future generations are inspired to understand, appreciate and protect the fragile interdependence of all living things.” 

About Us – Turtle Back Zoo site

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary-
The arboretum hosts 4 major activities: education, volunteers, forest conservation and citizen science. Each activity offers a unique perspective to visitors by connecting them with current and future conservation goals. Full downloadable trail map below!  

Renault Winery- Feeling fancy? A unique winery with an even more extraordinary past, Renault Vineyard has been serving the public since 1864. This winery has stood the test of time, even remaining competitive throughout the Prohibition. Reserve your room at the on-site, authentic Tuscan-inspired home which features over 50 guest rooms. You can “stay & play” golf on their course or take a tour of this historically recognized vineyard.