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Let's say things open up more in the summer and someone's looking to make a daytrip or even weekend trip by train to NJ from NYC. What would be some interesting sights and restaurants you'd suggest that's within decent walk to or easy transit to a NJT or Amtrak station?
Longer distances are fine, but prefer no transfers so unfortunately no Atlantic City line (have been there before, and it was weird but great!). Have already been to Philadelphia many times, and it's the NJ forum.
Let's say things open up more in the summer and someone's looking to make a daytrip or even weekend trip by train to NJ from NYC. What would be some interesting sights and restaurants you'd suggest that's within decent walk to or easy transit to a NJT or Amtrak station?
Longer distances are fine, but prefer no transfers so unfortunately no Atlantic City line (have been there before, and it was weird but great!). Have already been to Philadelphia many times, and it's the NJ forum.
Check out the Jersey Shore towns along the North Jersey Coast Line. It is summer we are talking about after all. Point Pleasant Beach, Manasquan, Spring Lake, Belmar, Asbury Park, Long Branch, and some non-beach towns like Red Bank and Perth Amboy.
You can also always explore Jersey City and Hoboken via the PATH. Ironbound in Newark as well via PATH or NJ Transit. Other than that, you’re just talking about going to suburban downtowns. That’s fine and all, but you can do those any time. Summer should prioritize the shore.
You can take NJ Transit to Princeton, spend some time in town there, and then Uber over to Terhune Orchards for pick your own, wine tasting, etc if you are into agritourism.
I was going to suggest Princeton until I noted that he/she didn't want any transfers. However, the transfer from Princeton Junction to Princeton is about as effortless--and quick--as one could possibly imagine, so maybe he/she would want to consider Princeton.
The famed McCarter Theater is across the road from the train station, and that venue might offer a performance that would interest the OP. Adjacent to the train station are the excellent Cargot Brasserie, and the also-good, very casual, Dinky resto.
The campus is a short walk from the train station, and in addition to just walking around that beautiful and historic campus, there is also the excellent (and free!) Princeton Art Museum.
A bit further West--although not a far walk for the adventurous--is Princeton Cemetery, which is frequently referred to as America's Westminster Abbey. A large number of famous figures from history, literature, and art are buried there, with the most famous being President Grover Cleveland (plus his wife, and his daughter, Baby Ruth), Aaron Burr, John Witherspoon (signatory of The Declaration of Independence), pollster George Gallup, and architect/designer Michael Graves.
The walk from the campus to the cemetery takes you right past Agricola, a famed farm-to-table restaurant that is one of my favorite NJ places for fine dining.
Last edited by Retriever; 05-01-2021 at 10:51 AM..
Not so sure about "sights", but for a day trip for restaurants and shopping and even a waterfront park look at Red Bank. You can easily walk from the train station over to the park on the Navesink River, and you've got more restaurants to choose from than you need. Greek, Mexican, Italian, sushi, other Asian, vegan, Irish pub-type. A little boulangerie with homemade pastries and good coffee.
There are antique shops and Yestercades, a retro arcade place, and Jay and Silent Bob's Comic Book Store and Jack's Music Shoppe, the latter of which I can and have personally spent tons of time in. (Not to mention money.) They have new and used music of all kinds in different formats. Vintage vinyl, etc. It's a nice way to spend a day.
Not so sure about "sights", but for a day trip for restaurants and shopping and even a waterfront park look at Red Bank. You can easily walk from the train station over to the park on the Navesink River, and you've got more restaurants to choose from than you need. Greek, Mexican, Italian, sushi, other Asian, vegan, Irish pub-type. A little boulangerie with homemade pastries and good coffee.
There are antique shops and Yestercades, a retro arcade place, and Jay and Silent Bob's Comic Book Store and Jack's Music Shoppe, the latter of which I can and have personally spent tons of time in. (Not to mention money.) They have new and used music of all kinds in different formats. Vintage vinyl, etc. It's a nice way to spend a day.
2nd Red Bank!!
Easier to take Lyft from Princeton Junction to Princeton instead of Dinky which is often out of service.
ETA: I would also add Asbury Park. You’d have to take a cab to the boardwalk, but it’s really near the station. Lots of fun things to see and do, places to eat.
Easier to take Lyft from Princeton Junction to Princeton instead of Dinky which is often out of service.
ETA: I would also add Asbury Park. You’d have to take a cab to the boardwalk, but it’s really near the station. Lots of fun things to see and do, places to eat.
Yes! The Silverball Museum! I am like a kid in there.
Red Bank - got married in St. James in the 70's, wife an RBC graduate, I liked it better before the migration from north Jersey and NYC but it's still a great day trip from the city.
Check out the Jersey Shore towns along the North Jersey Coast Line. It is summer we are talking about after all. Point Pleasant Beach, Manasquan, Spring Lake, Belmar, Asbury Park, Long Branch, and some non-beach towns like Red Bank and Perth Amboy.
You can also always explore Jersey City and Hoboken via the PATH. Ironbound in Newark as well via PATH or NJ Transit. Other than that, you’re just talking about going to suburban downtowns. That’s fine and all, but you can do those any time. Summer should prioritize the shore.
You can take NJ Transit to Princeton, spend some time in town there, and then Uber over to Terhune Orchards for pick your own, wine tasting, etc if you are into agritourism.
Spring Lake would be a nice one. Walk from the train station a block to the Lake and it's a beautiful walk around the lake to visit St, Catherine's Church or up to the Beach front or right through to town .
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