Trip #16: New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Sometimes there is so much to see that it is impossible to squeeze it all in and such was the case on our trip to explore these three hugely important states. My kids and I could have easily spent an entire week in New York City alone so it was more than a little frustrating to have to pick and choose what would have the most significance on our trip. I think this itinerary worked well for the most part except when … [Read more...]

New Jersey

I think most people think of New Jersey as New York’s ugly step sister but nothing could be further from the truth. While New Jersey is home to the largest port in the nation and a huge manufacturing hub most of the state is lush and green with a rural sort of feel-which I am sure is why it’s nickname is The Garden State. Did you know that Jersey is home to Thomas Edison’s laboratory? It’s also the … [Read more...]

Ellis Island (Jersey City)

There were many things I was excited to learn more about on our road trip to New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, but by far the one of the things I was most looking forward to was a visit to Ellis Island. So many of us from immigrant stock (myself included) can trace our ancestors first stop here on their way to their new life in America. Although no longer in use as an immigrant processing facility a total of 12 … [Read more...]

Statue of Liberty Cruise and Museum ( Jersey City)

There is no better way to see the Statue of Liberty than just the way those incoming immigrants saw her on a boat in the harbor.  Thankfully you can do that from two locations, one from New York City at Battery Park, and also at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. There are several tours to choose from but be forewarned, the crown tour sells out months in advance because there are a limited number of … [Read more...]

The Jersey Shore and Boardwalk (Seaside Heights)

Forget about Jersey Shore the TV show, the kids and I were super excited to check out the beach, rides and restaurants on one of the infamous boardwalks on the Jersey shore.  One of the better known locales is in Seaside Heights.  As we started to make our way down the a huge summer storm unleashed it's fury and didn't let up until late into the evening.  Sadly we had to miss this Jersey hot spot, but if you get … [Read more...]

Thomas Edison Laboratory and National Historical Park (West Orange)

My kids and I were so excited to check out Thomas Edison's lab but sadly we never made it. First off our GPS took us to Thomas Edison's home in Edison NJ also known as Menlo Park about one hour south. Upon realizing our mistake, we also realized I had lost my wallet at Ellis Island and made a beeline back the Statue of Liberty Cruise at Liberty State Park. What a nightmare. By the time we got what we could sorted … [Read more...]