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Beach Fun Free Places To Visit Good Food Historic Landmarks

Our Visit To Cape May

This has been a long time coming. I have lived in NJ for more than half of my life, and to my shame have never visited Cape May. Until this last summer. We ripped off the band aid and rented an Airbnb.

First, where we stayed was outside of town, a short walk from the beach that is actually the Delaware Riverm delta. The place we stayed at was lovely. Here is what I would do differently next time: rent downtown Cape May. It just works better for our family, to be able to go and meander somewhere after the sun has set. While it was less expensive to rent in North Cape May, we did feel rather trapped at home when we got there after our adventures.

Mistake number two was that I had a cranky 15 year old with me, and he did not have any of his friends around, which made him even crankier. We lured him there with a promise of food and parasailing.

I also had a list of things that I wanted to do, and given that we were there for two nights, and just one full day, that list was jam packed. I realize that two nights are not enough. There were things on my list that we did not have time for. Cape May zoo and Cape May Bird Observatory were two places we did not have time to visit. On our long way down from Central Jersey, we wanted to stop at Barnegat Lighthouse and Lucy The Elephant. Unfortunately, they were under construction. Another thing to add to my next visit! We did stop by LBI, and went in for ice cream at the Skipper Dipper. Trying new ice cream places across NJ is my jam, and one day I will write a list of the best ones.

The first thing we did when we got to Cape May was eat out at the Blue Pig Tavern. It was worth it. The food was delicious, and the outdoor seating lovely. After, we enjoyed a nice walk through the downtown, and a walk on the beach.

Of course we got some ice cream before the night was done. Of course, we walked down to the beach front, to Fine Fellows Creamery. It was even better because we could cross the street and chill on the beach while eating ice cream.

Our visit to Cape May

We went for an early morning hike at Cape May Point State Park, visited the beach there, explored the bunker, and then climbed to the top of the lighthouse. It was an absolutely gorgeous morning.

After that we headed to parasail. I made reservations with Atlantic Parasail. I can’t recommend them enough. First, I had to reschedule due to weather and due to our own schedule issues a gazillion times. They were always accommodating, understanding and kind, and not once did they make me feel like the crazy, type A, overplanning person that I actually am. Secondly, once we made it there, everything was so much fun. I don’t love heights, but I love going fast. The boat ride was awesome, and while I was terrified to go up, once I did, it was amazing. They were thorough, knowledgeable and chill. If I were to recommend you do one thing there, this is it! Do it! You can check them out on their website.

We spent the afternoon eating lunch, walking around the downtown Cape May, enjoying the architecture, the cute little shops, and some delicious ice cream, and the beach, of course. In the evening, we went to Sunset beach where we got to have a magical moment – watching the sunset over the shipwreck (those that don’t know me, I have a thing for shipwrecks), with dolphins bouncing all around, and delicious fries.

After the sun has set we headed to Wildwood for the rest of the evening. It is not really my kind of thing, but it sure was pretty there, and it just felt like it is somewhere we should visit.

Finally, on our way back home we made a stop at Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, and had a nice time exploring the grounds around it.

All in all, I really enjoyed Cape May. It had a very relaxed vacation vibe, and I would definitely do it again.

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Camping Fun Delaware Water Gap Good Food Hiking Trails Rivers and Lakes State Parks Travels With Kids

Camping At Dingmans Campground in Dingmans Ferry PA

Dingmans Ferry, PA

Every Year since 2015

Unfortunately our most recent experience in the early fall of 2018 left me stunned and short for words. I can no longer recommend that people take their families there. We were sitting around a campfire at about 1o:30 pm at night. Quietly talking. The kids were in their tent giggling. The campground was pretty empty, so the kids giggling was not bothering anyone. There were two rangers that stopped to tell us to quiet the kids down. Which would have been fine, except for the rangers’ aggressive behavior. They treated us like we were criminals in front of our kids. Ran background checks, asked us if we had weapons, told us to not move, sit down, take our hands out of our pockets. It was quite upsetting to both parents and the kids. The kids were crying and upset, and the parents worked up. No one could sleep afterwards. We had no alcohol, were not provoking anyone, were respectful toward the rangers, and the only thing that was happening were giggling children. I went as far as to write a letter to the campground, but never got a response.   Unfortunately, after years of going there and loving every minute, I will be looking for a new campground for our family and friends. 

Hi folks! I wrote this post when we went camping for the first time after a long hiatus. We have been back to Dingman’s Campground every year since then. Twice a year, as a matter of fact. I am still as excited to go there as that first time. It is a great place to spend your weekend, and a good camping spot whether it is your first time camping, or even if you are a pro.

Our Visit To Dingmans Campground

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Beautiful Gardens Delaware Water Gap Good Food Hiking Trails Historic Landmarks Quaint Towns Rivers and Lakes State Parks

Our Visit To Bowman Hill Wildflower Preserve

Bucks County, PA

May 2018

This has been a long time coming!! I’d drive by that place a few times a month, and would always wonder what is there.  Finally we made it!  This time it was just my little one, my husband and I.  The big kid was off on his own adventure.

Our Visit To Bowman Hill Wildflower Preserve

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Good Food Hiking Trails Rivers and Lakes State Parks

Our Visit To Ringing Rocks State Park

Upper Black Eddy, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

October 2013

Ringing Rocks State Park in PA is definitely an interesting place to visit. The reason it is called Ringing Rocks is if you hit a rock with a hammer or another rock it makes a ringing sound, almost like a bell, but to me it sounded more like pots and pans being hit with a spoon (something my kids loved to do as toddlers).

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Camping Fun Good Food Hiking Trails Historic Landmarks Rivers and Lakes State Parks

Our Visit To High Point State Park

Montague Township, NJ

Few Times A Year

High Point State Park is yet another beautiful place. I feel like every other post I write starts with these words. It is especially true of High Point! With breathtaking views, it is the highest point in NJ. There is camping, miles and miles of hiking trails, a lake to swim in and sand to play with. Read more about our visit to High Point State Park below!

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Delaware Water Gap Good Food Historic Landmarks Quaint Towns Rivers and Lakes Theaters

Our Visit To New Hope and Lambertville

New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ

We go there so often, that I just couldn’t put a date on it.

We haven’t gone away on vacation for quite some time. Between little kids, finances, dog, house, grandparents it is just a little difficult. We do, however, have a favorite local spot to which we go every few months to get away. It’s the Lambertville NJ – New Hope PA area. Many things that we would want to find while vacationing we have found there in abundance.