Spectacular Sports
Attention skiers and snowboarders: You don’t have to wait for winter to do what you love. Get a jump on the season with Big Snow, North America’s first and only indoor real-snow, year-round ski and snow resort, at American Dream in East Rutherford. We also have some big ideas for après-ski – check out these American Dream must-dos.
If you prefer two wheels to two skis, you can hop in the saddle at Mountain Creek Bike Park in Vernon now through November 3, 2024. With 21 trails ranked from beginner to pro, you’ll find your perfect ride every time. Top tip: Be sure to check the Mountain Creek website for trail maps and daily reports.
If your goal is to catch some NHL action, you can score tickets to New Jersey Devils home games at Prudential Center in Newark – the 2024/2025 regular season begins October 4. If your fandom leans more NFL, rush to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, where both the Giants and Jets play all season long. (Yes, New York might be in the team names, but their home turf is right here in New Jersey!)
Of course, who would want to miss out on the excitement of horse racing every weekend at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment (also in East Rutherford). Additional highlights from the facility’s fall 2024 events calendar include Breeders Crown Eliminations (October 18 & 19) and Breeders Crown Championships (October 25 & 26).
Sumptuous Self-Care
With locations in Montclair, Summit and Hoboken, an escape to Woodhouse Spa is never far away. To ensure “treatments that transform your mood,” clients are encouraged to select a vibe – connected, resilient, calm, confident, energized or balanced – and home in on the ideal spa service to deliver the experience and results you desire.
If a spa day just isn’t enough, make it a weekend getaway at Sojo Spa Club in Edgewater. A reservation in the hotel includes full access to the spa’s pools, baths, saunas and bath houses for the duration of your stay. Be sure to also treat yourself to the most indulgent treatments available – including the Korean Body Scrub, Volcanic Sand Bath and Halotherapy.
When your stress levels are so high nothing less than a weeklong trip will do – book a stay at Minerals Hotel at Crystal Springs Resort. The property’s Elements Spa has been ranked the #1 spa in the state – where standout treatments include the Fire and Ice Firming Facial, Sacred Hot Stone Massage and Thai Herbal Ball Body Treatment. When you’re not being pampered in the spa, the resort boasts 365 things to do – literally a fresh, new activity for every day of the year!
Wow-Worthy Wonders
When it comes to history, you’ll find North Jersey at the beating heart of every revolutionary era – from iconic American Revolution landmarks at Morristown National Historical Park to a mighty symbol of Industrial Revolution power at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.
And where would the world of science be without the brilliant New Jerseyan Thomas Edison? You can discover the inventions and innovations of “The Wizard of Menlo Park” himself at Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange. Want to get your kids really electrified about STEM? Plug into Liberty Science Center in Jersey City – where they can reach new heights in the Infinity Climber, learn about the world’s largest animal in the Blue Whale Exhibition (on display until January 5, 2025), unearth ancient fossils at the Dino Dig Adventure and so many more activities that are pure genius!
When you want to open your mind and immerse yourself in the fine and performing arts, you have plenty of options in North Jersey. Prepare to leap from your seat for a standing-ovation-worthy performance at NJPAC in Newark. Just a seven-minute walk away, you can explore the more than 300,000 artworks and artifacts at the Newark Museum of Art. Founded in 1914, the visionary Montclair Art Museum was one the first museums in the country with a focus on American and Native American art – something we can all appreciate.
For all its urban playgrounds, North Jersey is also a haven for wide-open green spaces. Outdoor adventure awaits with biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking and more at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Hardwick.
Ready for peak pleasure? Ascend 1,803 feet above sea level to New Jersey’s loftiest elevation at High Point State Park in Sussex. It is just one of 40 locations you can visit to earn free swag when you sign up for the free Jersey State Parks Passport – valid through April 8, 2025. Many of these participating state parks also rank amongst the best places to view fall foliage, delivering some of the northeast’s greatest leaf-peeping.
Exotic Eateries
Embark on an around-the-world culinary journey without ever leaving North Jersey! Craving Western European cuisine? Savor the flavors of Portugal at Joia Restaurant in Harrison. Feast on Spanish specialties at Sevilla Restaurant in Passaic or Fornos of Spain in Newark. Gorge on German food at the Black Forest Inn in Stanhope. And sample Mediterranean fare at Molos Restaurant in Weehawken.
Continue your global foodie tour, tasting the wonders of other countries and continents. Devour Bangladeshi dishes at Korai Kitchen in Jersey City. Try South American cooking at Cucharamama in Hoboken. Dig into authentic Ethiopian cuisine at Mesob. And twirl up some Italian-Japanese fusion fare at PastaRAMEN.
Fabulous Festivals
From music and arts to … honey and garlic (yes, really!). Towns and cities across North Jersey are playing host to a trio of events that will make your fall sing. So mark your calendar for the Montclair Jazz Festival Jamboree (September 14, 2024), Jersey City Art & Studio Tours (October 4–6, 2024) and the Sussex County Harvest, Honey & Garlic Festival (October 19, 2024).
Whether you’re planning a fall outing or full-blown getaway, North Jersey is where it’s at. For overnight accommodations that put you close to everything there is to see and do, explore all of the options in our Gateway or Skylands Regions. Looking for additional trip inspiration? Download our free travel guide and subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter. As always, please visit the official websites or social media pages of your destinations before you hit the road for all of the latest need-to-know details.
