8 Playfully Peculiar Towns In New Jersey

Boardwalks, casinos, "Real Housewives," the Shore, these are just a few things New Jersey is famous for. The state is full of well-known tourist attractions that make it a popular travel destination, but it is also full of not so well know tourist attractions that can also make it appealing for those travelers looking for a different kind of experience. For a unique trip to the east coast be sure to hit up these eight playfully peculiar towns in New Jersey.

Sandyston

The town of Sandyston has plenty of variety for outdoor activity, each varying in uniqueness. Start your visit at the Hidden Acres Golf Course, an 18-hole public course set in the rolling hills of New Jersey and featuring picturesque, hilly landscapes. Another enticing attraction featuring beautiful landscapes is the Sussex County Sunflower Maze. Open August through September, the maze is a popular spot for photos, making memories, learning about agriculture or just enjoying the fresh air. Take a stroll through the maze and be sure to capture the moment with a selfie of the tall flowers. Finally, perhaps the most eccentric tourist trap in Sandyston is Luna Parc. Starting in 1989 Ricky Boscarino began working on his largest art installation. His home. Using metal, clay, wood, cement and everyday objects, he has created his home into a living museum. The house is a private residence so tours are only available specific times of the year, however the creations can be enjoyed from outside as well as the exterior of the home has its own funky design.

West Windsor

Golf enthusiasts will want to start their visit to West Windsor with a stop at Mercer Oaks. The 18-hole public course was opened in 1991 and offers links style and traditional style for a unique challenging course. The excitement doesn’t stop on the golf course, however. Mercer Oaks is a part of Mercer County Park. The county park encompasses 2,500 acres over three townships and affords its visitors hiking trails, fishing, war memorials, sports courts, dog parks, nature study and so much more. Be sure to take advantage of all the amenities offered during your time at Mercer County Park. Perhaps the most notable attraction in West Windsor that draws in visitors is the Martian Landing Site Monument. In 1938 a radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds" frightened listeners enough they thought an alien invasion was actually happening. Protecting themselves from aliens by any means necessary, led to the towns old wooden water tower, who one resident mistook for an alien, being shot down. Although the town wanted to forget the infamous night, for the 50th anniversary of the “invasion” a 7.5-foot bronze sculpture was erected in the heart of the destruction.

Chester

Start your visit to Chester with some outdoor fun at the Riamede Farm. An apple orchard that is dedicating to keep tradition of apple harvesting alive through agricultural heritage and their vintage apple trees. The 68-acres of pick your own fruit, are still nurturing harvest trees that were planted over 80 years ago. For another nature-based outing visit the Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center. Enjoy bird watching and butterfly spotting at the Butterfly Garden located directly behind the main building. From the center take the trails that run through meadows and forests and along the Black River. Venture your way through hemlock gorges and historic ruins. But don’t leave Chester without a stop at the Telephone Pole Farm, as this is probably your only chance to see one. And yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like it is. The farm was created in the 1920s by AT&T as a testing ground for the durability of the telephone poles. They exposed the multiple rows of poles to woodpeckers, gophers, weather and time to see how they would hold up in the elements. Today the park is enjoyed by hikers and tourists interested in the one-of-a-kind attraction.

Margate

Margate has some truly unique attractions both on land and water. Test your aquatic physical ability at Island Aqua Park. Built on the water this floating amusement park features slides, swings, climbing walls, bridges, bounce pads and more to provide plenty of entertainment. According to the park's website, they "are a family owned and operated business for over 35 years!" To continue with the aquatic adventures swim over to Stacey’s Surf & Paddle and partake in a surf lesson or rent a board and head out on to the water for surfing or stand up paddleboarding. Located in the Bay the waters are perfect for beginners who are just getting their feet wet. For one final stop in Margate, head to the quirky attraction that is known far and wide as Lucy the Elephant. The “World’s Greatest Elephant” is six stories high and listed on the National Park Registry of Historical Places. Built in 1881 the elephant allows for visitors to actually tour inside of it and get a view of the waters from the heights. Lucy is renowned in New Jersey, so if you find yourself in the same town as her don’t pass the chance to give her a visit.

Matawan

The town of Matawan has a unique forest preserve that makes it a desirable place for hikers and nature lovers. Located in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems is the Cheesequake State Park. The land offers open fields and hardwood forests, and the water portion of the park includes saltwater and freshwater marshes. Enjoy camping, swimming, kayaking and more in this small but diverse park. From the open fields to notable mansions, history buffs would appreciate a visit to the Burrowes Manion Museum. The mansion has had many different owners in its 300-year history and is currently a museum operated by the Matawan Historical Society. Period rooms, antiques and memorabilia are on display at the museum. Another historical attraction that is located in Matawan is slightly more infamous than any other but has a dark history. The Jaws Shark Attack Site, which inspired the movie "Jaws" features a mural of an open mouth shark on one of the tunnels in the river where the attacks took place. Cinema fans would be remiss to pass on a visit to the muddy waters of the Matawan Creek and view the mural.

Milford

The attractions in Milford vary greatly and have their own level of exclusivity. Start your distinctive site seeing at the Mad Lavender Farm and engage in multiple different activities. Take a yoga class with goats, participate in hands on workshops or enjoy a stroll through the lavender feels and enjoy the peace and serenity. Created on an ideal of sustainable living, the farm invites visitors to make candles, take a watercolor class or participate in Reiki Healing. Continue outdoor excitement at Bubbling Springs Park and Lake. Enjoy the hiking trails and swimming and fishing at the lake at this 40-acre park. The park also offers recreational programs that include archery, paddle boarding, lifeguard classes and more. For a truly unforgettable experience in Milford stop for a lunch break at The Famous River Hot Dog Man. Serving tubers, kayakers, rafters and canoers on the Delaware River since 1987, this floating restaurant, found on Adventure Island, hosts its guests on picnic tables that are set in the river! Take in the sites at the waterfront restaurant or grab a hot dog and continue on down the river, but don’t miss the chance to participate in this fun and unique dining experience.

Alpine

The small town of Alpine has some pretty large and interesting attractions. Venture through Palisades Interstate Park and enjoy 2,500 acres of shoreline, uplands and cliffs. More than 30 miles of trails in the park range from easy strolls to rock scrambling for hikers of all levels. One picturesque site within the park is The Women’s Federation Monument. The trailside monument located on top of a cliff is dedicated in the honor of New Jersey State’s Federation of Women’s clubs. Take a hike through the park, stop at the memorial and get taken back in time to learn the story of what it represents. Another sky-high attraction in Alpine is Devil’s Tower. As the story goes, it was built in 1910 by a millionaire sugar importer who dedicated it to his wife so she could view the New York City skyline from the top of the tower. According to another legend, Harriet Rionda, jumped from the top of the tower when she caught her husband having an affair. Since her rumored suicide visitors of the tower claim her spirit still haunts it and they have felt a strange presence while in the monument.

Shamong

For anyone interested in historical architecture, one site in Shamong to venture to is the Atsion Mansion Historic Site. Built in 1826 the Greek Revival Mansion features a prominent building style and details. Tours of the unfurnished home are available and focus on the architecture and restoration of the building. After taking in the architecture of Alpine, head to the waters with Pinelands Adventures and paddle down the Mullica and Batsto Rivers. Travel with or without a guide and learn about the history, ecology, plants and animals along the way. Finally, plan a visit to another historical, in its own unique way, structure in town. Mighty Joe, a 25-foot gorilla, was in a state of disarray when he was purchased by a gas station owner who had said the gorilla reminded him of his son. Recently passed from a brain tumor, the gorilla embodied the spirit of Larry Valenzano’s bodybuilder son. After purchasing the gorilla, he erected it outside his gas station which he renamed Mighty Joe, where he still stands tall today.

New Jersey has many unique landmarks, characteristics and sites for visitors to enjoy. No matter what you are into, there is a little bit of everything in this charming east coast state. Whether it’s a giant gorilla standing outside a gas station, a hotdog stand floating on a river, or a farm “growing” telephone poles out of the ground there’s something quirky anywhere you look. Plan a visit and revel in the sites at these eight playfully peculiar towns.