There are amazing experiences to be had all over South Jersey – you just have to know where to look. Check out these hidden gems to visit right in your backyard.
Beauty & the Depression
Do you really live in South Jersey if you haven’t visited the Palace of Depression? Built by a man who lost his fortune in the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the palace was built with colorful stones and junk near the Little Robin Branch River. Come for the wild history – featuring visions of angels – and stay for the eccentric views.
Hidden Arts – Atlantic City
The parking garage at the corner of N Mississippi and Fairmount Avenues may look like your typical spot to park, but there’s so much more happening on the four-level structure. Head inside Noyes Museum of Art to watch artists at work, purchase their creations and even attend workshops hosted by local artists. For more information, visit the website.
Budding Flowers – Hamilton
Tucked away in Hamilton, the Sayen House and Gardens offers a fantastical escape where you can take in sweeping pond views and walk through elegant gardens, featuring more than 250,000 flowering bulbs around its 30 acres. Step into the beautiful wonderland for free every day between dawn and dusk. For more information, visit the website.
Sharks – Camden
You don’t have to hop on a plane to get up-close-and-personal with sharks. Just head to Camden. Adventure Aquarium’s shark encounter gives visitors the opportunity to get in the water with its shark tank residents – from a safe distance and with a guide, of course. But it’ll surely be a story you’ll tell over and over. Plus, after your shark time, participants will head to the stingray enclosure and swim around with the “flying” creatures. For more information, visit the website.
Jazz & Italian Food
Tucked between the trees in Bordentown, a night of jazz and Italian food is waiting for you at Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge. The restaurant’s intimate and elegant decor, plus the piano lounge’s soothing soundtrack will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the Italian countryside. And don’t get us started on the food. We have 3 words for you: world-famous tiramisu (literally). For more information, visit the website.
Suffragettes & History
Walk through history as you trace the footsteps of suffragette Alica Paul through her childhood home, Paulsdale, to learn about the history of the fight for women’s rights. Not only does the Alice Paul Institute – housed at Paulsdale – host leadership programs for young women, but it also hosts events for the community, including the Women’s Equality Day Festival on August 24. For more information, visit the website.
