Ideas for Last-Minute Weekend Getaways in New Jersey

Cape May

• The city of Cape May, declared a national landmark in 1976, sits on the southern tip of New Jersey between Cape May Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. This small island houses three different municipalities: Cape May, West Cape May and Cape May Point. Cape May offers several different beaches, such as Sunset Beach or Delaware Bay beaches. Numerous beachfront stores are available and many visitors enjoy shopping the Washington Street Mall. For a stay in a historical Victorian or Edwardian home, look into some of Cape May's bed-and-breakfast inns, such as the Queen Victoria or Captain' Mey's Inn. Many areas within Cape May accommodate pets, and dogs are welcome at several beaches, lodgings and restaurants.

  Cape May Tourism

  513 Washington Street Mall

  Cape May, NJ 08204

  609-898-4500

  capemay.com

Atlantic City

• Vegas may be a long way from New Jersey, but for a Vegas-type experience, head to Atlantic City. Atlantic City, located on the southeastern coast of the state, offers visitors plenty of things to do for a quick weekend getaway. Gambling at the casinos is one major draw of the city, but other more family-friendly activities can be found as well. Visitors can shop along boardwalks and outlet malls. The Atlantic City Boardwalk holds the record for the world's longest boardwalk and features a number of shops as well as the Atlantic City Historical Museum and Art Center. The area has free beaches that let visitors swim, surf or participate in a number of other water sports. Tours of the historic area can be taken by trolley or on foot. Atlantic City houses such attractions as Lucy the Elephant and the Atlantic City Aquarium.

  Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority

  2314 Pacific Avenue

  Atlantic City, NJ 08401

  609-348-7100

  atlanticcitynj.com

Skylands

• The Skylands, located within the northwestern area of New Jersey, consists of five counties and two national parks, offering visitors a number of different possible destinations. The Delaware River runs through the Skylands and a number of towns are located along the riverfront. Frenchtown, for example, is an artsy town filled with antiques and fine dining. For a taste of good wine, take advantage of the Skylands wine trail. The Skylands houses the Warren Hills American Viticultural Area, which includes Four Sisters Winery and Alba Vineyard. Travelers that enjoy a historical outlook on trips may enjoy the historical regions around Warren County. This includes a Moravian village named Hope, which was settled in 1769, as well as Belvidere Victorian Days Festival. This festival is held each September, with Victorian fashion, entertainment, house tours and historical entertainment.

  New Jersey Skylands

  Guest Services, Inc.

  P.O. Box 329

  Columbia, NJ 07832

  908-496-859

  njskylands.com