GetOutsideNJ.com

10/23/2024

The colors are really popping in our area. And it seems to be popping all around the state right now! Will need to make some time for leaf peeping this weekend :) How are they near you?

10/08/2024

Our sweet girl, Sammy, is going through a really tough time right now. Over the past few days, she’s had difficulty walking, using the bathroom, and has been letting out some heartbreaking meows. We took her to the animal hospital yesterday, where we learned she’s dehydrated and “backed up,” plus she’s lost a pound in the last month. She’s now staying at the hospital for a few days so they can take good care of her.

Thankfully, there are no blockages, but they’ve diagnosed her with chronic kidney disease and arthritis. It's a lot for her little body to handle. She’s been getting fluids, medication, and had an ultrasound and X-rays. She’s eating, which is a good sign, but the pain meds earlier made her temperature drop, so they’ve been keeping a close eye on her.

We visited her tonight, and she was snuggled in a towel on a heating pad, looking pretty out of it, but I know she was happy to see us. We’re grateful that JJ was able to come with us too.

It’s going to be a tough few days, but we’re staying hopeful and keeping our fingers crossed for our brave Sammy. 💜

10/04/2024

color update for Oct 4th

10/04/2024

Great news! Have you ever hiked here?

09/28/2024

Friday Foliage Update! How is it in your area?

🍁🍂 Friday Fall Foliage Update - September 27 🍂🍁

Some change in foliage can be seen statewide, with select areas already experiencing mid-point conditions.

Let's hope that the rain we experience this weekend doesn't knock too many leaves down!

07/31/2024

Have you made it out to swim this summer?

***Update: Wawayanda State Park has reopened***

New Jersey State Park Service Swim Schedule – July 31 to August 4

Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in our lakes and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Island Beach State Park.

🏖Atsion Recreation Area (Wharton State Forest) – Wednesday - Sunday
🏖Bass River State Forest – Wednesday - Sunday
🏖Belleplain State Forest – Wednesday - Sunday
🏖Cheesequake State Park – Closed until further notice
🏖High Point State Park and New Jersey Veterans' Memorial – Wednesday - Sunday
🏖Hopatcong State Park – Open Wednesday - Sunday
🏖️Island Beach State Park – Open 7 days a week
🏖Parvin State Park – Closed until further notice
🏖Round Valley Recreation Area – Wednesday - Sunday
🏖Swartswood State Park – Wednesday - Sunday
🏖Wawayanda State Park – Closed until further notice

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
🏊🏻‍♀️Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty.
🔥Be prepared for the heat - bring extra water, a hat and umbrella for unshaded areas.
♻Keep it Clean and Green! Protect plants and animals and care for your state parks by taking your trash with you. Whatever you carry into the park, plan on carrying it out too. Bring a bag or two for trash, recycling and cleaning up after your pet. There are no trash receptacles in this park.
✅Any lifejackets used in our swimming areas must be US Coast Guard approved.
🏊🏻‍♀️If you are interested in becoming a State Park Service lifeguard, please visit: http://nj.gov/dep/workinparks

✅To check status of parks, forests, historic sites, and recreation areas please visit: https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parkstatus/

07/31/2024

Please please please... Don't be this person.

07/29/2024

Gliding into golden hour on the water 🌅

Kayaking has always been our go-to for a fun adventure, but it's been too long since our last trip. With summer vibes in full swing, we’re itching to paddle out again soon. Nothing beats the calm and beauty of a sunset kayak ride. Who's up for a kayaking trip?

07/25/2024

Have you ever been to LOMB? We have not yet made it here... but want to! Any tips?

An overview of the Land of Make Believe in Hope New Jersey.
The amusement park opened to public in August 1954, 70 years ago.
The premise was to be a place where parents and children under the age of 13 could engage in fun activities together.
The thrills are not too thrilling as to scare young children, but fun enough to be a great time for parents as well.
The site has expanded several times over the years , including water features, and has one of America's largest wading pools, with pirate theme.

07/24/2024

Update 2...

We contacted our local police Dep and asked about this post/graphic. Specifically about making a left and which lane we should be in when entering the next road...

* Officer: You should always enter the lane closest to you. If you are making a left onto Route X from Y Road to go over the bridge, you would enter the left lane of Route X and then use your right turn signal to safely change lanes to the right lane if you need to enter that lane.

* Me: Is this the law or best practice

* Officer: It is covered by State Law, Under Title 39 Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulations, to include NJSA 39:4-123.

Anyone debating the Green Line for left-hand turns is wrong.
--
Update... All drivers need to be reminded about this basic rule! Lol
--
Summer Drivers coming down the shore need to remember the basics. Here is a reminder.

Also, real outdoor posts will be coming again very soon.

07/04/2024

Happy 4th of July! Let freedom ring! We hope you are having a great day. And Stay Safe!⁠

Are you heading anywhere fun today?

This was from a walk we took last year in Washing Crossing SP (Jersey side). This is an excellent park with great trails if you can put a nice loop together.
⁠

06/30/2024

Some folks on a local FB group asked about good places to bring a middle school kids in northern NJ. No amusement parks or beaches (obviously :) )

This picture is from Fosterfeld Farms and can't wait to get back!

What would you recommend?

Here were a few we like!

**Outdoor/Nature**
1. Grounds For Sculpture (Hamilton)
2. Duke Farms (Hillsborough)
3. Turtle Back Zoo (West Orange)

**Museum**
1. Liberty Science Center (Jersey City)
2. The Newark Museum of Art (Newark)
3. Sterling Hill Mining Museum (Ogdensburg)

**Historic**
1. Thomas Edison National Historical Park (West Orange)
2. Liberty Hall Museum (Union)
3. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm (Morristown)

06/26/2024

Fireworks 🎆? Yes Please. A whole list of them broken down by county. Oh Boy!

getoutsidenj.com/articles/independence-day-fireworks-by-county-2024/

06/23/2024

Summer traffic woes: No shortcuts here! 🚗⛔️

How do you handle the zipper merge? Like the text in the post? Or like you should, which is where both lanes merge one at a time near the end of the open road?

With all the summer traffic in our area now, a ten minute drive is now 20. Certainly shows us how many opinions people have on what is the 'right' way to drive in traffic 😂

06/13/2024

Maybe this will be the year that balance comes into this little guys life :)

Our guy has been fighting it every year we bring him out. But he also outgrows the bikes on 5 minutes which didn't help.

This new bike is the perfect size and should really help. Thank you for helping us find it, ! Great price for a great quality, tuned up, used bike.

When did you or your kids finally learn how to ride?

Fingers Crossed!

06/13/2024

❤️ Stokes

The Flat Brook, along Blue Mountain Loop. 📍Stokes State Forest, Sussex County, NJ
Hike guide: https://www.njhiking.com/stokes-blue-mountain-loop-lower/

Our guide for the lower half has 2 loop options: 7.0 miles that includes Stony Brook falls, or 10.8 miles via Tinsley. We also have a guide for the other half of the trail.

05/30/2024

Share your latest outdoor adventure with us! 🌲

Post a photo from your recent trip and let’s explore the great outdoors together!

05/29/2024

Since many of you liked the simple post about the tents in Ocean Grove, we wanted to share a few nice articles about them...

- I’ve Lived in a Tent Every Summer for 35+ Years and Always Will—Here’s Why
https://www.rd.com/article/ocean-grove-tent-city/

- Ocean Grove: Peek Inside Unique Shore Tent Camps of #1 Victorian Town. Pier Reaching Out.
https://www.thecitypulse.com/post/ocean-grove-peak-inside-tent-camps-1-victorian-town-including-victorian-day-pier-reaching-out

Oh boy... It always feels like summer is right around the corner when the tents start going back up in Ocean Grove.

If you know, you know 😉

❤️

05/28/2024

Great news and well deserved!

Lucy the Elephant in Margate will be open seven days a week starting May 1, and you can look from the outside or climb inside for a tour.

05/28/2024

We hope you and your family had an excellent "unofficial start of summer" weekend. If it was just a soso, boring, uneventful, and/or lame weekend ... Well I am sure there was some good floating around. Maybe next weekend will be more of a hit for you.

Thank you to all that have served, that are still serving, and that have given the ultimate sacrifice.

#2024

05/27/2024

Memorial Day 2024 - Today, we remember all the heroes who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

08/16/2022

We are heading to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg this summer!

Ever been there? Any must see places? What would you recommend?

08/13/2022

This would be awesome!

Support a Bike Path at Round Valley!

08/08/2022

Ever paddled the Monksville Reservoir? You Should!

07/31/2022

What a beautiful day! Do anything fun? Get outside at all? Hope so!