Want to kayak, shop, hike, gamble, and dine in style? Soak up the sun on pristine beaches, visit quaint shore towns with lovely Victorian architecture and funky boardwalks, walk or hike miles of woodlands full of wildlife? With art galleries, boutiques, bistros, jazz clubs, and so much more, it's time to plan your New Jersey vacation. Authors Andi Cantele and Mitch Kaplan are your guides to the history, geographic features, and modern amenities that make diverse New Jersey a great place to visit.

History buffs couldn't find a better place to explore: Revolutionary War encampments and battle sites pepper this state, nicknamed the Crossroads of the American Revolution. The birthplace of modern life is here too—learn all about important innovations at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park. The U.S. Senate traces its roots to New Jersey, and the first glimmers of the industrial revolution were here as well. Also, New Jersey's world-class museums, national parks, and national historic sites provide educational adventures for visitors of all ages.

In addition, this comprehensive guide includes opinionated listings for inns, B&Bs, hotels, and vacation cabins as well as hundreds of dining reviews, from authentic Jersey diners to four-star restaurants. An alphabetical "What's Where" subject guide will help you plan your trip, and handy icons indicate WiFi hotspots, gay-friendly businesses, wheelchair-accessible establishments, and family-friendly sites and activities. Regional and city maps cover the entire state, while transportation details and events calendars are invaluable resources.

Andi Marie Cantele is the author of Backroad Bicycling in Western Massachusetts, Backroad Bicycling in Connecticut, and Backroad Bicycling in New Hampshire, and coauthor of Connecticut: An Explorer's Guide. Lifelong New Jersey resident Mitch Kaplan is the author of 52 Weekends in New Jersey as well as other travel guides and hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles on travel, skiing, and golf.

$21.95 (Can. $27.500)
978-0-88150-840-6
6 x 9, 608 pages (est.), Paperback,
100 B&W photographs, 15 maps, Index
October 2009