Destinations & Things To Do
2025’s Most Underrated Towns In New Jersey
New Jersey sits between some of America’s biggest and greatest cities but isn’t really notable for having any of its own. To some, this discounts it as a proper vacation destination, but to others (perhaps you), this makes it all the more unique and interesting. And why not explore something new in 2025?
Today, we will cover some of New Jersey’s best-hidden gems, from the easy-to-reach suburbs of cities like New York City and Philadelphia to more remote destinations in the state’s gorgeous and underrated wildlands. With these spots in mind, you can see another side of the Garden State that not all get to experience and make some long-lasting memories along the way.
Mount Holly
Mount Holly offers an authentic Jersey experience with fewer crowds than nearby cities in the southern end of the state. Despite its proximity to Philadelphia, Mount Holly has avoided the over-commercialization seen in other suburban areas, and makes for a breath of fresh air for city folk looking for an escape in 2025.
The downtown area is a great place to start your adventures here and is anchored in most part by Mill Race Village, a cool collection of independent shops and stores housed in a number of historic buildings. Dining options like the Village Idiot Brewing Company and Kitchen 87 are highly recommended if you need to grab a bite, and the area’s walkable layout makes it easy to explore on foot, wherever else you may go.
The Burlington County Prison Museum, a National Historic Landmark, is an especially interesting local attraction for history buffs, and offers you a look into the town’s oftentimes dark past with its meticulously preserved cells, many of which come with eerie tales of hauntings and other dark stories.
For something a little less dour, nature lovers will find plenty to explore at nearby Rancocas State Park, where trails wind through wetlands and forest, providing a natural respite just minutes from town.
Red Bank
Explore a quieter side of the Jersey Shore in Red Bank. Many come to experience its vibrant arts scene, which is anchored by the historic Count Basie Center for the Arts. This year, you will be able to see a number of concerts, theater productions, and film screenings here. There is much more in store for you at this destination, however, from pristine parks to must-visit stops within its fertile countryside.
Red Bank’s location near the mouth of the Navesink River provides you with picturesque spots like the Riverside Gardens Park, just steps from downtown. Take a look at Riverside Gardens Park, which features several historic landmarks.
With current health trends prioritizing organic, locally made food, Red Bank Farmers Market has also played an essential role in the local economy. Open between Mother’s Day and mid-November in 2025; you can pick up some locally grown produce or some handcrafted goods made by regional artisans while visiting in the warmer months.
Cape May Court House
Cape May Court House, located inland from the bustling beaches of Cape May, is a less commercialized alternative to New Jersey’s more popular coastal destinations.
Here, you will find a mix of locally owned shops, antique stores, and dining options that highlight regional flavors, namely fresh seafood caught nearby. Cape May Court House also has a strong focus on supporting local agriculture. Nearby farms and vineyards provide fresh produce, and seasonal farmers’ markets offer visitors a chance to sample local goods. If wine caught your eye, small local vineyards like Jessie Creek Winery have been growing in popularity in 2025, or partake in a guided tour this summer season with Day Sipper Wine and Brew Tours.
The historical centerpiece of the area is the ornate 1920s-era Cape May County Courthouse (the clear inspiration for the community’s name), and for a deeper dive into history, the historic John Holmes House offers a glimpse into colonial life through its collections of artifacts and available local tours.
The region is also home to the Cape May County Park & Zoo, a well-maintained, free-admission zoo with over 500 animals and expansive park grounds ideal for picnics and nature walks, a nice, budget-friendly option for today’s economy.
Frenchtown
Frenchtown, situated along the banks of the Delaware River, is an underrated gem and a surprisingly quiet community given its position between the metros of Philadelphia and New York City.
The town’s scenic setting on the river is a big draw, and locales like the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail offer space for hiking, biking, and simply enjoying river viewpoints that don’t see the same crowds that many other northeastern parks will likely see in 2025. Kayakers and canoeists can also access the water directly from town, with several boat launches located nearby.
If you’re in the area, be sure to explore the town’s past through guided tours in the Frenchtown Historic District, where landmarks date back to its earliest days, like The National Hotel (a still functioning accommodation, too) and a collection of flat brick store fronts can be enjoyed.
Haddonfield
Haddonfield is a historic community sitting right on the outskirts of Camden. If you live in the city and don’t want to spend the money on traveling somewhere distant, check this location out this year for an easy, budget-friendly trip. At the very least, its colonial-style architecture, much of which can be found in its compact downtown core, makes this town a picturesque urban spot to take a walk in.
One of Haddonfield’s standout features is actually its connection to paleontology. The town is home to Hadrosaurus foulkii, the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton found in North America. A statue commemorates the discovery, and visitors can explore the nearby excavation site. You can learn more about Haddonfield itself, too, at Greenfield Hall, which gives you a window into early colonial life through its many exhibits and guided tours.
Support this community’s currently growing art scene as well this year at the Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival, which draws local artists and features hundreds of booths in which you can pick up something new for your home.
Lambertville
If you’re in the mood to shop at some truly unique locations this season, Lambertville may be just for you. Start your day in this small town along the Delaware River at the Golden Nugget Antique Market. Operating since 1967, it’s a hidden Garden State Gem, offering vintage finds and curiosities that you may not be able to find elsewhere.
While in the area, be sure to look out for its abundance of historic architecture too, much of which dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Holcombe Jimison Farmstead Museum is something we recommend if this interests you.
Lambertville is also a community that likes to support its local talent, which can be seen at events like Shad Fest, where artists, musicians, and local vendors alike take center stage.
Lambertville’s location on the river provides access to some must-see trails, as well as the Goat Hill Overlook Trailhead, which overlooks the town and its dense forestlands surrounding it; an idyllic, less visited spot to see the fall foliage in 2025. Visitors can also walk or bike to nearby New Hope, Pennsylvania, via a pedestrian-friendly bridge.
Cranbury
Cranbury is known for its commitment to preserving green spaces, with an excellent array of places where you can go for a scenic walk or bike ride. Sitting between Trenton and New York City, you can make this your new go-to spot for a bit of easily accessible outdoor adventure in 2025.
Village Park, located along Brainerd Lake, contains a network of walking trails, picnic areas, and access to boating and fishing on its lake. You can delve deeper in the town’s wildlands at the Cranbury Preserve, located along Cranbury Brook, which runs through the heart of town, then eventually into Brainerd Lakes and beyond.
If you’re taking a stroll in Cranbury, try to make a stop at the Cranbury Museum too. Located in a home built in 1834, this unique landmark displays local history through curated exhibits and artifacts within the period accurate structure.
Whether exploring its tree-lined streets, enjoying a meal at a local eatery, or taking a quiet walk along the lake, Cranbury is a refreshing alternative to busier central New Jersey destinations.
Highlands
Highlands is yet another coastal town that often flies under the radar compared to its busier Jersey Shore neighbors. Its location at the northern tip of the shore provides you with access to both sandy beaches and a plethora of lush green spaces for you to enjoy this summer.
The town’s proximity to the Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook also allows you to venture around seven miles of clean beaches, hiking and biking trails, and historic sites like the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States. Highlands is also home to the Twin Lights State Historic Site, which offers unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and a museum that delves into the region’s maritime history.
As with any coastal town, Highland’s waterfront is home to several highly rated independent seafood restaurants. Proving Ground Waterfront Dining or Bahrs Landing Famous Seafood Restaurant & Marina are nice higher-end options, while Saltwater Bar and Kitchen is in a relaxed setting with tasty yet more affordable dishes to match.
Getting to Highlands is simple and convenient, with the SeaStreak Ferry providing easy access to Manhattan.
Uncover the Garden State’s Best Gems this Year
Whether you are looking to spend time during the summer on the Atlantic Coast or want to get a taste of history in some of America’s oldest settlements, these destinations should definitely make your to-do list this year. Get a fresh seafood meal on the Jersey Shore, hop into the great outdoors in Frenchtown, or simply find some respite from big city life in boroughs like Mount Holly and Cranbury. The options to find adventure and try something new are endless if you just know where to look.
Destinations & Things To Do
Move Over, Florence: The North American Destination That Outranks Italy’s Perennial Favorite In New List
Florence, Italy
(Davide Seddio/ Getty Images
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No matter which of its nicknames you call it, from “La Bella” (The Beautiful) to the “Capital of Artists” or even “The Cradle of the Renaissance,” “La Città Gigliata” (The City Of The Lily), there’s no disputing Florence, Italy’s long-standing place as one of the world’s top global travel destinations. Michelangelo’s “David”? Check. Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus”? Yup. Gorgeous history, architecture and good weather? Triple check. Not to mention the food …
For all of Florence’s many charms, however, its reputation among travellers appears to be slipping. In the 2025 edition of global travel publication Travel + Leisure’s annual “World’s Best Awards,” which is determined based on voting by international tourists, La Bella has fallen out of the top five. Here are two destinations that outrank it on this year’s list, both of which may fly a little lower under the radar (and one of which doesn’t require crossing an ocean to visit, for those of us in the U.S.).
Jaipur, India
Exterior of the Hawa Mahal or The palace of winds in Jaipur.
(Witthaya Prasongsin/ Getty Images
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Beating Florence (which ranks sixth on this year’s list) for the number five spot this year is Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India. Full of ornate, honeycomb-inspired palaces and towering forts, Jaipur is, quite simply, an architectural marvel. Founded in 1727, it was one of India’s first planned cities. It received the nickname “The Pink City” in the 1800s due to its distinctive rose-colored sandstone buildings (legend has it that none other than Prince Albert gave it that nickname).
Aerial view of Jaipur from Nahargarh Fort at sunset
(Witthaya Prasongsin/ Getty Images)
Beyond its architectural marvels, Jaipur features legendary city markets and bazaars. Renowned as a global center for gemstone cutting and trading (particularly for emeralds), the city’s streets are alive with bustle and traditional craft workshops where travellers are able to watch master craftsmen at work. Travel + Leisure also praises the city’s opulent hotels, world-class shopping, and vibrant cultural heritage.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Aerial View of San Miguel de Allende
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Topping Travel + Leisure’s list this year is a destination a little closer to those of us in the U.S.: Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende. The city’s historic center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, showcases gorgeous 16th-18th century baroque and neoclassical buildings with their characteristic pink limestone facades and wrought-iron balconies. Cobblestone streets run through oft-photographed marvels such as the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, whose iconic pink neo-Gothic facade was designed by Zeferino Gutiérrez in the 1880s and 1890s. The city center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
Located about four hours northwest of Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende was lauded by Travel + Leisure voters for its unique cultural atmosphere and affordability. Some key factors that survey participants cited for the city’s popularity were centrally located museums, botanical gardens, a vibrant arts scene and a packed calendar of annual cultural events.
Celebration of a traditional festival in San Miguel de Allende Zocalo area
(©fitopardo/ Getty Images
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Finally, of course, there’s the weather. With an elevation of 6,200 feet, San Miguel de Allende has a temperate climate all year round. The hottest time of year to visit is May, when the average monthly high is 85, with an average low of 55. The coldest time, on the other hand, is January, when the monthly high is 72 and the average low is 40.
Destinations & Things To Do
FEATURED | A stunning adventure centre that has a number of fantastic activities to keep the children occupied this summer holidays
Nestled between the Black Mountains & Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales, Black Mountain Adventure is a family-owned & managed business that offers an exciting range of high-quality, award-winning outdoor adventure activities.
Established back in 1992, Black Mountain Adventure is one of the leading outdoor adventure companies in the Brecon Beacons.
With more than 30 years in providing outstanding adventure sports, the Black Mountain Team has an exceptional knowledge of both the fabulous mountains & magical rivers.
The team will give you an adventure day to remember in our beautiful corner of Wales.
Why Choose Black Mountain Adventure?
‘The Brecon Beacons is widely known as one of the best places in all of the UK to enjoy a wide range of outdoor adventure activities.
‘This special part of Wales is regarded as the go-to place to try out all kinds of land & water-based adventure actives so come & join us.
‘From archery to caving, paddle boarding to gorge walking, land karting to high ropes, & canoeing to mountain biking, there’s a whole host of fun to be had with our highly-qualified team.
‘Whether you’re an adventurous family, a group of work colleagues, a stag or hen weekend, a school party or a couple on a weekend escape, there is something for everyone here at BMA.
‘With more than 30 years-experience in award-winning outdoor adventures, we offer the widest range of activities of all the activity centres. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
‘Give us a call on 01497 847897 or email us at info@blackmountain.co.uk’
Activities:
Archery – Enjoy a fun, challenging & competitive sport that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Canoe / Kayak Hire – Enjoy a relaxing paddle on the River Wye in a canoe or sit-on-top kayak & take in the breathtaking views.
Caving – Explore the world beneath your feet in one of South Wales’ most exciting cave systems.
Clay Pigeon Shooting – Have a go at smashing clays out of the sky in this competitive, exhilerating activity.
Climbing & Abseil Wall – Learn to scale new heights or fine tune your skills on our outdoor climbing tower.
Gorge Adventure – Take an exciting scramble through a deep river gorge where waterfall jumps & a great deal of fun await you!
Guided Canoeing – Paddle down River Wye with an experienced river guide for an enjoyable activity for all the family.
High Level Ropes Course – Test your head for heights with this series of fun, high wired challenges.
Hill Walking – Enjoy a guided hike in the Brecon Beacons and take in some of Wales’s most stunning scenery.
Kayaking – Whether you’re looking to kickstart your kayaking journey or develop your skills we have a session to your needs.
Kids’ Summer Adventure Club 2025
Our Kids’ Adventure Club is back the Summer on selected Thursdays throughout the summer holidays.
Children aged 8 – 15 years can come along and try out a range of exciting adventure activities under the guidance of our qualified outdoor instructors.
Book today and give them a summer of fun and new experiences.
Cost: £45 per child, per day
Ages: 8 – 15 years
Duration: 9:30 to 4:30pm
Location: Black Mountain Adventure Centre, Three Cocks, LD3 0SD
Activity programme
Thursday 24 July – Archery & Stand Up Paddleboarding
Thursday 31 July – High Level Ropes Course, Zip Line & Raft Building
Thursday 14 August – High Level Ropes Course, Zip Line & Stand Up Paddleboarding
Thursday 21 August – Climbing Tower & Canoeing
What to bring:
Packed lunch, snack & water bottle. Change of clothes & waterproofs. Sunscreen & Hat for the sunny days.
Just drop your child off at our activity center at 9:30am with suitable clothing, food & drink for the day. If the weather is less than ideal on the day then activities may be altered to suit but this will be confirmed with you at drop off.
How to book
Book online today via our calendar below, select the date(s) you want and book, easy! Or simply give us a call 01497 847897
With so much travel content online, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting our next holiday destination. If you enjoy a spot or two of casino gaming, the potential shortlist of destinations gets only slightly smaller.
Today, we’ve boiled it down to the top seven travel destinations for casino enthusiasts. So, if you are looking to take in a spot of casino gaming as you jet around the world, then these destinations should all be places you should consider.
Looking for a unique market in a multi-billion-dollar industry
Online casinos emerged as a serious contender to the traditional, more conventional model of casino gaming. Some companies sought to ensure they offered a route for people to play casino games that provided an experience not available online.
Admittedly, this is an increasingly challenging task as the internet becomes a one-stop shop for all things casino gaming. There are sites like AskGamblers that utilize their platform to onboard experts who can thoroughly explore every aspect of what a casino has to offer. They browse through casinos’ marketing ideas, social media presence, site security, gaming library, and the unique elements that help them stand out in such a saturated market.
However, the destinations we’ll touch on today have been able to navigate this tightrope and have helped buck the trend that has seen millions of casino gamers move away from conventional platforms and seek out online casino gaming.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
If you are travelling the world to find a luxury casino, then it doesn’t get much more luxurious than Monte Carlo. We apologize if you haven’t got the budget that stretches to some of the eye-watering prices you will find in Monaco.
However, globally, there are fewer than a dozen places that can rival what’s on offer in Monte Carlo. Their casinos offer exclusivity, a real who’s who of celebrities, and a quaint setting that is in stark contrast to the 24/7 non-stop action you can find in Vegas. Although there are many notable tourist spots in the French Riviera, if you are looking for a way to relax and explore some of the most glamorous casinos on the planet, then Monte Carlo should be high on your list.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Viva Las Vegas, Sin City, a place that is notorious for casino gaming and travel. For over half a century, gamblers have jetted in from all over the world to experience the blinding bright lights that adorn every inch of the strip.
As the unofficial gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas has perfected the fusion of casino gaming with world-class entertainment. It’s the global hub of combat sports, hosting many of the top UFC events that took place in 2025.
However, even from a historical perspective, if you are a casino enthusiast, then Vegas is a must at some point. Granted, it doesn’t have the hustle and bustle it once had, but it should be on the bucket list for those who have a penchant for a casino game or two.
Thackerville, Oklahoma
We wouldn’t recommend a two-week stay in Thackerville, but if you are looking to explore the world’s biggest casino, then this is where you will find it. Renovated just over 15 years ago, the hotel features over a dozen restaurants and hundreds of different casino games to explore.
Sydney
If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, or you want to take in what the best casinos have to offer down there, then Australia’s most populous city is a no-brainer. While it might have dozens of other appealing tourist spots, the Aussies’ love of gambling means you can find casino games in Sydney and right across Oz.
London
Just like Sydney, London is a worldly city that has so much more to explore than its casinos. With that said, the nightlife in London and the world-class entertainment on offer put it right at the top of the list. Sure, you’re not going to spend an entire week in London cruising around casinos, and nothing else, but they are well worth checking out as part of your vacation.
Macau
The best way to describe Macau is the Chinese equivalent of Las Vegas. In terms of revenue, Macau is by far the biggest gambling region on Earth, dwarfing Vegas. While it has struggled to maintain the customer numbers it achieved toward the end of the 2010s, for casino enthusiasts, a trip to Macau is still worth it for the size and scope of some of the casinos.
As people discuss who they think will be the next James Bond in great detail, those who are 007 buffs might recognize some of the high-rise buildings in Macau and casino floors from Skyfall.
The Bahamas
If it’s the sun you are chasing, then the Bahamas is going to propel itself right to the top of your list. Sure, Vegas is right in the middle of the desert. However, the Bahamas offers beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, and luxury casinos that all have something different that goes beyond the basic resort experience.
Final thoughts
We’ve spanned the whole globe searching for the top destinations today. If we had to pick one of these destinations for a casino enthusiast, which would it be? We’d have to go with Vegas. It has been the casino gaming hub of the US and a gambling mecca since the mid-20th century. Although this has changed since the rise of online casinos and locations like Macau have started to challenge Vegas on a global scale, it still retains its heritage and stature as the premier tourist spot for casino enthusiasts.
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