I recently relocated to North Jersey from central NY state (thanks to all those in this forum for invaluable advice on housing and other issues). Being only 5 miles from Manhattan, I visit there regularly and have a long list of "to-do's", but would also like to learn more about the attractions of my adopted state. My interests include architecture, ethnic cuisines, jazz/funk/rhythm&blues, odd quirky little museums and of course... good coffee. I also enjoy areas of scenic natural beauty and am familiar with the Water Gap area due to my travels through there. Any and all suggestions appreciated!

Owen, Cape May is beautiful, lots to do. Atlantic City, not for everyone, but another place with alot to do.

I live in South Jersey and would agree with the above. Cape May has wonderfully preserved Victorian architecture. Ocean City is a wonderful family place to visit if you or friends have kids. It's "dry" so you don't get some of the problems you get in some other beach towns. Wharton State Forest has Batsto historic village. It's a good place to hike.
I have heard Lambertville is a nice town but haven't been there. It's right over the Delaware from New Hope,
PA a quaint little town with some nice shops and restaurants.
I know you only asked for NJ but Philadelphia is a nice city and you can get there from Newark and NYC via Trenton/NJ Transit. The Mutter Museum has some interesting oddities unlike you'll find many other places I think.
Welcome to NJ! Despite what many people think it isn't all Superfund sites!

Try the Northern Part of Sussex County. High Point state park, Vernon Area, Or how bought this..Take rt. 23 north to rt 515 west to 94 west all the way to Warwick NY. A great drive!!

JOHN

Owen, I second the recommendation to visit Lambertville. It is a quaint town. Lambertville Inn has a wonderful restaurant. Then, walk across the bridge to New Hope, PA which is a simply fabulous town. I love it there. There are some really eclectic little shops and great restaurants there. Try Mom's (it's called either that or Mother's) for brunch. Bucks County Playhouse also does some wonderful performances in the summer.

Hi Owen,
Try dinner at 'Rats' (named after a character in the 'Wind and the Willows'). It is a great restaurant surrounded by a beautiful sculpture garden. It is owned and managed by one of the Johnson and Johnson hiers (son) and he did the sculptures too. It is located near Trenton, in Hamilton Township, where the old 'fair grounds' use to be. You might consider spending the evening in near by New Hope which has some really charming Bed and Breakfasts.

Thanks to all... it appears that Lambertville and Cape May are both to be target destinations. Coincidentally enough, some folks I sat with at my daughter's awards dinner this weekend (in Syracuse) began raving about Cape May when I mentioned where I was living.

A must weekend day trip in New Jersey is going south to Wildwood. Walk on the boardwalk, rent a bicycle, have some curly fries or just sit on a bench and gaze out at the ocean.

Owen, on your way to Lambertville, you can stop at Hopewell, the site of the Lindbergh trial. Also, don't forget to make a visit to one of the most charming towns of all, Princeton.

Great suggestion Ilisa... I was in Pricneton a year ago on business and was quite taken aback by its charm. Good fortune had me there on one of those remarkable fall days with the perfect mix of turning leaves and warm weather. I've gotten so caught up in the hustle of N. Jersey / NY that I'd forgotten to mark it as a place to return to - thanks for reminding me!

The nation's premeir jazz station, WBGO, 88.3 fm, broadcasts from Newark, NJ. I think they have exhibits at the station.

Try wbgo.org, where you can also listen live.

I have also heard that 'High Point', the highest point in NJ has a spectacular view.

You're on the money about the jazz station Noah... it's one of the few that hasn't fallen prey to the "smooth jazz" format and for that I'm grateful (and I'm 7 miles from newark so it's easy to pick up the signal). Do you have any idea where "High Point" is? I checked mapquest and it yielded a location on the water a bit north of Atlantic City - doubtless a scenic spot but not likely to be more than a few feet above sea level. Any idea what town it may be close to?

I'm glad you appreciate WBGO.

I'm sorry that I don't know where High Point but the person who I heard talk about it (former NYC talk-show host Jay Diamond) said that it is not more than an hour from Manhattan. I'm sure you could get more info. by using a search engine.

Let us know how you like it if you go.

Oh, and don't forget the NJPAC: New Jersey Performing Arts Center. I also don't recall where it is but I hear it mentioned on WBGO.

High Point is in Sussex County, near the NY/PA/NJ border.

Owen, Montclair (in Essex County) is a really interesting town. You'll find museums, ethnic cuisines, a jazz club and various rock/R&B groups playing at local bars on the weekends. They are about to celebrate the annual "May in Montclair" which culminates with Downtown Saturday Night, at which Southside Johnny is playing this year. Go to http://www8.localeyes.com/1US2EWRNJBA/ for more info on Montclair.

The NJ PAC is in downtown Newark.

My spouse (a native of Balmar, NJ) passes by as I was perusing and mentioned that all of the above suggestions are right on the money. We went back to NJ to share New Years with friends residing in Warren Township. They drove us through all of the areas mentioned. I liked Lambertville and recall haveing a drink at a lovely Cuban or Mexican bar & Restaurant. (We were trying to warm up our feet as well.) There was a gallery which had artwork done only by music industry individuals that is worth visiting. And to find another city has a fistival which features Southside Johnny (with the Asbury Jukes?) is fabulous. You'll love the area. If you are a Civil War buff, you can visit the area where General Washington quartered his troops (in Morristown).....

Don't jump....I meant Revolutionary War.....

Owen:
A thousand pardons....fusion is good in cooking but terrible in memory. The gallery and Cuban bar/restaurant that I referred to were actually in New Hope, PA. We went to several spots while visiting with our friends in Jersey. I believe New Hope is the spot where Jessica Savich met her demise backing into a canal. The little antique shops there are right where the main street takes a bend in the road. The Cuban bar/restaurant is quite friendly and is on the main drag. -Cherie