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NJ Chamber Members Share their ‘Must-See’ Destinations in New Jersey

The Edge for February 2025

An Exclusive Article for NJ ChamberEdge

This Month's ChamberEdge Contributors

We asked New Jersey Chamber of Commerce members to share their “must-see” destinations in the Garden State. Their responses spanned the state, from New Jersey Devils hockey, the Delaware Water Gap, and Paterson Great Falls in North Jersey; to The Stone Pony, Grounds for Sculpture, and Point Pleasant Beach in Central Jersey; to Cowtown Rodeo, Morey’s Piers, and Cape May in South Jersey. And that’s just the beginning. Read the full article below.

 

Wildwood Beaches, NJ Devils Hockey, and Outdoor Concerts at The Stone Pony

Douglas GrahamWildwood brings me back to my childhood. With some of the only free beaches in the state, you can’t beat the games, rides, and food on one of NJ’s best boardwalks.

Watching a Devils game at Newark’s Prudential Center is also great. The excitement of live hockey is amazing, and the arena has a lot of options for refreshments.

The Stone Pony in Asbury Park is one of the coolest music venues anywhere, and it’s quintessential “Jersey.” It hosts great musicians, especially in the summer when the outside stage is rockin’.

– Douglas Graham, Senior Manager, Audit & Assurance, EisnerAmper

 

Alberto GarafaloThe Newark Museum of Art’s World-Class Exhibits

The Newark Museum of Art is a must-see. The local artists, film festivals and public programs are incredible, and its science and natural history collections are captivating. The arts are a powerful way to learn about our history, and we’re lucky to have its world-class exhibits right here in New Jersey. One of the best times to go is during the first full weekend of the month when (Bank of America) cardholders are eligible for free admission through Museums on us.

– Alberto Garofalo, president, Bank of America New Jersey

 

Michael MunozAsbury Park Has Something for Everyone

Whether you are a foodie, a beach enthusiast, or a music fan, Asbury Park has something special to offer everyone. When in the area, I recommend visiting Porta, Talula’s, AP Rooftop or Asbury Lanes for music and bowling.

– Mike Munoz, Senior Vice President and Market President, AmeriHealth

 

In South Jersey, there’s Cowtown Rodeo, NJ Motorsports Park, Edelman Fossil Park, Morey’s Piers and Wineries

Amy MansueHere are my recommendations:

  • Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove is the longest-running weekly rodeo in the country. There’s bull riding, barrel racing, and good old-fashioned cowboy fun.
  • New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville is the best place to be for professional races, hopping into a go-kart, or just soaking in the high-speed energy.
  • Rowan University’s Edelman Fossil Park and Museum in Mantua opens this March, bringing hands-on fossil digs and prehistoric discoveries to South Jersey.
  • South Jersey’s farms and vineyards offer something special in every season. From spring tulips at Dalton Farms in Swedesboro to the summertime Red, White, and Blueberry Festival in Hammonton to autumn apple picking at Hill Creek Farm in Mullica Hill, there’s always a reason to get outside. For wine lovers, William Heritage winery in Mullica Hill and Valenzano Winery in Shamong are really special.
  • Nothing beats a trip to the Jersey Shore! Morey’s Piers in Wildwood is my favorite. It’s even where Inspira holds its annual employee picnic. Whether you go for the nostalgia, the food, the fun or the sun, there’s always something for everyone at the Jersey Shore. It’s part of what makes living here so special.

– Amy Mansue, CEO, Inspira Health

 

Kevin LuingThe Historic Towns of Morristown and Cape May

Two can’t-miss places in New Jersey are Morristown and Cape May. Morristown has the Jockey Hollow National Historical Park where you can absorb Revolutionary War history while also hiking or biking. Morristown also offers first-class entertainment at the Mayo Performing Arts Center and a plethora of fine dining options in a beautiful town setting. Cape May is historical with its Victorian homes, Congress Hall, and the Harriet Tubman Museum. Beaches and fine dining add to the allure.

– Kevin L. Luing, Chairman of the Board, Berkeley College

 

Kim AlvarezThe Jersey Shore, Grounds for Sculpture and Hiking in the Skylands

As a Jersey Girl, my first instinct is to say that a day at The Shore – the lively boardwalk of Asbury Park or the peaceful sands of Cape May – is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But, as the publisher of Jersey’s Best magazine, I know New Jersey is bursting with hidden gems for everyone. Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton is a must-visit with its gardens filled with larger-than-life art. And head to the Skylands for hiking trails, lakes and breathtaking mountain views. New Jersey has it all.

– Kim Alvarez, Publisher, Jersey’s Best; Chief Revenue Officer, NJ Advance Media

 

Michael CandidoPoint Pleasant Beach is a Good Place to Sample the Jersey Shore

Our state has about 130 miles of beach, and Point Pleasant Beach is a good place to get a sample of the best of the Jersey Shore. The beach is terrific, wide with soft sand. There’s Jenkinson’s Boardwalk which has games, an aquarium and rides for the kids. And there are plenty of hotels, shops and restaurants, and party-boat fishing trips. It’s an overall great experience for the whole family.

– A. Michael Candido, President. J. Moore & Co. Mechanical Contractors

 

Paterson Great Falls, Delaware Water Gap and the Beach in Manasquan

Dustin RiccioHere are my recommendations:

  • Paterson Great Falls: Beautiful falls in the center of historic industrial town now designated as a national historical park.
  • Delaware Water Gap: Given the beauty and accessibility of the water gap, it provides people with a better understanding of the outdoor activities associated with New Jersey, and helps dispel misconceptions associated with our densely populated state.
  • The Beach in Manasquan: Manasquan gives people a great flavor of the Jersey Shore.

– Dustin Riccio, President and CEO, St. Joseph's Health

 

Randy StodardGo to Morristown National Historic Park for U.S. History

We are headquartered here, so I’m partial to many Morris County sites – given their rich history. For anyone with an interest in how the U.S. became a nation, you have to visit Morristown National Historic Park. This includes the soldier huts and sprawling fields and forests of Jockey Hollow, where the Continental Army encamped during the harsh winter of 1779 to 1780. You also should visit Washington’s Headquarters Museum and Fort Nonsense – two more sites that comprise the Morristown National Historical Park.

– Randy Stodard, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President, Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut

 

This article is part of a collaboration with Military Matters, an ROI-NJ publication, which is planning a follow-up article on New Jersey's top destinations for military families new to the Garden State.

Responses for this article were edited for space and clarity.

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Newsmakers

Hackensack Meridian Health has received a $125 million donation from an anonymous benefactor, the largest gift ever given to a New Jersey health system. The money will support an expansion of Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune City. At the donor’s request, a new pavilion will be named for John K. Lloyd, the network’s former co-CEO who died in February 2024.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center has named Dr. William Holubek chief medical officer. Holubek, an emergency medicine physician by training, brings more than a decade of executive experience, previously serving as chief medical officer of Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Florida. He also held the role at University Hospital in Newark and served as vice president of medical affairs and CMO at Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center.

The Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation has received a five-year, $3.7 million federal grant to expand lung cancer screening among high-risk populations.

RWJBarnabas Health and Monmouth Medical Center have opened a new 'Food Farmacy' at Monmouth Medical's Alexander Pavilion. It's the health system’s sixth location providing patients with nutritious food and individualized nutrition counseling.

Rutgers University and RWJBarnabas Health launched the Rutgers/RWJBarnabas Health Innovation Hub, powered by Amazon Web Services. Based at the Health and Life Science Exchange in New Brunswick, the hub will bring together students, clinicians, researchers and tech experts to address health care challenges.

Three New Jersey children’s hospitals have earned top rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-27 Best Children’s Hospitals list. Hackensack Meridian Health’s Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, considered as a single entity, tied for No. 1 in New Jersey with The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (part of RWJBarnabas Health). Atlantic Health’s Goryeb Children’s Hospital ranked No. 3 in the state and No. 6 in the NYC region.

Princeton University and NJIT have been named New Jersey’s top-ranked private and public universities in TIME magazine’s inaugural 'America’s Best Colleges 2026-2027' rankings. Princeton landed at No. 4 nationally among all 500 ranked schools; NJIT came in at No. 95 overall and No. 38 among public institutions nationwide, making it the state’s highest-ranked public university on the list.

Stockton University has completed a $24 million expansion and renovation of the Richard E. Bjork Library and Learning Commons at its Galloway campus. The project, which took two years, was completed in time for the fall 2026 semester.

Montclair State University has opened a virtual reality learning facility in partnership with Dreamscape Learn. The center is designed to expand experiential learning and prepare students for digital media careers.  

United Airlines has launched a time-saving benefit for customers: the ability to order food, drinks and other travel essentials in advance through the United app and have their order waiting at the gate.

The UMC Foundation has promoted longtime staff members Gary Engelstad to senior director of giving and Rebecca Roe to senior foundation director. Engelstad, with more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit senior housing and philanthropy, will focus on donor relationships and corporate sponsorships. Roe, who joined the foundation in 2013, will oversee strategic planning, staff management and cross-functional coordination.

Jennifer D’Angelo has been named interim president of the New Jersey Innovation Institute, an NJIT subsidiary founded in 2014 to accelerate technology development and connect private enterprise with university resources. D’Angelo will assume the role Sept. 21.

Novo Nordisk said it is rebranding its name to "Novo" and updating its corporate culture. Novo also announced a broader company rebrand focused around the phrase "Lasting Health Starts Now," which promotes the idea that patients should make progress toward long-term well-being immediately rather than later.

The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) has launched its 17th food drive to benefit the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Organized by the NJCPA’s Emerging Leaders Council, the food drive runs until Nov. 16.

JAG Physical Therapy has opened new clinics in North Brunswick, Old Bridge and Whiting, expanding access to rehabilitative and orthopedic services in Middlesex and Ocean counties. The additions bring JAG’s regional footprint to more than 180 locations.

Debra Rosen, a partner at Archer, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Honorable Joseph M. Nardi Jr. Distinguished Service Award from the Rutgers Law School-Camden Alumni Association. Rosen, who has spent 40 years at Archer, focuses on environmental and toxic tort litigation, compliance and due diligence. She serves on the firm’s Board of Directors and Equity and Inclusion.

Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis has formed a new practice team focused on legal services related to data center projects. Led by Barbara Koonz, the team can serve as lead counsel or as local New Jersey counsel for national and international law firms and developers.

Secaucus-based Quest Diagnostics has partnered with Apple to allow Apple's Health app users to purchase and schedule biomarker testing through the platform later this year. The service will offer a $119 laboratory panel measuring 50 biomarkers related to organ function and cardiometabolic health.

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