We Bet You Didn't Know These Rural New Jersey Destinations Even Existed
By Raymond Goldfield|Published July 25, 2023
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the United States, and finding places to get away from it all can be a little challenging – unless you know where to look! The best rural destinations in New Jersey are a little different from other states, because you’re never too far from a big urban center around here. That means you can find amazing farms and nature preserves, quirky coffee shops, stunning beaches, and even a spot right out of one of the Garden State’s most famous movies without driving too much. All of these locations are well-hidden and you probably won’t have too many crowds when you explore them, but they’re all part of what makes New Jersey such a unique state.
One of the oldest continuously-used roads in the United States, this rural road dates back to the late 17th century and is largely undeveloped, filled with historic buildings. Read more about Old Mine Road in our past coverage.
2. Grover's Mill Coffee Co. (West Windsor)
Grover's Mill Coffee Co, 295 Princeton Hightstown Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550, USA
This charming coffee shop is known for its excellent pastries and coffee, but its real claim to fame is the alien invasion artwork - related to the panic caused by the radio broadcast of Orson Welles' War of the Worlds. Read more about Grover's Mill Coffee Co. in our past coverage.
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3. Lakota Wolf Preserve (Columbia)
Lakota Wolf Preserve, 89 Mt Pleasant Rd, Columbia, NJ 07832, USA
Ever wanted to see these majestic creatures up close? This is the largest wolf preserve in the United States, and is also home to wildcats and foxes. Read more about Lakota Wolf Preserve in our past coverage.
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4. Valley Shepherd Creamery (Long Valley)
Valley Shepherd Creamery, 50 Fairmount Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853, USA
The best cheese shop in the Garden State is found at this rural farm, where they make dairy products from cows, goats, and sheep. You can also meet the hardworking producers on site! Read more about Valley Shepherd Creamery in our past coverage.
One of the most beautiful gardens in the United States, it's hard to believe this breathtaking 30-acre garden is free and so close to Trenton! Read more about Sayen House and Gardens in our past coverage.
6. Quick Stop (Leonardo)
Quick Stop, 58 Leonard Ave, Leonardo, NJ 07737, USA
The best place for all-you-can-eat crab in New Jersey, this quirky shore seafood shack is located far away from the bustling beach towns like Atlantic City and Wildwood. Read more about Crabby's in our past coverage.
8. Sunset Beach (Cape May)
Sunset Beach, 502 Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
This beach absolutely lives up to its name - its sunset is absolutely stunning, and it's worth making a special trip to see it no matter where you're staying in Cape May. Read more about Sunset Beach in our past coverage.
Have you visited any of these unique rural destinations in New Jersey? Tell us about your favorite out-of-the-way attractions in the comments section! If you’re planning your own New Jersey road trip this summer, you’ll want to make sure you have all the essentials in your car for a smooth adventure on the open road!
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