EXPLORE WITH US!

Welcome to the second edition of New Jersey: An Explorer’s Guide, a detailed and comprehensive travel guide to the Garden State. All entries in this book—restaurants, hotels, museums, galleries, and attractions—are included solely on merit, not paid advertising. We select each one based on personal experience, extensive research, repeated visits, and the advice of the many local residents we encounter during our travels throughout New Jersey.

The layout of this guide is designed to be simple and easy to use. We have divided New Jersey into six geographic regions, which are organized into several chapters apiece. Each chapter begins with an introduction to the area, followed by individual listings starting with places to see, things to do, and outdoor attractions, moving on to lodging and dining, then ending with entertainment options and selective shopping. Closing each chapter is a list of special events that take place in the region. The following points will help you get started on your way.

WHAT’S WHERE

In the beginning of the book you’ll find an alphabetical listing of special highlights, with important information and advice that you can reference quickly either while planning a trip to New Jersey or during your travels.

LODGING

Please don’t hold us or the respective innkeepers responsible for the rates, which are listed as of press time. Some changes are inevitable. Keep in mind that many establishments often require a 2- or 3-day minimum stay on weekends and holidays. At the time of this writing, New Jersey has a 6 percent state room tax, an additional 5 percent state occupancy fee, and local taxes and fees that vary town by town. Prices given in this book do not include tax or gratuity.

RESTAURANTS

In each chapter, please note a distinction between Dining Out and Eating Out. Restaurants in Dining Out tend to be more expensive, while those listed under Eating Out are generally more casual and inexpensive. At the end of each listing, the price range given is for à la carte dinner entrée prices; prix fixe menus are specified. Remember that prices are likely to change, and many restaurants change their menus seasonally. Use the descriptions as a general guide to the type of cuisine an establishment serves.

KEY TO SYMBOLS

	Special value. The special value symbol appears next to lodging, restaurants, and attractions that combine quality and moderate prices.
	Wheelchair. The wheelchair symbol appears next to establishments that are partially or fully handicapped accessible.
	Child-friendly. The child-friendly symbol appears next to lodging, restaurants, attractions, and events of special appeal to youngsters or families with young children.
	Pet-friendly. The pet-friendly symbol denotes lodgings that welcome pets, which most of the time means dogs. Even if an establishment accepts pets, its always a good idea to give advance notice. Some places might charge an extra fee, require a deposit, or accept pets only at particular times of the year.
	Gay-friendly. The inverted triangle symbol indicates establishments that make an extra effort to cater to a gay clientele.
	Weddings. The wedding symbol appears next to venues that are experienced with hosting weddings.
	Wi-Fi. Locations that offer wireless Internet
	Ecofriendly establishments. In the case of lodgings, denotes certified participants in the Florida Green Lodging Program. In the case of other businesses, properties noted by the authors as taking special initiatives to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

We would appreciate your comments and corrections about places you visit or know well in the state. You may address your correspondence to Explorer’s Guide Editor, The Countryman Press, P.O. Box 748, Woodstock VT 05091; countrymanpress@wwnorton.com.