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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 University Medical Center has been named New Jersey’s top hospital for a fourth straight year – and the ninth time in the past 13 rankings by U.S. News & World Report. HUMC finished just outside the Top 20 rankings in the country, but it was ranked No. 6 in the New York metropolitan area. Atlantic Health Morristown, the only hospital to break HUMC’s grip on No. 1 in recent years, came in at No. 2. Atlantic Health Overlook came in at No. 3.

RWJ Barnabas Health was one of three systems to land two hospitals in the Top 10 of the prestigious U.S. News & World Report 2026-27 Best Hospitals rankings. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston each ranked No. 6 in New Jersey and No. 23 in the New York Metro Area.

Hackensack Meridian Health was selected to PEOPLE’s '100 Companies That Care' list for 2026, coming in at No. 48. The list recognizes companies for their commitment to employees, communities and the environment.

Atlantic Health has named Dr. Vicki LoPachin to serve as its executive vice president and chief medical officer, the health system announced.

Johnson & Johnson announced a contribution of $300,000 to Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden to modernize its simulation lab and establish scholarships for first-generation nursing students.

Johnson & Johnson named Tom Cavanaugh executive vice president and worldwide chairman of its Innovative Medicine division, effective Sept. 1. Cavanaugh, currently the company group chairman for North America, succeeds Jennifer Taubert, who is retiring after 21 years with the company.

Inspira Health announced it has completed an expansion, doubling the size of its maternity unit at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill. The expansion bumps up the number of maternity beds from 20 to 38.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center unveiled most of a new emergency department following a $10 million, four-year project aimed at addressing rising demand for mental health and addiction services. The expanded facility increases capacity from 19 to 49 beds and will grow to more than 60 beds when the final wing is completed in 2027.

RWJBarnabas Health has been named a ‘World’s Top Disability Inclusive Business’ based on its performance on the Disability Index, the leading global benchmark for workplace disability inclusion. The recognition recognizes the health system’s commitment to creating an inclusive workplace for its 45,000 employees, as well as inclusive patient experiences.

Saint Peter’s University Hospital has been honored with the American Heart Association’s prestigious ‘Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus’ quality achievement award. It recognizes the hospital’s continued dedication to ensuring stroke patients receive swift, research-backed treatment designed to save lives and mitigate long-term disability.

The FirstEnergy Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the American Red Cross of New Jersey to support disaster response efforts following recent severe storms.

Bank of America awarded a $50,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties to expand mentoring and workforce development programs serving more than 3,000 young people annually.

Moshe Kam, who has served as the dean of NJIT’s Newark College of Engineering since 2014, was named as the university’s interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Kam succeeds John Pelesko, who is serving as interim president, following the retirement of Teik Lim this summer.

Rowan University’s William G. Rohrer College of Business introduced a 30-credit Master of Business Administration pathway, set to launch this fall. It expands options for working professionals and full-time graduate students seeking a more streamlined, efficient route to a high-level business credential without sacrificing academic rigor.

Archer & Greiner announced the elevation of six attorneys to partner, effective Oct. 1. The newly named partners are Eimi Figlio, Timothy Horn, Rafael Llano, Matthew Nicodemo, Amy Pearl, and Scott Sears.

Rizco President & Partner Debra Rizzi has been named an honorary commander of the 305th Operations Group at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The program connects military commanders with civic leaders to strengthen understanding and relationships between the base and the communities it serves.

Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S., is donating more than 200,000 pounds of food to support communities affected by devastating earthquakes in Colombia. In partnership with Global Empowerment Mission, Goya is helping provide essential food and supplies to individuals and families most urgently in need.

Stockton University has received a $2.4 million grant from the Pro-NJ Trust to upgrade its Marine Field Station and Coastal Research Center in Galloway Township. The upgrades are expected to expand coastal research and educational programming.

MWW, celebrating its 40th anniversary this September, has grown into a global communications firm, with more than 225 professionals across North America, Europe and Latin America, advising organizations on corporate reputation, crisis management, consumer marketing, public affairs and employee communications.

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