Day Tripping Around Smithville |
New Jersey—A Day-Tripper’s ParadiseOn a recent spring-like day, just a few days short of being official, I decided it was time to set out on the quintessential day trip. Growing up in New Jersey, my father was the perfect day-tripper. It was so typical of him to bundle us all in the car and head out for a new adventure. We didn’t have much money, but he always managed to fill the tank with just enough gas for our spontaneous trips. (In light of today’s economy and the cost of fuel, a day trip may just be the way to go). In my recollections of those trips as a child, we’d mostly head for water; a lake, the ocean, or at times even to a local park. Dad had his favorite stops and seafood restaurants, one such restaurant being close to the bay, west of Atlantic City. It’s approached down a winding road through the marshes off Route 9 in Leeds Point. (New Jersey lore refers to Leeds Point as the home of the New Jersey Devil, which my father never failed to point out when passing by the legendary site of the former Leeds home). The restaurant he so loved still stands, albeit a lot larger than the small seafood shack that once had lines of patrons waiting outside on the porch. The Oyster Creek Inn is still a favorite among the locals and those who know to follow the road that leads to the creek and the establishment on it’s banks. There may still be a short wait, but if you’re a seafood lover, it’s so worth it! I wonder what my father’s reaction would be today if he were here to see all the changes. Since the area has become so much bigger and with so much more to offer, I decided to start there, on Route 9 in Galloway Township, halfway between Atlantic City and Long Beach Island, resurfacing so many happy memories and reinforcing new ones. Thus I, once again, became my father’s daughter….
The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
My first stop in the early morning hours had to be the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, also located just off Route 9 in Oceanville, NJ. I’d never been there before and was amazed at the expanse of the reserve, which extends for over 50 miles along the coast, and is comprised of more than 40,000 acres of coastal habitat and protected wetlands. As you enter the wildlife refuge, a daily list is posted as to the numbers and species of wildlife that had been observed (at least 322 species having been reported in this area alone). Brochures, maps, activity schedules and migratory information is available at the entrance to Wildlife Drive, an eight-mile, one-way, unpaved road that leads through the wetlands, with the skyline of Atlantic City silhouetted across the bay. The refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset with wildlife sightings from the two observation towers and one ADA accessible observation deck with spotting scopes. After taking the self-guided auto tour on the 8-mile loop and taking pictures of the migratory birds and scenic waterways, I was so ready for more. Hiking/biking trails beckoned, allowing for a short break and viewing more wildlife feeding in the salt-water pools and marshes. The spring migration season will bring even more visitors (of the human variety) to the refuge center. Last year netted over 250,000 visitors who came from all over the world.
The Noyes Museum of Art
Situated on the other side of the lake from the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge stands the Noyes Museum of Art, a beautiful multi-leveled modern structure, celebrating its 25th anniversary in exhibiting New Jersey artists who reflect the area’s traditions in history, landscape and culture. Located on Lily Lake Road, with its main entrance off Route 9 in Oceanville, the museum offers four large exhibit halls, each offering unique works of art depicting various themes and visual expressions. In addition to the featured exhibits, programs and events such as classes, workshops, trips, and various activities sponsored by the museum are available on their website at www.noyesmuseum.org or by contacting the museum at (609) 652-8848). I was particularly fascinated by the works of Herbert Pullinger, entitled “A Cape May Historical Journey” in which Mr. Pullinger portrays through watercolor and sketches nostalgic scenes of a bygone era of Cape May in compelling detail. This exhibit will be on display through April 20, 2008.
The Historic Towne of Smithville
On the road again, I was getting quite hungry and headed a short distance north on Route 9 to the Historic Towne of Smithville and The Village Greene. The village boasts of over 60 boutiques and specialty shops, all housed in miniature historic buildings. While you browse the shops set among cobblestone paths and abundant flower gardens, the children can enjoy a carousel ride or a train ride around the village. There are paddleboats available for hire on Lake Meone, just over a quaint footbridge, if you should tire of shopping and wish to join the children. My day trip was far from over as I visited the Smithville Inn, which dates back to 1787, and was recently voted “Best Off Shore Restaurant” by Atlantic City Magazine. The Sunday Brunch Buffet was highly recommended as one of the Inn’s outstanding attractions. Casual dining may also be enjoyed at Fred and Ethel’s Lantern Light Tavern, Costello’s Italian Ristorante Pizzeria, Goodies Hot Dogs, The Colonial Coffee Case and A.J.’s on the Lake. Sweets to follow at Scoop’s Place… I’ve had the pleasure of attending several of the many special events throughout the year in the village. For a complete schedule of upcoming events, such as auto shows, parades, a Civil War encampment, and sidewalk sales, be sure to check the website at www.SmithvilleNJ.com or call (609) 652-7777 or (609) 748-6160 For lodging needs (if you wish to turn this day trip into a sleepover), The Colonial Inn offers theme rooms, private baths and pampering amenities. As for this day-tripper, I think my adventures today would have made my father proud.
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