N5NJ

Welcome to Nicky Fifth and T-Bone's Garden State Adventures!

Nicky Fifth and T-Bone are the main characters in the popular Nicky Fifth chapter book series, written by Award-winning NJ author, Lisa Funari-Willever.  In her latest book, Passport to the Garden State, Nicky and T-Bone have been asked to serve as Unofficial Junior Ambassadors for New Jersey.  Their job is simple, but fun.  They have to find all of the fun and interesting places in New Jersey, visit them, and write reports for the Governor to share on the state website.

This blog is a journal of their adventures, photos and videos of the great places they visit, and a calendar of events.  Check this blog often to see what's going on in New Jersey and send us your ideas for places they should visit.  If you get a copy of the Passport to the Garden State book, you can have the passport in the back stamped at 36 places across the state.  You can order autographed copies at www.franklinmasonpress.com.  You can also visit the website to learn more about the places Nicky and T-Bone visit.

ATTENTION: KIDS, TEACHERS, AND PARENTS! VISIT OUR NEW SITE! www.nickyfifth.com

T-Bone and I are pleased to announce our new website that brings New Jersey to life.  We started it for classrooms, to provide an interactive, fun, and visual way to share our state, but anyone can learn about New Jersey when you visit!

While it hasn't officially launched and we are adding things everyday, you can take a sneak peek and share this exciting, new tool that shows REAL NJ, not reality New Jersey.  Check out:

     Good Morning, New Jersey - a calendar of interesting Jersey facts and firsts that schools can incorporate into their morning announcements.

     Google, New Jersey - a fun way to learn about New Jersey and hone your research skills. 

     Old Jersey - a great way to compare life now and many years ago by interviewing older Jerseyans with this downloading an interview sheet.

     Jersey Journal - Jersey-centered writing prompts for journal writing.

     Share Jersey - a forum for students to share their ideas for Jersey daytrips, photos, or drawings.

     COMING SOON:  KNOW JERSEY - an interactive map that allows users to scroll a map and select video tours, photo albums, or information about our amazing towns and attractions.

     Check out what makes New Jersey so awesome and then get your families to bring you to see what makes New Jersey so awesome!   www.nickyfifth.com

Booo! Burlington Ghost Tours This Weekend - An Awesome Way To learn Something Interesting!



 

 

 

STOP BY THE FIRST BURLINGTON COUNTY BOOK FESTIVAL SATURDAY

 This Saturday, October 9, 2010, stop by the First Burlington County Book Fair from 10am -4pm! It will be held at the Rutgers Eco-Complex, directions below. Here are some great reasons to stop by:

1.  It's Free, even workshops!

2.  You can meet 40 amazing NJ authors and ask them your questions.

3.  You can buy some autographed books.

4.  You can spend some time with your family after wards.  Head to Burlington City and make it an awesome day!

 

NICKY FIFTH AND T-BONE MAY GO PRO!

We have some good news!  While T-Bone and I have been working very hard to show off all of New Jersey's great destinations, the New Jersey Senate and Assembly have actual bills to name us Official Junior Ambassadors for New Jersey.  That means more kids, families, and schools will know about the great places that we visit and more people will be able to follow us!  Now, as unofficial junior ambassadors we didn't get paid and from what we understand, official juniors ambassadors get the same amount!  But that's okay because we're having so much fun, that's payment enough!  So keep your eyes peeled for Senate Resolution 84 and once the Assembly Resolution has a number, we'll let you know.  We'd like to thank Senator Goodwin for sponsoring the Senate bill and Representative Milam for sponsoring the Assembly bill.  We've spent the summer visiting NJ's shores and beach  towns and we'll be sharing those adventures soon!

When The Moon Hits Your Eye...You're At The Italian American Festival

This weekend, at T-Bone's standard 5:00 dinner time, he will have a big problem.  We'll be at the Italian American Festival in Hamilton Township and he's going to have one big decision to make!  I think you can smell the food from the Burlington Bristol Bridge!  The best strategy is to skip breakfast and pace yourself as you eat your way through the festival.  Of course, when you run out of room, you can always bring some home!

Where: Mercer County Park

When: Friday-Sunday, September 24-26, 2010    12:00 Noon - 10:00 PM

What:  Music, Dance Hall, Vendors, Rides, Saturday Fireworks, and FOOD!

Food:  You want it, they have it!  Tomato Pie, Zeppoles, Salads, Pasta, Eggplant, Chicken, Cheesesteaks, Funnel Cakes, and Italian Pastries.

See you there!

WE'RE BACK!

Well, it's been a little while, but T-Bone and I are back and will be posting updates and sharing tips and ideas from the places we have been visiting over the last month.  As Unofficial Junior Ambassadors, we have spent the last few weeks traveling all over the state and we have visited some awesome places.  We decided to spend the summer checking out great shore towns and we learned that there are 127 miles of Atlantic Ocean coast in New Jersey.  We went to the Keansburg Amusement Park and Runaway Rapids Water Park, we saw the Sea Girt Light House, and Bill Burr's Flamingo Golf on Long Beach Island.  We will be sharing our pictures and stories in the coming days.

This weekend's hot tip:

WHERE: Burlington City

WHEN:  Saturday, September 11, 2010

TIME:  9:00-4:00

WHAT:  WOOD STREET FESTIVAL

If youare near Burlington City on Saturday make sure you swing by the Wood Street Festival.  It's a great outdoor event that has amazing food and vendors, tours of the famous Revell House, and lots of fun.  They estimate about 30,000 people attend each year and the forecast looks sunny!  The Revell House is the oldest house in Burlington County and has been preserved to look like it did when Benjamin Franklin had supper with the woman who lived there. It's often called the Gingerbread House because that woman served Ben Franklin gingerbread! 

WHAT'S BUGGING YOU? MAYBE ITS INSECTROPOLIS!

Thanks to Sue S. from Hamilton for another awesome tip!  Check out New Jersey's own Insectropolis!  Looking for fun?  Does boredom bug you?  Well, T-Bone and I highly recommend this BUGSEUM!  They're open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am - 3pm.  Below is some information from their site.  Check it out at www.insectropolis.com.

Insectropolis is a fun and unique insect learning center that dazzles visitors of all ages. There is plenty to see and do here! Set within the architecture of a bug-themed city, our creative displays entertain guests as they learn about these fascinating creatures.

View thousands of beautiful and bizarre exotic insects from all over the world. Play bug games on our touch-screen computers. Pretend you are a termite as you crawl through our mudtube. Watch ants forage for food and build tunnels in our live ant nest. Safely get up close to our observation hive and see our busy bees. Or spy on our many other live insects. Of course, your visit is not complete unless you touch a bug! Touch a live tarantula, scorpion, millipede, and a hissing cockroach before you leave. Whether you are a bug enthusiast or just a curious visitor, Insectropolis has over a dozen exhibit areas that are sure to educate and entertain.

CAPE MAY SHOULD BE CAPE DEFINITELY!

It may be called Cape May, but maybe they should really call it "Cape Definitely", because there is no question as to whether or not you will have a great time!  My last post was about Historic Cold Spring Village, which is like a little Williamsburg.  Step back in time and actually participate in activities that occurred between the late 1700s and the early 1800s. 

So here are some ideas to make a daytrip to Cape May memorable and fun.  Since most of you will be heading south, hop off the Garden State Parkway at exit 11 and happily proceed to the Cape May County Zoo!  Here's some inside information: the Zoo is a real zoo and it is FREE.  Yes, you read correctly...it is FREE!  Of course they appreciate donations and everyone that visits is more than happy to oblige.  We thought it would be a small petting zoo and boy, were we wrong!  They have lions, bears, monkeys, alligators, zebras, and so many more amazing animals.  You walk on shaded elevated boardwalks and they also have a great store and a nice restaurant.  In addition, the park is in the middle of the amazing Cape May County park.

After a couple of hours at the zoo, head south on the Parkway to Exit 4 and check out Historic Cold Spring Village.  You'll be happy you did.  Minus a time machine, there's no better way to learn about history!

When you leave Cold Spring Village, head to the beach or the Cape May Lighthouse, or the World War II Lookout Tower...or all three, as they're very close.  We went on the beach after 5:00 when it was cooler, less crowded, and free.  If you have time, you can even follow the signs to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.  You can take a ride to Delaware, bring your car or park it in the lot, or you can just soak in the views.  They have a great terminal, with miniature golf, a playground, restaurant, and gift shop.

After the beach, walk the promenade and soak in the sea air and amazing historic houses that have the best views in Jersey.  Then walk over to the Washington Street Commons.  You'll find stores, restaurants, music, and that wonderful summer evening feeling!  If you're looking for wonderful seafood, sandwiches, italian food, or kettle corn and nuts, you'll find it.  Just don't forget the ice cream!

Its a full day, but soooo worth it.  ENJOY!

 

Cape May County Park & Zoo
4 Moore Rd. - DN 801
Cape May Court House NJ, 08210

 

Historic Cold Spring Village
720 Route 9
Cape May, NJ  08204
Phone: (609) 898-2300, ext. 18

Fax: (609) 884-5926

E-mail: 4info@hcsv.org
Telephone: 609-465-5271

Warm summer fun at COLD SPRING VILLAGE!

This week, T-Bone and I went so far south, we almost ran out of New Jersey!  It was worth the drive to visit Cape May and today we'll tell you about a place we had never heard of until we checked out www.visitnj.org.   Its called Historic Cold Spring Village and it was like pointing your time machine to the late 1700's - 1800's.  We left early, with my grandfather, and headed down the Garden State Parkway to Exit 4.   While we were checking out the Welcome Center, we met Anne, the Director and Claire from the store and they told us about the events they have during the season.  There's ice cream, history, ice cream, animals, ice cream crafts, a bakery and restaurant, and...ice cream!  What can I say, it was pretty hot!  So, here's the info...if you want to see what it was like to live in the 1700's and 1800's, get your family in the car and head to Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May!  Tell Anne I said hello!

Living history for 29 years! The Village brings to life the day-to-day activities of villagers living in South Jersey during the “age of homespun.” (1789-1840). Visitors can make a personal connection between the past and present through the interactive, educational, and hands-on family activities. Take a stroll along our 30 acres of shaded lanes, enjoy the gardens and observe the farm where heritage crops are grown; visit twenty-six restored historic buildings housing historically-clothed interpreters, who educate and entertain visitors about the lifestyles, issues, trades and crafts of yesteryear. Children enjoy playing at the activity area where they take part in a variety of projects such as trying on costumes, participating in hands-on crafts and playing games.

Items created by the artisans working at the Village may be purchased in the Village Country Store. Pottery including bowls, mugs and containers; brooms such as whisk brooms and witch’s brooms; and ironware like horseshoes, hooks and broom-holders are available. Also visit the Country Store for sweets and treats, home-made jams and jellies, wooden toys and more!

Historic Cold Spring Village is now open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m until Labor Day Weekend, then weekends until mid-September. Each time you visit the Village and shop or dine with us, you are supporting New Jersey arts history & culture,  and historic preservation.  For more information visit www.hcsv.org. 

HOT DAYS, COOL SHOWS... Planentarium is my next stop!

Soar into Space
this Summer in the new,
Hi-Def Planetarium!

When it's hot outside, my parents look for air-conditioned places to visit during the day.  Since this has been one hot summer, we have been to every mall and movie and its only July!  So we're heading to the NJ State Museum to catch a show in the Planetarium.  They have shows for little kids, with Sesame Street characters and shows for older kids/adults.  It's pretty hot, so I wouldn't be surprised if we stay for all three.  Especially since in between shows we can check out the museum.   Maybe we'll even stop by Checkers for lunch.  Here's the scoop from their site:

Soar through the skies in the Museum's spacious Planetarium, featuring precision projection of more than 6000 stars. The largest planetarium in New Jersey, it seats 150 visitors in specially-designed reclining seats that transport an audience to any astronomical destination.  Now featuring state-of-the-art Full Dome Video, visitors will feel the sensation of zooming through the Solar System and beyond. This cutting-edge digital technology immerses audiences within images covering the entire 360 degree inner dome. The Planetarium offers something for everyone; with both traditional sky and laser programs, it is the only planetarium of its kind in New Jersey. Made possible by the generous support of the Prudential Foundation.

Showtimes & Admission >>

ATTENTION SWABBIES...THERE'S A PIRATE BOAT AT THE JERSEY SHORE!

While I'd like to take the credit for this one, I have to thank Sue S. from Hamilton for passing along this great tip.  It's so exciting every time we stumble upon another great Jersey treasure and this one is a real TREASURE!  There's a pirate boat at the shore that you can actually sail on.  I'm not sure if they have a plank, but if they do, they'll probably reserve it for T-Bone!  Not sure about you, but it's definitely a Pirate's Life for me!  Here's the details:

JERSEY SHORE PIRATES
An Unforgettable Pirate Adventure Aboard The Sea Gypsy

Come sail with Jersey Shore Pirates as we bring the most unique form of family entertainment to the NJ Shore area. Bring your young pirates aboard the Sea Gypsy for a swashbuckling Pirate Adventure on the Metedeconk River. A perfect adventure for families of all sizes!

Your mini mates will have the opportunity to dress-up like pirates, get face painted with pirate "tattoos", and learn some pirate lingo before setting sail on an hour and fifteen minute long action packed adventure. Once on board, the mates will participate in an interactive treasure hunt on the high seas. They will learn the rules of the Sea Gypsy pirate ship, read a treasure map, discover a secret message in a bottle, and work as a team to defeat the enemy pirate who has stolen the keys to their treasure. Prepare to man our famous water cannons to win back the keys from our nemesis Pirate Pete! Once we have won back the keys, we’re off in search of the sunken treasure. X marks the spot for our crew’s hard earned spoils. The mates will use all of their might to hoist the treasure from the seas below onto the Sea Gypsy. Their reward: each child takes with them a handful of loot and a lifetime of authentic pirate tales to tell. The adventure continues when we discover the secret stash of Pete's Grog and celebrate by dancing the Pirate Limbo as we safely return to port.

While the adventure is the focus of our mates, SAFETY is the focus of our experienced captain and crew aboard our Coast Guard Certified Vessel. Jersey Shore Pirates is conveniently located in Riverfront Marinaon Princeton Avenue in Brick NJ, next to the beautiful Windward Beach Park. The complete adventure averages a total of an hour and forty-five minutes from face paint and dress up to our triumphant return to the dock.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!! Fireworks at dusk instead of tea at 4!

Sorry we haven't posted anything in the past week.  I was visiting my grandparents in Philadelphia, on my old Fifth Street.  I went to Independence Hall with my grandfather and while the tour guide told us about Philadelphia's great contributions I kept adding New Jersey's great contributions.  Never in a million years did I think I would be telling everyone how great New Jersey is!  Now, try and stop me!

When we think about July 4th, America's Birthday and the Declaration of Independence, America's birth certificate, we always think of Philadelphia.  Home of the Continental Congress and the apartment where Thomas Jefferson created the most amazing document ever.  But winning the war took the efforts of all of the colonies and our foreign allies and New Jersey played a huge role.  New Jersey was the turning point of the war and without places like Trenton, Monmouth, Morristown, and Princeton, to name a few, we may be having tea at 4:00 instead of fireworks at dusk! 

Enjoy the holiday and Happy Birthday, America!

ART ALL NIGHT...WOW

  Last night, we went to a thing called ART ALL NIGHTand it was amazing.  It was in the Roebling Wire Works, in Chambersburg, in Trenton.  It was an inside Art Show in a really cool industrial building that used to be a factory and an outside festival.  They had food vendors, band, and art demonstrations; but not just any old art demonstrations.  They were using a huge fire to shape metal and it was quite a show.  It was so much fun and they stay there until 3:00 pm today (Sunday).  Its literally 24 hours, non-stop. 

If you haven't had a chance to stop by, you should!  There's art, more art, and atmosphere.  One suggestion:  Trenton do this once a month in the nice weather months.  If you do, T-Bone and I are in.  I might even submit one of my drawings, too!   Here's the info:

Art All Night-Trenton is a 24-hour (literally) art and entertainment event in Trenton, NJ!

An opportunity for four-year-old refrigerator artists, spirited novices and seasoned professionals to display one piece of art in a gallery like setting and for the public to enjoy that art in a dramatic renovated urban space.

FREE TO SUBMIT ART AND TO ATTEND!

Last year over 650 artists of all ages, skill levels and mediums submitted work and more than 8,000 people attended. Enjoy live music on indoor and outdoor stages, interactive art, art films featuring stop motion photography and animation, lectures about using art to revitalize cities, meaningful kids art activities, interesting food, and plenty of artful surprises!

Art All Night - Trenton takes place in the Chambersburg section of Trenton in a sprawling 50,000 square foot former Roebling Wire Works factory building and at the adjacent Millyard Park, an urban park owned and maintained by the Mercer County Parks Commission.

The British Are Coming! The British Are Coming! ARE YOU?

Report to the Battlefield in Monmouth, this Saturday and Sunday!

Bring your family to the Battlefield Saturday or Sunday, June 19 -20, 2010, and travel back in time to the 1770s. T-Bone and I will have front row seats for all of the action.  Two armies will be preparing to do battle.  Continental Army soldiers retrained at Valley Forge are itching to show off their new skills, while a British-German-Loyalist Army hopes to crush the rebels and restore good government.  Come early for a full day of living history.  The army encampments will welcome visitors beginning at 10 A.M.  Watch soldiers clean their muskets while their women prepare what may be their men’s last meal.  Some officers may be drilling their men while others plan for the battle and yet others play cards.  If someone is accused of cheating, there may be a duel.  Keep track of your children or they may be drafted into one of the armies.

This one is free, but donations are appreciated.  $8.00/car to park.  A total bargain and it's supposed to be a nice, sunny day.

It's June...have you stopped by www.VISITNJ.org today?

It's June...the birds are singing, the grills are grilling, and school is just about out!  You bought your sunscreen and beach towels, wiped down your patio chairs, and found your favorite sunglasses.  That's great, but did you stop by VisitNJ.org yet?  What?  Are you kidding?  Nicky and I check out their site every week.  Of course since we are Unofficial Junior Ambassadors, we need to know what's going on and get some great ideas.  But we're not the only ones who should be there.  Anyone looking for fun in NJ should be there and be there often.  If you want to use your time wisely and not miss any great events...DO NOT STOP!! DO NOT PASS GO!! (by the way, Monopoly is based upon Atlantic City) and go to WWW.VISITNJ.ORG. 

 

A HISTORY ALERT FROM T-BONE: THE OLD BARRACKS NEEDS YOU!

The Old Barracks has survived since 1758.  That's right, not 1958, not 1858, but 1758.  Even if you're not great at math, you know that's a long, long time.  They have survived numerous wars, the Great Depression, and every challenge Mother Nature has thrown at Trenton.  And despite being a national treasure and the cornerstone of Trenton's History, the swipe of a pen could close their doors.  Yes, the proposed budget, if adopted, will force the Old Barracks to close and eliminate an opportunity for families to experience life in colonial days.  They have already cancelled the summer camp and the Barracks' future is in grave danger.

Nicky Fifth and I are hoping that the state or corporations will come to the rescue before they must lock the doors.  My grandfather always says that the key to the future is remembering the past.  Write a letter or call your Legislators so they know that kids want to be able to see what life was like in the colonial days.  Tell your parents and teachers, too!  This information is from the Old Barracks website:

The proposed budget eliminates ALL State funding for the Old Barracks. The museum has operated in a private-public partnership with the State since 1917. The Old Barracks Association saved the South Wing in 1902 and a dozen year later convinced the State not to demolish the North Wing. The 1914 agreement says the Association will manage the museum “forever hereafter” and that the State, as owner, will provide funding. The State has provided $375,000 a year since 1994. That’s now about 42% of the bare bones operating budget. The non-profit Old Barracks Association raises the other 58%. The Governor wants to shift all costs to the Association for this historically important State-owned site.

What can you do to help save the Old Barracks?

• Contact the Governor and your local legislators to ask them to reinstate funding for the Old Barracks. Here are resources for how to contact them:
  • Find Your Legislator
  • Senate Budget Committee
  • Assembly Budget Committee(refer to Budget and Budget Committee Hearings for legislator contacts)
• Become a member
• Make an Online donation using PayPal
• Support the Art Show Benefit for the Barracks "This Place Matters" June 13 at the Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ. Details at This place matters  RSVP at PortfolioPrep@gmail.com
• Get involved by calling toll free at 1 888 BARRACKS.

And They're Off... Monmouth Family Days Are Back!

If you want to go somewhere the whole family will enjoy, head to Monmouth Park in Oceanport, NJ.  Besides horse races, every Sunday and Holiday has everything you need to have a great time.  T-Bone and I had a great time when went to Monmouth Park and we're really looking forward to going back.  I'm sure my mom can't wait to find her favorite teller, Barbara and my sisters will be heading straight to the ponies, clowns, and face painters!  But at exactly 12:00 noon, we all know where T-Boen will be...ordering his lunch!  We all know he can't go a minute past 12:00 for lunch or a minute past 5:00 for dinner!

Family Fun Days are every Sunday and Holiday Memorial Day to Labor Day from 12 noon - 4 pm.

All Activities are FREE and include:

• Pony Rides
• Face Painters
• Clowns
• Bounce House
• Live Music
• Grandstand admission is $3, children 12 and under are always admitted free. Come out and see why Asbury Park Press readers named Monmouth Park one of the "Best Family Attractions in Monmouth County."

Read about Early Trades and Crafts or actually see them? That's a No-Brainer!

Family Fun Day at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts

The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts 9 Main Street    Madison, NJ 07940

On Saturday, June 12th from 1 pm to 3 pm stop by for Family Fun Day at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts. Kids can participate in a family-friendly craft activity. While at the Museum, take a moment to explore the new exhibit Lenape: Tools & Daily Living and the hands-on children's room.

Did you ever wonder how people survived without microwave ovens, cell phones, televisions, and refrigerators?  Nicky and I learned about some of the things people used in social studies class, but now we all have a chance to see withour own eyes!   Now that I am a history buff, I can't wait to see how they survived without everything we have.  And I wonder if, in a hundred years, kids will wonder how we survived!  maybe one day i-pods and cars will be on display and kids will wonder how we did it!

Advanced registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission : $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors, students & children, and free for Members. Family maximum admission $13.00.

The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts is located at 9 Main Street in the heart of downtown Madison, just two blocks from the Madison train station. For information, please call 973-377-2982 x10 or visit our
website at www.metc.org.

THIS WEEK IN NEW JERSEY

The weather should be good and its a great weekend to do something as a family.  This week there are some amazing places to visit and fun events going on. 

For more events: http://www.visitnj.org/events

  Jackson, NJ Six Flags Great Adventure  

Sat. 10:30-10:00 Sun. 10:30-9:00

 Jackson, NJ   Six Flags Wild Safari    

     Sat.   9:00-4:00    Sun   9:00-4:00

http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/info/parkInfo.aspx

 

  Morristown, NJ  

Dig It!  Archeology For Kids  

   Sat. 1:00-3:00

 Children ages 7-11 learn what it is like to be an archaeologist by learning the basic skills to unearth some hidden treasures of their own at Historic Speedwell.  Pre-registratin required.

   http://www.morrisparks.net/speedwell/temp_index.htm

 

    Toms River, NJ  Saturday, May 22, 2010

   
 

http://downtowntomsriver.com/arts/arts_fest.htm

Nicky Fifth and T-Bone Need YOU!

Hey New Jersey,

    We would like this blog to have everything happening in New Jersey listed here so parents and schools can easily find great places to visit in the ol' Garden State.  If you know of a great event happening in your town, send us the information and we'll let everyone know.  Spring is a great time to get out of the house and EXPLORE NEW JERSEY!

And don't forget, the Old Barracks in Trenton still need everyone's help.  Visit their site at www.barracks.org and ask how you can help.  Maybe you can write a letter to a Senator or the Governor or your local newspaper, tell others, join as a member, or stop by for a visit.  You'll be happy you did.

Finally, teachers...the City of Burlington is hosting a teacher-style field trip.  That means you get a personalized, VIP style tour of the City of Burlington so you can plan a field trip.  It's free and a great way to preview a place that your students will love.  E-Mail Lisa Schiller at Lschiller@burlingtonNJ.us.

Later,

Nicky and T-Bone

Bordentown Street Fair...this weekend!

Last week was the Iris Festival and this week is the 2-day Street Fair in Bordentown, NJ.  A great event for families with great food, vendors, face painting, balloons, and a little history!  If you've never been to Bordentown, you're in for a treat.  And you can even stop by the Columbus Farmers Market and get some great produce at Cannuli's while they stamp your Passport book! 

May 15 &16 • Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am- 4:00 pm Farnsworth Ave.

 

FREE FARM FUN...HOWELL LIVING HISTORY FARM

Thanks to Sue, who sent a suggestion for Howell Living History Farm.  Since T-Bone went from being a History-Hater to a History Buff, he should love this place.  Check them out at www.howellfarm.org and tell your parents it's FREE! Go ahead, what are you waiting for?

Howell Living History Farm is a time machine that takes you back to the year 1900 - a time when horses and buggies traveled the lanes of Pleasant Valley, and when farms were bordered by snake fences and Osage orange trees.

You were a farmer, then…the kind that could drive a team of horses and plow a furrow with a walking plow. You could build a barn, or deliver a lamb, or bake a loaf of bread from wheat that you grew yourself. And you may have been remembered for the time you canned 200 quarts of tomatoes in a day, or the May Day you went to town in a one-horse sleigh.

Today, if it is time to harvest corn, you can ride up into a field in a horse drawn wagon, help us shock and pick corn, and return to the barnyard to help shell it, grind it, and bake it into cornbread. We invite you to help us plant, cultivate and harvest our crops, to care for our animals, to sweep our barn, to make soap, butter and ice cream, and of course to sit under the maple tree and talk about the future. (The future looks good, by the way. There are rumors of "combines", horseless buggies and automatic ice cream makers.)

Stop by on Saturday.  That's when most of the neighbors do.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG...ITS TIME FOR FESTIVALS

WHEN:   Saturday, May 8th, 2010  10:00am-7:00pm

WHERE: Bordentown City, Farnsworth Avenue

WHAT:  The 14th Annual Iris Festival and Art Show

WHO:  You and your family, hanging out and having fun.

If you're looking for something fun to do, head to Bordentown City's Iris Festival.  While T-Bone and I are not exactly flower fans, you don't have to be a florist to love a festival!  The main street, Farnsworth Avenue, is closed to cars so visitors can eat and shop their way through town.  Filled with families, the town invites everyone to see what they have. 

I'll be searching for anything Phillies, my mom will admire the flowers, my sisters will be hunting for balloons, and T-Bone will be gathering food from every vendor.  He says it wouldn't be fair to leave one out!  If you have baseball, no worries, the festival starts at 10:00 am and ends at 7:00 pm. And the following weekend is the town's STEET FAIR...another reason to head back to Bordentown! 

T-Bone's tip to get your parents to go:  TELL YOUR MOM SHE WON'T HAVE TO COOK!

Mayor James Fazzone of the City of Burlingtion on NJ 101.5

Today New Jersey's own radio station, NJ 101.5 broadcast from one of our favorite Jersey cities, the City of Burlington. DJ's Dennis and Michele sampled the delcious cuisine and even spoke to the city's number one fan, Mayor James Fazzone at Amy's Diner on High Street. They talked about the walking tours, the same kind we took when T-Bone and I visited this year. Did you know that General Ulysses S. Grant had a house in Burlington City during the Civil War to keep his family safe? Or that famous author James Fenimore Cooper was born there? If your teacher is looking for a great field trip, check out the tours at www.tourburlington.org . There are NINE Stamp Stops to have your passport stamped there and when you go to City Hall, ask for the Mayor. If he's there, he will personally stamp your book!

CALLING ALL KIDS! THE OLD BARRACKS NEED YOU!

ATTENTION ALL KIDS!  Nicky and T-Bone here...
The Old Barracks are in danger as a result of recent budget cuts. Please visit www.barracks.org and see how you can help save this New Jersey Historic treasure.
The Old Barracks serve as a hands-on way to learn about history, a portal to the past, and a reminder of the strength of New Jersey and Trenton. Let's keep our landmarks so everyone has a chance to appreciate them.

Did you hear the one about a 65 foot elephant that watched the Atlantic Ocean for over 100 years?

Nicky Fifth here...
If you live near the south Jersey Shores, you probably know who this giant elephant is. If you don't live near the southern shores, then you may not recognize this most famous pachyderm. Her name is Lucy and she is a National Historic Landmark, same as the Alamo! Not only that, you can enter through her rear foot, climb the stairs and hang out in a 65 foot elephant. One of the very cool tour guides will even take you past Lucy's glass eye so you can see what she sees everyday...the Atlantic Ocean and you can climb to the Howdah, the riding basket on her back. From there you can see for miles while you breathe in the fresh salt air.

Pay attention during the tour and you'll learn about a family that rented Lucy as a summer home in 1901, a fire when she was a pub, and a move to her current home. There's a gift shop where you can buy anything "elephant" and support the Save Lucy Committee while you're at it!

Check out www.lucytheelephant.org and when you visit, tell them Nicky 5th and T-Bone sent you.

Posted by: Nicky 5th | 04/08/2010 at 09:19 AM

Read the blog, turn off the computer, and get out there and see New Jersey!

T-Bone here...

If your plans include sitting in front of a television, computer, or video game for most of the day, here's an idea.  Turn them off and talk your parents into taking you to one of the hundreds of cool NJ places you can visit.  Some are free, some are cheap, some are near, some are far, but they have one thing in common...you'll like them.  You'll really like them.    And this blog will tell you where they are!

 

Nicky 5th and I have been visiting these places ourselves and I even changed from being a history hater to a history buff.  And they said it couldn't be done!  Every couple of days we will add more places and information, so stop back often.  And if you want to share your pictures or videos of your New Jersey trips, or share some great places, we're listening!  Remember, N5NJ!