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Imagine a destination perfect for all travelers – families, couples, solos and friends – with all of the shopping, dining, entertainment and nature you could hope to explore.
Now, imagine that destination is just minutes from New York City, but can be enjoyed at a fraction of the price. You’ve discovered Bergen County, New Jersey. After a short drive over the Hudson River and through the Lincoln Tunnel, you’ll be in for an entirely different experience from the big city. Get your itinerary in order to make sure you fit in all there is to see and do.
Notable Sports and Entertainment
MetLife Stadium hosts two NFL teams – the New York Jets and the New York Giants – in addition to globally famous musicians such as The Rolling Stones, BTS and Taylor Swift. Check the calendar and catch a game or a concert. Prefer to play a sport rather than spectate? Hit the links at six great golf courses, ranging from challenging to sporty to picturesque. A year-round lineup of entertainment including comedians, plays and holiday performances fills the event calendar at Bergen Performing Arts Center. Stroll to a nearby bar or restaurant afterward for a perfect date night.
Nighttime views of MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and New York Giants National Football League teams
So Much Shopping
Which shopping mall produces more sales than Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California, and attracts nearly as many visitors as Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida? Westfield Garden State Plaza in Bergen County. There are more than 300 stores, including a collection of 15 luxury brands, plus movies, dozens of restaurants and a children’s play area. The new American Dream shopping and entertainment mega-complex boasts retail shops, dining, attractions and even theme parks – Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Legoland Discovery Center and DreamWorks waterpark, the largest in North America. If you still haven’t filled your shopping bags, Bergen County has four other malls, along with many shopping plazas and entertainment districts. An added bonus: Tax is not charged for purchases of clothing and shoes in Bergen County. Take a break from shopping at The Outlets at Bergen Town Center to check out indoor skydiving at the nearby iFly Paramus. Patronize independently owned antique shops, boutiques and specialty stores in the Ridgewood, Englewood and Westwood downtowns.
Outdoor Activities
From historic sites to bike trails, skiing, swimming and even a zoo, local parks offer activities for all ages and fitness levels. At Van Saun County Park, children will enjoy the playground, carousel, pony rides and train rides. Go fishing, picnicking and sledding, or play tennis and basketball. The family-friendly, nationally accredited Bergen County Zoo is always a top choice. Enjoy free summer concerts, outdoor movies and kayaking on the Hackensack River at Overpeck County Park, which features photo-worthy views of the Manhattan skyline. Darlington Lake offers picnicking and swimming in the summer, and Campgaw Mountain is great for skiing and snow tubing in winter.
A colorful outdoor performance at Overpeck County Park
Delicious Dining
Hungry yet? Dining options are plentiful in Bergen County. Enjoy Sunday brunch or patio dining with countryside views at Stony Hill Inn, a 19th-century Dutch homestead. The CHiT CHaT Diner in Hackensack serves upscale diner classics in a 1950s-inspired atmosphere. Regular visitors rave about the mouthwatering breakfasts, lunches and dinners served around the clock. Speaking of retro, how about an 11th-century dinner experience? If you’ve never eaten a four-course meal without silverware while watching a jousting tournament, you need to book a dinner show at Medieval Times. Seated around the grand arena, you’ll be assigned a knight to cheer for during the matches. This is a family favorite and a must-do activity when you visit.
A jousting scene at the Medieval Times dinner show
Getting There
Bergen County is within 40 kilometers of three major airports – John F. Kennedy (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA) in New York City and Newark (EWR) in New Jersey. To explore Bergen County, rent a car or travel by the county’s three separate rail lines: The Main Line, the Pascack Valley Line and the Bergen Line. New Jersey Transit also offers local and express bus service between New York City and all of Bergen County.
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