No sooner had captivating Cape May passed her crown to lovely Lambertville than were the editors of Jersey’s Best back on the road, embarking once again on their annual quest to find the next best stop on Jersey’s map. Our travels crossed over land and lake into five counties and in all directions for an exhaustive, enlightening and entertaining effort to unearth yet another gem.  

 Five finalists made the cut, but only one will outshine the others to be named the Jersey’s Best 2024 Destination of the Year. Which do you think will grab the brass ring?  

Hydrobiking is a popular activity to take part in while on Lake Hopatcong. Photo courtesy of Lake Hopatcong Adventure Co.

 Lake Hopatcong 

New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake is 9 miles long and 3 miles across, with 45 miles of jagged shoreline carved through Jefferson, Roxbury, Mount Arlington and Hopatcong. A centerpiece of the Sussex Skylands, Lake Hopatcong is a four-season playground, whether you come to visit or come to stay. A resort area from the late 1800s through the early 1900s, it transitioned to a largely residential lake with much of its shoreline privately owned; but visitors are always welcome. 

 Water sports are where it’s at here; and though you’re ahead of the game if you have a boat of your own, you won’t be up the creek without a paddle if you don’t. Lake’s End Marina in Landing and Lake Hopatcong’s Lakeview Marina are two that offer rentals of patio and pontoon boats, kayaks, rowboats (both oar and motor powered), as well as stand-up paddle boards, hydrobikes, water skis, wakeboards and tubes for more active aquatic adventures.  

 The fishing is more than fine, with bass, trout, pickerel, perch and walleye among the underwater populations; and, in winter, it’s pretty cool to go ice fishing.  

 Fear not, aquaphobes! There’s more to do than fish and float — check out a biking or hiking excursion through the Lake Hopatcong Adventure Co. to keep your feet and wheels on dry land. And at the end of the day (or anytime you’re hungry), it’s a feast for the eyes with lakeside dining at venues such as the historic Windlass, the seasonal Jefferson House or Pavinci Italian Grill. 

 There’s no watering down Lake Hopatcong’s appeal as a destination that truly makes a splash. 

Metuchen’s Lunar New Year celebration is one of many held throughout the year. Photo courtesy of Metuchen Downtown Alliance

Metuchen 

Coming in strong and already a semifinalist for the 2023 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) is Middlesex County’s Metuchen, a 2.8-square-mile suburb with a traditional small-town feel “but an energy and vibe that sets it apart,” according to Dawn Mackey, executive director of the Metuchen Downtown Alliance.  

 “We don’t have an identity crisis here,” Mackey said. “We know who we are, and we want you to come here. We have the bones: a central plaza, a traditional main street with boutique shopping and a restaurant scene with great food that reflects the broader community.” 

 Getting to Metuchen is easy; take Routes 27 and 531 and 287 to get there by car. Or train into Metuchen Station and step right onto Main Street to explore its walkable downtown district to shop, dine or catch one of its many community events. 

 Small business with emphasis on originality and personal service is the hallmark in Metuchen, where you can shop for fashion and accessories at Cachet Boutique; running shoes and gear at Runner’s High; sustainable, modern design at FK Living; and uniquely curated toys, games and teas at Genus Boni. Find rare plants, gifts, workshops and private party rental space at the Terrace Plant Shop. 

 Dining on Main Street and beyond is diverse: Italian, Mexican, Latin American, Greek, French, Asian, Thai, soul food, Japanese and Vietnamese are all served at tables around town. (And don’t forget dessert.) 

 Finally, Metuchen’s ongoing community events range from the traditional (Restaurant Week, for one) to the atypical (Downtown Rumble Wrestling and Downtown Breakdancing, to name just two). Metuchen is home to the Central Jersey Jazz Festival every September, drawing huge crowds to enjoy headliner performances. 

 With fingers crossed to secure the 2023 GAMSA, Metuchen aims to follow up with the 2024 Destination of the Year title. 

The antiques capital of southern New Jersey, Mullica Hill’s Main Street and neighborhoods burst with old buildings and shops. Photo courtesy of Visit South Jersey

Mullica Hill 

The antiques capital of southern New Jersey, Mullica Hill’s Main Street and neighborhoods burst with old buildings and shops. This Gloucester County contender is a destination with bountiful farms and abundant charms.  

 Built largely during the Civil War era, Mullica Hill in its entirety is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a treasure trove for lovers of historical architecture and old wares. Large events held throughout the year celebrate its assets accordingly: an April Antiques Street Fair, an October Fall Festival with a Civil War reenactment, and, in December, Christmas in the Village.  

 “I’m delighted to hear that a treasure such as Mullica Hill has been recognized as a finalist for Jersey’s Best 2024 Destination of the Year,” said Megan York Parker, director of communications for Visit South Jersey. “Mullica Hill is known as the antiques capital of South Jersey, with a charming downtown featuring historic buildings, shops and restaurants — plus Mullica Hill is home to William Heritage Winery, one of the most noteworthy Outer Coastal Plain wineries in southern New Jersey. One of my favorite features of Mullica Hill (speaking officially and as a former resident and lifelong fan!) is the agricultural nature of the area outside the lovely downtown. Agro-tourism is available nearly year-round at local favorites such as Mood’s Farm Market, Hill Creek Farms and Creamy Acres Farm.  It’s a wonderful destination to spend an afternoon, a night or a long weekend!”  

 We couldn’t say it any better, but will we say it’s Jersey’s Best? 

Known for the university that bears its name, Princeton is more than a college town, but the college is at its heart. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

Princeton 

If you’ve never visited Princeton, it’s about time you got schooled. Known for the university that bears its name, Princeton is more than a college town, but the college is at its heart. A center for history and culture, a tour of the campus isn’t just for prospective students. Home to the Princeton University Art Museum, the McCarter Theatre Center, the Princeton University Chapel and historic Nassau Hall — site of a Revolutionary War battle — there’s more than a day’s worth of classic and classy sites to see. 

 Beyond campus, you can get to know Princeton, its history and its stunning architecture courtesy of a fun and factual excursion with the Princeton Tour Co.; or you can explore the surrounds on your own two feet. Sample the upscale shops at Palmer Square; grab a casual bite along the way at any number of eateries and pubs such as Witherspoon Grill or Alchemist & Barrister; or save your appetite for exceptional fine dining at Seasons 52, Elements or Mistral. 

 Complementing Princeton’s unfussy sophistication is the outdoorsy draw of 6 miles’ worth of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, which is perfect to hike, bike, kayak, fish or horseback ride, just on the outskirts of Princeton proper. 

 But what compliment could be more proper than a Destination of the Year designation? 

The village of Ridgewood can be described as historic, romantic, cultured and cool — an upscale suburb with New York City views and chic, small-town style. Photo courtesy of The Ridgewood Guild

Ridgewood 

The village of Ridgewood can be described as historic, romantic, cultured and cool — an upscale suburb with New York City views and chic, small-town style. At just under 6 square miles, Ridgewood’s biggest attraction is its downtown thoroughfare: East Ridgewood Avenue. It is lined with shops and restaurants in abundance; and the streetscape is rich in architectural detail, providing a scenic, suburban stroll. There are more than 120 places to eat and countless specialty retailers that surround Van Neste Square Memorial Park at the center of town. 

 “It’s no wonder that Ridgewood is a favorite Bergen County destination,” said Tony Damiano, executive director of The Ridgewood Guild. “With a diverse selection of restaurants, a variety of retail shops and five-star professional services, Ridgewood has something for everyone. The town is rich in culture with many events hosted by The Ridgewood Guild, such as the International Film Festival, Music Fest, Oktoberfest, Winterfest, Movies in the Park and Music in the Night, to name a few. So, look no further. Ridgewood has it all!” 

 The Jersey’s Best judges may think so, too … knock on (Ridge)wood.