Get away from it all in New Jersey
New Jersey is the only state in the U.S. where all its counties are considered metropolitan areas. Some 90 percent of the people in this state live in urban areas. It's easy to see why the state has the most dense system of highways and railways in the country! Drive your Newark rental car to these locations to get a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle:
Red Bull Arena
Whether you call it soccer or futbol, you're sure to have a blast watching the New York Red Bulls Major League Soccer team kick their way to victory at this Harrison, New Jersey arena. Grab a spot in one of the 25,000 seats and imagine all of them filled like they were during the arena's first sell-out MLS match between the Red Bulls and the Los Angeles Galaxy. Since it's opening in March 2010, this arena has hosted teams from around the world, from the U.S. Men's and Women's National Teams, Colombia, Juventus (Italy), Czech Republic, Manchester City (England) and Turkey. Sit in the front row for the best view of the field at just 21 feet away from the touchlines. Now that's up close and personal!
Hamilton Farms
This Gladstone New Jersey location is not so much a farm anymore. At the peak of this estate, the creator James Cox Brady had over 5,000 acres of woods, pastures, horse trails and gardens. A farm in the midst of it all produced food and award winning livestock. A 50-stall horse stable was added in 1916 and held many breeds, from hunters to Hackney ponies, Percheron draft horses and Clydesdales. During World War ll, Brady's widow changed the stables and carriage house into a hospital and rest center for Merchant Marine seamen. It was the first of its time. Today the stables are back to their original use, as the United States Equestrian Team headquarters. The estate also includes various fine-dining restaurants and two 18-hole golf courses. Everything is members only except for the equestrian events. Call ahead to learn when the equestrian team has its next show.
The Hermitage House
This National Historic Landmark and member of the National and State Registers of Historical Places is a Gothic Revival house that was used for four days by General George Washington in July 1778 after the Battle of Monmouth. The third vice president of the country, Aaron Burr, married his sweetheart Theodosia Prevost at the house in 1782. After the Burrs lived here, local physician Elijah Rosencrantz bought the house and land around it. His family lived on the property until 1970. The house has a near-twin owned by Dr. Rosencrantz's son nearby on the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. The last owner bequeathed the house and its contents to the State of New Jersey when she died, and it underwent extensive restoration in 1970-72. The house and surrounding land has been designated part of the Ringwood State Park. Daily tours are available of the house, which is now a museum honoring the Rosencranz and Burr families. Field trips and after school programs often stop by to catch a glimpse of New Jersey history.