Day Trippin’ Away From Bridge, Close to Home

One of our favorite things to do on a weekend is to get in the car and go. Not far, just far enough to feel as if we’ve escaped the bridge traffic, but close enough that we’re not very far from home.

Based on the number of enthusiastic responses to our City Island column, we thought we’d share some of our other favorite places to escape on a summer’s day:

Seven Presidents Beach & Park

So close to Fort Lee, Seven Presidents Beach was always a favorite beach to visit when we only had a day to spare. Near exit 105 off the Garden State Parkway, Seven Presidents Beach is only about an hour away. Located in Long Branch, this beach is part of the Monmouth County Park System.

If you’re used to Seaside, you’ll be amazed at how meticulously clean the beach is and how friendly it is to young families. There’s a beautiful playground for the little ones, as well as a skateplex.

The skateplex features a short paved trail, open landscaped play areas, restrooms, vending machines, tables, and two areas constructed exclusively for skaters. There is a 75'x150' rink for inline skating, hockey and lessonsb and a skate park for both skateboarders and in-line skaters. Your skaters will love the bowl, quarter pipes, wedges and fun boxes.

You can’t beat the prices. Weekday beach fees are $7 for individuals 18 years old and over; children 17 and under are FREE. On weekends and holidays, the fee is $7 for individuals 13 and over; children 12 and under are FREE. The cost of a parking pass is $6 on weekdays and $7 on weekends and holidays. Talk about an affordable daycation!

If the idea of sitting on a sandy beach on a blistering summer day is not your idea of a great daycation, how about visiting a place where you can not only escape your routine, but also escape the heat?

Brotherhood Winery

We’re so close to the Hudson Valley, why not visit one of the wineries? How about America’s oldest winery, Brotherhood Winery? Established in 1839, Brotherhood Winery is located about an hour away in Washingtonville, New York.

A trip to this winery was one of the hot auction gifts at School No. 4’s 100th anniversary dinner dance, and it’s no wonder. Not only do they offer tours and wine tastings (now we're talking!), but they also have the Vinum Café that’s housed in the original 1839 winery building. Operated by an award-winning chef, you have the choice of dining at the café and munching on delicious platters of cheese paired with a fantastic wine or dining in the restaurant where you can enjoy a full menu of meal options. From French snails to salmon; filet mignon to duck. They also offer a weekend brunch.

Brotherhood Winery also hosts events throughout the year. They’re hosting a Luau on Saturday, July 30, to support the American Cancer Society. There will be grass skirts, great wine, great food and great entertainment, all for $50/ticket.

They’re also hosting a Sangria Pig Roast on Saturday, Aug. 27. Flowing wine and a roasting pig? A carnivore’s delight!