"New Jersey ---- still exploring....." New Jersey by Pawtuxet

New Jersey Travel Guide: 3,839 reviews and 7,382 photos

A favorite amongst many options in New Jersey

MT. TABOR is a Victorian settlement which was founded as a Methodist Camp Ground in 1869. In the beginning, worshippers stayed on assigned tent lots and the retreat lasted about 10 days during the summer. It was so popular that it developed into a full summer program...small gingerbread houses were built on the tiny tent lots. Later the homes became year round residences individually owned...but the land is leased from the Society which they are all members of. It's a fascinating place to visit. I'm still trying to establish why each of these settlements (there are a number of them in the country) all seem to build octagonal meeting houses. In fact, Mt. Tabor has 3 octagon buildings. We did the house tour which included an excellent Quilt Exhibit as well as other entertainments. This will definately require Travelogues to give you the whole story. The HOUSE TOUR happens every year.

Madison...home of DREW UNIVERSITY

Madison, New Jersey is a sweet little town about 3/4's of an hour outside of New York City. The Erie Lacawana Railroad (a little old fashioned looking train) services the area for commuters. The town is clean and well planned. There is a nice assortment of shops and services. Housing stock is quite expensive due to the proximity to NYC.
This wonderful stone building has found a new use as a museum just at the beginning of the business district.
Madison is the home of Drew University (my daughter's alma mater) as well as Farley Dickinson and Rutgers.

A little spot in East Hanover

My son and his wife have a home in East Hanover. We enjoy visiting and exploring various places around New Jersey that we've never seen before. Australia loves Christopher's big grassy back yard. She can't wait to get out of the car after the long ride and RUN!! Then everyone settles in around the patio and porch to bask in the sunshine together. Very relaxing weekends.
First thing you know we're out pounding the sidewalks of Madison, Morristown, or other fun spots along the way.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Interesting hidden pockets to discover
Cons:Zillions of freeways...yuk! too much traffic
In a nutshell:Love to discover these nifty "finds" w/ Chris & wife

Last visit to New Jersey: Sep 2006
Intro Updated Aug 3, 2008
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Reviews (21)

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Vist to the Castle in Bud Lake
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Comments (27)

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terible22 Nov 4, 2008 at 7:09 PM

You have some wonderful pictures!!
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deecat Jun 3, 2008 at 5:45 AM

Especially enjoyed the Museum of Early Trades, Herb Gardens, and House Tours [Iron Worker's House is "over the edge!" Gingerbreads, indeed! Loved quilts displayed on pews! Terrific pages, Janet.
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Stephen-KarenConn Dec 14, 2007 at 9:24 AM

A very interesting page for Mt. Taborl, the Methodist campground, Drew University and more. We would love the quilts too.
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nicolaitan Nov 2, 2007 at 8:40 AM

Great detailed page - very interesting material. Mt. Tabor is obviously a far more commercial enterprise than Ocean Grove where tours are limited and outsiders are tolerated but no more. Noted the plug for the stand. N.
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johncudw Oct 1, 2007 at 8:36 AM

Hi Janet, We went to Mt Tabor yesterday - we liked that It was late in afternoon - we'll have to go back there. We were visiting a friend in Dover.
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breughel Aug 27, 2007 at 5:01 AM

Hello Janet , I would like to see photos from Morristown. Do the laboratories of Allied Chemical still exist?
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jelw Aug 12, 2007 at 7:31 AM

Looks like a wonderful visit. All my years there I never visited this Washington outpost.
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VeronicaG Aug 10, 2007 at 12:12 PM

I love historic house tours, so I would have enjoyed this one! Madison is a very picturesque little town. Thanks for the heads up on your new tips...I know I would have enjoyed the visit!
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kazander Apr 9, 2007 at 7:07 AM

Hi Janet, we drove through Mt. Tabor by accident yesterday, I didn't see any gingerbreads:( are they along Simpson avenue?Next time I'll have to be prepared!
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susaninri Oct 17, 2006 at 9:30 AM

Terrific pics of the tour and the exhibit! I especially loved the house with the trees. An environmentalist and planner!