Blog

Keep your car in the best condition and be ready for any occasion. Take some extra special care of your car and give it the attention it deserves with the following suggestions. 1. Keep the Inside and Outside Clean Keeping the inside and outside of your vehicle clean doesn't just help it look nice, it's also an important step in protecting it. Dirt, grime, dead bugs, bird droppings, and UV rays from the sun all work together to destroy your car's paint and leave it looking dull, spotted, and peeling. A good wash and wax at least once a month can clear away all the dirt that can damage your car. Additionally, applying a UV protectant on the vinyl and plastic inside your car can prevent the sun from causing unwanted cracks or other damage. more 2. Stay on Top of Maintenance There's no better way to show your car some love than keeping up with regular maintenance to help it run smoothly and efficiently. There are a host of maintenance tasks you need to consider, and the schedule ranges from every three months to every 12 months. For example, while most of us know how important it is to get the oil in our vehicles changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, it's also crucial to change the air filter once a year or every 20,000 miles. A clogged or dirty air filter lowers your car's fuel efficiency and can lead to engine trouble. 3. Buy Some Extra Accessories There are plenty of extra accessories on the market that can offer your car more protection and help give you a safer drive. Bumper protectors strap on to the front and rear bumpers of your car when it's parked to provide extra protection from bumps and scratches. Blind spot mirrors attach to your existing side mirrors to help eliminate dangerous blind spots when you're backing up or driving. 4. Get it Professionally Detailed If you really want to show your car some love, splurge on a professional detailing. Detailing is more than just a simple cleaning on the inside and outside. Car detailing professionals use a special process to clean and protect the paint on your car. They also clean the wheels and chassis, and use a polishing compound to preserve and seal the plastic on the headlights and taillights. Inside, they'll steam clean the carpet and seats, and apply a conditioner to any leather or vinyl surfaces. 5. Consider Where You Park Parking your car under the hot sun every day doesn't just leave you with a scalding interior to climb into, it can also crack your dashboard, make the paint fade, melt plastic, and cause other interior damage. Parking in a garage is best, but if you don't have access to one, consider parking under a shady or tree or at least putting a sunshade in your windshield. From professional detailing to regular maintenance, these are just a few ways you can show your car some love! Image via pixabay by Dimitris Vetsikas is licensed under Public Domain

Sometimes you just get a hankerin' for sushi, and if you live in the Ocean Township area of New Jersey, you're in luck. Some of the best sushi spots can be found around town, giving you the opportunity to satisfy your sushi craving and find a new spot for date night. Here are the restaurants you should check out in Ocean Township if you love sushi. Nikko Asian Restaurant Nikko is a cross-cuisine Asian restaurant that focuses on Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes. As part of their outstandingly large menu of delectable entrees, this restaurant serves classic sushi dishes like spicy tuna, and they also offer sashimi, so you can further expand your palate. more Located in Forked River, New Jersey, this facility caters to the Ocean Township area, where you can benefit from their take-out and delivery services. And yes, they do deliver sushi. You can have their highly rated and reviewed sushi delivered right to your door. What could be any better than that? Xina Chinese Bistro Xina is a sushi and oyster bar in Toms River, New Jersey. They offer a variety of traditional Chinese and American Chinese dishes so that you can choose old favorites or try something new when at dinner. If sushi is what you are aiming for specifically, you're sure to love their popular sushi appetizers like tuna tartare. You'll also find traditional sushi options on the menu, as well as nigiri and sashimi dishes. They have an expansive raw oyster bar and dozens of maki and traditional sushi rolls to choose from. It would be hard to come here more than once and always order the same thing, because it all looks delicious. Ginza Japanese Restaurant The Ginza Japanese Restaurant has a delightful sushi bar, where you can find traditional rolls, as well as sushi and sashimi a la carte. The staff at Ginza offers great lunch specials, making this restaurant ideal for being your regular, go-to spot. Favorites like hibachi and teriyaki can also be found on their menu, to please the non-sushi-eaters in your party. Teresa's Osaka Asian Bistro If you want a restaurant that offers a wide variety of sushi in a fun atmosphere, then you'll love dining at Teresa's Osaka Asian Bistro. The wide variety of their sushi roll menu, which offers are dozens and dozens of delicious choices, allows you to splurge on your favorite or try a new roll every time you visit the establishment. Teresa's even has entire entrees of sushi, along with tempura, a raw oyster bar, sushi and sashimi a la carte, maki, and maki-temaki. Despite the expansive menu, customers love coming to this restaurant time and time again because the prices are fair, and it's BYOB. So you can save on your total bill while still having a good time with friends. These are just four of the fantastic sushi spots you can find around the Ocean Township area. Next time you're in the mood for sushi, grab a loved one and try one of these spots. "Sushi" by Paul Miller is licensed under CC BY 2.0

New York City is going through a bakery boom. With everything from your traditional French patisserie to cupcake shops and pie companies, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best bakeries in the city. Petee's Pie Company Located on the lower east side, Petra and Robert of Petee's Pie Company have turned their shop into the place for pies any time of year. All of their pies come with their homemade buttery crusts, and you can choose from both savory and sweet offerings. If you want something sweet, the best options include the browned butter honey pecan pie and the salty chocolate chess. Other flavors include pumpkin and coconut custard. You can order online or go down to the shop on Delancy Street to pick one out in person. more High Street on Hudson High Street on Hudson is all about the bread. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner using fresh baked bread. There is also a shop where you can buy loaves of bread. Go in and try the Bodega, a malted breakfast sausage with egg and cheddar on a sage-black pepper biscuit, or try the ginger molasses cookies. One must-try item is a redeye danish that the bakers make. You'll find  High Street on Hudson at 637 Hudson St. Maman If you want a chocolate chip cookie, Maman is the place to go. Located at 239 Centre St, this bakery features French pastries including croissants and financiers, but there is nothing like the chocolate chip cookie filled with nuts and chocolate. The bakers make fresh artisan breads daily, and they serve coffee from Toby's estate. Sit and have some homemade quiche and a salad, dig into a cinnamon roll, or try an apple cider beignet. Maman opens at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday and at 8 a.m. on Saturdays. The bakery is closed on Sundays. Bread's Bakery If you are heading to the Upper West Side, check out Bread's Bakery for its famous chocolate babka. It now has a location at Lincoln Center where you can stop in for a challah, croissant, or some of the special French cake. This bakery also offers coffee, espresso, and lattes for those who like some coffee with their pastries. You can order a light lunch from the menu. The options include salads and sandwiches made with your choice of a roll or whole wheat bread. Pi Greek Bakerie Stop into Pi Greek Bakerie and check out the selection of savory pies or baklava. You can grab a strong coffee to go with your pastry, or you can enjoy some Greek yogurt topped off with baklava and sweet cherries. You'll find this Greek bakery on Broome Street; it is a must stop for those walking through SoHo. There are too many bakeries in New York City to mention, but these are some of the top rated shops. You can stop and enjoy a light lunch, grab a hot coffee, or take some sweets home for later. "Bakery" by StateofIsrael is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

New York is a wonderful city during the holidays. Christmas is the time of year when New York is at its best with shimmering lights and a magical feel. If you live in or near the city, here are some of the must-try holiday traditions for those of the area. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the holiday season in New York. The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and features huge hot air balloons and live entertainment from well-known artists. The Rockettes of Radio City Music Hall perform each year, and high schools from around the country march down the street. The end of the parade features Santa Clause's arrival to begin the holiday season. more See "The Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center Whether you are a fan of the ballet or not, seeing the iconic Nutcracker at Lincoln Center is a wonderful New York tradition. The entire Company, including 90 dancers and 62 musicians, take part along with students from the School of American Ballet. The show features a huge Christmas tree and lots of marching soldiers. It is a magical tradition in the city that's fun for both kids and adults. The ballet runs for several weeks leading up to Christmas. Performances start on Nov. 25 and end on New Year's Eve. 5th Avenue Holiday Window Displays You won't see anything like the window displays at Christmas on 5th Avenue. Every year, the department stores create holiday themed displays in the exterior windows, featuring one-of-a-kind presentations. Take a 2-mile self-guided walking tour to see the displays at Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Saks, and Barney's and enjoy the spectacle that has become one of New York's most talked about traditions. After checking out the window displays, you can do some shopping while you're there. Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center Bundle up and head to Rockefeller Center for some ice skating. The rink at Rockefeller is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. It is below the street level, and it is surrounded by white lights. Skate rentals and skating lessons are available daily. Check out the famous Christmas tree and the flags from nations around the world. Whether you can take off on the ice like an expert or you need to carefully make your way around, enjoy the music and the atmosphere until January 9th. Visit the Tree at Rockefeller Center The lighting ceremony of Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a fun tradition that every New Yorker should experience at least once. There is a live broadcast with entertainment at the ceremony each year. As they turn on the lights that cover the 100-foot tall tree, you'll see why exactly why this tradition is so popular. New York City has many traditions and events that you should check out each year. Whether you like to spend time outside on the skating rink, take in an annual show, or check out the department stores, there is something for everyone during the holidays in New York. "Christmas in New York City" by Jose Elias is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Along with miles of beautiful shoreline, there are plenty of other fun activities to enjoy in and around Ocean Township, New Jersey. Whether you have an afternoon or the weekend, make sure you check out a few of these top attractions. 1. Jenkinson's Boardwalk Even if you spend the entire day at Jenkinson's Boardwalk, you'll never run out of activities to keep you entertained. Just steps from the sand and ocean, Jenkinson's Boardwalk has an amusement park with plenty of rides suitable for young children. There's a carousel, train, swings, bumper cars, and more. For older kids, there's a roller coaster, Tilt-a-Whirl, pendulum swing, and other exciting rides. You'll also find an arcade, miniature golf course, aquarium, batting cages, restaurants, and shopping. more 2. Gunnison Beach Gunnison Beach is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and the only legal clothing-optional beach in New Jersey. Additionally, since Gunnison Beach is part of federal land and there's no law banning alcohol on federal land, this is also one of the few beaches in the area where you can legally bring alcohol with you, as long as it's not in a glass container. While at the beach, you'll enjoy miles of sand and great views of the water. There's no concession stand, although food trucks usually make an appearance in the afternoon. If you prefer to enjoy your beach day with some clothing on, there's also a clothed area of the beach. 3. Asbury Park Boardwalk There are countless ways to have fun at the Asbury Park Boardwalk. On hot summer days, head to the Ashbury Splash Park to cool down. There's a playground with padded floors, a splash pad, and numerous water sprinklers to help you and the kids beat the heat. You'll also find a bowling alley, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and the Silverball Museum, which has over 6,000 pinball machines that you can actually play. Of course, just like every boardwalk, the sandy beach is only steps away. 4. Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park No matter what time of year you visit the 38-acre Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, you'll find plenty to do. During winter, take a walk on the quiet beach or try some surf fishing. In summer, you can swim, sunbathe, and play in the sand. There's also an award-winning and universally accessible playground; a skate park with ramps, stairs, rails, and a bowl; and a picnic area. Additionally, the park allows leashed pets from November 1 to March 31. 5. Sandy Hook Lighthouse Take a trip to Sandy Hook Lighthouse and see the oldest working lighthouse in the United States. From 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., you can take a tour of the lighthouse and climb to the top to take in the amazing views. You can also walk through the visitor's center and lighthouse keeper's quarters to learn more about the history of the lighthouse, ask the ranger questions, view the exhibits, and browse the gift shop. From beaches to boardwalks, there are plenty of attractions along the shoreline of Ocean Township and other nearby areas that are worth exploring. Image by SurFeRGiRL30 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The area around Ocean Township, New Jersey, is always fun to explore. If you're searching for a few of the most memorable museums and historical attractions in and around Ocean Township, consider a trip to one of the following places. 1. Silverball Museum Located on the Ashbury Park Boardwalk, the Silverball Museum pays tribute to the classic pinball machine. The museum has 600 pinball machines in rotation built between 1950 and today that you can actually play while you visit. Along with pinball machines, Silverball Museum also has vintage arcade games like Frogger, Pac-Man, and Pong, as well as other games like Skee-Ball and air hockey. If you get hungry while you're there, be sure to stop by the Silverball Café for boardwalk treats like pizza, hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, and more. more 2. Township of Ocean Historical Museum Learn more about the past of Ocean Township with a trip to the Township of Ocean Historical Museum. Housed in one of the last 18th-century homes still standing in Ocean Township, this museum showcases artifacts from the over 250-year history of the area. Learn about the lives of the Native American tribes who originally occupied the area, see what life was like for Colonial families, and find out how surrounding communities played a part in what Ocean Township has become today. 3. Historic Village at Allie The Historic Village at Allaire is a living history museum that portrays the lives of everyday people living in the early 19th century. There are 13 original buildings you can explore, including a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, bakery, and general store. See tools, equipment, household items, and learn more about the actual people who lived and worked in these buildings. Historic Village at Allaire regularly holds special events throughout the year, including flea markets, craft shows, and special seasonal performances. 4. Paranormal Books & Curiosities Explore the unknown and the unexplained with a trip to Paranormal Books & Curiosities. The bookstore carries an enormous collection of titles ranging from local lore to paranormal fiction. The storefront is also home to The Paranormal Museum. Exhibits in the museum include a timeline of paranormal events, a look at the infamous Jersey Devil, and a showcase on objects with a reputation for being haunted. The bookstore also offers ghost hunting classes, lectures, and book signings. 5. Monmouth Museum Monmouth Museum has rotating exhibits that focus on art, culture, and natural science for every age group. The Main Gallery is an ever-changing showcase of art, history, and science exhibitions. The Nilson Gallery showcases the work of New Jersey artists and allows the artists to share more about their stories and inspiration. The Becker Children's Wing has hands-on activities for children ages seven through 12 where they can learn about the world we live in, and the WonderWing is ideal for children six and under to explore and play. Whether you want to learn more about the area, or you're simply looking to have some fun, these interesting museums in and around Ocean Township are worth the visit. Image by PinballRobin is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

No trip to New York City is complete without seeing at least one show. Whether it's a show on Broadway or an off-Broadway production, you're sure to have a memorable experience as you watch professional actors sing, dance, or recite their lines on stage. Before you plan your next trip to the Big Apple, take a look at the five must-see shows in NYC. 1. Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre Critics give this stage version of Aladdin, the Disney-animated film, rave reviews for its rollicking spirit and colorful presentation. With its upbeat musical numbers by Alan Menken, vibrant costumes and set, and energetic cast, this is a show your whole family will enjoy. If your children are familiar with the animated film, watch their eyes light up as they see the same story unfold before them on stage at the New Amsterdam Theatre. more 2. Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre If you ever wondered how the evil witch in the Wizard of Oz story became wicked, this musical gives you the back story. Set before Dorothy and her house arrive in Oz, Wicked features clever and memorable tunes by Stephen Schwartz that range from beautiful ballads to upbeat company numbers. The show also has a meaningful message about how appearances don't always reveal who a person is on the inside. For this show, leave the small children at home, but bring tweens and teens. They're likely to leave the theatre humming tunes like Defying Gravity and One Short Day. 3. Sense and Sensibility at the Gym at the Judson If you want to see a staging of Jane Eyre's beloved novel, Sense and Sensibility, check out the off-Broadway production at the Gym at the Judson. The story follows the lives of the Dashwood sisters and their mother just as they've lost their fortune unexpectedly. Told with great humor and heart, the story explores the conflicts between societal expectations, people's emotions, and their sense of duty. This delightful play is best suited to older teens and adults. 4. Avenue Q at the New World Stages, Stage Three Irreverent and relevant, Avenue Q tackles a wide range of social issues through song and puppetry. Even though the puppets might remind you of Sesame Street, they deal with some adult issues, though the tone remains mostly light. Book tickets to this Tony Award-winning show, but leave the kids at home. 5. Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre The latest iteration of Chicago proves that revivals can be as fresh as the original staging. As the tale unfolds, the actors take the audience back to the Roaring '20s. During song and dance numbers that exude classic Fosse style, two murderesses try to outdo one another in a bid to get out of the Cook County Jail. Sleek, sophisticated, and entertaining, Chicago remains a crowd-pleaser even though it's been 20 years since it debuted on the Great White Way. Whether you're visiting New York or live there, you can have a fun afternoon or evening at the theatre if you see any of these productions. Book tickets early to avoid having to pay higher prices from brokers. Image by Massimiliano Silipigni is licensed under CC BY 2.0

New Jersey residents and visitors alike can find loads of fun activities during the winter. Whether you want a cozy seaside retreat or a large family friendly resort with indoor tropical pools, New Jersey has options that will please you. Now is the time to start planning your winter getaway in New Jersey. To help you along, here's a list of four fun places you can go. 1. See the Beach in Winter at Cape May Cape May, New Jersey, is one of the country's most picturesque seaside communities. From its lovingly restored homes to the locally owned businesses near the shore, Cape May is a beloved vacation spot in late spring and throughout the summer. Even though the tourists dwindle as the temperature drops, it's still a gorgeous place to visit during the winter. more When you visit this small town, take a walk down its tree-lined streets to enjoy the stately houses that sit close to the beach. If you plan your trip around the December holidays, bundle up for an evening stroll. You just might see some homes with beautiful light displays. Do your holiday shopping at the Washington Street Mall and cozy up to the fire at Fire Pit Fridays at Willow Creek Winery. 2. Get Active in a State Park There are many state parks that offer gorgeous landscapes where you can go cross-country skiing. Ringwood, Fort Mott, Wharton, and Double Trouble are some of the state parks that offer excellent terrain for skiing. Some parks allow you to camp overnight, even in winter, and many of these sites encourage sledding, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. 3. Experience a Taste of the Tropics at Grand Cascades Lodge Located in Hamburg, the Grand Cascades Lodge sits at the foot of Kittatinny Mountains. As a AAA 4-Diamond-rated resort, it's rustic but upscale, woodsy but elegant. Unwind in the spa with a pedicure or massage. If you want to lounge by the pool, try the massive indoor pool with tropical landscaping. With its green foliage and bright colors, the tropical pool-scape offers a cure to the winter blues. Savor a delicious meal in one of the on-site restaurants. Regular culinary events give guests the chance to sample wines, hard and traditional cider, and seasonal cocktails. If you want to venture off the lodge's property, check out the nearby community of Warwick. Full of local shops and restaurants, this town is perfect for couples and families. 4. Stay at the Inn at Laurita Winery Enjoy seasonal decorations, delicious food, and elegant accommodations at the Inn at Laurita Winery in New Egypt. The rooms have fun theme names like "Romance is in the Air" and "Shall We Dance?" In most of the rooms, you'll have a queen-sized bed with an air-jet soaking tub. You can also reserve a room with a private balcony. Cap off your stay with the gourmet country breakfast that's included in the price. From quiet getaways to engaging family trips, New Jersey has plenty of options for anyone who's looking to book a winter vacation. "Ablaze" by Nicholas A. Tonelli is licensed under CC BY 2.0

When it comes to pizza, New York style is one of the most beloved variations. With its thin crust, oversized slices, and greasy cheese, it's a delicious and memorable take on one of the country's most beloved foods. Regardless of what you want on your pizza, you can get it made-to-order in many pizzerias in and around New York City. Check out this list of the five best places to get a New York-style slice. 1. Joe and Pat's on Staten Island Joe and Pat's is practically an institution on Staten Island. There's no pretentiousness at this eatery that quickly developed a strong following among locals shortly after it opened in 1960. The restaurant's New York-style pizza has a perfectly thin crust, the perfect delivery vehicle for the memorable tomato sauce and ample portions of cheese. Even if you normally don't visit Staten Island, Joe and Pat's is worth the trip. more 2. Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village Joe knows pizza, and that's why you have to stop in Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village to try a slice. Expect this traditional pizza parlor to be busy, but the line moves quickly. The owner, Pino "Joe" Pozzuoli is still involved in the eatery, ensuring consistency and high quality. Diners describe the pizza as being close to burnt with a few cheesy blisters, fresh tomato sauce, and a delicious brown end crust. Most of the pizza makers in this shop have years of experience making New York-style pizza. Their craft shows in each delicious bite. Here's one important tip for ordering at Joe's: stick with cheese. This pizza is so fantastic, it doesn't need any topping other than cheese. 3. Williamsburg Pizza on Union Avenue Offering up a variation on the New York slice, Williamsburg Pizza sells slices of white pizza that's savory and memorable. There's a Brooklyn slice that's similar to traditional New York-style pizza with its sweet tomato sauce, an airy end crust, and melted mozzarella. This pizzeria also offers more exotic options among its suggested topping combinations, including a pie with bacon, apple, and Gorgonzola. Other unusual toppings include kale, pine nuts, and taleggio cheese. 4. Patzeria Perfect Pizza in Times Square Because looks aren't everything, Patzeria Perfect Pizza relies on its food to build its reputation rather than its décor. Priced right and ready to go, the pizza from this tiny pizzeria hits the spot for many hungry diners who want a memorable taste of New York-style pie. This is also a place where you can wash down your slice with suds or soda. 5. Patsy's Pizza in East Harlem The puffy end crust is always perfect at Patsy's Pizza, located in East Harlem. Regular diners rave about the garlic pizza and margherita pie. Having once hosted director Francis Ford Coppola as a regular, Patsy's inspired the ambiance of The Godfather film. In fact, the eatery has hosted many film crews over the years because it has an authentic New York vibe. Regardless of where you get your slice of New York-style pizza, just be sure you eat it the right way: fold it in half and take a bite. Image by Eric is licensed under CC BY 2.0

If you plan on heading to NY this fall, there's plenty of great Fall activities going on in Brooklyn to keep everyone in your family entertained. From festivals and events to tours, you will find several activities in Brooklyn this year. Get ready to see Brooklyn like never before this Fall. 1. Brooklyn Bridge Park Kite Festival Want to get outside and enjoy the last waning days of summer and early fall? The Kite Festival is just the thing! It takes place the first or second week of September in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Kids of all ages can bring their own kite and fly it high in the sky. Kites are also available at the event, which takes place at the Harbor View area. more 2. Annual Atlantic Antic Festival If you haven't heard of the Atlantic Antic Festival, you haven't been in Brooklyn in the fall. This is the largest street festival in the city spanning four neighborhoods. Merchants, vendors, and performers take to the streets to showcase their wares, foods, and talents. There are also musicians playing on the stage. This festival is ideal for all ages, from toddlers to adults. There's something for everyone here. Indulge in funnel cakes and other favorite festival foods. Admission is free, and the event is between Fourth Avenue and Hicks Street. 3. Open House New York See New York buildings in a whole new light at Open House New York. Inspired by the same tradition that takes place every year in London, England, this event welcomes the public inside the buildings you walk past everyday. Explore the architecture, learn about the history, and engage in new inspirations inside of Brooklyn's most interesting public spaces. Take a tour of open buildings close to your neighborhood or experience something new. This event is ideal for teenagers and adults that are interested in architecture. 4. Harvest Festival The Harvest Festival is one of the larger and most fall-inspired festivals. Taking place at Brooklyn Bridge Park, this family friendly festival is ideal for toddlers to early teenagers, and it includes a host of enjoyable fall activities. Pumpkin carving, puppet shows, games, concerts, and arts and crafts are all on tap at what is becoming a bigger and better event every year. This festival is usually held the last week in October on the Pier Lawns. 5. Bike Tours You may not have thought about bike tours, but this outing is something that everyone in the family will love. Bike tours are getting more and more popular, especially in New York where getting around by car is a challenge. Book a bike tour in Brooklyn Bridge Park or nearby to explore your neighborhood. This activity is excellent for families with teenagers because it provides a certain amount of independence. Try Brooklyn Bike Tours, which is just one of many companies offering custom or pre-planned bike tours in the area. These are just a few of the activities for families in Brooklyn this fall. Make sure to check out at least one of them this year. "Colors" by Jackie is licensed under CC BY 2.0

There is so much to do in New York City each fall that it can become an overwhelming task just trying to figure out what you want to do over the weekend. Whether you're looking for something that reflects the arts, seeking adventure or history, ready to celebrate the fall's most notable fruit, or want to pick the brains of the creators of your favorite comics, New York City has something that is sure to please. In an effort to help you weed through all of your options, here are five things to do in New York City this fall. New York Film Festival Film buffs won't want to miss the annual New York Film Festival, taking place at Lincoln Center from the end of September to mid-October. The Festival features films from around the world, as well as talks with notable celebrities. Both paid and free events are available. Paid events such as the Main Slate, Opening Night, and the Centerpiece & Closing range in price from $10 to $100 a ticket; free events include HBO Directors Dialogues, Late Shift, Meet the Makers talks, and NYFF Live talks. more Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park Don your best cloak and kilt and head to Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park for the Medieval Festival. Transformed into a medieval market town, the park is decorated with colorful banners and processional flags. Grab a fire-roasted turkey leg and watch the jugglers and jesters, or sit back and listen to authentic medieval music. Enjoy the thrill of a joust between four knights on horseback, or take a relaxed stroll through the market to browse and purchase a variety of medieval crafts. Cider Week NYC There's no better time to enjoy a crisp, juicy apple than fall. And there's no better place to enjoy apple cider than at Cider Week NYC. Head to one of the many tastings to sip a variety of free samples—both non-alcoholic and spiked—or stop by one of the restaurants for free bites. Bring your little ones to the family-friendly event where they can watch folk dancing and make their own caramel apples. New York Comic Con More than 150,000 comic, anime, and genre fans flock to Comic Con each fall, making it the second-biggest event in NYC each year. Join your fellow cosplay fans and listen to Q&A discussion panels with creators and actors, watch screenings, or stroll through the event floor to see the latest going on in the industry. Village Halloween Parade The annual Village Halloween Parade it the most wildly creative public participatory event in the country. Create your own costume and join thousands of other costumed people as you parade through the streets. The parade starts at 7 p.m., lasts about four hours, and runs up 6 th Avenue from Spring to 16 th Street. This fall, enjoy one of the many fun things to do in the City That Never Sleeps. With options that will appeal to both the young and old, you won't have a chance to get bored in New York City. "New York City" by tinto is licensed under CC BY 2.0

If you have never experienced an autumn in New Jersey, you have no idea what you're missing. Fall is known and loved for its vibrant and dynamic colors, but when viewed from these five locations, you are sure to lose your breath at the majesty of your surroundings. We recommend you bring a camera with you when visiting any one of the following locations, as these aren't sights you'll want to forget. 1. Delaware Water Gap More of a reservation than a park, the Delaware Water Gap covers almost 70,000 acres of mixed sceneries in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that are perfect for hiking and camping. Running along 40 miles of the Delaware River and into the Appalachian Mountains, the Delaware Water Gap includes a variety of lakes and waterfalls, including Turtle Beach, which offers plenty of picnic tables and a lovely grassy beach. If you are trying to catch the leaves turning, the best time to visit is late September into early October. more 2. High Point State Park As the name suggests, High Point State Park offers visitors an incredible panorama view of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania landscape. By visiting in the fall, you also get the added benefit of watching the farmlands and forests give way to some stunning color changes, which you can view from any number of trails and rest stops throughout the area. 3. Ringwood State Park Experiencing fall in New Jersey would not be complete without visiting Ringwood State Park. Featuring tours of the historic, 44-room Skylands Manor, which was built in the 1920s, the park is also known for its incredible landscaping and scenery, which really starts to glow as you move into October. Additionally, visitors can enjoy their time at Shepherd Lake, either boating, fishing, or sitting around and taking in the sights. 4. Washington Crossing State Park On Christmas Day in 1776, George Washington crossed the icy Delaware River and landed at Johnson's Ferry. The site would later become known as Washington Crossing State Park, and it is a great place to visit in the autumn. Known particularly for its nature trails and lush natural scenery, the park plays host to plenty of flora and fauna, and waiting for the colors to change only makes it that much better. 5. Belleplain State Forest Perhaps one of the most beautiful locations in New Jersey, Belleplain State Forest includes more than 20,000 acres of Atlantic white cedar, oak, and pine trees, which combine to produce a palette of rich colors come October. Visitors can choose to hike, picnic, swim, fish, canoe, bike, and otherwise explore the area to their hearts' content. Wildlife is plentiful here as well, so keep an eye out for local critters. New Jersey has rich natural areas with plenty to offer nature lovers and outdoorsmen alike. If the above retreats do not strike your fancy, you can try any number of other parks and trails in the area. At the end of the day, if you drive through rural parts of the state from September to November, you are sure to catch some impressive sights. You might want to check out the latest available Chrysler and Jeep vehicles to help you on your way. "autumn falls..." by paul bica is licensed under CC BY 2.0