Best East Coast Vacation Spots Near Your Senior Apartments in Ocean County, NJ
Are you looking forward to a summer vacation or a change of environment from senior apartments in Ocean County, NJ? The east coast offers some exciting destinations. Those whose long-distance vacation plans have been affected due to the virus have the option to explore interesting locations within the country.
The East coast is known for its rich history and scenic beauty. It boasts beaches, coastal destinations, adorable New England towns, museums, monuments, and even Broadway.
The following is a list of the best east coast vacation spots near your senior apartments in Ocean County, NJ. Barnegat 67 is in the heart of it all! Keep in mind that some of these locations may be affected by Covid-19. Also, some states like Maine require out-of-state visitors to show proof of the Covid-19 test and have strict guidelines for tourists. It’s advisable to check with the CDC and Department of State before traveling.
Martha’s Vineyard
Want to explore one of the most popular and picturesque locations in New England? Located south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard is known for its well-known resorts and upper-class enclaves. It provides the opportunity to experience the ocean and mountains of New England.
Also called The Vineyard, this charming and beautiful island is only accessible by air and boat. It’s about a 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Cod. So, if you don’t mind a little bit of adventure, brave the ferry this summer!
The diverse community consists of six towns:
- Oak Buffs: provides a beach town feel, with Flying Horses carousel and historic gingerbread houses)
- Edgartown: a seaside village offering pristine harbor views
- Vineyard Haven: combines the charm of a seaside village with a beach town feel
- Aquinnah: quiet and beautiful offshore
Visitors to this famous summer colony get to see the picturesque lighthouse, beautiful beaches, brightly painted cottages, and quaint hotels. If natural attractions are your thing, you’ll want to see exciting destinations like South Beach State Park and Aquinnah Cliffs.
Other attractions include Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery or The Black Dog Tavern. You could run into a couple of celebrities, as Martha’s Vineyard is known for its well-known resorts and upper-class enclaves. This makes it a favorite vacation spot of the rich and famous, and parties are common in July and August.
Maine
Rocky coastline, nature areas, maritime history, and the famous Acadia National Park are some of the attractive features of Maine, the most Northeast U.S. state. Also known as the Vacationland State, Maine is a place to relax, enjoy the lobster, and experience the beautiful coastal scenery. Other available activities include boat trips, hiking, local crafts, woodworking, wine, and long-distance drives.
According to New England Today, an online travel publication, the Maine coast boasts more beautiful towns than any other coast in America. Its serene, rural, and remote feel makes it seem like a part of Canada rather than the United States. This rugged, yet charming beauty offers beaches, tall trees, lots of lobster—and blueberry patches!
Portland, the biggest city in Maine, is a favorite of ‘foodies’ and craft beer lovers. There are also popular shopping spots in Freeport that stay open twenty-four hours of the day.
Is this the best time of the year to visit Maine? This depends on whether you’re visiting coastal Maine or inland Maine. Maine’s peak season runs from the 4th of July to Labor Day, especially if you’re visiting the coast. Inland Maine has two peak seasons: September and October (fall foliage season) and ski-season (mid-November to as late as May. For those looking to fish or who want canoe rides, Spring is the ideal time to visit Maine.
Learn how to eat a steamed lobster at the numerous waterside shacks and seafood restaurants, and experience sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. You can also see the masterworks of famous artists like Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth at the Portland Museum of Art. It is an ideal getaway for seniors who don’t want to stray too far from senior apartments in Ocean County, NJ.
Chatham, Massachusetts
Beyond Massachusetts’ popular summer colonies lays a quaint beach town – an under-the-radar coastal village. Imagine a classic New England with boutique-lined Main Street and an iconic lighthouse, complete with nautical-themed fares—and you have Chatham. This seaside town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, offers a traditional, yet urbane setting that is beautiful to behold. Located at the southern tip of Cape Cod, this town is surrounded by water. The Atlantic Ocean borders it on the East, the Nantucket Sound to the south, and the Pleasant Bay winding to the north.
Chatham is famous for its beaches, its historical Chatham Lighthouse, the Chatham Railroad Museum, and Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. The town is historically a fishing community and has since become a summer resort area. However, fishing is still an essential part of Chatham’s economic activities. The town offers Cape Cod-style rooms and Chatham Bars Inn.
One of the advantages of Chatham is that its beautiful beaches are not as crowded as other famous East Coast vacation spots. Experience the flavor of a small New England town as you visit art galleries, historical buildings, luxurious inns, and exclusive restaurants on Main Street.
Another point of attraction is the array of wild animals to see at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge on Monomoy Island. Visitors get to see various types of birds, as well as seals and deer.
Other points of interest in Chatham include Godfrey Windmill, Ridgevale Beach, Mayo House, South Harwich Meeting House, and Atwood Museum.
From fishing to paddling, swimming and boating, you’re sure to have a vacation filled with outdoor activities. This Chesapeake dreamboat offers plenty of shops and galleries. St. Michael’s is also home to St. Michael’s Winery and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. This former trading post on Maryland’s Eastern Shore has become one of the east coasts’ hidden gems. Vacationers flock to St. Michael’s to see its breathtaking views, delicious seafood, and historic architecture.
The Chesapeake culture is still a part of life for the locals. Not surprising, the town is also called “the Heart and Soul of the Chesapeake Bay”.
Explore St. Michael’s Museum to learn more about the town’s history. As you stroll through the town’s elegant side streets, you’ll discover antique shops for top jewelry brands.
St. Michael’s has managed to retain the look of a 19th-century seaport. Ever wondered how it would feel like to walk on red brick sidewalks past Victorian homes? St. Michael’s offers the opportunity to experience this and more. These memorable experiences would be worth sharing when you come back home to your senior apartments in Ocean County, NJ.
Norfork, New York
While NYC may not be the best place to visit right now, New York state has lots of interesting towns. One of the most popular for tourism is Norfork. The burgeoning wine region offers antique markets, roadside fruit stands, and picturesque farms. You get to explore vineyards like Croteax Vineyards, a vintner that makes roses alone. Norfork’s Main Street is lined with art galleries that sell works by regional artists.
Norfork is known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood. Be sure to try the classic lobster roll –said to be the best in Long Island. Harborside shack in Greenport serves delicious oysters. Some restaurants serve American coastal cuisine, including lobster roll with lemony crème Fraiche, clam chowder with applewood bacon, and more.
Cocktail lovers are also in for a treat, thanks to speakeasy-style lounges like Brix and Rye that offer a menu of classic cocktails. Don’t forget to go on a date in one of the elegant dining rooms that provide modern American food using fresh, organic ingredients from nearby farms.
Hamptons, NewYork
Another notable spot in NewYork is the Hamptons. Want a stylish, exclusive spot? The Hamptons offers an escape from city life while providing lots of fun activities. Join moneyed “Manhattanites” as you check out the boutiques and drink cocktails. Interesting spots in the Hamptons include the Accabonac Harbor and Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton for farm-to-table dinner.
East Hampton is a top favorite of rock stars, top artists, and media moguls. Take a stroll along beautifully maintained Main Street and down Newtown Lane. Need a romantic escape? Elegant lodgings like Bake House 1650 are perfect for weekend visits. Hampton has something for everyone, and beach lovers are not left out. And exploring the town is easy, thanks to the availability of a town car for local rides and parking permits to the village beaches and town.
In Summary
The summer is a time for a coastal escape. And since long distance vacations have been affected by the pandemic, you can still explore the East Coast and have the fun vacation you have been looking forward to. Experience pristine shores, fruity cocktails, and fresh seafood as you visit these vacation spots. They provide a perfect getaway for the summer. And you’ll come back refreshed to your senior apartments in Ocean County, NJ. Barnegat 67 will be happy to welcome you home!