Our crazy viral post.

Last month something amazing happened.  I wrote a post on my website about the Free and Almost Free Places to Visit in New Jersey and the Surrounding States.  The post went viral.  It exploded!  There were so many wonderful comments and suggestions for places.  It definitely kept me busy for a good few weeks.  I am grateful for all the wonderful responses, and apologize if I couldn't get to answer all of them!  Here is the link to the post: http://www.happyfamilyart.com/Free-Places-For-Family-Fun-NJ.html  I hope you like it!

NJ Botanical Garden

NJ Botanical Garden is located in Ringwood, NJ.  It is beautiful, quiet and never crowded place. We love it there. They have many plants, so no matter what season you choose to go there there is something to see.  For me, my favorite time of the year to go is in mid May, so that I can catch the lilac tree grove in bloom. Another great time is in August, to see the waterlillies.  Of course, early spring is great to, with all the bright spring colors and cherry blossoms.

It is a free, or almost free ($5.00 per car in the summer months) place to visit.  You should note that there is a no food allowed rule, so if you bring a picnic there, you can probably have it by the Shephard Lake, which is nearby. The lake has a small beach area and a playground, and does tend to get crowded on the weekends.

I highly recommend it as a place you should see, especially if you live nearby.  I am always surprised as to how many NJ residents have no idea that this place exists.

We have been there through the seasons, and each season fills it with it's own kind of magic.

It is hard to describe such an amazing place in words, so I am putting many pictures with this post.
Here is their website for direction and other information, including history:
http://www.njbg.org/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above two photos are of the Lilac Grove.  The smell there is amazing when all the lilacs flower! The photo below is of the spot where in early spring the trees are covered with pink flowers and when the wind blows it looks like giant pink snowflakes are flying around.

 

 

The photo below I took in August, when the waterlillies are out and about.