New Jersey Basecamp: From Staten Island Gardens to Asbury Park Anthems
Parking our 40-foot 5th-wheel at Turkey Swamp Campground in Freehold gave us the perfect, wooded launchpad for exploring the surrounding coasts and cities. When you live on the road, finding a peaceful retreat that still keeps you within day-trip distance of major sights is the ultimate win.
Finding Zen on Staten Island: We kicked things off by crossing over to Staten Island to explore the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. With three museums, two art galleries, fourteen distinct botanical gardens, and a two-acre urban farm, you truly need multiple days to see it all. We prioritized the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, winding our way through towering bamboo paths and pausing by a gorgeous goldfish pond and cascading waterfalls. Its quiet nature makes it an incredible space for meditation and reflection. Afterward, we stepped back into local history at the Noble Maritime Collection—housed in a stunning 1844 sailors’ dormitory—before wandering through the flower gardens to capture photos of the outstanding summer blooms.
Victorian Charm & Coastal Eats in Cape May: The next day drew us south to Cape May. After checking out the infamous coastal lighthouse, we spent the afternoon strolling the pedestrian-only Washington Street Mall. It’s packed with eclectic boutiques, and the food did not disappoint—Mitch was absolutely thrilled to find a spot serving his favorite: a classic lobster roll. As someone who appreciates design and craftsmanship, I was completely captivated by the historic Victorian homes lining the streets. With their intricate woodwork and vibrant colors, they look exactly like real-life dollhouses. I could have spent the entire afternoon just admiring the architecture.
Glory Days in Asbury Park: Our New Jersey stay wouldn’t have been complete without a nod to “The Boss.” We headed to Asbury Park to check out the brand-new Bruce Springsteen center, which just celebrated its grand opening this July, and drove past the legendary Stone Pony where he frequently performed. It felt very full-circle, considering Bruce spent his youth right in Freehold—the very town we were calling home for the week!
Next stop on the itinerary: pulling up the jacks and rolling on to Rhode Island. Let’s keep moving beyond ordinary!
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