Vacation or "Staycation?"

The economy may limit the distance that New Jersey residents will travel this summer. Vacations to other parts of America and international destinations are likely to be substituted for stay at home type vacations. There are many options for NJ families and individuals. In addition to museums and historical places of interest in two of America's most famous cities, New York City and Philadelphia, the Garden State has its own noteworthy destinations.

One day trip that can be rewarding is a visit to one of our beautiful gardens. There are 55 locations to consider on the I Love Gardens.com site. In addition to a link to each garden's website and address, there is a short comment about the focus of the garden and, occasionally, a note of historic significance. For example, did you know that Branch Brook Park was the first county park to be opened for public use in the United States? In spring, the park is full of color on the 2,700 cherry trees, the first of which was donated by the mayor of Toyko.

Check the IloveGardens.com website for some ideas that may spark an idea for a day trip near home. On out=r way back from a NJ insurance appointment, you will probably see one of us enjoying the serenity and arrangement of one of our great state public and private gardens.