A Royal Flush New Jersey

Although still under construction, the Hackensack RiverWalk offers hikers and bikers an excellent urban walkway. This eight-mile recreation trail follows along the Hackensack Riverfront and the Newark Bay. Many residential areas and parks are connected by this greenway already, and Hudson County plans for more sections to come.

On the third floor of the Van Houten Library at the New Jersey Institute of technology is the Weston Museum, a rare museum devoted to Edward Weston. A contemporary and rival of Thomas Edison’s, Weston was a well-known scientist and inventor of his time, as well as a founding member of the university. View photographs and artifacts from his laboratory in this display.

It’s hard to miss the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart as you explore downtown Newark. This French Gothic-styled cathedral features more than 200 stained glass windows and 14 giant bells imported from Italy. The fourth largest of its kind in North America, this cathedral is not only a beautiful architectural attraction but also a performance venue for several choirs and symphonies.

All ages are welcome at the Branch Brook Roller Skating Center, a state-run roller-skating rink in the park. Come for a skating lesson, watch the Garden State Rollergirls practice or just enjoy some fun public skating. Perfect for parties and themed events, this skating rink is open seven days a week during the daytime and evenings, as well as several late night events each week just for the adults.