Newark, NJ Skyline

From Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay in the Gateway region of New Jersey and through the north past Newark, cool weather is taking over Northern New Jersey. MLS Red Bull New York is wrapping up regular season soccer at Red Bull Stadium, just outside Newark in the suburb of Harrison. With the cold, the action heats up at Newark’s Prudential Center, as the NHL New Jersey Devils take to the ice. The NBA New Jersey Nets play their 2011 - 2012 season in the Prudential Center, catch them this season before next year’s move to the Barclays center in Brooklyn. Sports bring Newark and northern New Jersey to life.

There are a few good days left for Golf at Tamarack Golf Course in East Brunswick or Rutgers University Golf Course in Piscataway. If shopping is your sport, the Brunswick Square Mall is your destination. For the family, Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream is at the Prudential Center, November 16th through the 20th. For outstanding fall and winter cultural events, remember, the Nicholas Music Center at Rutgers New Brunswick Campus, is home to the University Symphony Orchestra, Rutgers Wind Ensemble and special events like the Rutgers Children’s Choir December concert.

The Newark Museum on Washington Street has several must see exhibits for New Jersey visitors. Birding fans don’t miss Skies Alive! Bird Migration in the Garden State. The exhibit runs through January 2012 and features interactive exhibits highlighting New Jersey’s diverse environments and their role in bird migration. Learn the importance of preservation of New Jersey natural resources for bird habitat. Newark Museum’s exhibits on the evolution of quilts and the re-installation of its Tibetan collections run through December. Make plans now to visit downtown Newark and the Newark Museum.

For a fun evening of food and dancing check the schedule at Newark Symphony Hall for Line Dancing Game Night. Held once a month in the Terrace Ballroom, enjoy line dancing lessons, Catered meals along with games like WII Sports, Uno and Pokeno. Join the Newark community for a fun night out of the house. The Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall at Newark Symphony Hall hosts the 6th Annual WOFABE: African Dance and Drum Festival – Dance and Drum Concert. Featuring the Umoja Dance Company along with Arase Yaa African American Dance Theater and the African Dance and Drum Ensemble. See and feel this exciting performance November 12th.

Morristown, 25-miles west of Newark, makes a great getaway to explore Morristown National Historic Park along with other Morris County recreation and events. Morristown’s Mayo Performing Arts Center is always a great venue for entertainment. December brings Crystal Gayle with A Chrystal Christmas, Kenny G and his Holiday Show, as well as The Nutcracker featuring the New Jersey Ballet. Bring in the New Year with The Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber or bring the kids to the Mayo when it hosts Clifford the Big Red Dog.

New Jersey Shore

With fall and winter, New Jersey’s beaches become a backdrop for the indoor excitement of Atlantic City’s casinos, top-name entertainment and world-class nightlife and restaurants. Take care of those special gift needs at the Pier Shops at Caesar, offering city and boardwalk views while you browse the famous brand names. Try your luck at the Casinos – choose from the best, Harrah’s, Trump’s and Caesar’s, along with a diversity of others. The Atlantic City Aquarium is always a fascinating adventure, from a look at local New Jersey underwater species to exotic animals native to a Tropical Rainforest. It’s perennial fun in Atlantic City.

Avoid stress of warm weather and hike the 228 steps to the top of the Absecon Lighthouse in fall or winter - New Jersey’s tallest and one of the country’s oldest lighthouses. Visit Absecon at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue near the Showboat Casino. The view is a must-see and the lighthouse is open through fall and winter, just arrive before 3:30 if you plan on climbing to the top.

Holiday shopping brings visitors to the Atlantic City Outlet Walk on Atlantic Avenue, but be sure to return after the holiday season for the best prices and bargains. Atlantic City is a destination in and of itself for shopping. The Pier Shops at Caesar and the Quarter at Tropicana offer the latest fashions and accessories, while the Tanger Outlets at The Walk offers brand names at outlet discounts. Winter is an ideal time to browse the stores without the temptation of Atlantic City’s beaches.

Love the nightlife? Atlantic City is the place to be. Visit the ultimate karaoke lounge at Planet Rose or enjoy the fun The Quarter at the Tropicana. The Toga Bar at Caesars offers high-energy music and the ultra lounge at the Toga is an ideal spot to splurge on a night out-on-the-town. Check out Mixx or MUR.MUR at the Borgata, with a warning they may keep you up all night. Visitors looking for family entertainment find Kozak the Magician at the Tropicana and the Borgata Comedy Club - excellent for a family night out. Atlantic City’s nightlife and entertainment are unsurpassed.

Pleasantville and Absecon offer travelers to Atlantic City a bit more peace and quiet, with the excitement of Atlantic City just minutes away. Located just off New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway, automobile travelers find Absecon hotels convenient when just passing through the area. Also convenient to Atlantic City International Airport, Absecon offers accommodations nearby for early flights and late arrivals. Travelers looking to avoid the congestion of Atlantic City be sure to exit the Atlantic City Expressway for Pleasantville or Absecon for smooth sailing through the area.