Things to do in New Jersey, United States: The Best Gift & Specialty Shops

January 11, 2022 Kelli Reichel

Whether you are looking for sun-drenched beaches or outdoor activities in beautiful countryside, New Jersey has plenty to offer. Those who love the great outdoors should head for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which runs along the Delaware River for forty miles. Here you can go rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking or fishing, or simply admire the stunning waterfalls. There is a huge range of hiking trails to choose from as well as historic sites to visit. In winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing near Blue Mountain Lakes, and birdwatchers might be lucky enough to catch sight of bald eagles. If you are looking for a change, visit one of New Jersey's eleven lighthouses that are open to public, such as the one in Cape May. For art and history enthusiasts, New Jersey State Museum in Trenton has historic artifacts and American fine art from the nineteenth century to the present day as well as a Planetarium.
Restaurants in New Jersey

1. Hot Sand

550 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712-7120 +1 732-927-5475 [email protected] http://www.HotsandAP.com/
Excellent
85%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 59 reviews

Hot Sand

Hot Sand is the the Jersey Shore's only Walk-In Glassblowing Studio! Just stop in during our scheduled Walk-in hours, pick a super fun Walk-In Activity, choose your color and design options and we'll pair you up with a glassblower. You'll collaborate with us to make a piece of your very own!

Reviewed By VanDo - Lebanon, United States

I was looking for something different to do for my birthday. This was such a unique idea. It was very easy to make an online reservation for your time slot. When making the reservation, you pick what you want to create, however, you don’t pay until you are there so it’s no problem to switch it up. My husband and I each made drinking glasses and my daughter made a vase. The craftsmen there explained everything thoroughly. It was a lot of fun. Just as an FYI ... you either have to return in a week to pick up your creations or pay to have them shipped.

2. The Fudge Shoppe

461 US Highway 202, Flemington, NJ 08822-6023 +1 908-782-7123 [email protected] http://thefudgeshoppe.com/
Excellent
89%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 167 reviews

The Fudge Shoppe

The Fudge Shoppe was founded in 1961 by Allen and Anna Burry. A local staple, The Shoppe has now been in Flemington, NJ for over 50 years and currently has three generations of the family working as well as many other employees. The Fudge Shoppe continues to be the best chocolate around, continuing its great traditions while working on creating new products. We hope you enjoy!

Reviewed By Sfphotocraft - Sitges, Spain

I’ve driven by this little fudge barn for years on my way to New a York, but never stopped. I was glad I did this time. This little candy shop in the middle of nowhere is amazing. Delicious dark chocolate in different molds and shapes. They also give free samples! Yum - best pit stop on the way to NYC!

3. Blue Eden

300 & 302 99th Street, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247-1404 +1 609-967-3336 [email protected] http://www.seafoamsoapcompany.com
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 54 reviews

Blue Eden

Two beautiful stores placed side by side on 99th Street in Stone Harbor. One store solely dedicated to our very own line of hand made bath and body products called Sea Foam Soap Company by Blue Eden. All products are made from goat milk and honey. Chose from 72 differently scented soaps, most with coordinating lotions, organic sugar scrubs, bath bombs, body sprays, roll on organic perfumes, candles and bath accessories. Locally crafted jewelry, sea glass jewelry, fun clothing/graphic tees, beach wear, causal wear, home goods and mermaid inspired gifts and pottery. OPEN DAILY YEAR ROUND. Summer hours, 10am to 8pm, Fall/winter and spring hours 10am to 6pm.

4. Shrivers Salt Water Taffy

9th street & Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226 +1 609-399-0100 http://www.shrivers.com
Excellent
80%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 118 reviews

Shrivers Salt Water Taffy

Reviewed By LauraT2211 - San Francisco, United States

I visited Shrivers with my husband and family. The whole experience was great. They have tons of different flavors of taffy (I like the peppermint) which you can mix and match as you please. I have had taffy from a bunch of different spots in the US and this definitely tasted fresh. You can even see the taffy being made in the back of the store which is fun to watch. The atmosphere is great and there are fun other types of candy as well - I brought back some fudge for my mom which she liked. Definitely a good stop if you are in the area and craving sugar.

5. The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe

2305 Grand Central Ave, Lavallette, NJ 08735-2726 +1 732-854-2779 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/TheMusicMan/
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 149 reviews

The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe

The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe is a vaudeville style Nightly Broadway Cabaret. Performers maneuver around the entire shop, singing directly to individual guests, and incorporating them into the show. It’s a unique family entertainment experience that appeals to all ages. Join our growing family of guests who return time and time again to be part of the show. Looking for things to do in Lavallette, Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant or Ocean County, NJ you’re close so come catch a show at The Music Man. And, of course, the delicious ice cream makes a delightful evening even better.

Reviewed By 689aliciaj

What a great time we all had, we were a party of three adults and three 5 year olds. The ice cream was delicious with clever names. We went for their Halloween night and they were dressed up in costumes. Our favorite was the elf of the shelf, he was hysterical. The best was seeing the kids faces in awe when they saw their sundaes and heard the signing for the first time. We definitely want to go back for the Christmas show! We recommend this for every age group!

6. Cape May Olive Oil Company

324 Carpenter Ln, Cape May, NJ 08204-1409 +1 609-898-4441 [email protected] http://www.capemayoliveoilcompany.com
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 61 reviews

Cape May Olive Oil Company

Purveyor of fine oils, vinegars and accompaniments.

7. Valentino's

315 Ocean St Unit 15, Cape May, NJ 08204 +1 609-889-1165 [email protected] http://www.coinsmilitaryandmore.com
Excellent
92%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 60 reviews

Valentino's

Specializing in rare coins, estate jewelry, Authentic Cape May sea glass jewelry, antiques, military and historical memorabilia. VALENTINOS IS IN THE PROCESS OF RELOCATING OUR SHOWROOM. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSTORE 24 HOURS A DAY. FREE SHIPPING WILL BE APPLIED TO YOUR PURCHASE DURING THE MOVE. We will also be attending several shows in the Cape May area so you may physically shop our merchandise during this time. Dates and times will be posted on our website

8. Van Holten's Chocolates & Sweet Shop

802 Ocean Ter on the boardwalk at Casino Pier & Grant Ave., Seaside Heights, NJ 08751-2157 +1 732-830-2220 [email protected] http://www.seasidesweetshop.com
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

Van Holten's Chocolates & Sweet Shop

Founded in 1904, Van Holten's Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you the highest quality ingredients and products to satisfy your "Sweet Tooth". We are also proud to feature favorites from around the world. Candy is an art form and a delicacy that brings out feelings and memories. We strive to enhance your experience as well as stimulate your inner memories of family and tradition.

Reviewed By RCStaab - New York City, United States

Crazy store withmany unusual kinds of chocolate-covered candies, flavored popcorns, salt water taffy and most any candy you can imagine. One of the top 100 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore as seen in my book #100thingsjerseyshore

9. The Well Dressed Olive

214 96th St, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247-1912 +1 609-961-3505 [email protected] http://thewelldressedolive.com
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 72 reviews

The Well Dressed Olive

We offer tastings of dozens of olive oils/vinegars. We carry 'happy hour' foods and plenty of hostess gifts.

10. Words Bookstore

179 Maplewood Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040-2509 +1 973-763-9500 http://www.wordsbookstore.com
Excellent
86%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 64 reviews

Words Bookstore

Reviewed By alanpaulNJ - Maplewood, United States

As a local author, I am deeply appreciative of the store's support for all my releases. As a local resident I am deeply appreciative of their friendly staff, great selection and the fact that they bring so many great authors to our little town.

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