February is not letting up on the brutal cold, but if you can brave the temps, it's absolutely worth getting out there. The proof? Check out my shots below of Sandy Hook.
And then there are moms like Kelly Grobelny of Howell who are giving the rest of us moms a bad name. She is getting a lot of attention for the amazing igloo she built. It is a full-size igloo that can fit a whole family and features one hell of a light show.
Wonder how much tax she will need to pay on it - and if she got permits? 🙃
Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook (for news and funny stuff) or Instagram (see pretty pictures and event shoutouts)
Visit the Wander Jersey Event Calendar for the most updated events - and save your favorite events by clicking the heart so you can access them easy!
2/4/26 - A lot of events are still being canceled and in limbo due to the cold spell! This weekend is light again as events are being rescheduled due to the expected bitter cold.
Atlantic County
View all Atlantic County events ➜
Wine & Chocolate Weekend on 2/7 & 2/8 from 12-5pm | Bellview Winery, Landisville
Celebrate love with music, chocolate, wine and more. Visit Event Website →
Bergen County
View all Bergen County events ➜
Celebrating 40 Years of Whitney on 2/7 from 12-5pm | American Dream Mall, East Rutherford | Free, but registration required
Whitney Houston exhibit, karaoke, screened performance footage and an exclusive screening of her documentary. Visit Event Website →
Camden County
View all Camden County events ➜
Battleship NJ Turret II Tour on 2/6 at 6pm | Camden | $10-$40
A 90-minute guided tour of one of the most historic parts of our state. Climb 5-stories and see the equipment and learn what it was like to serve aboard the ship during World War II. Visit Event Website →
Cumberland County
View all Cumberland County events ➜
Winter Eagle Festival on 2/7 from 8am-4pm | Mauricetown Firehall | $10 adult, $5 under 12
Speakers, presentations, live raptors, guided trail walks and more. Visit Event Website →
Essex County
View all Essex County events ➜
Sacred Self Winter Edit on 2/7 from 11am-5pm | Lackawanna Station, Montclair | Free admission, optional paid activities
A day dedicated to holistic healing and wellness to improve your mind, body and soul. Visit Event Website →
Monmouth County
View all Monmouth County events ➜
Winter Jazz Festival from 2/3-2/7 | Bradley Beach
Jazz Festival with performances across Bradley Beach. Visit Event Website →Pokemon Market on 2/7 from 10am-5pm | Bell Works, Holmdel | $5 - $10
Bring friends, binders, & immerse yourself in a Pokémon-filled marketplace with vendors and fellow fans. Visit Event Website →New Jersey Reptile Show on 2/8 from 9am to 4pm | VFW Post 2179, Port Monmouth | $20, under 5 free
A day of learning, browsing & shopping all things reptile. Visit Event Website →NJ Sports Card Convention on 2/6 & 2/7 | iPlay America, Freehold | $10, under 5 free
Experienced card collectors and dealers bringing sports fans novelties, memorabilia and more. Visit Event Website →
Morris County
View all Morris County events ➜
80s Wrestling Con on 2/7 from 10am-3pm | Parsippany Pal | $30+
Biggest 80s wrestling celebration in the world! Visit Event Website →
Ocean County
View all Ocean County events ➜
Back to the 80s Dance Party on 2/6 from 7-11pm | Laurita Winery, Plumstead | $11
A totally rad Back to the 80s Dance Party. Visit Event Website →Wine & Chocolate Weekend on 2/7 | Laurita Winery, Plumstead | Free
Wine flights, music and local chocolate vendor goods. Visit Event Website →All Bluegrass Show on 2/7 starting at 5:30 | Albert Music Hall, Waretown | $6, under 11 $1
Bluegrass bands entertain audiences while they dine. Visit Event Website →
Union County
View all Union County events ➜
Feeding Feathered Friends on 2/7 from 9:30-11am | Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit | $25-$35
Learn from experts how to choose a bird feeder, keep those squirrels away and more in this interactive session. Visit Event Website →
Warren County
View all Warren County events ➜
Flowerland Growers Yard Sale from 2/5 to 2/7 from 10am-2pm | Flowerland Growers, Belvidere
Not a “true event” but a great sale where you can pick up seasonal decor from from 25 cents and up. Visit Event Website →Aloha in the Snow on 2/7 from 5-8pm | Brook Hollow Winery, Columbia | $45
While it is cold outside, you can feel all the Luau vibes inside with limbo contests, island inspired food, hula hoops and more! Visit Event Website →
Monmouth County! Are you ready to meet new people with similar interests?
Do you ever wish you can meet new like-minded people? Yeah, me too. It seems harder than ever to make friends these days.
So - I am thinking about starting something fun and unique to help you find new friends. If there is enough interest, I will share more details next week.
Would you be interested in a dinner club?
I'm no fan of the cold. Fall? That's my season. But last weekend, cabin fever got the best of me, so the hubby and I decided to head down to Sandy Hook, one of our favorite places.
Even in the dead of winter, nature was showing off. The kind of beauty that makes you forget you can't feel your toes. If you can brave the cold before the real freeze locks us all inside, get yourself out there. Trust me on this one. It is slippery out there, so definitely wear grippy shoes!
Here are a few of my favorite shots from our walk—hope they inspire you to bundle up and wander!
You can follow me on Instagram to see more NJ pics!
Sandy Hook ice formations on rocks / credit: Jill Caren
Sandy Hook ice layers on water / credit: Jill Caren
Sandy Hook as an icy tundra / credit: Jill Caren
The American Red Cross is facing a dire situation as blood supplies plunge. The reserves have dropped by an estimated 35% in just the past month. They are currently offering $20 e-gift cards to encourage more people to give blood. Please visit the American Red Cross website to find where you can donate today!
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Your support helps me keep bringing you the best events, places to explore and inside scoop on what's happening in Jersey every week. Your contribution will go towards keeping Wander Jersey going - and growing!
Your support and feedback is always appreciated! Jill
Ringling Brothers Circus on 3/19 at the Prudential Center
St Patrick’s Day Events - new events and parades are added often!
AACA Swap Meet and Car Corral at Salem County Fairgrounds on 3/22
Renaissance Faire at Historic Smithville on 4/11
I shared some information last week about a developer wanting to demolish the historic Casino building in Asbury Park. There is quite a pushback happening and if you love this town - please take a moment and sign this petition to help preserve this iconic building.
Do you have feedback, questions, or a story you want me to share? Just reply to this email—I read every message, and your input helps make this newsletter better.
