question for NJ mamas

[thebeekeeper]

hello everyone. i live in NC and we are planning our first road trip with my 9 month old dd to MA to see family. in the past we've driven straight thru but that was before dd. now we're thinking about stopping about 1/2 way in NJ. since i don't know NJ at all i was wondering if i could have a little advice on where to stay. i guess i'm not really looking for specific hotels but general nice areas to stay that aren't too far off i-95

[eepster]

The farther you go off of 95 the nicer NJ is (JK sorta .)

This can make a fun one day stop over.
http://www.wheatonarts.org/museumamericanglass

[LianasMom]

Depending on which way you go, you could stop in Princeton. If you take 95 all the way past Trenton and then take Route 1, Princeton is off of that. Then you can take Route 1 to the NJ Turnpike to continue on your way.
The roads are a little confusing up here, since 95 just stops and the Turnpike is also called 95.... :

[olien]

are you looking for just a place to stay overnight or are you looking for something to do during the day too??

Along LianasMoms post I assume you will be traveling on the NJ Turnpike also. Princeton is great but not right off the turnpike a bit out of the way.

Reply back if you are doing a day trip or not.

[aprilv]

there was a similar thread a few weeks (months?)ago... i suggested stopping at exit 8A on the turnpike. there's a beautiful, big park about 5 minutes from the exit and several hotels right at the exit. there's also a nice little main street not too far away with a great bakery and a few restaurants. it's not the best thing to see in nj, but it's convinient and a nice area!

[olien]

8A was going to be my suggestion also. Jamesburg in 1 direction(with the park & good bakery and also great food and sandwiches) and Cranberry in the other direction (historic area with a lake to walk by but not much else)

[thebeekeeper]

thanks for the tips, ladies!

we're looking mainly for a place to stay overnight. we want convenience {not to far from the turnpike} and safety {not the ghetto}. we'll be driving about 8 hours straight so just a decent town to grab some dinner and some sleep. no attraction necessary. a nearby playground/park would be a bonus to walk dd around after dinner but not required because it may be too dark/late by the time we get there depending on what time we leave, weather, traffic, etc. i really appreciate the help! thanks again!

[cushiepushie]

Just stop at our house LOL! 8A is good if you are going by turnpike (there's a nice holiday inn) and if you are going 95, there is a Marriott off exit 4 and a Hampton Inn right off 95 in Newtown just before you enter NJ, which is very nice and right near Shady Brook Farms if you get in early. There are a ton on Route 1 but the nicer ones are a little farther off 95 but you could go into Princeton and walk around which is very nice.

If you want to PM me I can give you specific ones.