Wintertime in the Garden State ushers in chilly temperatures and the arrival of snow. Though we may be tempted to stay indoors and keep warm, there are still plenty of things to do to stay active and enjoy the beauty of the season.

Following are 10 fun activities in New Jersey that are ideal to keep you moving.

Photo courtesy of The Wildwoods

1. Wild Con Comic Convention, Wildwood

While The Wildwoods are often considered a popular summer vacation destination for world-class beaches and an iconic boardwalk, there is even more family fun to enjoy at the Wild Con Comic Convention held at the Wildwood Convention Center. You’ll find everything from your favorite comics to special guest appearances to anime and cosplay. The event is on Jan. 14, 2023. Tickets can either be purchased at the door or through Eventbrite, coming soon.

For more information on admission pricing, hours and what will be featured at the event, visit jerseyshorecomicbookshow.com/wild-con.

The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center showcases the process of maple sugaring through interactive demonstrations. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

2. Maple Sugaring at Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, Morris Township

Maple sugaring is a classic Garden State favorite during the winter months. The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center showcases the process of maple sugaring through interactive demonstrations and special events. You’ll even have the opportunity to sample the maple syrup and see which tree it derives from — an experience the little ones and the entire family will enjoy.

For more information on upcoming events, visit morrisparks.net.

Wander fluorescent mineral displays and take a tour inside a world-famous mine at Sterling Hill Mining Museum. Photo by Michael Kucinski

3. Sterling Hill Mining Museum, Ogdensburg

Interested in how mining plays a role in the Garden State? The Sterling Hill Mining Museum offers a fascinating and educational experience on the importance of our state’s geological resources. Wander fluorescent mineral displays, take a tour inside a former mine and have a better understanding of how humans play a critical role in keeping this incredible piece of history alive.

For more information on admission, tours and events, visit sterlinghillminingmuseum.org.

Wawayanda State Park offers cross-country skiing for beginners and experts alike in breathtaking surroundings. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

4. Cross-Country Skiing at Wawayanda State Park, Hewitt

Wawayanda State Park offers cross-country skiing for beginners and experts alike in breathtaking surroundings. Due to its elevation of approximately 1,140 feet above sea level, this area receives a significant amount of snowfall, which is ideal for cross-country skiing. You will also find plenty of hiking trails and snowmobiling in the area.

For more information on hours, safety information and planning your visit, visit nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/wawayandastatepark.html.

Discover Thomas Edison’s greatest achievements done at the Menlo Park laboratory, ranging from electrical power to perfecting the incandescent light bulb. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

5. Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park, Edison

Learn about famous inventor Thomas Edison at the Thomas Edison Center in Menlo Park. Discover his greatest achievements done at the Menlo Park laboratory, ranging from electrical power to perfecting the incandescent light bulb. He was one of the greatest inventors of all time, and this nationally acclaimed museum provides the opportunity to learn more about the famed resident.

For more information on hours and admission, visit menloparkmuseum.org.

You’ll leave Monmouth Museum with a renewed imagination, curiosity and understanding of our amazing state. Photo courtesy of Monmouth Museum

6. Monmouth Museum, Lincroft

An interactive and educational experience, Monmouth Museum showcases exhibits from art to science to history – a well-rounded experience for the whole family. Learn about dinosaurs and fossils to elements of the sea in the museum’s hands-on Wonder and Becker wings. You’ll leave with a renewed imagination, curiosity and understanding of our amazing state.

For more information, visit monmouthmuseum.org.

A local landmark of Hunterdon County, the Red Mill Museum Village boasts plenty of events throughout the year. Photo by Anthony Gadaleta

7. Red Mill Museum Village, Clinton

A local landmark of Hunterdon County, the Red Mill Museum Village boasts plenty of events throughout the year, in addition to tours of the mill and historic village. Steps away from the quaint and charming downtown of Clinton, you’ll learn more about the history of the mill through current exhibitions.

For more information, visit theredmill.org.

From the beautiful to the peculiar, observe and even safely touch a variety of bug species at Insectropolis. Photo courtesy of Insectropolis

8. Insectropolis, Toms River

A one-of-a-kind experience, Insectropolis offers a window into a world where you can learn about how insects play a role in our environment in exciting and fascinating ways. From the beautiful to the peculiar, observe and even safely touch a variety of bug species.

For more information on current exhibits and planning your visit, visit insectropolis.com.

Intriguing ruins make Warren E. Fox Nature Center and its surroundings a must-visit winter destination. Photo by Kathleen Butler

9. Hiking at Warren E. Fox Nature Center in Atlantic County Park, Mays Landing

A scenic and tranquil destination, hiking at the Warren E. Fox Nature Center, contained within Atlantic County Park, offers the opportunity to connect with Mother Nature and take in calming surroundings. Inside the center, you’ll find impressive indoor exhibits, brochures, a collection of taxidermy mounts, insect and plant displays, along with a wide range of historic information focused on the local area.

For more information on hours and park safety, visit atlantic-county.org/parks/nature-center.asp.

Historic Walnford is a site featuring an 18th century home, a 19th century gristmill and a variety of agriculturally significant structures. Photo courtesy of Monmouth County Parks System

10. Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Set in Crosswicks Creek Park, Historic Walnford is a site featuring an 18th century home, a 19th century gristmill and a variety of agriculturally significant structures. Learn about the history of this picturesque landscape, hike the trails and take in the beauty of an enchanting, historic destination.

For more information on planning your visit, visit monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2541.

No matter what you’re looking for, whether it be an outdoor adventure or indoor thrills and entertainment, New Jersey has all that and more to be explored — even during the dead of winter.

Anthony Gadaleta is a travel writer and photographer based in New Jersey. He creates curated travel and lifestyle content through Capturing Life’s Moments, a website dedicated to his passion for travel.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.

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Photo Credit: True Food Kitchen

Photo Credit: True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine.Photo Credit: True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen's newest location in New Jersey is located at Menlo Park Mall in Edison.Photo Credit: True Food Kitchen

By Adam Darsky

EDISON, NJ — True Food Kitchen’s mission is simple: Eat better. Feel better. Live better.

Every single ingredient matters at the newest location at Menlo Park Mall in Edison, which opened in mid-October.

The menu is full of unique creations that taste great, packed with healthy benefits that make you feel good — boosting your balance, happiness, focus and energy.

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"Edison True Food Kitchen has seasonal food that not only tastes amazing, but is good for you!" True Foods Kitchen Edison General Manager Mitch Jamnik said. "New to the area, you may not be familiar with our name at first, but once you dine with us, you will remember the delicious flavors and how great you felt leaving."

True Food Kitchen was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine. Our chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar have ingredients and proteins from the world’s most responsible and sustainable growers, farmers and producers.

The unique offerings rotate four times a year, featuring seasonal ingredients that are at their peak of freshness and flavor.

The Menlo Park location features all of True Food Kitchen’s core and seasonal offerings, in addition to four dishes offered exclusively at this location, including, Prince Edwards Island Mussels, Grilled Grass-fed New York Strip, Seared Wild Caught Tuna and Pan Roasted Branzino Filet. All of True Food Kitchen’s locations offer vegetarian and vegan options, as well.

Inside the restaurant, guests will see locally-inspired artwork, natural elements and greenery and basins filled with fresh herbs and spices at indoor and outdoor dining spaces. Eco-friendly materials are used, including dining chairs made of recycled soda bottles. There is a full-service bar with beer, wine and handcrafted cocktails. True Food Kitchen’s Menlo Park Mall location also has a private dining room that can accommodate up to 8 guests and a separate to-go entrance where guests can order anything off the menu.

"You will instantly become a TrueFoodie," Jamnik said. "Edison has been waiting for a restaurant like us and we are so happy to be here to WOW you on every visit. There is nothing more Garden State than our seasonal ingredients here at True Food Kitchen.”

Click here for more information on True Food Kitchen's Menlo Park location, to see the menu, or to reserve a table.

Editor's Note: This advertorial content is being published by TAPinto.net as a service for its marketing partners. For more information about how to market your business on TAPinto, please email contact@tapinto.net.

The Veteran’s Memorial Home at Menlo Park in Edison, which was the target of federal sanctions earlier this year over major shortcomings in care, has embarked on a costly, months-long mold remediation project after a whistleblower said he raised an alarm over conditions in the building.

Officials would neither confirm the presence of mold, nor rule it out, describing the dark staining on walls that could be seen in photos of the facility only as a “discoloration.”

At least 11 rooms were found to have discolored drywall, according to officials at the 312-bed state-operated nursing home for veterans and their spouses. They said the problems were discovered not by the whistleblower, but in the course of regular inspections.

“We are concerned about mold,” acknowledged Lisa Kranis, the chief executive officer at Menlo Park, in a letter to staff, residents and families last Friday. She said an outside consultant conducted two site visits the week of May 15, leading to the decision to immediately move forward with an abatement plan.

“Abatement will involve cutting and replacing portions of the drywall in impacted rooms,” she wrote.

Another 17 rooms had leaky toilet issues, which officials blamed on failed wax rings.

The cost of the entire project was estimated at approximately $500,000, said a spokeswoman for the facility.

In a followup letter to staff and residents on Thursday, Kranis said standard practice was to conduct mold testing at the conclusion of abatement. But she noted that an air sample “pre-test” will be conducted to “help inform the level of effort required for the abatement.”

A maintenance worker and painter who claimed he was suspended after refusing to just paint over the stained drywall, however, said there was extensive mold behind many walls.

“The whole building is full of mold. They are just remediating what they find,” complained Jean Lormine, a former union leader who is appealing his suspension. “I reported it to my supervisor, but they did nothing about it.”

He said mold has to be tested, treated and remediated.

“Even if they wipe it down, the mold is still there,” he said. “You need a deep cleaning.”

Earlier this year, the facility was hit with more than $340,000 in federal penalties, following charges of improper care and abuse that put the lives of residents in “immediate jeopardy” and threatened a shutdown of the facility. Those violations led to a suspension of new admissions by the state Department of Health and a warning that the facility could be terminated from federal assistance programs.

State officials in February indicated that they had turned the corner at Menlo Park, announcing that the facility had improved its infection control strategies, made key personnel changes, and had been permitted to resume admissions.

In response to the staining and leaks, the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, or DMAVA, said it has developed a contractual work order for the scope of repair work of the walls and plumbing.

The agency said it just finalized two purchase orders, one to retain an outside firm for inspections and consulting and the second for the actual abatement work.

In her letter, Kranis said the wall and toilet issues were uncovered during scheduled routine maintenance as part of a deep cleaning and inspection of each occupied room at Menlo Park.

“To do this, in small groups of rooms at a time, we ask residents to relocate for 1-2 days in order to allow our facility staff the chance to move the furniture and furnishings to thoroughly inspect the residents’ rooms and bathrooms,” she wrote.

When one resident room was found to have discolored drywall on May 4, the maintenance staff and DMAVA’s Environmental Management Branch began conducting multiple maintenance checks, leading to the identification of more than two dozen rooms with issues, officials said.

“We relocated all of the residents from these 28 rooms to mitigate any health concerns and to avoid further disrupting them with the work and testing ahead,” Kranis wrote. “We are treating the issues we see as mold, however the industry standard for mold testing is the sampling of both outside air and internal air, and comparing the findings at the end of abatement.”

Sampling will be done in each room where the abatement work is ongoing upon completion. Air ducts will be inspected as well, she said.

A spokeswoman said the work is planned to continue over several months.

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Despite apparent signs of widespread mold growth on walls within the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park, testing of air samples at state-operated nursing home determined there was “no unusual airborne mold condition in the facility.”

A report by an environmental consultant for the state, newly released by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, or DMAVA, concluded that the level of airborne mold spores detected inside the facility were “considered low by industry standards.”

The report, however, did not address the appearance of what maintenance workers say is mold growth on interior surfaces.

The predominant spore type detected in the outdoor samples was Cladosporium, which was also the predominant spore type detected indoors, the report said, “suggesting indoor mold conditions are reflective of the background fungal ecology at the site.”

A common mold, Cladosporium can cause allergies and asthma in some people. In very rare cases, it can cause infections, experts say.

About 40% of the indoor air samples taken detected no mold spores.

In a letter sent to staff, residents and their families on Monday, Lisa Kranis, the chief executive officer at Menlo Park said the samples were collected in multiple rooms that were designated for remediation work after signs of mold were discovered behind walls.

“There is no unusual airborne mold condition in the facility,” she said, citing the report by Environmental Design, DMAVA’s environmental consultant. “Please keep in mind that, as per EDI, airborne mold and fungal spores can be found in almost every outdoor and indoor environment, and their presence indoors does not necessarily indicate a problem with air quality.”

Officials earlier this month said they had embarked on a $500,000, months-long remediation project involving 30 rooms at the 312-facility in Edison after a whistleblower said he raised red flags and refused to simply paint over the dark discoloration on the walls in the rooms of several residents. They say the problems were uncovered by routine inspections and denied that a worker, who is now under suspension, warned them of the problem.

Two New Jersey state senators who raised concerns about the facility, meanwhile, have announced plans to hold hearings to investigate reports that residents may have been exposed to mold spores.

Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, chairman of the state Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, and Sen. Joseph Cryan, D-Union, chairman of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, say they have been dissatisfied with the answers they have gotten from Adjutant General Lisa Hou.

Vitale on Monday said the report did not change his mind about the need to continue testing and cleaning.

“It’s a delicate population, and (mold) can cause upper respiratory stress,” Vitale said.

“This should be taken more seriously. This is not your average indoor shopping center or office building. They should continue to test and do a thorough cleaning of the ventilation systems,” Vitale said.

The senator said he has consulted with heating and air conditioning professionals who advised him the vents and “the entire system” ought to be cleaned periodically. When he last spoke to Brig. Gen. Lisa Hou on the subject, he sensed, “they were reluctant to do that.”

Molds can be particular harmful to nursing home residents, many of whom have diminished immune systems and are at far greater risk for harmful airborne substances.

Kranis said ongoing inspections and the work of replacing drywall would continue, while a second contractor was proceeding with abatement work on several rooms within the Menlo Park’s Liberty Wing.

“Our contractors…will advise NJ DMAVA on the safe return of residents or any additional abatement work recommendations,” Kranis wrote. “We also anticipate that further air samples will be tested at the completion of the abatement work as well.”

A DMAVA spokeswoman pointed to an earlier letter from Kranis, in response to air quality following the Canadian forest fires, that also noted that the air at Menlo Park part was “triple and sometimes quadruple filtered.”

Monday’s letter was specific about the tests for airborne mold and did not address the mold that appeared to be growing behind walls and in bathrooms.

Jean Lormine, a former union leader, who identified himself as the whistleblower, said he has been on suspension since alerting his supervisor to the issues and pointed to photos he shared of what looked like mold growth on walls in rooms throughout the facility, which he said demonstrated a significant threat from mold.

“They’re lying about it,” he said. “The mold is still there in the building. They’ve been lying about it since 2018.”

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Menlo Park Mall has announced the opening of two great new stores and one on the way next month.

Warby Parker is a trendy, high quality sun and prescription glasses retailer (contact lenses too). Just because its high quality doesn't mean it has to be expensive. Warby Parker boasts affordable prices.

You won't have to wait long to visit. It should be opening in the mall in March.

Warby Parker is also opening at The Promenade in Marlton. There's another location in Palmer Square in downtown Princeton as well.

You can check out the Warby Parker Spring 2023 collection here. I like it.

Dynamite is a Canada-based clothing shop for women. You can find outfits for all occasions from office attire to weekend fun clothes to chillin' at home wear. I like what I've seen.

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You can visit Dynamite on the first floor of Menlo Park Mall (it opened in Early January). This is only the second New Jersey Dynamite location. There's also a Dynamite store in Cherry Hill Mall on Route 38.

Soma is located near Nordstrom on the first level of Menlo Park Mall. Oh, you'll love this shop. It lets you be comfortable and still feel beautiful. You don't have to hang out in old sweats.

Check it out....everything is so cute.

All of the loungewear is so soft and fashionable. They also have lingerie and beauty products. Don't miss this great new boutique.

If you're anything like me, you love to shop, so head to Menlo Park Mall and experience its new shops.

Menlo Park Mall is in Edison, NJ.

The Highest Paying Careers In 2023

Photo credit: Unsplash

Head Of Security

There is big money in protection. If you guard the most important people or top-shelf secrets you may be in danger but your bank account is not. This job can be in the mid 200K.

Photo credit: Unsplash

President /Vice President/General Manager

If you run the show you get the big bucks. The average range is 150K-200+ depending on the company.

Photo credit: Unsplash

Exec VP of Sales

Executive VP of Sales is pretty impressive sounding and it brings home the bacon too. This one is commission based and varies but the sky is the limit.

Photo credit: Unsplash

Global Vice President of Sales

If you can close a deal and speak another language you are going to be in high demand. If you can sell without the limitations of boarders you are going to rule the world! This salary range can be up to half a million dollars a year.

Photo credit: Unsplash

CEO

I'm be the first to admit that being a CEO means different things at different companies. If it is a start up and not generating anything yet is only sounds impressive. If you are the CEO of a healthy global conglomerate you are swimming in cash. This range is too big to estimate but you should strive to be one.

Photo credit: Unsplash

Senior VP Marketing

I'm seeing a real trend of sales and marketing being the highest-paying jobs across the board. If you look on any job networking site, these are always some of the biggest jobs. You have to start with average pay but man do you make up for it as you climb that ladder.

Photo credit: Unsplash

VP of Products and Marketing

Marketing products is a skill that every company needs. Think about it, everyone business is marketing something. This is a safe bet for getting a steady and high-end pay day!

Photo credit: Unsplash

Revenue Officer IRS

If you are able to get the money the government is owed, you are going to be rich yourself. There is big money her and it is a job that most people never think of perusing. Job security is certain because the government is not going anywhere.

Photo credit: Unsplash

Pharma Sales Rep

Again, the sky is the limit but this career can make you a millionaire pretty darn fast. Big pharma is big money.

Photo credit: Unsplash

YouTuber/Social Media Star

This may seem like a joke but just look at Mr. Beast giving away houses! If you have great ideas, a personality and aren't camera shy this is how you make the most money! It's crazy, everyone has a phone but do you have the guts to use it?

Top 5 Unique Restaurants In NJ You'd Be Crazy To Skip Over

According to Only In Your State, these are New Jersey's most unique, and wacky restaurants you don't want to pass over.

Credit: Google Maps

1. Prospectors Grill And Saloon

Want a taste of Texas right here in the Garden State? Prospectors has you covered. They have live country music, a larger-than-life salad bar, and huge portions.

Credit: Google Maps

It's Also A Good Place To Catch A Game

Billed as the best country restaurant in the Northeast, you can also catch your favorite team each week.

Prospectors Grill And Saloon

3050 NJ-38, Mt Laurel Township, NJ

Credit: Google Maps

2. Destination Dogs

Located in the heart of New Brunswick, Destination Dogs offers some of the most unique takes on hot dogs around.

Photo by Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández on Unsplash

Seriously Unique Hot Dogs

Destination Dogs is known for making their hot dogs one of a kind. From hot dogs featuring poutine, Mexican street corn, and duck sauce, it's an unforgettable dining experience!

Destination Dogs

101 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ

Credit: Google Maps

3. Magic Grill

Only In Your State says that Magic Grill is one of the last places in New Jersey you can get Mongolian BBQ, which is an experience in and of itself!

Photo by Ulysse Pointcheval on Unsplash

What Is Mongolian BBQ?

It's buffet style, but here's the catch; the food isn't cooked yet. You pick out what you want to eat, hand it to the chef, and it's cooked right in front of you turning into a delicious meal.

Magic Grill

104 North Ave, Garwood, NJ

Credit: Google Maps

4. Mama Rosina's

I've actually written about this place's amazing Italian food in the past, and what makes it truly unique is its location.

Credit: Google Maps

Mama Rosina's Is Inside A Historic NJ Train Station

Not only can you enjoy a good meal, but you can also sit out and watch the trains pass by!

Mama Rosina's

350 E Main St, Bound Brook, NJ

Credit: Google Maps

5. Game Time Bar And Grill

Located in Freehold, what makes Game Time unique isn't so much its selection of tasty flatbreads, burgers, pasta, and steaks but more so its location.

Photo by Carl Raw on Unsplash

It's Located In iPlay America