Boonton Lanes

Looking for something to do in NJ, but you don't have a lot of cash to spend? How about a little bowling?

I know, I know. Who goes bowling anymore, right? Honestly, I haven't been bowling in 10 years, but when a friend recently wanted to do something that was "active," this oldie (but goody) came to mind.

Why? Boonton Lanes has several specials that they run throughout the week. If you're tight on cash, Boonton Lanes offers 3 hour bowling sessions on Friday and Saturday nights where you can bowl unlimited games for just $13. If 3 hours is too much for you, you can also check out $1 games on Mondays, $2 games on Tuesday and 25 cent games on Sunday (with a $6 cover charge).

Bar Americain

From diners to medieval jousts to fancy establishments, New Jersey has quite a bit of dining options. But sometimes you just want something that's a little bit different. If you're looking for a fancy dinner but you're tired of all of the local places, I recommend Bar Americain in New York City.

Bar Americain is owned by the renowned chef Bobby Flay, and offers a menu that is unmatched elsewhere. From fliet mignon to leg of venison, the options are vast enough to satisfy the most simple and the most adventurous. Add an array of sides from delicious mashed potatoes to hot potato chips and blue cheese dressing and you're set for one heck of a meal.

Top it off with a bottle of wine from the vast selection (or any of the specialty drinks from the bar) and prepare to not just eat, but to embark on a fantastic experience.

Now let's be honest, I may be a bit biased since I recently enjoyed Bar American for a special anniversary dinner. But don't let that take anything away from this fine dining experience. Bar American truly is on the top of my list for fantastic places to eat.

I should note that if you were thinking "expensive" when I said "fine dining," you'd be right. Bar American will make a dent in your wallet, but I promise it is well worth it.

NJ Nets Help Prepare Your Taxes

The NJ Nets aren't known for being the best basketball team this year, but they are known for their wacky promotions.

This time, fans who attend Friday's game against the Orlando Magic, and who are 18 or older will get a coupon from Roni Deutch Tax Center to get their state income tax done free. Roni Deutch representatives will also be at the game to answer questions. Roni Deutch services for state income tax usually run around $29.

NJ Nets promotions from earlier in the year included a reversible jersey (one side with a Nets logo and the other side with a competitive team's logo) for fans who purchased 10 game ticket packages.

Christmas in New York City

It isn't in New Jersey, but it sure is close! Don't forget to visit New York City during the holiday season to see the sites and enjoy the festive holiday season.

All of the major department stores are decorated for the holidays from Macy's with interactive displays (you can write a letter to Santa by touching a screen on the window!) to the nightly light show on Saks Fifth Ave, you are sure to feel like a kid again!

That's not enough? How about the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center or The Pond in Bryant Park (which is also surrounded by the shops at Bryant Park).

New Jersey Nightlife

Out and about and in the mood for a little bit of the fun New Jersey nightlife that this great state has to offer? Let the recommendations begin!

On Thanksgiving Eve I found myself at Sona 13 in Morristown, NJ. The establishment, which is in the former location of the Funky Monkey, is clearly the hotspot of Morristown these days. By 11:00, the line was down the block. Once inside, the crowd of festive friends and trendy 20 something year olds crammed into the semi-small space to socialize and enjoy the music.

Speaking of music, the tunes were courtesy of a dj (or sound system of some sort) and consisted of shorter snippets of popular music. While there was limited room for dancing, a few daring souls cut a rug and showed their moves to the world.

I definitely recommend Sona 13 because:
- Sona 13 is the "it" place to be
- Fun atmosphere with a great crowd
- Decent prices and specials throughout the week

Hoboken Waterfront

Hoboken is known for many things. A rockin' nightlife, good restaurants, the birth place of legendary Frank Sinatra, and awesome views of New York City.

And this is where I come in with yet another idea of things to do in New Jersey. Aren't there times when you aren't interested going to bars or parties, yet you still want to be active? Hoboken has some fabulous piers with grassy areas designed for lounging, playing frisbee, and chilling with your puppy. Not your style? Try the benches along the brick waterfront paths.

An added benefit, this fun little activity is appropriate during the day or night! That's right. Enjoy the fascinating view of the NYC skyline with some of the most amazing structures of our time in the brightest sunlight. Or, watch the cruise ships and small boats as they lazily coast down the shoreline. Yet, my favorite is the view at night, with the Empire State Building lit with different shades of light and the beautiful twinkle of lights that emerge from building to building.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend a trip to Hoboken just to relax on the fringe while watching the city that never sleeps do its thang.

Active NJ

Welcome to Active NJ, a resource for fun things that active adults can do in (and surrounding) the great state of New Jersey. This site is a result of too many conversations with friends that have started with the classic "I'm bored" and ended with "there's nothing to do around here" when there is, in fact, plenty to do, see, and explore all around us. I invite you to join me on this journey as we take a walk on the fun side.