8 Sweet Places in NJ to Take Your Valentine To

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, now is the time to start planning a special trip in New Jersey for you and your sweetheart. The following are our picks for sweet places to go on a date in the Garden State.

1. Scarborough Fair Restaurant in Sea Girt, Monmouth County

This Open Table award-winner for romance has the best ambiance for couples who want to take a break from their hectic life and enjoy a delicious meal. Once a farmhouse and now a restaurant, Scarborough Fair has kept its farmhouse charm.

2. Grounds of Sculpture in Hamilton, Mercer County

Grounds of Sculpture place is filled with stunning outdoor art in the form of more than 250 sculptures and exquisite landscaping. Dining is available on-site at four different scenic venues.

3. Historic Smithville in Smithville, Atlantic County

A date idea that does not cost a penny! Take a stroll through Historic Smithville it's a little town near Stockton University that features quaint shops and a water view next to the Smithville Inn. Legend has it Smithville is Jersey Devil territory if you are into history.

4. Laurita Winery in New Egypt, Ocean County

This popular local winery has a bed and breakfast, live entertainment, fun events such as an 80s dance party or a cupcake class, and of course, wine tastings. On Feb. 9 and 10 there will be a Valentines Day Dinner. On Feb. 16 there will be a couple's canvas mixer, and on Feb. 17 there will be winter fest mark your calendar.

5. Morristown Sight Seeing, Morris Town

For free or virtually free, Morristown, New Jersey offers a lot of sites to see such as:

• Historical Park
• Ford Mansion and Museum
• Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
• St. Peter's Church

6. Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary in Short Hills, Essex County

Located in North Jersey, the Sanctuaryis a sweet spot for guided hikes on a nearly 17 acre property. If hikes are not your thing, take your own tour at your leisure across three trails or enjoy educational programs focused around nature.

7. Tatum Park in Middletown, Monmouth County

This is another great place for couples that like nature and it's easy to get to from the Garden State Parkway. Travel the trails and take in nature. Tatum Park is part of the Monmouth County Park System, which offers a plethora of activities such as races, golf, and the popular Monmouth County Fair.

8. Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in Hampton, Hunterdon County

For dinner and a show you'll want to check out Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, a dinner theater that has been around for over three decades. The Playhouse is located on a scenic 90 acres and features a wide range of shows from musicals to comedies. Feb. 16 through 18 catch Roy and Conway a Brian McCullough Tribute show featuring a little bit of country and little bit of rock n' roll.

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