Episode 1/26

@ Flag Of New Jersey
Valerio begins his tour of New Jersey. How you doin? Welcome to the Garden State!
Flag Of New Jersey
The state flag was adopted on March 26, 1896. Upon a background of buff, not yellow, the three plows on the coat of arms stand for agriculture. The supporting female figures are Liberty and Ceres (Roman goddess of grain—a symbol of abundance).

Episode 2/26

@ Cape May, New Jersey
Navy Flower Power Egg
The first painted eggs came from Mesopotamia, and because eggs were forbidden food during Lent, people painted eggs while Lent was being observed—after Lent, they would eat the eggs on Easter Day.

Beautifully decorated eggs “pysanka” are associated with Ukraine, and the oldest painted egg that was unearthed in northern Ukraine is dated to the end of the 17th century.
Cape May, New Jersey
One of the oldest vacation destinations in the U.S.A, Cape May is a seaside resort located on the tip of the Cape May Peninsula, New Jersey. Beaches, boardwalks and Late Victorian-style houses are some of the attractions. The City of Cape May came into its prime during the Victorian era and due to two fires in 1869, and 1878 the city was rebuilt in the Victorian style becoming a time capsule of that era. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

Episode 3/26

@ Colourful Doors, Motel, Wildwood, New Jersey
Beemerville, New Jersey, is home to a volcano. While it is no longer active, it is a popular site for real estate development.
Colourful Doors, Motel, Wildwood, New Jersey
With wide sandy beaches “Wildwood By The Sea” is a very popular family destination on the New Jersey coast. The iconic Sightseer tram car runs along the long Wildwood Boardwalk, which has shops, rides, waterparks and eateries. The name Wildwood refers to the state of the barrier island prior to being bought and developed by the Baker brothers, in the 1890s. At that time the island was an overgrown forest.

Episode 4/26

@ Boardwalk, Ocean City, New Jersey
Cheerleading was started in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1869.
Boardwalk, Ocean City, New Jersey
The 2.54-mile (3.94km) long boardwalk was built in 1880 and extended to run along the entire beach in 1885. A huge undertaking of rebuilding the old boardwalk was started in 2013 and completed in 2018. Featuring the Ocean City Music Pier, amusement parks, restaurants, rides and mini-golf. A family-friendly, vacation destination on the Jersey Shore.

Episode 5/26

@ Atlantic City, New Jersey
The state flower of New Jersey is the violet.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Founded in 1854, Atlantic City was first established as a health resort. Known worldwide for its iconic boardwalk, casinos, beaches, and nightlife. Salt Water Taffy has its beginnings in Atlantic City. The story goes, in 1883, salty Atlantic Ocean water flooded David Bradley's shop, soaking the taffy. The saltwater-soaked taffy was sold, and David’s mother—who worked in the shop—liked the name, and a new confectionery was born.

Episode 6/26

@ Ferris Wheel, Atlantic City, New Jersey
New Jersey was the very first state to sign the Bill of Rights.
Ferris Wheel, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Get ready for a fun day on the Steel Pier in Atlantic City. Considered to be the oldest theme park in the world, the amusement park opened in 1898. Built by the Quakers as a place for them to relax it soon became a hot destination spot known for family-friendly fun, featuring famous entertainers.

Episode 7/26

@ Atlantic City, Aerial View, NJ
New Jersey has a state seashell. It is the knobbed whelk and is known to be used in the Italian dish scungilli.
Atlantic City, Aerial View, NJ
Steel Pier, a 1,000-foot-long amusement park. Work on the park began in 1898, it was one of the most popular venues in the United States for the first seven decades of the twentieth century, featuring concerts, exhibits, and an amusement park. Self-billed as the Showplace of the Nation, at its peak measured 2,298 feet.

Episode 8/26

@ Interior, Coffee Bean Shop, New Jersey
“Do you know who the most famous physicist from New Jersey is, Valerio?” queried Fringe.
"Er—no, who is it, Fringe?"
"Dr Leonard Hofstadter," said Valerio, chuckling happily.
"Que?"
"You know, from the Big Bang Theory!"
Interior, Coffee Bean Shop, New Jersey
Coffee Roastery in Summit, New Jersey. Anytime is the perfect time for some great coffee, and don’t forget to take some fresh, locally roasted beans home to enjoy.

Episode 9/26

@ Batsto Lake, Pine Barrens, New Jersey
“What have you got in your rucksack, Warty McWart?” asked Valerio. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Valerio,” responded Warty McWart. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Batsto Lake, Pine Barrens, New Jersey
Basto Lake and Basto village have roots dating to 1766. A dam created the lake to move the bog ore from the river to the iron furnace. Basto Lake provided water power for the Sawmill and Gristmill. Now abandoned and considered a historical site. Fishing and canoeing, are permitted on the lake. There is a Nature Center nearby that rents out canoes.

Episode 10/26

@ Cherry Blossom Tree, Nomahegan Park, NJ
Valerio and jonny shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Valerio. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said jonny. “This is my best side.”
Cherry Blossom Tree, Nomahegan Park, NJ
A lovely Cherry Blossom tree blooms in Nomahegan Park, one of 36 Union County parks that encompass 6,200 acres. This park is located in Cranford, NJ. Featuring scenic trails, a sports field and a playground. A lovely place to have lunch or a leisurely walk around the two miles of pathways which connects to the Rahway River Parkway.

Episode 11/26

@ Newark Airport, New Jersey
“What have you got in your rucksack, Choose a name?” asked Valerio. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Valerio,” responded Choose a name. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Newark Airport, New Jersey
The airport was built on 68 acres of reclaimed marshland, along the Passaic River in 1928. The airport's original 1935 central terminal building is a National Historic Landmark. Newark was the busiest commercial airport in the world until LaGuardia Airport opened in December 1939.

Episode 12/26

@ Culver Lake, Winter Morning, NJ
"Would you like a piece of Almond Joy, Valerio?" queried Baile Átha Cliath.
"What is it, Baile Átha Cliath?" askedValerio.
"It's a milk chocolate coated coconut sweet, a bit like a Bounty bar in Britain, but with an almond on top."
Culver Lake, Winter Morning, NJ
Time for some winter activities. Culver Lake is a privately owned 555-acre lake. Owned and operated by the Normanoch Association, which is responsible for managing water quality controlling Culver Lake Dam. During the winter, the lake freezes over, and snowmobiling, ice boating, and ice skating are enjoyed. A beautiful spot in summer or winter.

Episode 13/26

@ Ashroe Lake, New Jersey
“What have you got in your rucksack, Waddles?” asked Valerio. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Valerio,” responded Waddles. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Ashroe Lake, New Jersey
Should we spend the day fishing? Lake Ashroe is a 44-acre reservoir—located in the Stokes State Forest. This is a fishing destination, and you can expect to catch Largemouth bass, Chain pickerel, and Rainbow trout.

Episode 14/26

@ High Point State Park Office, NJ
“I could stay here forever, Valerio,” said MooDonna. “This is an amazing place!”
“Well, you never know what lies ahead, MooDonna. I wouldn't be surprised if the next stop is even better!” said Valerio.
High Point State Park Office, NJ
The park office—like many of the buildings in the park—was made from stone that was quarried in the park, blending beautifully into the landscape. The Olmsted Firm donated the land, but the work of creating the park--with its miles of trails, lakes, roads and campsites fell to the Civilian Conservation Corps. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Great Depression-era program put hundreds of thousands of young men to work on environmental conservation projects across America, some of whom went to High Point.

Episode 15/26

@ High Point State Park In Winter, NJ
Cheerleading was started in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1869.
High Point State Park In Winter, NJ
The park covers 15,413 acres (62.37 km), part of the Kittatinny Mountains—the highest point in New Jersey. The land for High Point State Park, donated by Colonel Anthony R. and Susie Dryden Kuser, was dedicated as a park in 1923. The landscaping was designed by the Olmsted Brothers of Boston, sons of Frederick Olmsted who designed Central Park in New York City. High Point park offers hiking on scenic trails, skiing in winter, angling and camping.

Episode 16/26

@ Patterson Falls, New Jersey
soriyah was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Valerio unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which he succeeded in knocking soriyah’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” said soriyah, exasperated. “We’re about to pose beside this amazing scene—the picture will be of your map if you don’t fold it up PDQ!”
Patterson Falls, New Jersey
The Great Falls of the Passaic River is 23 m high (77 feet) and one of the largest waterfalls in the United States—formed at the end of the last ice age, approximately 13,000 years ago. Since 2009 the Falls and surrounding area, are part of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. A rainbow usually appears over the falls if the sun is shining. Of interest, an episode of the Sopranos had scenes shot at The Great Falls.

Episode 17/26

@ Sunset Over New Jersey Lake
"Would you like a piece of Almond Joy, Valerio?" queried Coal.
"What is it, Coal?" askedValerio.
"It's a milk chocolate coated coconut sweet, a bit like a Bounty bar in Britain, but with an almond on top."
Sunset Over New Jersey Lake
New Jersey has many great lakes offering camping, swimming, fishing, kayaking or just take a picnic and spend the day relaxing. Enjoying a sunset over any body of water can be an enchanting time.

Episode 18/26

@ Buckeye Butterfly, NJ
“A picture of this would look lovely printed on Christmas cards, wouldn't it, Valerio?” Granny Violet McKillop said.
“It certainly would, Granny Violet McKillop!" said Valerio.
Buckeye Butterfly, NJ
A pretty Buckeye butterfly sits atop a Purple Coneflower. The Buckeye butterfly favours wet meadows and upland fields and is one of the many butterflies to be found in New Jersey.

Episode 19/26

@ Blue Heron Wading, NJ
Beemerville, New Jersey, is home to a volcano. While it is no longer active, it is a popular site for real estate development.
Blue Heron Wading, NJ
Blue Herons and Great Blue Herons are in New Jersey and most places in North America. Herons are wading birds, typically seen in shallow water along the shore in rivers and wetlands. They hunt for fish, amphibians, and insects in salt and fresh water and make their nests in trees, bushes, or on the ground.

Episode 20/26

@ Park In Winter, New Jersey
Valerio and Dante had shaken paws and took some time to enjoy the super view in a companionable silence!
Park In Winter, New Jersey
Enjoy skiing or ice skating in the winter, even snowshoeing, or maybe ice fishing at one of the parks dotted around New Jersey. Temperatures can fall below freezing, so bundle up well and look forward to a hot drink when you get back indoors.

Episode 21/26

@ Farmland, New Jersey
Valerio and Safeara had shaken paws and took some time to enjoy the super view in a companionable silence!
Farmland, New Jersey
A lovely rural road to stroll down. Orchards are prevalent in New Jersey, with blueberries, cranberries, peaches, apples, and strawberries the most abundant. Blueberry is the state fruit. There are also many vegetable-producing farms, asparagus, cabbage, eggplant, sweet corn, and tomatoes, to name a few. Wheat and soybeans, dairy, and poultry round out the offerings from the farmland.

Episode 22/26

@ Skylands Manor, New Jersey
“Ooh, it's just starting to get a bit cold, Valerio!” said Choose a name. “Can you hold my map while I dig out my gloves?"
Valerio good-naturedly took charge of Choose a name's possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a door key, some shopping receipts, a screwdriver, a bottle of multivitamins, a lottery ticket and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the gloves right at the bottom. These she donned and then Valerio helped her put everything back in her rucksack.
Skylands Manor, New Jersey
Skylands is a 1,119-acre estate located in Ringwood State Park, New Jersey. The estate consists of Skylands Manor, The Castle at Skylands Manor and the New Jersey Botanical Garden. The house and gardens were built in the 1920s by Clarence MacKenzie Lewis, a New York City stockbroker and civil engineer. architect John Russel Pope, who designed the National Archives and Records Administration, in Washington D.C. was asked to design the 44-room Tudor revival house. The estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 28, 1990.

Episode 23/26

@ Jersey City, Seafront
“If there's time at the end of the day when we get back to our accommodation, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," dora said, offering Valerio a Reese's peanut butter cup from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, dora!" said Valerio. "Very relaxing, and your painting will be a great souvenir of the Eastern Seaboard of the USA!"
Jersey City, Seafront
This seaport city, which shares the port with New York, is the second-most populous city in New Jersey. A diverse, densely populated city, Jersey City ranks as one of the 10th most artistic cities, with one of the most vibrant downtowns. If you love diner food, go to Jersey City, considered the diner capital of the world. The Statue of Liberty is inside Jersey City. The Newkirk House in Jersey City was built in 1690 and is one of the oldest houses in the united states.

Episode 24/26

@ Hoboken, New Jersey
The state flower of New Jersey is the violet.
Hoboken, New Jersey
Showing the Hoboken Termina, officially known as the Lackawanna Terminal, is a combined railroad and ferry terminal, as well as a bus and light-rail depot. Some fun things about Hoboken, the zipper was invented in Hoboken, thanks for that useful invention. Hoboken was originally an island surrounded by the Hudson River.

Episode 25/26

@ Waterfront, Jersey City
The state flower of New Jersey is the violet.
Waterfront, Jersey City
The New Jersey skyline shows in the center the Urby, a 70-floor residential skyscraper built by the Amsterdam-based Concrete Studio. This Jenga-like structure is composed of irregularly stacked blocks with a number of floor plates cantilevering over the ground below.

Episode 26/26

@ George Washington Bridge, Hudson River, NJ.
As Valerio's tour of "New Jersey" comes to an end, he receives a wonderful gift!
Lotus Flower, Pink
For thousands of years, the Lotus flower had been used as a symbol of purity, beauty, and transcendence. The Lotus flower also represents connection. In Feng Shui the lotus is seen as an embodiment of the mandala, the petals have a center point that expands outward. Beautiful, delicate flowers that only grow in swamps. "All the wisdom is within us, so the 'jewel,' the 'treasure,' is in us—and we are the lotus flower," Anjie Cho
George Washington Bridge, Hudson River, NJ.
The George Washington Bridge spans the Hudson River connecting New Jersey with New York State. Work started on the bride in September of 1927 and was completed in 1931. The steel double-decked suspension bridge is considered one of the busiest bridges in the world.
Valerio has completed his tour of "New Jersey"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour the USA!