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Once a part of colonial New Netherlands when the Dutch ruled the New York area, New Jersey was granted its own identity following the Dutch surrender to England in 1664, and called New Jersey after the British island in the English Channel.

Although still associated in the popular imagination with its huge chemical industry in the northern part of the state - its nickname "The Garden State" still applies today to the acres of farmland devoted to growing tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries and peaches.

A prime travel and vacation destination for inhabitants of New York and the rest of the East Coast, New Jersey offers an array of entertainment and recreational opportunities - from springtime white water rafting on the Delaware Water Gap to gambling and top entertainment at Atlantic City resorts.

Other major attractions include Liberty State Park in Jersey City, sightseeing in and around Princeton University, beach resorts at Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood, and the rest of the Jersey Shore.

Kid-friendly New Jersey

Besides Liberty State Park (see above), family-friendly attractions can be found throughout the state, starting with one of its most popular - Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. Plan to spend at least a day here, or possibly two (or three!)

The sheer acreage devoted to amusement park rides make Great Adventure suitable for anyone from toddlers to thrill-loving teens, plus don't miss the unforgettable drive around the safari park.

If spending any time in Atlantic City with kids in tow, nearby Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township offers rides and attractions based on popular classic fairy tales. While the park is open year round, special treats are usually in store around Christmas and Halloween.

Heading further West towards Philadelphia, another top NJ kid stop has to be the Adventure Aquarium in Camden for an astounding world-class interactive exploration of sea life that's fun for kids of all ages.

Northwest New Jersey Skylands Guide - Explore the New Jersey countryside with facts, information and guides to hotels, farm visits, country inns and B&Bs, family-friendly attractions, a directory of state parks & recreation areas, maps & directions.

Atlantic City Travel & Tourism Guide - Glittering, colorful guide to the state's gambling mecca with information on nearby attractions, family and kid-friendly fun, online hotel booking, travel directory and event calendar.

Cape May County Department of Tourism - Online tour of the Jersey cape with a guide to beaches and recreation, bird watching & nature trails, photo gallery, related links.

Ocean City, New Jersey Online Visitors Guide - The complete guide to another of the state's popular seashore communities with maps and driving directions, hotels & restaurants, major attractions, activities, beach guide, weather info.

Wildwood Vacations - One-stop browsing for information on the famous boardwalk, area attractions & nightlife, hotels, restaurants, vacation planner, family and kid-friendly fun guide, event calendar.

Camden Waterfront - Visitor guide with major and nearby attractions, picture galleries, interactive map, driving directions.