Best of NJ: Places
We traveled far and wide to pinpoint the following fun destinations from A (aquarium) to Z (zoo).
David Walsh at the Barrington Coffeehouse Wide Open Mic
Aquarium
Forget the idea of just pressing your nose up against the glass. You can
get up close and personal with all the under-the-sea creatures at the
updated Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Touch moon jellyfish and South
American freshwater sting rays at the Interactive Inlet, or channel your
inner shark with nine new species of sharks, new underwater shows at the
550,000-gallon Shark Realm exhibit, and the new virtual shark-cage
match, an experience that puts you inside the cage while the great
whites lurk outside in the deep waters (1 Aquarium Dr; 856-365-3300;
adventureaquarium.com).
Bugs
Something unique beckons at Insectropolis, the insect-centric learning
center in Toms River that was started (interestingly enough) by owners
of a pest-control service. The learning center features a plethora of
displays and terrariums that serve as visual aids; the hands-on exhibits
are particularly enticing. Are you brave enough to touch the
untouchable? (1761 Lakewood Rd, 732-349-7090, insectropolis.com).
Open Mic
If you want to perform at the Barrington Coffee House open mic, make
sure you sign in right at 7:30 on Thursday night. The event, which runs
from 8 to 10 pm, is always full. The cafe is small, so you’ll want to
grab a seat early. But don’t let the size fool you; the Barrington
Coffee House attracts quality local performers—and national acts on
Friday and Saturday nights (131 Clements Bridge Rd, 856-573-7800,
barringtoncoffeehouse.com).
