3-Day Itinerary for Exploring New Jersey’s Craft Breweries

Sipping Through the Garden State: A Journey into New Jersey’s Wine Country

This itinerary will guide you through some of New Jersey’s best craft breweries, highlighting local attractions, dining options, and activities. From the coastal town of Cape May to the vibrant city of Asbury Park, you’ll experience the rich flavors of New Jersey’s craft beer scene.

Day 1: Cape May and Wildwood

Morning: Arrival and First Brewery Visit

• Arrival: Arrive in Cape May and check into your hotel. Consider staying at Congress Hall or The Virginia Hotel for a charming coastal experience.
• Brewery Visit: Start your brewery tour at Cape May Brewing Company.
  • Location: 1288 Hornet Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204
  • Experience: Sample their flagship “Cape May IPA” and enjoy the scenic brewery grounds.
  • Cape May Brewing Company Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Dine at The Lobster House, known for its fresh seafood and waterfront views.
  • Location: 905 Schellengers Landing Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204
  • The Lobster House Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Head to MudHen Brewing Company in Wildwood.

  • Location: 127 E. Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260
  • Experience: Enjoy their craft beers and a variety of pub fare in a lively atmosphere.
  • MudHen Brewing Company Website

• Brewery Visit: Visit Exit Zero Brewing.

  • Location: 10 N. Broadway, Cape May, NJ 08204
  • Experience: Sample their unique brews and enjoy a casual setting.
  • Exit Zero Brewing Website

Evening: Dinner and Entertainment

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Rusty Nail, a local favorite for casual dining and craft beer.

  • Location: 205 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204
  • The Rusty Nail Website

• Entertainment: Stroll along the Cape May beach or visit a local bar for live music.

Day 2: Asbury Park and Ocean County

Morning: Travel and Brewery Visit

• Travel: Drive from Cape May to Asbury Park (approximately 1.5 hours).
• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Asbury Park Brewery.
  • Location: 810 Sewall Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
  • Experience: Sample their “Beach Blonde Ale” and enjoy the brewery’s vibrant atmosphere.
  • Asbury Park Brewery Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at Langosta Lounge, known for its eclectic menu and beachy vibe.
  • Location: 1000 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
  • Langosta Lounge Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Head to Carton Brewing Company in Atlantic Highlands.

  • Location: 6 East Washington Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
  • Experience: Try their “Boat Beer” and enjoy the unique flavors.
  • Carton Brewing Company Website

• Brewery Visit: Visit Red Bank Brewing Company for a taste of local flavors.

  • Location: 9-11 W. Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
  • Experience: Sample a variety of their craft beers in a friendly setting.
  • Red Bank Brewing Company Website

Evening: Dinner and Nightlife

• Dinner: Dine at The Pour House, a lively spot with a great beer selection and American fare.

  • Location: 720 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
  • The Pour House Website

• Nightlife: Explore the vibrant nightlife in Asbury Park, visiting local bars or catching live music at The Stone Pony.

  • The Stone Pony Website

Day 3: Newark and Jersey City

Morning: Travel and Brewery Visit

• Travel: Drive from Asbury Park to Newark (approximately 1 hour).
• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Newark Beer Company.
  • Location: 94 Chestnut St, Newark, NJ 07105
  • Experience: Sample their locally inspired brews in a relaxed setting.
  • Newark Beer Company Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Enjoy lunch at The Portuguese In Grill, offering delicious Portuguese cuisine.
  • Location: 48-52 Mcwhorter St, Newark, NJ 07105
  • The Portuguese In Grill Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Head to Kane Brewing Company in Ocean Township.

  • Location: 1750 E. State Highway 33, Ocean, NJ 07712
  • Experience: Known for their innovative brews, sample offerings like the “Head High IPA.”
  • Kane Brewing Company Website

• Brewery Visit: Visit Jersey City Brewing Company.

  • Location: 140 Suydam Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07305
  • Experience: Try their selection of craft beers and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
  • Jersey City Brewing Company Website

Evening: Final Farewell Dinner

• Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Iron Monkey, a gastropub in Jersey City with an extensive craft beer selection.
  • Location: 97 Greene St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
  • The Iron Monkey Website

Beach side-New Jersey Weddings

This 3-day itinerary provides a comprehensive tour of New Jersey’s craft breweries while highlighting local flavors, attractions, and unique experiences. Enjoy your journey through the vibrant beer culture of New Jersey.

New Jersey offers a wealth of fun activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to fun things to do while you’re in New Jersey:

Outdoor Activities

1. Visit the Jersey Shore

• Description: Enjoy the beautiful beaches, boardwalks, and seaside towns along the Jersey Shore. Popular spots include Point Pleasant Beach, Wildwood, and Cape May, offering sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

2. Hiking in State Parks

• Description: Explore New Jersey’s natural beauty by hiking in state parks such as Washington Crossing State Park and Wharton State Forest. These parks offer scenic trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for wildlife watching.

3. Explore the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

• Description: This stunning area offers hiking, kayaking, and breathtaking views of the Delaware River. Popular trails include the Appalachian Trail and the Dingmans Falls trail.

Cultural Attractions

4. Visit Liberty State Park

• Description: Located in Jersey City, this park offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. The Liberty Science Center and the Liberty State Park’s Interpretive Center are also worth visiting.
• Website: Liberty State Park

5. Explore the Thomas Edison National Historical Park

• Description: Located in West Orange, this park includes the laboratory and home of Thomas Edison. Visitors can explore exhibits about Edison’s inventions and contributions to technology.
• Website: Thomas Edison National Historical Park

6. Discover the Grounds for Sculpture

• Description: Located in Hamilton, this 42-acre sculpture park features large-scale contemporary sculptures and beautiful gardens. It’s a unique blend of art and nature.
• Website: Grounds for Sculpture

Entertainment and Events

7. Attend a Concert or Show at the PNC Bank Arts Center

• Description: This outdoor amphitheater in Holmdel hosts a variety of concerts and events during the summer months. Check the schedule for upcoming performances.
• Website: PNC Bank Arts Center

8. Explore the New Jersey State Fair

• Description: If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the state fair, which features rides, games, food vendors, and live entertainment. The fair typically takes place in August in Sussex County.
• Website: New Jersey State Fair

9. Visit the Adventure Aquarium

• Description: Located in Camden, this aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals, including sharks, sea turtles, and penguins. It’s a fun and educational experience for all ages.
• Website: Adventure Aquarium

Culinary Experiences

10. Sample Local Cuisine

• Description: New Jersey is known for its diverse culinary scene. Be sure to try local favorites like pork roll sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and Italian specialties. Visit diners and local eateries for an authentic experience.

11. Wine Tasting in the Vineyard

• Activity: New Jersey has a growing wine industry, especially in regions like Hunterdon County and Cape May County. Visit local wineries for tastings and tours.
• Recommended Winery: Cape May Winery

New Jersey offers a diverse array of activities and experiences for every traveler. From enjoying the beautiful beaches and parks to exploring cultural attractions and local cuisine, you’ll find plenty of ways to make your visit enjoyable and memorable. Embrace the charm of the Garden State and all the fun it has to offer!

New Jersey Beers & Breweries-Looking over the bay

New Jersey hosts several exciting beer festivals throughout the year, celebrating the state’s vibrant craft beer scene. Here are some notable festivals to consider:

1. Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival

• Location: Atlantic City, NJ
• Dates: Typically held in March
• Description: This festival features a wide variety of craft beers from local and national breweries, along with live music and food vendors. It’s one of the largest beer festivals in the state and a great opportunity to sample diverse brews.
• Website: Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival

2. Great Jersey Shore Beer Festival

• Location: Lakewood, NJ
• Dates: Usually held in early June
• Description: This festival celebrates craft beer from Jersey Shore breweries and features a variety of local food vendors, live entertainment, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Website: Great Jersey Shore Beer Festival

3. Cape May Craft Beer and Music Festival

• Location: Cape May, NJ
• Dates: Typically held in mid-May
• Description: A celebration of craft beer, local food, and live music in the picturesque seaside town of Cape May. Attendees can sample a wide variety of craft beers from local and regional breweries.
• Website: Cape May Craft Beer and Music Festival

4. NJ Beer and Food Festival

• Location: Chester, NJ
• Dates: Usually held in September
• Description: This festival focuses on the pairing of local craft beers with gourmet food from local chefs and restaurants. It’s a great way to experience the culinary side of New Jersey’s craft beer culture.
• Website: NJ Beer and Food Festival

5. New Jersey Craft Beer Festival

• Location: Various locations, including the Garden State Convention Center in Somerset
• Dates: Typically held in early March
• Description: This festival features an extensive selection of craft beers from New Jersey breweries, with tastings, food pairings, and brewery representatives on-site to discuss their offerings.
• Website: New Jersey Craft Beer Festival

6. Hops and Harvest Festival

• Location: Various locations, including local wineries and breweries
• Dates: Usually in October
• Description: This festival celebrates the harvest season with craft beer tastings, local foods, and live entertainment. It highlights the collaboration between breweries and local farms.
• Website: Check local listings for updates.

7. Montclair Beer Festival

• Location: Montclair, NJ
• Dates: Typically held in April
• Description: A smaller festival showcasing local breweries, craft beers, and artisanal food vendors in a community setting. This festival emphasizes the local craft beer culture in Montclair.
• Website: Montclair Beer Festival

New Jersey Beers & Breweries-Looking over the bay

These festivals offer fantastic opportunities to sample a wide range of craft beers, meet local brewers, and enjoy the vibrant culture of New Jersey. Be sure to check the festival websites for the latest information on dates, tickets, and activities!