The Town of Gandy is just so fine and Dandy ~ Top Places to See In The Philadelphia Area Before You Die

Gandys Beach

The Delaware Bay
New Jersey

Yummygal’s Top Places To See In The Philadelphia Area Before You Die.

The Delaware Bay at Gandys Beach

Gandys Beach is a not a very often explored area in our state. In fact, I can almost bet at least 75% of New Jerseyans have never heard of this place, nor ever visited the Delaware Bay. I found this place doing a google map search of our state. I saw that there was a beach on the map so after some research on the location, I took a trip to explore.

Small Beach Area of Gandys Beach

Gandys Beach is located on the southwest coast of New Jersey. It is perhaps a town of 70 houses with a small beach, marina, and consists of a wildlife conservation area north of the small city.
It is protected for the sake of the migration of the birds that pass through yearly.

Towards the right of the beach

The beach is actually located in Newport, NJ. However, the name Gandys Beach refers to the Cove Rd. area of the town that overlooks the bay. Gandy was the last name of a local businessman who owned a lot of properties in Fortescue and set up residency in this small bay village.

The nature conservancy protected land. You are welcome to explore here just as long as it doesn’t interfere with the migration months. Otherwise it is closed

These folks aren’t too keen to outsiders and don’t want people to know about it. They are content with their small isolated area and no crowds of people.

I’m not saying they are mean. I am just saying to be respectful of their land and home. They were very friendly to myself, my son, and my friend when we arrived.

If you are a birder, fisherman, or don’t mind vegging out on the Delaware Bay at sunset than this is the place to be.

More protected Land

There are some really nice shore homes overlooking the beach and it has a very laid back vibe. I wouldn’t mind taking a vacation here and watching the sunset every evening.

Just remember to bring the bug spray!

Fortescue Beach, NJ ~ A Beach Not Many Know Of…

Fortescue Beach

Cumberland County
Fortescue, NJ

Top things to see in the Philadelphia Area before you die.

I told you I would be featuring “secret beaches” and here is my first. The second beach is even more private and will feature in another week.

Just hop over the metal divider to your own “semi-private” oasis.

Fortescue Beach is a great get away from it all natural beauty beach. The town’s population is 400 and is the “weakfish capital of the world” a great little fishing spot.

I came here on a whim with my mom and son. I have been checking out google earth and mapping out possible unique beach locations and doing research on cool places to see in NJ. I also had heard there was a beach here, but couldn’t find much information about it. All I saw online was that it’s just a small fishing village with a very small beach.

Gorgeous pristine Delaware Bay

The trip in getting here is very scenic with marshlands and the New Jersey countryside of farms growing produce and livestock.

We arrived by going down Downe Street and then making a left at the stop. If you turn right takes you out to a small marina.

The beach wasn’t small at all. Perhaps a half mile long. With expansive views of the Delaware Bay. It is gorgeous.

Fortescue is a stomping ground in the spring for thousands of migratory birds from South America heading to the Arctic.

Shot of the long beach

The beach is very natural. Clear waters (not like the Caribbean, but clear for Jersey).

A great spot for families. NO CROWDS… A plus in the summer months. We came here on a Saturday midday.

It’s nature at it’s best. Home to sandpipers, plovers, eagles, monarch butterflies, and horseshoe crabs.

It’s off the beaten path and no facilities around so pack accordingly.

A picture of the water

There’s a little B&B called the Charlesworth Inn, nestled right on the beach and has gotten high reviews over the years (perfect for couples).

A wedding taking place on the one end of the beach at Fortescue

There is also a great party boat that goes out daily called, The Bonanza II. It offers folks fishing enjoyment along the Delaware Bay area. Usual sailing times are daily from 7:30-3.

Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the natural beauty of the calm bay.

My son enjoying Fortescue Beach

This beach is a get away from the summer shore crowd kind of spot.

Check it out it is gorgeous. The best time to come is near sunset as the sun disappears over the bay.

another gorgeous shot

NJ beauty at best.

Getting here. Route 55S. To exit 27 towards Millville.
Merge onto 2nd St. Make right onto County Road. (East Main Street)
left onto Cedar St. Continue onto Cedarville Rd (County Rd. 310)
Slight Left onto County Rd. (629)
Then Left onto Cedarville-Newport Rd (Main Street)
Make right onto Baptist Rd. (656)
Then make 2nd Left onto Fortescue Rd (637)
It then turns into Downe Ave, which will take you to the beach

Going home, take the Bridgeton Pike. A fabulous ride back home.

My only recommendation:

Bring the bug-spray as green heads can come at you on a non-windy day.

Other than that, the beach is fabulous and very tranquil and you will enjoy your day here.

Enjoy a day at Fortescue

Update: New Restaurant at Fortescue called the Fortescue Grill. Open for lunch and dinner on weekends.

Please welcome this new restaurant to the community.

The Pool at Harrah’s Atlantic City top places to see in the Philly Area before you die

 

The Pool at Harrah’s~ Time To Swim With The Fishes

Atlantic City, NJ

Top Places to See in the Philadelphia Area before you die:

Entrance to the Pool at the Harrah’s Casino

 

Now, a long long time ago in the 1990s Harrah’s was known as the “old fart” casino in Atlantic City.

Wow, how things have changed.

Fast forward to this century. It’s one of the hottest top casinos in AC.

The pool is awesome either day or night.

The pool during the day

Since we get all four seasons here in Jersey and the fall and winter months are generally freezing cold.

They built this bad boy to attract others all year round with a consistent 80 degree temperature.

There are palm trees, a beautiful pool, and cabanas lining the poolside.

It’s great during the day to lounge around and at night becomes one of the most popping spots in Atlantic City starting at 10pm. The Pool After Dark.

The VIP cabanas are outrageous in price for bottle service, but I guess they are doing somewhat well. This place is packed wall to wall almost EVERY night.

Try getting drinks hahaha or better yet, go for a swim.

“Jane” and I Partying it up at night at the pool. Yay, baby!

Red, White, and Blueberry Festival, Hammonton, NJ

 

Hammonton Blueberry Festival
Hammonton, NJ

Top Things To Do in the Philadelphia Area before you die.

Sexy Blueberries from NJ, baby!

Starts today at 10am my friends.  It is located on White Horse Pike at the Hammonton High School.  I drove by yesterday and looks like a lot of tents were being put up. There’s going to be A LOT of people here.

If anyone didn’t know….Hammonton, NJ, is the #1 blueberry capital of the world. Thus, every summer, there is a wonderful festival celebrating this infamous blueberry right here in our backyard.

The Hammonton Blueberry Festival. It was very very hot this year!

Fun Facts:

Hammonton has been recently featured in Boardwalk Empire, it’s famous sign.

There is a rich family history of farmers in this area and most are of Italian decent.

Hammonton is the largest population of Italian descendants in the State of New Jersey.

The blueberry has been recently named New Jersey’s state fruit.

If you haven’t had a Hammonton blueberry, you haven’t had a blueberry.

The best blueberries in the world come from here.

Tomasello Winery in Hammonton features a blueberry wine that is amazing.

Thus, utilizing the town’s sacred fruit.

The infamous celebration begins July 1st, 2012.

The festival is in it’s 26th consecutive year.

Many vendors, food, wineries, and of course the beloved, delicious blueberry are available for your pleasure.

Bring the family. New Jersey is the Garden State for a reason.