I don't know the statistics but I bet it happens every minute at least somewhere in the world.
What if it happens and you are in New Jersey but you can't afford that faraway exotic vacation to forget your troubles? Are there any destinations locally where you can go to mend your broken heart? I think there are some great destinations right there in New Jersey that just might fit the bill perfectly.
First, you should think about your style of coping with loss. Are you the type of person who needs a lot of solitude for uninterrupted inner reflection? Or are you the type of person who needs a trusted companion to come along, such as a best friend who will be there to support you? Do you want peace and quiet in your environment? Or do you want a lot of activity to help you re-direct your energies into more positive action and away from dwelling (more like brooding) on your ex?
Here are some suggestions.
1. So long as it is not Memorial Day weekend, July the 4th weekend, or Labor Day weekend, then drive down shore to one of the quiet beaches on Long Beach Island. Some of these, like Loveladies, are private. Yet you can also visit to the north Barnegat Lighthouse or "Old Barney" and be at a pretty quiet area. Near there is a community known as High Bar Harbor. There are no beaches actually within High Bar Harbor, yet New Jersey Monthly reports that there is a small, virtually unknown beach within the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. Click here to read the New Jersey Monthly article for more information on a variety of secluded New Jersey beaches.
2. Another getaway idea if quiet seclusion is your remedy is to "head to the mountains" in Northern Jersey... Sussex County to be exact. High Point State Park first comes to my mind, and there are a variety of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty that you can try. The beginners trail is less than a half mile long, and it is perfect for quiet reflection with less exertion at less than an hour's time spent. Yet if a rigorous workout is desired, take the Appalachian trail that offers some of the best views of the mountains, but be prepared for a hard trek lasting around two hours. See google map.
3. For women who want their BFF along, why not schedule a "girlfriend getaway" be it either low-key or an all-nighter party. Explore the interesting shops to be found in Red Bank or Haddonfield in South Jersey. Or instead have a blast in Atlantic City and not even have to fly to Vegas to forget! Central Jersey's Princeton also has some fun shopping and fine dining, as well as some of the state's best coffee at Small World Coffee. Northern Jersey has some awesome shopping opportunities, and you can check out the creme de la creme of malls at The Mall At Short Hills. If going to Short Hills, you could book a girlfriend getaway at The Hilton in Short Hills, conveniently located just across the street from the mall, and make sure to give yourself a Spa Treatment while there.
4. If Wintertime, you can also head to the mountains of New Jersey and hit the slopes... ski and stay at Mountain Creek. If skiing isn't your thing, bring along a friend and indulge in some ice skating. There are tons of ice skating rinks all throughout New Jersey. See my article "Winter Recreation in New Jersey" for a list. Or check out the golfing at Crystal Springs Resort.
Time heals the wound... don't rush the healing process. And don't forget your back yard just might be the greener pasture.
Sofie
