HyperLocal News for Somerset, New Jersey

Six Flags Great AdventureSix Flags Great Adventure offers a full day of entertainment for any individual or family in different sections: Movie Town (featuring movie-themed rides and displays), Frontier Land (appropriately positioned on the park’s west side) and other areas such as Wiggle Town for kids.

Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard in Wilmington: Learn about shipbuilding and seafaringWilmington’s Christina River contains multiple historical locations, now preserved as commemorations of the Swedes’ landing in present-day Delaware in March of 1638. The present-day shipyard functions as port for the modern replication of the Kalmar Nyckel and serves as an active shipyard for the construction of vessels crafted in historical fashion.

Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts: Interact with contemporary artThe Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts is a museum, design and creation space. The center is inhabited by contemporary artwork in various media with a focus on local artists. Many find the extensive, creative space extremely inspiring. Admission to the DCCA is free for everyone.

Delaware Children's Museum in Wilmington: It's time to play!The Delaware Children’s Museum (DCM) aims to educate children with engaging methods, sparking imagination and causing children to connect concepts, ask questions and create new ideas. Utilizing contemporary technology, the DCM is a must-visit riverfront stop for all ages.

Man Full of Trouble Tavern: Philadelphia’s cleanest destination for debaucheryIf you’re not on a carriage or duck boat tour, the Man Full of Trouble Tavern is relatively easy to overlook. Located in Society Hill and near Penn’s Landing, the Man Full of Trouble Tavern reflects Philadelphia’s seedier past. Family-oriented tourists need not worry—you won’t find anything graphic here, now. The tavern is closed, but standing beneath its famous sign will provide you with one of the city’s best photo opportunities.

The Powel House: Home of Philadelphia’s ‘Patriot Mayor’The Powel House is a distinguished destination in the heart of Society Hill, one of Philadelphia’s more traditionally affluent neighborhoods. This home reflects the more historic and refined tastes of the city in its past and present. Originally the home of “Patriot Mayor” Samuel Powel, the Powel House reflects the life of a family living through the colonial to free-state transition in the late 1700s.

Bishop White House: Colonial livingBishop White required a home located near the churches he administered. This colonial-era rowhome served as a convenient location. Well-restored, the house contains many of the bishop’s original belongings. Working at both St. Peter’s and Christ Church, William White was the first to hold a position as head of the Protestant Episcopal Church of America and served as official chaplain for the United States Senate and Second Continental Congress. Additionally, White volunteered to remain in the ci

The Todd House: Home of Dolley Todd MadisonDolley Madison’s hospitality was legendary even prior to her residence in the White House. Living in Philadelphia with her first husband John Todd, Dolley hosted guests in her home of Quaker design. Though the occupants of the Todd House were wealthy, its design and embellishments still remain considerably less ornate that surrounding homes. The Todd’s home reflects an upper middle-class lifestyle.

Wilmington's Fort Christina: Discover Swedish colonial historyIn the 1600s, several European nations competed to conquer and colonize the east coast of what is now the United States. Fort Christina State Park in Wilmington, Del. memorializes one such attempt by colonists from Sweden. While most know about William Penn’s efforts in the region, many overlook the earlier settlements of the Swedes still present in the area.

Visit Philadelphia’s Independence Living History Center to learn about archeology in actionThe Independence Living History Center focuses on a display of artifacts uncovered in Philadelphia. These items reveal details about how residents of colonial Philadelphia lived. Visitors can watch archeologists work on some of these artifacts in the lab. This is a great experience for visitors and locals interested in the everyman’s experience in Philadelphia as artifacts reveal details of Philadelphians’ typical, everyday lives.

Corner Bistro: A cheap laid-back burger jointCorner Bistro will draw you in with its laid back atmosphere and its cheap burgers.

230 Fifth: A swanky rooftop with sweeping views of the Big AppleYou will be seduced with the views from the 22,000 square-foot rooftop open 365 days a year.

Attend events at Wilmington’s Chase Center on the RiverfrontThe Chase Center on the Riverfront is an expansive, versatile venue. The Chase Center holds events of varying sizes, sometimes simultaneously. This innovative use of space displays the forward-thinking, eco-conscious design of Wilmington’s renovated waterfront area.

Delaware Theatre Company: Wilmington's original cultural landmarkDelaware Theatre Company is the original landmark of culture in Wilmington, Del. Delaware Theatre Company (DTC) provided a central location for the redevelopment of the Christina River waterfront area, now frequented by tourists and residents. The theatre and its resident cast offer enrichment programs for children and regular programming with five scheduled productions per season.

Shops at Liberty Place: Clean, cool, efficient lunch stopThe Shops at Liberty Place is located in Center City Philadelphia on Chestnut Street. Known as an efficient lunch and shopping destination, shoppers and diners can walk here from nearby office locations or take the Market Frankford El. The shops include Victoria’s Secret and H&M; the architecture features a beautiful rotunda. The food court here specializes in quick and efficient lunch service at affordable prices.

Scoop DeVille: Old-fashioned ice cream delights in Center City PhiladelphiaScoop DeVille stands out. The storefront and store interior include shades of vibrant pinks supported by white and black. If you’re looking to ignore the frozen yogurt trend and consume a rich ice cream treat, head to Scoop DeVille. It’s centrally located along Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, right near the shopping district.

Premium Steap brings tea lifestyle to PhiladelphiansPremium Steap is a harmonious storefront nestled among other shops on South 18th Street in Philadelphia. Located in the downtown Center City shopping district, Premium Steap aims to bring health and balance to tea tasters, demystifying the process of making tea without a teabag in the process.

I Glide Segway Tours: Discover Philadelphia's museum district on the rollPhiladelphia is the perfect city for Segways. Segways are two-wheeled machines built for carrying standing passengers. Their advanced technology creates a unique balancing system and a smooth ride, even allowing users to transition from road to sidewalk or sidewalk to grass. A company called I Glide offers comprehensive Segway tours beginning near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As an eco-friendly city boasting wheelchair-accessible areas and less foot traffic than New York, Philadelphia is the

SnapDragon Stables: Affordable horseplay in South JerseyLocated in Southampton, New Jersey, SnapDragon Stables aims to make horseback riding an affordable and enjoyable hobby for riders of all ages. SnapDragon is an encouraging, non-judgmental environment in which new and experienced riders can learn and grow without the costs and pressure associated with more competitive stables. SnapDragon Stables offers individual and group lessons, trail rides, pony parties and a July summer camp.

Finding a job in Philadelphia: Three jobs titles you should consider when in transitionPhiladelphia has a diverse job market based on small and large business, tourism and retail. If you’re about to run out of unemployment, just out of college or are looking for an entry-level position, don’t overlook these types of jobs—or what they can do for your resume.

Pamper your pooch at The Bone Appetite in Chestnut HillThe Bone Appetite has more than just a creative name. This Chestnut Hill dog store has become a dog-friendly mainstay on Germantown Avenue. Billing itself as “the store for the serious dog owner,” The Bone Appetite focuses on all-natural pet foods, gourmet dog treats and fashionable clothing and accessories.

Philadelphia’s Academy of Music: At the center of cultureKnown for its prominent place along the Avenue of the Arts and its 150 year-old chandelier, the Academy of Music brings distinguished music and performance art to the public. The Academy of Music and the organizations that inhabit it have tailored opera, classical music, Broadway and ballet performances to entertain and educate.

Shakespeare in Central Park presents 'Merchant of Venice,' 'Winter's Tale'Shakespeare in Central Park will feature two comedies in rotating repertory for summer 2010: “The Merchant of Venice” and “The Winter's Tale.”

Funplex in Mt. Laurel, NJ: Adventure for the Entire FamilyFunplex is an indoor and outdoor amusement park focusing on entertainment for all ages. Funplex includes electric go carts, bumper cars, two miniature golf courses, bowling, arcade games and outdoor rides. The Funplex also provides other conveniences such as food.

Keswick Village: Cultural district of Glenside, PAKeswick Village is a charming shopping and cultural area located in central Glenside, PA. The village receives a great deal of foot traffic and tourism dollars due to its close proximity to Philadelphia. Glenside visitors and residents can commute to and from Philadelphia readily—the commute only takes about 20 minutes by SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) train.

Jenkintown’s upscale business district, Jenkintown, PennsylvaniaJenkintown’s business district remains popular among upscale diners. Major throughways York Road and Route 611 pass through Jenkintown, making it an ideal suburban stop for anyone heading to or from the city.

Chestnut Hill: Gateway to the suburbsListed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Chestnut Hill serves as a point between the urban and the suburban. Technically part of the City of Philadelphia, this northwesternly neighborhood rests between Montgomery County and Germantown. Chestnut Hill is known for its many estates and presumed affluence, though now members of all socioeconomic statuses reside there though housing remains comparatively high in price.

Penn’s Landing: Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfrontWhen it’s summertime in Philadelphia, Penn’s Landing is the place to be. For locals, Penn’s Landing also offers a safe and scenic area for physical fitness as well as high-end residential locations. Visitors can dine at one of the many local restaurants, take a boat tour, enjoy a summer concert or tour the seaport museum. Penn’s Landing is generally a family-oriented destination by day and a party location at night.

Philadelphia’s Chinatown: Culture at the heart of commerceChinatown is a thriving community just north of Broad Street near Market East in Philadelphia. Its enduring proximity to the transportation center as well as the Gallery and Pennsylvania Convention Center make it an ideal dining destination for tourists. Chinatown provides a unique mix of Chinese-influenced architecture on storefronts, neon restaurant signs and traditionally Philadelphian architecture. You can see William Penn (as a statue atop City Hall) from many locations in Chinatown.

Chinatown: Culture, and food in New York CityChinatown is a primary destination for visitors looking to experience different cultures, shop and eat while in New York City. Easily accessible via three subway lines, Chinatown sits next to Little Italy and encompasses a large shopping area including Canal Street.

Little ItalyLittle Italy is located next to Chinatown and Canal Street on Manhattan. Though Chinatown has largely absorbed what was formerly Little Italy, one section does remain. This area is located primarily along Mulberry Street.

Canal StreetCanal Street is an experience as well as a destination. Canal Street runs through Chinatown and provides a border separating Chinatown and Little Italy. Because Chinatown encompasses much of the area surrounding the Canal Street subway stop, visitors can find a large selection of Chinese restaurants and Asian imports. Some of the signs in the area list information in both English and Mandarin.

Roman Delight: Warminster’s comfortable Italian restaurantRoman Delight is an excellent mid-priced Italian restaurant choice. With ample seating, there’s seldom a wait—though the indoor waiting room is comfortably heated and cooled. The menu selections vary enough to please each member of a party, including pizza, pasta, coffee and dessert. Located a half an hour from Philadelphia, Roman Delight is an ideal dining place en route to the city.

Mikado Japanese Sushi & Steak House: Japanese cuisine in South JerseyLocated next to the Moorestown Mall off of Route 38, Mikado Japanese Sushi & Steak House is a relaxing alternative to the food court frenzy or the movie theatre mayhem. Specializing in sushi and hibachi entrees, Mikado is a subdued and friendly dining experience suitable for family gatherings and dates.

Joe's Crab Shack: Eat at Joe's in the City of Brotherly LoveJoe’s Crab Shack is a national chain with two locations in the Philadelphia area: Wilmington, DE and Lawrenceville, NJ. The creativity and novelty of Joe’s Crab Shack are not to be missed, especially if you’re bringing kids along for a seafood meal. The Wilmington location is situated along the Christina River.

Randazzo Italian Cuisine: Route 38 lunch stopRandazzo’s is a tiny pizza shop with an extensive menu. Everything prepared at Randazzo’s has a fresh taste and most items are made to order. Known locally for its pizza and lunch specials, Randazzo’s is a lifesaver for those working nearby or traveling down Route 38 West in Hainesport, New Jersey.

Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar: Entertaining dining experienceArirang Hibachi Steakhouse offers an entertaining dining experience for families, friends and couples. It’s an ideal place to go if you’d like some easy conversation—with flames on the grill and sushi to share, it’s always natural to discuss the food.

White Dotte Dairy Bar: Best ice cream on the way to the shoreWhen families make the traditionally hot weekend summer trips from Philadelphia and Pennsylvania suburbs to the Jersey Shore, many consider a mandatory halfway-their ice cream stop. Located at Routes 206 and 38, White Dotte Dairy Bar offers more than just ice cream—it represents longstanding local tradition.

Library II: Fine candlelight dining in a library settingLibrary II offers fine dining in a rustic library setting. That’s right—the walls are lined with books and candles provide light. This restaurant specializes in setting and gourmet food, specifically cuts of meat. At Library II, you personally order your preferred meat before proceeding to the fresh salad bar.

G-Vola’s Café: Old word Italian value for the American palateResiding in the unassuming Madison Plaza, G-Vola’s provides a refreshing break to any busy day. Reasonably-priced, this spot offers large portions and long days, focusing on customer convenience. G-Vola’s offers takeout and dine-in service. G-Vola’s is less expensive than local Italian chains and offers more options with larger portions.

Vincentown Diner & Restaurant: New Jersey’s best diner food on the way to the shoreHeading to shore destinations is a popular annual event for many families in the Philadelphia area. This usually means a multiple-hour trek in the car to get there. Some drivers like to break at the halfway point for a meal or snacks—and Vincentown Diner & Restaurant is situated in the perfect location for the mid-shore trip stop.

Dublin Square: Irish authenticity in Bordentown, NJIt’s hard to find a more authentic Irish pub outside of Ireland. Dublin Square owners Michael and Sean McGeough imported many interior components of the pub from Ireland. There’s nothing imitation about this pub’s traditional design.

Staying safe while visiting PhiladelphiaWhen visiting Philadelphia, many tourists are concerned with safety. Whether visiting from the nearby suburbs or another state or country, visitors wish to stay alert and vigilant in an unfamiliar city without compromising the excitement of exploring a city rich in diverse culture and history.