First opened in 1992 and part of New Jersey's fabric ever since, Jose Tejas is a Tex-Mex experience like no other.

Between the bright lights and the expansive menu, this place feels like a party in an old saloon - and it's no surprise there's usually an event or two visiting.

The meal begins with chips and salsa, as any Tex-Mex place worth its salt does - and many people kick the party off with a massive margarita, frozen or not.

The meal draws on Mexican classics, and the massive empanadas are a great starter to share among a group.

If you're in the mood for a classic Tex-Mex meal, you'll find all the favorites like burritos and chimichangas here.

The headliner, though, is probably the massive plates of meat. This place is a carnivore's delight, and the fajitas make their presence known when they come to the table.

Jose Tejas does have a few specialties you won't find at your everyday Tex-Mex joint, though - like Chicken Bandera, a grilled chicken breast jazzed up with mesquite and lime.

When the weather permits, Jose Tejas' outdoor seating area is one of the best in the state. You can almost imagine the tumbleweeds rolling by - but it's really just cars on Route One.

The Thistle is a beloved local institution in Lyndhurst, home to an active Scottish community.

This quaint little fish-and-chips shop has been in business since 1963, and the menu is still as classic and nostalgic as ever.

The special here is fresh fish and seafood. How fresh? While there is a regular menu, you'll always want to take a look at the dry-erase board to see what's in season.

One thing that will always be on the menu is the classic fish and chips, always crisp and juicy at the same time and served with traditional condiments.

Not in the mood for fried food? The sauteed salmon is a lighter choice that's always delicious.

You'll also find some options for those who don't want fish, including fried chicken, meat pies - and sometimes, classic corned beef and cabbage.

The Thistle is usually busiest when soft-shell crabs are in season. These hotly sought-after crustaceans are given the same crispy treatment, and are bursting with flavor.

During the summer, Mercer County Park is one of the area's top spots for fun on the water.

But now, as fall settles in, it becomes one of the best spots in all of New Jersey for taking in the fall foliage.

All around the park, you'll see simple paths that lead you to different views of the changing fall colors.

For avid hikers, there are three main dedicated trails in the park.

No matter which you choose, you'll find yourself under stunning canopies of yellow, orange, and red.

Most of the summer amenities are still open and easy to access, including a playground to keep kids occupied while you're taking a break.

You'll definitely want to spend the full day here - to see the colors when the sun goes down!

Make sure to find an overlook by one of the lakes for the best view in the entire park at sunset.

Verona is a laid-back town that comes to life in the fall, thanks to some amazing foliage opportunities. It's one of the best spots around for a fall viewing trip.

The centerpiece of the town during this season is Verona Park, one of the best county parks in the state.

Home to an old stone bridge, everything about the park looks amazing during the fall. Nature-lovers can easily spend a whole day exploring the trails.

As the sun starts to set, it glistens off the multi-colored leaves and turns the entire park into a kaleidoscope of color.

The park borders Verona Lake, a beautiful spot for fishing during all seasons of the year.

Verona also has an amazing dining scene, including Bloom - an acclaimed New American restaurant with French and Korean accents.

The restaurant changes its menu regularly, and during the fall the menu takes a shift towards the rich and hearty.

Teeming with resorts and tourist destinations, it's easy to see why Cape May is a top vacation spot.

But as the summer season recedes, it's easy for solo travelers to beat the crowds at top attractions like the Cape May Lighthouse.

Up for a challenging trek? It's 199 steps to the top and Cape May's most impressive view.

For a smaller trek but still unbelievable view, visit the World War II lookout tower, which doubles as a museum dedicated to the town's military history.

For a very different type of scenic view, board a relaxing cruise aboard the Cape May Whale Watcher.

You might see some majestic beasts breaching the water. The company also offers sunset wine cruises and other special events.

The Washington Street Mall is definitely one of New Jersey's most quaint, charming shopping districts.

That's where you'll find Tisha's Fine Dining, our pick for the best restaurant in Cape May.

It serves a seasonal and acclaimed menu of New American cuisine that's the perfect finish for any culinary-minded visitor to Cape May.

The crowds have left the Asbury Park beaches, but they're still open for business - and so is the rest of the town.

The famous boardwalk is lined with stores, restaurants, and attractions. And from September 15th to May 15th, leashed dogs are allowed on the Boardwalk.

This is also where you'll find the world-famous Stone Pony, a popular music spot that played a key role in the rise of Bruce Springsteen.

Not into live music? Another popular spot on the Boardwalk is the Silverball Retro Arcade, a massive spot celebrating the classic pinball machine.

It's not the only oddball museum in town - closer to the train station, you'll find a paranormal bookstore that's home to a small museum offering private tours.

That's just across the street from one of New Jersey's best ice cream spots - Cookman Creamery, which features inventive specials of both dairy and plant-based ice cream daily.

The hottest spot for dining in Asbury Park is definitely the Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten, a massive German restaurant and party spot.

You'll definitely want to start your meal with a massive soft pretzel. When winter comes around and it gets too cold to dine on the roof, the restaurant features heated igloos.

The Asbury Park nightlife is just as lively heading into the offseason, and both locals and tourists can't wait to see what surprises are in store this year.

The Woodstown Central Railroad is debuting new experiences all the time, and this fall season may be the best yet.

The woods and hills surrounding Woodstown are alive with color this time of year, and there's no better way to see them than on board a restored old locomotive.

No matter which route you take, you're in for some amazing views - but these trips are really something special.

The Autumn Leaf Pumpkin Train, featuring stunning views of the Fenwick Creek, features pumpkin-picking and decorating, along with complimentary cider and donuts.

Fall Festival Train Rides, meanwhile, coincide with Woodstown Central holding an incredible street fair and take place aboard a 1930s restored passenger train with incredible views of the South Jersey countryside.

Either before or after you disembark, explore the hundreds of craft and food vendors lining the street.

No matter which excursion you choose, the Woodstown Central Railroad is the best way to experience this beautiful corner of New Jersey in all its fall glory.

The newest resiliency park in Hoboken has been transformed into a unique play area for all ages, and it's the newest urban attraction in Hoboken.

This green space is uniquely low-lying - a way to prevent floods in Hoboken by funneling floodwaters into specific spaces.

For for the other days of the year without heavy rains and overflow, it's the most creative playground in Hoboken.

The play areas feel more like unique modern art displays than standard equipment, and kids will have a ball.

The playground also has a natural feel that's rare to see in play areas these days - no garishly-colored plastic here!

This area is designed for kids of all ages, with a sand pit for the youngest and even a small rock climbing wall available for more adventurous kids.

And if the adults need to take a load off and have some lunch, there are plenty of benches and tables around the winding paths.

The park is also home to a world-class multi-purpose athletic field, so it's likely to be a heavily used park even as it serves its purpose of protecting Hoboken from floods.

Dennis Township is one of the most laid-back areas of Cape May County, known for its parks and historic architecture.

The mailing address is in Cape May Court House, but the residents are proud to lay claim to Marge's Diner - a quaint backroads restaurant with a sense of humor. That slogan of "Eat Here, Get Gas" certainly speaks for itself!

Inside, though, this diner doesn't feel like a classic Jersey diner - it feels more like a visit to an old country home, and the staff's personal touch adds to that.

This is a doggedly old-school place - you'll still find the breakfast and lunch specials written on a dry-erase board. The restaurant is only open 7 to 2.

For breakfast, dig into diner classics like omelets, toast, and those crispy-fried breakfast meats we all love.

Of course, if your breakfast tastes trend more sweet, Marge's Diner surprises with a wide variety of French Toast. This is bananas foster!

For lunch, the menu trends towards classic sandwiches and burgers, but no matter what you eat, you'll leave satisfied.

Highlands, NJ is one of the best small towns in New Jersey - often called one of the northern tips of the Jersey Shore.

It's also home to New Jersey's best Oktoberfest celebration, returning for its 22nd straight year this October 7th.

The core of this festival is an old-fashioned street fair, showing. off the bounty of the area and letting local vendors and craftsmen ply their wares.

Of course, it wouldn't be a fair without some of the classic fall treats we've all come to love, like hot apple cider.

But unlike your average street fair, there's a true old-world flair to some of the offering here, featuring German food booths and pickle carts.

You can also find small-batch craft booths, like this woodworker showing off what must be a year's worth of work in one place.

The fair is also home to an old-fashioned Steinholding competition - a test of will that involves holding a full stein of beer aloft for as long as possible. Who will be this year's champ?

If you're looking for a more filling meal, many local restaurants like Bahrs Landing usually offer special Oktoberfest menus featuring German classics like schnitzel and sauerbraten.