August is “Family Fun Month,” and two years ago, we highlighted great places around our Legislative District to visit. With the pandemic and fewer people willing to travel out-of-state, we once again thought we would share some great places to visit close to home right here in Burlington County.

• Alice Paul Institute at Paulsdale -128 Hooton Rd, Mt Laurel.It’s the 100th Anniversary of the 19thAmendment.  Did you know that a major player in the women’s suffrage movement was born in Mount Laurel? Paulsdale, a historical landmark and tourist attraction, was the birthplace and childhood home of Alice Paul, an American suffragist, feminist and women’s rights activist. While the home is not open for tours due to the pandemic, visitors are still welcome to visit the grounds to learn more about Alice Paul. www.alicepaul.org/visit

• Fishing at Strawbridge Lake– Haines Drive, Moorestown. What’s more relaxing than spending a day at the lake fishing? Get your fishing rod and bait and head to Moorestown’s Strawbridge Lake. Strawbridge Lake and Park, which was one of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal initiatives during the Great Depression, has fun for everyone. Also, the park has over 70 acres to walk, run, bike, play or picnic. Check it out.www.moorestown.nj.us/335/Parks-Playgrounds

• Palmyra Cove Nature Park - 1335 Route 73, Palmyra. Located on the southern tip of Burlington County, and just across from Philadelphia, is Palmyra’s Nature Cove Park. This 250-acre riverfront park features a bird sanctuary, ponds, trails and scenic viewpoints. (Please note the indoor environmental center is closed, but the park is open).  http://www.palmyracove.org 

• Amico Island Park, 81 Norman Avenue, Delran. Scenic like a Bob Ross painting. Amico Island Park in Delran is a 55-acre peninsula, located where the Rancocas Creek meets the Delaware River. It’s an ecological dream with its diverse collection of habitats and ecosystems, such as freshwater ponds, wetlands, meadows, and upland forests. Hike the trails, fish the waters, or go on a nature walk searching for deer, eagles and other wildlife (look for the blue herons.) http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/926/Amico-Island-Park

• Pennington Park, 801 Creek Rd, Delanco. One of the most beautiful landscapes of Burlington County, Pennington Park in Delanco hosts 140 acres of outdoor recreation for all to enjoy. Hike, bike or run the trail network. Play on the animal- and farm-themed playgrounds. Picnic and barbecue at the pavilions. There is literally something for everyone here. Open daily dawn to dusk. http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/943/Pennington-Park

• Revell House, 213 Wood Street, Burlington City. Did you know the oldest building in Burlington County is in our legislative district? The Revell House, which is more than 330 years old, is not only the oldest building in Burlington County, it is one of the oldest homes in New Jersey. It was built in 1685, owned by Thomas Revell and visited by Benjamin Franklin who, legend has it, bought gingerbread there – hence the name “Gingerbread House.” Franklin even wrote about it in his journal. This is one of the many historic properties in Burlington. http://www.tourburlington.org/SeeSites26-30.html

• Clara Barton Schoolhouse, 142 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown. Before the kids go back to school in September, bring them to one of the first public schools in New Jersey – the Clara Barton Schoolhouse in Bordentown. Clara Barton was not only the founder of the American Red Cross but a leader in the free public education movement here in New Jersey. Here you can see the historic one-room schoolhouse she started in 1852 with just six students. https://bordentownhistory.org/Current_Exhibits/ClaraBarton/index.html

If you’ re looking for a “to-do list” during the coronavirus pandemic, our area has a variety of possibilities.  We are blessed to live in an area that proffers attractions that we are either unaware of or add to the “will-do list” that never happens. Most of us are guilty of this benign neglect or indifference. 

I’m an optimist, and if ever there was a time to consider visiting a new attraction, this is it. Also, if you view my suggestions from a practical viewpoint, a staycation in the 7th Legislative District if easier, closer, less costly, and arguably safer than traveling far afield. Plus, you’ll have fun, which is the entire reason for a vacation or staycation.

That’s my take, what’s yours?