Skiing, Skydiving & Surprising Adventures in New Jersey: Travels with Darley in Hudson County & The Meadowlands

Written By Darley Newman

Interested in cool adventures just outside of NYC! We’ve got some for you! Season 13 of Travels with Darley, features a special episode with adventures and experiences just outside of New York City in Hudson County and The Meadowlands, and we’re sharing where you can go to enjoy these experiences in New Jersey, below.

Darley Newman explores adventure, global flavors, rich history, and some of the best views of Lady Liberty in Hudson County and the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Just minutes from Manhattan, the area offers world-class experiences, diverse culture, and remarkable natural landscapes. Read below to learn about some of the adventures and scroll down further for a rundown of each location where you can enjoy these adventures.

Skiing in a Mall & Skydiving Indoors

The adventure begins with Darley skiing inside American Dream at Big SNOW in East Rutherford. This year-round indoor ski slope delivers real snow and real excitement—right in the middle of a massive shopping and entertainment complex.

Next, Darley experiences indoor skydiving at iFly in Paramus, where she embraces the wind tunnel with wide-eyed enthusiasm. It’s an adrenaline-fueled moment that sets the tone for the episode’s many surprises.

A Taste of Bangladesh in Jersey City

In Jersey City, Darley visits Korai Kitchen to dive into authentic Bangladeshi cuisine. The dishes are homemade, rich with tradition, and reflect the cultural vibrancy of the community. As James Dievler from Jersey City’s Apple Tree House explains, this region is “a global intermingling of people… represented here then and now,” and the food truly embodies that diversity.

Some of the Best Vantage Points of the Statue of Liberty

Along the waterfront of Jersey City, Darley discovers some of the most striking views of the Statue of Liberty—an iconic New York City experience made even more special from the New Jersey side.

To get even closer, Darley departs from Liberty State Park for a ferry ride to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Joined by National Park Ranger Matt Housch, she climbs the winding interior stairs of Lady Liberty to the platform just below the crown, where the sweeping views of New York Harbor offer a breathtaking payoff.

Shark Encouters & Walking Through History

At SEA LIFE Aquarium, Darley gets up close to sharks and other exotic fish, learning more about their habitats and conservation at American Dream.

In Hoboken, she explores local history, from architectural gems to stories of early immigrants. Hoboken’s compact size makes it ideal for discovering surprising layers of the past with the Hoboken Historical Museum.

Nature in the Meadowlands—A Restored Landscape

The Meadowlands reveal yet another unexpected side of New Jersey. Once dominated by landfills, the area has been transformed into vibrant wetlands and wildlife habitat. With local experts as guides, Darley explores this restored landscape, spotting birdlife and witnessing how environmental revitalization is breathing new life into the region.

Cheese Workouts & “Wow” Moments

From memorable food stops to a humorous cheese workout with Vinnie Morelli, the episode is packed with fun and flavor. At one point, Darley calls a scene “a wow moment,” and Brian Murray replies, “It is a wow moment”—a line that perfectly sums up the energy of the journey while in Jersey City's William J. Brennan Courthouse, where murals abound.

A Region Full of Energy, History & Heart

Hudson County and The Meadowlands shine as an accessible, dynamic destination just across the river from Manhattan. From skiing and skydiving to global cuisine, waterfront views, wildlife, and iconic landmarks, the region offers travelers unexpected adventures and deep cultural connections.

Your Guide to Things to Do Outside of NYC in Hudson County & The Meadowlands:

Adventure

Food

  • Korai Kitchen James Beard nominated Bangladeshi cuisine(Jersey City)

  • Vinnie’s Mootz for mozzarella making (Lyndhurst)

  • Robongi Sushi Grab a bite as you take the ferry back to Manhattan(Weehawken)

  • Blue Eyes See the Frank Sinatra statue outside and great views (Hoboken)

History & Culture

Environment / Nature

Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island

  • Statue City Cruises for tickets to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island (via Jersey City)

This episode of Travels with Darley showcases the history, environment, and heartbeat of Hudson County and the Meadowlands—one surprise after another. Watch for it on your local PBS TV station as part of Season 13 of Travels with Darley.

Thank you to our Season 13 sponsors of “Travels with Darley,” which includes Hudson County and Meadowlands Live, who received funding through a grant provided by the NJ Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism. Learn more about what to see and do in these areas on their websites.

Darley Newman
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