Check out the best VRBO rentals in New Jersey

If you're planning your summer vacation right now but don't want to venture too far from home, New Jersey offers some really cool rentals that might surprise you.

When we think of a vacation in our state, we usually think of the Shore or maybe camping in the Pine Barrens.

Photo Credit: VRBO

Well, if you look on VRBO website you'll find some options that you probably didn't consider.

The website tripsdiscover.com found 15 of the best rentals in the state. Options from the beach to the woods, the mountain and even a riverfront apartment with a beautiful view of the Delaware from the deck.

Photo from VRBO

While we're on the Delaware, you might want to check out the Milford House in Milford.

It helps to know before you go when it comes to some towns. The pictures might look cozy, but the town might be a little sketchier than the photo might indicate. Very few people have heard of Villas, New Jersey, but you might want to take a ride on a weekend before you book anywhere you're not familiar with. No offense intended, Villas.

Photo from VRBO

If you've never been to Hoboken and want to check it out and maybe take a quick jaunt over to Manhattan, there's a great two-bedroom apartment in the historic one square mile city.

If you find a shore town option, it's a good idea to click on the map feature if you hoping to be close to the beach. Most of us are creatures of habit and we like what we know, but there's a lot more to Jersey than just the shore. Maybe this summer is the time to check out something new.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Dennis Malloy only.

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2022 Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge photos

More than 6,000 people took the plunge into the Atlantic Ocean on Feb. 26, 2022 to raise more than $2 million for the Special Olympics New Jersey.

Best coffee shops & cafes near NJ beaches

When it comes to food, New Jersey is known for many things such as pizza and pork roll. Don't count us out when it comes to coffee.

With all the hustle and bustle involved in the average New Jersey resident's day, coffee is essential. It doesn't matter whether you're living in the cities of North Jersey or the vacation spots at the shore.

In fact, as the former owner of two Jersey shore coffee houses, Coffee Dot Comedy in Sea Isle City and the Daily Grind in Ocean Grove, I know firsthand how much people at the Jersey shore love their coffee.

With respect to that, I asked my social media following where the best coffee houses at the Jersey Shore were, especially since my two places no longer exist.

Below is what they came up with. (And see this other article for their coffee shop and cafe recommendations for Central Jersey.)