Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Tapping into the multitude of tourism assets available for visitors to the New Jersey Highlands region, the Highlands Council has launched a new website as part of its Highlands region branding effort. The site, enjoynjhighlands.com, is the culmination of a multiyear project focused on increasing economic sustainability in the Highlands region.  

“A core responsibility of the Highlands Council is to ensure economic sustainability along with environmental protection in this region,” explains Ben Spinelli, Executive Director of the Highlands Council. “We know that nearly 18 million people visit the region each year and that ecotourism and agritourism are already powerful economic drivers. Providing a place where visitors can see the ‘big picture’ of this region will only strengthen the tourism economy in the region.”

Enjoynjhighlands.com offers visitors multiple routes into information. Whether you want to explore by interest – such as history, hiking, or dining – or by county – Bergen, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex or Warren – or if you already have a single activity in mind like visiting a particular vineyard or attending an event and want to explore nearby lodging or other activities, enjoynjhighlands has you covered. There are themed itineraries and tips for building customized experiences. 

“For many years residents and visitors to the region have remarked about the tourism potential of the New Jersey Highlands, and I’m really grateful to the tourism and economic development professionals throughout the region who have been working with the Highlands Council to help us maximize these opportunities through a regional brand,” explains Maryjude Haddock-Weiler, Planning Manager for the Highlands Council who leads economic sustainability efforts for the Council. “The enjoynjhighlands.com website brings together all the amazing agrotourism, ecotourism, historical and cultural opportunities that exist across the Highlands region in one central online location.”

The enjoynjhighlands.com website leverages a new regional brand identity developed by national place branding and marketing firm North Star. Working under the direction of Haddock-Weiler and guided by input from representatives of all seven Highlands Counties, the firm created a regional logo and the tagline, you never Knew Jersey. County representatives helped populate the site, which also offers an “Add to the Adventure” link and form so business owners and individuals can suggest additions to the content.

“Those who live, play and work in the New Jersey Highlands already know how special the region is,” says Highlands Council Chairman Carl Richko. “Now that the region has a unified identity it’s time for us to share it far and wide. The Council is truly thrilled to be facilitating connection between visitors and Highlands businesses.” 

The New Jersey Highlands region is a scenic and diverse area, encompassing 88 municipalities in parts of seven counties in northern New Jersey. More than 70% of New Jersey residents get some or all of their drinking water from the Highlands, including 8 out of every 10 people living in a designated Overburdened Community. The Highlands Council is a regional planning agency established in 2004 with the passage of the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act and charged with protection of the region. More information is available at www.nj.gov/njhighlands.