Popcorn Park Named A Hidden Gem To Visit In 2023

FORKED RIVER, NJ — New Jersey is full of wonderful sights and places to visit, and a travel site has put together a list of the magnificent hidden gems residents should visit in 2023, and Popcorn Park Animal Refuge made the list.

Only In Your State listed 12 different spots statewide to visit each month, and they recommend visiting Popcorn Park in May.

"This zoo isn't your usual animal exhibit - it's a certified animal sanctuary, and all the animals here have been deemed unreleasable," the travel site wrote. "You'll find everything from big cats to peacocks to tiny lemurs here!"

Popcorn Park, which celebrated its 45th anniversary this past year, began in Sept. 1977 when a raccoon, named Rigby, came into AHS care after getting injured by a leghold trap. Due to his injuries, he could not be released back into the wild, and the Popcorn Park Animal Refuge was born.

In the years since, the refuge has grown to house more than 200 rescued animals and a popular spot for those all across Ocean County to visit.

Whether Popcorn Park is a frequent visit for you or you've never been, you should make time to visit this great hidden gem this year.

Only In Your State also recently shouted out another local hidden gem - Lucille's Luncheonette in Warren Grove.