Jersey's coolest museum in the great outdoors

Upon entering the visitor reception center, an accommodating receptionist offered to map out a path through the extensive grounds. He spoke with such enthusiasm - pointing out points of interest like the amphitheatre, works inspired by Manet and Monet, and sculptures incorporated into the landscape - that he made us more excited, too.

Before exploring, though, we watched a video in the reception center to learn about the park's history.

The purpose of Grounds For Sculpture (GFS), established in 1992 by J. Seward Johnson of Johnson and Johnson, is to make sculpture more accessible to the public. Because the artwork is displayed outside instead of in the traditional, clinical setting of many museums, the natural setting influences and enhances each piece. The works take on a lively, dynamic quality with the effects of ever-changing lighting, seasons, greenery and time. GFS serves a dual purpose as an in-park art display and as a serious garden and arboretum.

Perhaps it is appropriate to again make a disclaimer: We are not art buffs, nor will we probably ever be. We did not visit GFS to critically appraise the sculptures, which are only a small part of the site's appeal. Instead, we wanted to get away from campus and escape to somewhere new and refreshing, which is precisely what GFS turned out to be.

Setting out in the expansive landscape, we immediately discovered that it was easiest not to follow a designated path. Wandering is valued at GFS, for it is through walking aimlessly that one stumbles across the park's hidden treasures, such as the "If It Were Time" sculpture, crafted by Johnson based on the Monet painting "Terrace at Sainte-Adresse" and nestled among the trees.

Moving along, we reached the serene oasis of Lotus Pond. As we sat on the heavy stone benches by the water listening to the '20s jazz emanating from speakers and gazing at the ducks lazily making their way through the water, we were struck by an epiphany. It would be freaking awesome to be proposed to here. No, really: Guys, if you want to do something cute and romantic for your girl, take her here. Even if you don't propose, she'll probably still want to marry you.

On a more serious note, the sheer quantity of art and nature to enjoy can be overwhelming, so one leisurely trip might not be enough. One could visit GFS hundreds of times and have a different experience each time. Among other works, we viewed the "Depression Bread Line," the second of seven castings of George Segal's famous life-size depiction of a common 1930s scene. We were further impressed by Johnson's bronze and aluminum creation "Were You Invited?" a sculpture combining Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party" and portraits of Johnson, Red Grooms and two other sculptors overlooking the lake near Rat's Restaurant. There was even "Lintel," a sculpture by Emilie Brzezinski resembling the pi symbol: fun for art fans and math majors alike.

Inside, we browsed the Toad Hall Shop and Gallery, which offers intricate jewels, trinkets and wine bottles. Near the gallery is Rat's, one of the best-received restaurants in the area.

Leaving GFS, we were both surprised by how much we had gleaned from our visit. We would recommend this day trip to anyone who enjoys art and nature or is simply stressed and wants a break from the Orange Bubble. GFS is about a 20-minute drive from campus and costs $8 for students.

Once at GFS, the freedom of art is all yours, whether you want to attend concerts by the Japanese maple trees, participate in the year-round classes and workshops or relax on the gazebo's observation deck. We didn't leave Grounds For Sculpture as newly transformed art buffs or with marriage proposals in hand, but who knows? You might!