Slamwich Scratch Kitchen: Locally Sourced, Crafted with Passion

By Taylor Smith 

Slamwich Scratch Kitchen at 143 Main Street in Madison, N.J., was founded by Sam Freund and George Braun IV with the intent of perfecting the American craft of a handmade sandwich. Armed with the passion and understanding of what a delicatessen should be, the two founders pride themselves on making everything from scratch, including the cured pastrami, house bread, pickles, and condiments. The sandwiches are elevated enough, in terms of quality and taste profile, that Slamwich is actually a fantastic spot for a night out.  more

Glow Meditation and Yoga Studio in Basking Ridge

By Taylor Smith 

A comfy studio located at 580 Allen Road in Basking Ridge, Glow offers yoga and Pilates classes for all levels, plus special wall-suspension therapeutics.  more

Early Bird Espresso: Beloved Coffee Stop in Frenchtown

By Taylor Smith 

Located at 33 Bridge Street in historic Frenchtown, Early Bird Espresso has grown into a beloved coffee stop, particularly among the cycling community. With long daily hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Early Bird is seemingly always open for a quick pick-me-up. Early Bird’s roaster, Counter Culture (a very chocolate-driven, nutty brew), is complemented by Trickling Springs Creamery, a premium organic and non-GMO dairy in Chambersburg, Pa. more

Be Wary of Ticks as Temperatures Rise

By Taylor Smith 

Summertime in New Jersey is cause for celebration, and the warmer temperatures and bucolic surroundings encourage many residents to venture outdoors. The Mercer and Hunterdon county areas are home to state parks, meadows, fields, untouched forests, and a vast trail system tracing the Delaware River. However, one thing to be conscious of is the plethora of ticks.  more

Wave Resort Now Open in Long Branch

By Taylor Smith 

Located on the Jersey Shore, Long Branch is a happening place with close proximity to New York City, NJ Transit trains, and Northern New Jersey. New to the area is Wave Resort, an extension of the recently-built Pier Village, which has become a shopping and dining hub for day trippers. Located at 110 Ocean Avenue, Wave Resort is a hotel and upscale spa. Visitors can lounge on the pool deck and take in expansive views of the Atlantic. There is also a swim-up bar and an upscale Mediterranean-inspired restaurant known as 1000 Ocean.  more

David Gray at Count Basie Center June 5

By Taylor Smith 

David Gray’s Gold in a Brass Age tour will come to Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on Wednesday, June 5 at 8 p.m.  more

Lego Introduces Braille Bricks

By Taylor Smith 

Lego, the classic children’s brick-building company, has announced the release of customized bricks designed to help children who are blind or visually impaired to learn to read Braille.  more

2019 Spring Lake Irish Festival

By Taylor Smith 

The celebrated 2019 Spring Lake Irish Festival will take place on Saturday, June 15 from noon to 5 p.m. Affectionately dubbed the “Jersey Shore’s Irish Riviera” for its history of Irish culture and immigration, Spring Lake is the spot for this annual event featuring live music, dancing, food, children’s activities, and shopping. Traditions like the Irish Soda Bread Contest, beer and wine garden, and Irish step dancers are favorites. This year’s musical acts are The Snakes and Doubting Toms.  more

Vaccines for Adults – What You Need to Know

By Taylor Smith 

The recent measles outbreak has sparked much discussion over vaccinations, particularly as they apply to children. What some people may not realize is that there are a variety of vaccines recommended for adults as well. Childhood vaccines wear off over time and factors like your age, job, lifestyle, and degree of travel can indicate an increased risk for certain preventable diseases. And the CDC states that older, hospitalized adults have immune systems similar to newborn babies, making them particularly vulnerable to infections.  more

The BirthPlace at Holy Name Medical Center: This Place is Different

By Taylor Smith 

The BirthPlace at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck is designed to help expectant families feel safe, informed, and comforted about their birth experience. Moms are welcome to bring their doulas, and certified nurse-midwives are on staff. Holy Name’s board-certified obstetricians/gynecologists, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, perinatologists, and neonatologists are available on-site 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Birthing partners are also welcome to spend the night and flexible visiting hours include family and friends.  more

Academic Summer Camps at Rutgers Prep

By Taylor Smith 

Rutgers Preparatory School is a distinguished private school in Somerset, N.J. Each summer, the school offers a series of academic camps. The International Ivy Summer Programs for ages 5-14 will take place July 8-August 16. Half-day offerings are available from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 5 p.m. A full-day option takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  more

Vegan Cinnamon Roll Bakery Opens in Westfield

By Taylor Smith 

With over 20 unique frosting flavors and a variety of fresh and decadent toppings, Cinnaholic is not your average cinnamon roll dessert shop. As seen on ABC’s hit TV show Shark Tank, all of Cinnaholic’s products are made with 100 percent plant-based ingredients and are dairy and lactose free, egg free, and cholesterol free.  more

Plan a Family Day Trip to Crayola Experience

By Taylor Smith 

Crayola Experience, located at 30 Centre Square in Easton, Pa., is dedicated to fostering creativity in children (and adults) of all ages. Crayons, markers, and chalk in every hue can be used to create one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Coloring life-size pages and molding clay are also part of the interactive craft room experience.  more

Stagedoor Manor: Camp for Aspiring Young Actors

By Taylor Smith 

Stagedoor Manor in Loch Sheldrake, N.Y., offers total theater immersion for campers ages 10-18. It’s the only performing arts camp of its type, whether your child envisions themselves on the television screen or in the movies. Its noteworthy alumni include Jon Cryer, Mandy Moore, Natalie Portman, and Zach Braff.  more

Pingry School Introduces its Next Head of School

By Taylor Smith 

Pingry School in Short Hills and Basking Ridge, N.J., has announced the selection of Matt Levinson as its 16th head of school. Levinson began his career in education at Princeton Day School and was active in summer programs at New Jersey SEEDS and Prep for Prep. Most recently, Levinson served as head of school at University Prep in Seattle, Washington, and held senior leadership positions at Marin Country Day School and The Nueva School, both in the San Francisco Bay Area. Within the classroom, Levinson has taught middle and upper school history, coached upper school varsity soccer, and served as department chair and grade level dean.  more

Central New Jersey Brain Tumor Walk, May 11

By Taylor Smith

The Central New Jersey Brain Tumor Walk on Saturday, May 11 at Bradley Park in Asbury Park is an event to raise awareness and resources to fund critical brain tumor-specific programs to improve the lives of all those affected by brain tumors.  more

Seton Hall University to Offer M.S. in Data Science

By Taylor Smith

Launching in the fall of 2019, Seton Hall University’s College of Arts and Sciences will offer a Master of Science in data science. The data science program encompasses coursework in statistics, computer science, and applied mathematics. Data scientists are currently in high demand for their knowledge and understanding of business needs, analytics, computer science, and systems engineering. more

76th Annual Tour of Somerville

By Taylor Smith 

On May 27, more than 500 professional and amateur cyclists will gather to compete in the 76th Annual Tour of Somerville at Davenport and Main streets in Somerville, N.J. Held rain or shine, the historic event is the oldest bike race in the country. Over 50 U.S. Cycling Hall of Fame inductees have participated in the race, along with Tour de France champion Greg LeMond.  more

Peloton Tread: A High-End Treadmill with Bells and Whistles

By Taylor Smith 

The makers of the Peloton indoor cycling bike have a new model on the market — the Peloton Tread. Unlike the bike, the Tread is a hulking piece of fitness equipment with a hefty price tag of $179 per month for 24 months or a one-time payment of $4,295. More than just a standard treadmill, the engineers behind the Peloton brand are hoping that users of the bike will opt in to purchasing the Tread because of the personalized coaching and virtual reality community experience.  more

Sports-Related Concussions in Children and Youths

By Taylor Smith 

Summertime means more outdoor time for children and teens, and sports camps are a popular way to fill that free time. While exercise and play are an important part of every child’s development, it’s important for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of sports-related concussions.  more

The Best Bagel in Chatham Township

By Taylor Smith 

Chatham Bagels at 260 Main Street in charming Chatham, N.J., has many things going for it. 

In terms of quality, area residents state that the bagel shop rivals the best bagels in New York City. The shop is known for its huge bagels and chewy, satisfying texture. All bagels are made fresh in-house daily, so there is never a question of whether or not you will be able to purchase a hot bagel early in the morning. The gluten-free bagels have also won over fans, with many people stopping at the shop from neighboring towns to get their favorite wheat-free bagel fix.  more

Industry Salon in the Heart of Red Bank

By Taylor Smith 

Industry Salon, located at 20 Broad Street in Red Bank, NJ, is making a name for itself in the fashion and beauty worlds. 

Owner and master colorist Giana Martino grew up in Monmouth County’s Marlboro, NJ and dreamed of entering into the family business of one day owning her own salon. Specializing in bridal looks, Martino’s work has been featured in Vogue Magazine, London Sunday Times, looks by Yves St Laurent, and the talent and modeling agency, Wilhelmina Models.  more

Destination: Middletown, NJ

By Taylor Smith 

Many neighborhoods, one Middletown!

The sprawling township of Middletown borders the Monmouth County communities of Atlantic Highlands, Colts Neck Township, Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Red Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright and Tinton Falls. The Sandy Hook peninsula is also within Middletown Township, though it is not connected to the township by land, but can be accessed along Raritan Bay by boat.  more

The Met Cloisters in NYC’s Fort Tryon Park

By Taylor Smith 

Step back in time to Medieval Europe while remaining in Manhattan? Yes, it’s possible. Just plan a trip to The Met Cloisters in Washington Heights’ Fort Tryon Park. North of the Bronx, The Cloisters is perched on a very high overlooking the neighborhood of Inwood and offering sweeping views of New Jersey’s Palisades, specifically the cliffs of Fort Lee and Englewood.  more

NJIT’s B.A. in Digital Design Spans Disciplines

By Taylor Smith 

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is frequently recognized as one of the nation’s top public colleges for animation, as noted in the 2019 Animation School Ranking published by Animation Career Review. 

Central to this distinction is NJIT’s B.A. in digital design with two tracks: entertainment and interactive media/production. Both programs offer undergraduate students experience in character design, color and composition, game modification, acting for animators, character development, and technology.  more

NutriDrips: IV Supplement Therapies

By Taylor Smith 

Intravenous (IV) nutrient infusions have long been available at hospitals and holistic wellness centers as a means of replenishing the body’s essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and electrolytes. Now, IV therapy is being used as a general wellness therapy in urban centers around the country, including New York City’s own NutriDrip (www.nutridrip.com). With locations in the East Village, Flatiron District, and Midtown East, NutriDrip’s DripLounges provide visitors with a liquid boost that can help to restore physical well-being and boost brain function.  more

Downtown Dental Opens on North Avenue in Westfield

By Taylor Smith 

Downtown Dental has opened a brand-new facility at 219 North Avenue West in Westfield, N.J. Under the direction of Dr. Paul Zhivago, Downtown Dental offers regular check-ups, cleanings, cosmetic evaluations, extensive restoration, and surgical work.  more

Can Technology Be Used to Improve Mental Health?

By Taylor Smith 

Most people use some form of technology throughout the day. Whether it’s listening to music, ordering an Uber, booking a dinner reservation, or responding to emails. Have you ever thought that those apps on your phone could be used to improve mental health? Below are some specific apps that can be used for potentially improving thoughts, feelings, sleep, and general happiness levels.  more

Summer Opening Set for Asbury Ocean Club Hotel

By Taylor Smith 

The official opening of the Jersey Shore’s new luxury boutique hotel, Asbury Ocean Club, is slated for summer 2019. Set in fun-loving Asbury Park, the 54-key oceanfront property will offer impressive amenities including an ocean-view pool and deck; 24-hour concierge and a beach bellperson for each guest; floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest rooms, which also feature expansive terraces with views of the Atlantic Ocean; a pampering spa; and state-of-the-art Technogym-equipped fitness center.  more

Six Things to Do Around North Jersey This Spring

Photo Credit: @smorgasburg

By Taylor Smith 

Spring is upon us, which means more sunshine, longer days, flowers blooming, and the desire to get out and explore! The North Jersey area offers a roster full of spring happenings, from foodie adventures to shopping opportunities and the celebration of nature. Here are a few to check out. Time to mark your calendar! more