Consignment shops across the Garden State are teeming with treasures. Photo by Rebecca Handler; styling by Susan Brierly Bush; hair & makeup by Sharon Royce; wardrobe & jewelry courtesy of Duet Curated Consignment in Livingston (Dolce & Gabbana dress, Prada purse, Piero Milano earrings).

We’ve got the best of everything here in the Garden State­—great shops and terrific venues for sports, theater and all types of leisure.

But let’s face it, all of this comes at a price, and we are Jerseyans—we love a bargain.

Here are our top picks to help you enjoy it all for less.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Check Out Local Spa Deals and Specials

Kick back for a day of indulgence at Elements Spa at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg. Photo courtesy of Elements Spa

Start 2023 off on a relaxing note. | READ

CULTURE

Enjoy Free and Discounted Events

“Transformed Objects Reimagined by American Artists” is one of the exhibits you can see for free at the Montclair Art Museum on the first Thursday of every month. Photo courtesy of Peter Jacobs

Snag deals on concerts, museum admission and more. | READ

Build a Great Art Collection on a Budget

Check out local galleries to see the work of emerging artists, such as this one by Nadia Liz Estela. Photo courtesy of Nadia Liz Estela

To outsiders, art collecting can seem mystifying, an unfamiliar terrain inhabited exclusively by the uber-wealthy and those to the manor born. But being an art collector need not require deep pockets. Here are some strategies to get started. | READ

Mark Your Calendar for NJ’s 2023 Restaurant Weeks

Plan a visit to the Sushi Loft at Red Horse in Rumson during Jersey Shore Restaurant Week. Photo courtesy of Red Horse/John Vitollo

Eating out is fun. Paying less than full price for terrific food makes it more so. Town-wide restaurant weeks are a great way to do that. | READ

SHOPPING

Visit NJ’s Best Thrift and Consignment Shops

This Livingston mainstay offers luxurious items for a fraction of the cost. Photo courtesy of Duet Curated Consignment

Bargains await the clever shopper willing to do a little legwork to find the best deals. If you’re ready to navigate the world of more-for-less shopping, explore consignment shops and thrift stores. | READ

Get More Bling for Your Buck

Before your next jewelry hunt, heed this advice from local shop owners. Photo courtesy of Ward Vintage

“Hunting for vintage jewelry is a thrill,” says Jennifer Ward, owner of Ward Vintage in Bernardsville. “Some of the best costume-jewelry brands were founded by people who had worked for Cartier, Harry Winston and other great designers. A piece doesn’t have to be signed for it to be of quality. If you find something that speaks to you, get it.” | READ

SPORTS & PLAY

Save on Sports and Leisure Activities

Rent a luxury car, get season tickets for less and more. | READ

Enjoy Eco-Friendly Options

Programs like Charge Up New Jersey offer incentives for clean driving. Photo: Shutterstock/Zviahintsev Denis

Take advantage of local incentives for clean driving, renewable energy and more. | READ

Find Tee-Riffic Savings at Local Golf Courses

Take advantage of weekday and twilight rates at Heron Glen in Ringoes. Photo courtesy of Heron Glen Golf Course

NJ abounds in great public and semi-private golf courses. | READ

REAL ESTATE

Buy our January 2023 issue here. Cover photo by Rebecca Handler

Consider Property in Atlantic City

For those who dream of owning a slice of the pie at the Jersey Shore but believe it’s unattainable, don’t forget Atlantic City. Not only are condos and homes affordable, but it’s one of the few cities in the country where properties can be purchased for less now than in 2005. Move quickly, since AC is being developed by some of the same heavy hitters that revitalized Asbury Park. —Ed Condran

Check Out Condos in Weehawken

Somehow, the charming city on the Hudson is under the radar. Weehawken is an easy ferry, bus or Uber from Manhattan, and it’s more affordable than Hoboken and Jersey City. —EC

GETAWAYS

Take Advantage of Winter in AC

Check out the Borgata Hotel and Casino’s off-season pricing in Atlantic City. Photo courtesy of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Rooms in Atlantic City go for more than $500 a night during the summer. If you don’t care about the beach breezes during the balmy dog days, why not indulge during the off-season? Rooms at the Borgata go for around $100. A night at the Tropicana is $48. There are also an array of deals at various casino restaurants during the off-season. And don’t forget to consult our roundup of AC’s best restaurants. —EC

Save at the Jersey Shore

Already yearning for a trip to the Shore? Working directly with an agent is one of the best ways to cut costs because there are no hidden fees, says James Ward, a broker associate at Shore Points Vacations in Point Pleasant Beach. Book early, as prices may go up as inventory goes down. Renters can also save 20–25 percent by booking during summer’s shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall). —Falyn Stempler

EXPERT ADVICE

Effectively Make New Year’s Resolutions

“Nothing helps achieve a bigger goal like achieving a small goal,” says life coach Allison Task. Photo courtesy of Donna Dotan

Making a resolution this year? “Be realistic and give yourself some grace,” says Montclair-based career and life coach Allison Task, author of the self-help book Personal (R)evolution. | READ

Save Money as a Garden State Resident

Here are a few practical tips for Garden State residents. Photo: Shutterstock/Pickadook

It may sound like an oxymoron, but there are some ways to save while living in New Jersey. We asked Roger Moss, an advisor with the Montville Financial Group, how Garden State residents can keep a little more of their hard-earned green. | READ

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