Anyone who has eaten a fresh Jersey tomato knows that the fruit (or vegetable, for those skeptics) is in a different league from the unripe, oxidized ones shipped in from California.

Seen in: Jersey Living

If you were playing word-association, “cherry blossoms” would probably be answered with “Washington, D.C.” Not so fast. Every April, Essex County’s Branch Brook Park in Newark and Belleville, can rival the capital’s Tidal Basin during its own Cherry Blossom Festival. And unlike D.C., New Jersey’s pink-petal oasis is planted in a naturalistic way resembling the trees’ appearance in their native Japan.

Seen in: Best Of Jersey

As the top-ranked junior tennis player in the country, Kristie Ahn has won countless matches, including those that secured her USTA National Spring Championship and Junior Fed Cup last year. But it was actually in one of her rare defeats that this 16-year-old from Upper Saddle River found the most joy.

Seen in: Best Of Jersey

Pack up the winter clothes, clean out the garage, and scrub those windowsills. It is spring cleaning time, which is good for your closets and floors, but not always for your air, watershed, or planet.

Seen in: Jersey Living

It is the hometown of Zach Braff, Lauryn Hill, and Kevin Spacey, ultimate Frisbee was created at its high school, and native Elisabeth Shue returned here to film Gracie.

Seen in: Day Trips, Towns & Schools

Joining the Lake Hopatcong scene is not difficult, as many businesses provide access and entertainment.

Seen in: Jersey Living

The Puppini Sisters performed at the South Orange Performing Arts Center, bringing their retro sound from London to Jersey. Best of New Jersey - New Jersey Monthly

Seen in: From the Editors

With hundreds of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs dotting the New Jersey countryside, there is no shortage of freshwater opportunities across the state. Here are some of our favorite water holes to explore.

Seen in: Jersey Living, Outdoors

Lake Hopatcong’s heyday as a resort is a thing of the past, but it remains a great escape for residents and day-trippers seeking refreshment and relaxation.

Seen in: Jersey Living, Outdoors

Forget Shaq. The most groundbreaking basketball star to come out of New Jersey is Cranford’s own Carol Blazejowski.

Seen in: Jersey Celebrities, Jersey Living