December 2018: Cover Search

This year, for the first time, we invited our readers to contribute their photographic vision to our depiction of the Garden State. Partnering with Unique Photo of Fairfield, we launched a contest, open to amateurs, students and professionals residing in the state. The challenge: Create a photograph, shot in New Jersey, striking enough to command the cover of this month’s issue. All winning photos were featured in the issue. Plus: Exploring New Jersey’s holiest sites, how service dogs help owners with disabilities, and more!

View more back issues

Cover Contest Winners

Cover Search 2018: The Winners

As smart as cameras are today, there is one thing they can’t do: see. The thrill of these superb pictures arises from the skill and intuition of the passionate people behind the lens.

Read more

Features

Sacred Spaces: Visiting 12 of NJ’s Holiest Sites

Reflecting the state’s panoply of world religions, treasured sites welcome and inspire strangers as well as congregants. We visited 12, from awesome to austere. Here they are, in alphabetical order.

Read more

Dan Barry Takes Deep Dives into Unseen Lives

Gathered in a new book, Dan Barry’s New York Times columns create a compelling portrait of Americans at their best and dealing with the worst.

Read more

Can-Do Canines Give Individuals with Disabilities More Independence

Special training has increased the ways service dogs help owners with disabilities lead more independent lives.

Read more

Seeking the Right Service Dog Trainer

What to know when you’re on the hunt for a service dog trainer.

Read more

Food & Drink

Craveable Crossroad: Central + Main in Madison

Leia Gaccione’s second place named for cross streets elevates the intersection of familiar and amazing.

Read more

Tasty New Life For An Old Storefront: Broadmoor in Lambertville

After running Rick’s in Lambertville for 13 years, chef Alex Cormier thought he was done with restaurants until his business partner pulled him back in. Together they reinvented the Broadmoor, a long-shuttered Lambertville institution.

Read more

Stop Throwing Away Food. Yes, You!

About 40 percent of all food produced in the United States goes to waste. Jersey chefs and the state are tackling the problem. You can, too, with tasty results.

Read more

Carlos Ruiz Returns to Iron Shaker, Wins Competition

The annual Iron Shaker cocktail competition, held at the House of Independents in Asbury Park, was a spirited affair.

Read more

Baijiu: China’s Potent—and Pungent—Export

Baijiu is the best-selling liquor on earth (largely because of the number of people who consume it in its native China). Its aroma is super-funky, and that’s a good thing. At 100-to-120 proof, it’s not to be trifled with. But this ancient spirit can definitely be enjoyed.

Read more

Garden Variety

Breaking Grounds Serves Coffee for a Cause

In Mount Holly, a coffee shop that brews workplace skills for developmentally disabled adults.

Read more

Something to Grab Onto: Spotlight on Bergen Volunteer Center

From installing stability rails for seniors to helping with grocery shopping, the Bergen Volunteer Center is hands-on.

Read more

Joshua Dela Cruz, the New Host of Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues

The New Milford native stars in the reboot of the beloved childrens television show with a new name: Blue’s Clues & You.

Read more

Sister on the Run

Sister Mary Elizabeth Lloyd of the Religious Teachers Filippini rises at 4:30 most days to get in a run before morning prayer and Mass. At 69, the sister still competes in long-distance runs for charity and to call attention to her favorite causes, although her pace has slowed to an 11-minute mile.

Read more

Rescue Ranch

Saving animals’ lives gave Goats of Anarchy farm founder Leanne Lauricella’s life new purpose.

Read more

A Daughter’s Love, Her Mother’s Words

A Teaneck resident fulfills her late mother’s dream by publishing a book of her work, “H is for Haiku: A Treasury of Haiku from A to Z.”

Read more

Home & Garden

A Craftsman Christmas in Parsippany

An historic home in Parsippany is the perfect setting for the holidays.

Read more

Stylephile

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Trifles & Treasures

Want to surprise that special someone with unusual, unexpected gifts? Our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide is full of fun and festive ideas.

Read more

15 Last-Minute Holiday Finds

Time’s running out for holiday shopping! Don’t worry, we did the gift searching for you and found 15 last-minute holiday presents sure to wow your special someones.

Read more

Exit Ramp

Seasonal Greeter: A Day in the Life of Mall Santa

The beard is real—and so is Ron Williams’s joy at playing Santa.

Read more

Steve Adubato: Only in NJ

Robert Hoatson is a Voice for the Abused

Former Newark priest Robert Hoatson dedicates himself to supporting and advocating for victims of sexual assaults.

Read more