December 2024: Cover Search Winners | New Jersey Monthly

December 2024: Cover Search Winners

Every year since 2018, New Jersey Monthly, in partnership with Unique Photo, has hosted a search to find one photo to grace the cover of the December issue.

To determine our grand-prize winner, as well as a host of other winning photographs, images are judged by a panel of experts in the field, as well as representatives from New Jersey Monthly and Unique, on originality, technical excellence, composition, artistic merit and life in New Jersey.

This year’s grand prize winner, Flock of Seagulls, was taken by Kathleen Bence on the beach in Avalon. It is just stunning. Inside the feature, you’ll also see our runner-up, plus 10 awards of excellence, a student winner, a readers’ choice pick (voted on by the public), and 25 honorable mentions. Each winning photo is accompanied by a story about the image and the photographer.

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GARDEN VARIETY

Rachael Grochowski, founder of RHG Architecture + Design in Montclair

‘Design Is Spiritual’: Montclair Architect Melds Beauty, Function and Purpose

Rachael Grochowski is committed to creating spaces that promote belonging, safety and calm.

Close-up photo of hand playing guitar

Black Music Matters: AC Nonprofit Celebrates the Power of Rhythm and Blues

“Everyone is influenced by Black music,” says Perry Thompson, founder of the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society in Atlantic City.

Woman with reindeer ears talks to young child holding stuffed animal

Newark Nonprofit Makes Holidays Happier for the City’s Neediest

Providing meals, baby items, coats and Christmas joy, Franciscan Charities aims to be “a place where someone cares.”

Collage of assorted book covers

These New Jersey-Centric Books Make Great Holiday Gifts

Captivating novels and nonfiction volumes by Jersey authors or about Jersey people, for everyone on your list.

Sonya Maizell earrings made with raw amethyst stones, available at the Morris Museum in Morristown

NJ Museum Gift Shops Offer One-of-a-Kind Holiday Presents

Discerning shoppers can find a curated collection of art objects, historic reproductions and handmade goods.

Taz Uggs

Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Foolproof Ideas for Everyone on Your List

From chic baubles to cozy loungewear to luxe home goods.

FEATURES

Exterior of the Urby in downtown Newark

Developers Bet on Newark, East Orange and Orange for Renters Priced Out of NYC and Hudson River Waterfront

After decades of being stigmatized and shut out of redevelopment trends, the corridor along the train line in eastern Essex County is seeing a surge in luxury-apartment construction.

The Winners of New Jersey Monthly and Unique Photo’s 2024 Cover Search Contest

See the stunning results of our annual search for local photographers’ best images.

Illustration of people at a holiday office party

Last Call: Is the Office Holiday Party a Relic of the Past?

Alcohol-infused company blowouts are increasingly rare following the #MeToo movement and the rise of remote work, cell phones and social media.

HOME & GARDEN

A dining room, decorated for Christmas, in Mendham Township

How a Well-Traveled NJ Couple Decorates Their Home for Christmas

In this Morris County farmhouse with global flair, festive decor and traditions abound.

EAT & DRINK

at Park Place Prime in Atlantic City

Park Place Prime, Atlantic City’s Newest Steak House, Is One of Its Best

On the sixth floor of Bally’s, AC’s third oldest casino, Park Place Prime boasts perfectly cooked steaks, top-notch seafood and refined service.

Lobster pasta at Antique Bar & Bakery in Hoboken

Hoboken’s Antique Bar & Bakery: Delightful Italian Dishes in an Evocative Setting

Retro films and music—plus a century-old coal oven—inform the ambience at this nostalgia-rich institution.

Illustration of big family enjoying a Feast of the Seven Fishes meal

Many New Jerseyans Celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes—But Where Did It Come From?

Lots of Italian American families in partake in this Christmas Eve tradition. Its origin is still something of a mystery.

Doughnuts filled with Nutella and strawberry jam from Liv Breads in Millburn

Indulge in Liv Breads’ Delightful Doughnuts This Hanukkah

Liv Breads is the perfect spot to pick up treats for Hanukkah (or any holiday!).

Grilled Angus steak on a French Cobb salad from Meet Me at Madison's in Montclair.

Meet Me at Madison’s in Montclair: A Family-Owned Cafe With Plenty of Personal Touches

This eatery was named for the owners’ daughter, and inspired by their love of travel. The menu offers salads, empanadas, sandwiches, pastries and more.

Eggplant rollatini from La Mezzaluna in Princeton

At La Mezzaluna in Princeton, a Naples Native Whips Up Tasty Italian Dishes

The menu also offers a heartwarming way to give back to local families in need.

A bowl of drunken noodles from Wokworks in Margate City

Philly-Born Wokworks Brought Its Fast-Casual Asian Fare to Margate City

The noodle and rice bowls are the stars of the show. Also don’t miss the crispy spring rolls, Korean fried wings and house-brewed iced teas.

EXIT RAMP

Illustration of a mother with her son, who is enjoying a piece of apple pie

The Secret Ingredient in My Mom’s Legendary Christmas Apple Pie

I loved my mom’s apple pie since I was a kid. Every Christmas Eve after her passing, I’ve replicated her recipe as closely as I can.