January 2024: Winter Fun | New Jersey Monthly

January 2024: Winter Fun

A new year brings the chance to try something you’ve never tried before, go somewhere you’ve never been, have an adventure you’ve always shied away from. Our January issue is filled with ideas to make these first chilly months of 2024 feel exciting. Our Winter Fun Guide features under-the-radar activities such as curling, a sport that’s been rising in popularity since the last Winter Olympics. We also hang out with our state’s very own dog-sledding club. (Yes, there’s dog sledding in New Jersey!)

On the other side of the coin, for those New Jerseyans who would rather spend their time indoors this winter, we round up cozy spots where fireplaces and warm drinks take center stage, as well as fun indoor activities for kids and adults, from tie-dyeing to axe throwing to the return of Liberty Science Center’s famed Touch Tunnel.

You’ll also meet our cover star, figure skater Isabeau Levito. The Mount Holly-based athlete is making a big name for herself in the skating world and is expected to join the U.S. Olympic team at the 2026 Winter Games.

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GARDEN VARIETY

Martin Miller

Where Princeton’s McCarter Theatre Center Is Headed Under New Executive Director Martin Miller

Martin Miller came from a theater in Arkansas, where he helped it grow to produce more than 400 shows a year and make millions of dollars in annual revenue.

“Nor’easter Nick” Pittman of Norcast Weather

Nor’easter Nick: How South Jersey’s Indie Weather Wiz Built His Loyal Following

Meteorologist Nick Pittman talks avoiding hype and shrugging off slander—plus hating NJ humidity.

David Sears, published by Naval Institute Press

‘Duel in the Deep’: When Jersey Sailors Stopped a Nazi Submarine From Their ‘Tin Can’ Destroyer

Local veteran and writer David Sears details a harrowing story of NJ heroes in World War II’s Battle of the Atlantic.

Nicole Asher and a rescued dog

NJ’s One-Woman Nonprofit Devoted to Rescuing Lost Dogs

Buddha Dog Rescue & Recovery reunites local families with their lost or runaway pups via individualized care and state-of-the-art equipment.

Black-and-white photo of residents attending a clambake in the early days of Mountain Lakes

NJ’s Historic Mountain Lakes, a Little-Known Gem of a Town, Turns 100 This Year

A century after its birth, the Morris County community hasn’t lost its signature identity or picturesque appeal. Many say it has the aura of a country estate.

Cover of the book "Reflections on the Pandemic"

Rutgers Community Responds to a Tumultuous 2020 in Pandemic Book Collection

Reflections on the Pandemic shines light on the intricacies of Covid-19 experiences via students, staff, alumni and president Jonathan Holloway.

Reversible puffer jacket from J.Crew

7 Stylish Pieces to Spruce Up Your Winter Wardrobe

Earthy greens! Watery blues! Stay warm in these cool tones.

Neutral bed ensemble from Boll & Branch

8 Ways to Refresh Your Bedding, Bath Linens and Sock Drawers This Winter

Treat yourself to some new luxurious accessories and home items.

Wind turbines in water

What NJ’s Leaders Must Address in 2024

The new Legislature and the Murphy administration should tackle issues like offshore wind and climate change, judicial vacancies and veteran reform.

FEATURES

Illustration showing patient looking up at out-of-reach therapist, who is sitting on a chair high above her

There’s a Therapist Shortage in NJ: When Did It Become So Hard to Get Help?

If you’re having trouble finding a mental health provider, you’re not alone.

Illustration of couple trapped on a checks-and-balance scale

Inside NJ’s Festering Judicial Crisis: Divorces and Civil Trials Stalled for Years

Thousands of New Jersey families are in limbo amid a critical shortage of judges.

Pennsauken Skate Zone

New Jersey Is Getting In On the Curling Craze: Join the Fun!

Curling may not be as popular as ice skating, skiing or snowboarding, but it’s an invigorating pastime worth trying this winter.

Rosedale Skating Pond in Madison

Flooded Fields, Backyard Rinks: NJ’s Quirkiest Places to Go Ice-Skating

Due to warming temps, many local ponds aren’t freezing sufficiently for safe skating. So Jersey towns and residents are taking matters into their own hands.

Isabeau Levito

Meet Isabeau Levito: NJ’s 16-Year-Old Figure-Skating Star Who’s Eyeing 2026 Winter Olympics

Mount Holly resident Isabeau Levito is a force to be reckoned with—in and out of the ice rink.

Members of the Jersey Sands Sled Dog Racing Association gather in the Pinelands to practice

Yes, There’s Dog Sledding in New Jersey: ‘It’s a Lifestyle’

The sport is popular with wilderness lovers, adventure seekers and, of course, canine enthusiasts.

Cross-country skiers in winter nature

Where to Cross-Country Ski in New Jersey

High Point Cross Country Ski Center is the obvious choice.

Participants of a polar bear plunge in Wildwood

8 Polar Plunges in New Jersey

Polar plunges in the icy Atlantic Ocean have become beloved, annual fundraising events for New Jerseyans with big hearts—and thick skins.

Tipsy Tie Dye

Indoor Things to Do in New Jersey

Chill out inside instead of feeling the chill outside.

Chef Ryan DePersio

How 5 Top New Jersey Chefs Stay Fit, Even Around All That Food

They’re surrounded by tasty temptations daily. What are their secrets to prioritizing health and wellness?

HOME & GARDEN

Kitchen and living room of an apartment in Hoboken's Wonder Lofts

Couple’s Loft at Hoboken’s Old Wonder Bread Factory the Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread

“I think we struck that balance between industrial and comforting, honoring the space’s history while making it feel like home.”

EAT & DRINK

Short ribs, roasted for 12 hours, at Fiorentini in Rutherford

At Fiorentini in Rutherford, Dinner Is a Dazzling Event

The Bergen County restaurant boasts inventive Italian fare, farm-to-table freshness, dreamlike decor and a community-centric vibe.

Executive chef Sanjeev Kumar of Moghul Restaurant with partners Shaun Mehtani and Kamal Arora

NJ’s Mehtani Restaurant Group Celebrates an Impressive 40 Years in Business

Its oldest restaurant, Moghul in Edison, has become a lasting family tradition and a staple to the local Indian American community—founder Sneh Mehtani’s greatest achievement, her son says.

A platter of eggs, potatoes and an English muffin at Bill's Luncheonette in Chester

Bill’s Luncheonette in Chester Is a Throwback to Another Era

Bill’s in Chester has been dishing out great eats since 1949.

Sushi from Ganga Asian Bistro 'n' Sushi

Grab a Bite at Matawan’s Bustling Pan-Asian Bistro

This two-story eatery serves up sushi specialties, hibachi and bento boxes in a sleek, contemporary setting.

BBQ cauliflower wings at LesbiVeggies in Audubon

LesbiVeggies: Audubon’s Inclusive, Vegan and Gluten-Free Bistro

The Black- and queer-owned eatery serves brunch and dinner in a welcoming environment.

EXIT RAMP

Illustration of a man playing pickleball

Playing Pickleball Helped Me Feel Like a Real New Jerseyan

Putting down roots on local pickleball courts gives a new resident a fresh view of—and extra fondness for—the Garden State.