July 2021: Summer Fun Guide

The days are longer, the skies are bright and sunny, and New Jersey seems to be getting close to what we’d all like to think of as normal. We are pleased to see that local stores and restaurants are poised to thrive again, downtown streets are buzzing with weekend crowds, and the Shore appears to be heading for a blockbuster season. Even rush-hour traffic is something to cheer (well, sort of). 

We know our readers have summer fun on their minds, so this month’s issue has plenty of ideas for activities the whole family can enjoy. Staying with the summer theme, we head to Jersey beach towns and guide you on a crawl through the Shore’s antique-shopping scene. We’ve also tapped into New Jersey pride for a story on the enterprising farmers who are raising exotic produce in the Garden State. 

If that sound like a normal issue of New Jersey Monthly, we’ve done our job.

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Garden Variety

Meet Garden Coach Resh Gala

The Bridgewater resident shares expertise on raising organic, edible crops at home.

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Pianist Enlists Top Composers in Salute to America

Min Kwon’s pandemic-inspired project showcases 70 diverse interpretations of “America the Beautiful.”

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Drawn to Nature: The Art of Botanical Doodling

The practice provides a timely, creative break.  

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New Book Examines Passaic’s Groundbreaking Textile Strike

History professor Jacob A. Zumoff tells the story of one of New Jersey’s longest work stoppages.

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Create an Outdoor Escape with These Avant-Garde Items

Six fun yet functional picks for yard or patio spruce-ups.

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5 Versatile House Dresses for Summer

Now, more than ever, these one-piece wonders are essential—perfect for working from home or wearing to a party.

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3 Stylish Summer Essentials

Be prepared for your outdoor affairs with this functional gear.

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Short Hills Nonprofit Gives the Gift of Sight

New Eyes for the Needy supplies eyewear to adults and kids across the nation who would be unable to afford it otherwise.

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Belmar Mayor on Polishing the Beach Town’s Image

Mark Walsifer, who has been working to spruce up Belmar’s reputation for over two years, says he expects a successful summer season.

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Features

Elie Honig Analyzes Justice, Jersey-Style

In his new book, Metuchen’s Elie Honig, a senior CNN legal analyst and former state and federal prosecutor, takes on Trump attorney general Bill Barr.

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Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in New Jersey

Looking for cool stuff to do as the season heats up? We’ve got a bundle of splashy ideas for the whole family.

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Paddle on a Peaceful Reservoir

Sticking to the Monksville Reservoir’s perimeter, a paddler can cover seven miles on the 505-acre manmade lake.

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Pick Your Own Produce at a Local Farm

Fill a basket with the best of Jersey’s summer bounty.

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Try Tubing Down the Delaware River

Soak up the sun while taking in some Garden State scenery.

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Go Whale Watching at the Jersey Shore

Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, porpoises and sea birds, too.

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Sail the Skies in a Hot-Air Balloon

Ready for liftoff? Don’t miss the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning.

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Splash Around at a Water Park

Cool off via slides, lazy rivers, pools and more.

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Take the Plunge at a Local Lake

Behold, some of the state’s best swimming spots.

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Catch a Minor League Baseball Game

After seeing last year’s season canceled due to Covid-19, these five teams are raring to play.

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Spend a Saturday Night at Cowtown Rodeo

One of the state’s most underrated events runs weekly through September.

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Browse Wondrous Wheels at a Car Cruise

Wander among vintage and collectible automobiles of all makes and eras.

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Watch a Film Under the Stars

Arguably the best way to take in a movie this summer? A pop-up cinema.

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Embrace Your Inner Child at an Amusement Park

Enjoy rides galore, arcade games, safari experiences and more.

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Ride a Rip-Roaring Roller Coaster

Seeking steep thrills? Look no further than these five knockout options.

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Test Your Go-Karting Skills at RPM Raceway

How well can you handle those hair-raising hairpin turns?

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Kayak Across the Hackensack River

Explore creeks and channels, scope out birds and wildlife, or watch the moon rise over the Manhattan skyline.

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Visit Jersey’s Version of Jurassic Park

Enjoy blasts from the past at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia’s Overpeck County Park.

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How Jersey Farms Cultivate Exotic Crops

A growing number of specialty farmers in the Garden State are raising niche fruits and veggies to satisfy adventurous taste buds.

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Will the New Jersey Blueberry Fall Victim to Climate Change?

Scientists and environmentalists say the blueberry industry that was born in the acidic, sandy soil of the Pinelands could die there as well.

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Your Guide to Antique Shops Down the Shore

Got a taste for nostalgia? Collectibles and curiosities await at these coastal merchants.

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17 Memorable Movies Starring the Jersey Shore

When Hollywood comes calling, our coastline is always ready for its closeup.

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Home & Garden

How Two Design Professionals Built Their Dream Home

Mike and Ellie Mroz’s 4,500-square-foot Westfield abode showcases their expert aesthetic skills.

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Eat & Drink

12 Farms Reviewed: Fare with Flair in Hightstown

Chef Jason Metz and crew feature the Garden State in vibrant plates.

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Are Digital Menus Here to Stay?

The pandemic-prompted move away from paper menus enables chefs to instantly update specials, offer touchless ordering and save some trees.

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Prosecco Can (Finally) Join the Rosé Craze

The popular Italian sparkling wine now has permission to go pink.

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A Livingston Coffee Shop with a Diner Feel

Seymour’s Cafe serves up breakfast and lunch dishes, including vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.

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In Asbury Park, a Chic Surf-and-Turf Eatery

The Iron Whale serves up New American fare in a luxe atmosphere.

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A Bayside Treasure in Beach Haven

Bird & Betty’s on Long Beach Island is a storied destination for lunch or dinner, drinks and entertainment.

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Exit Ramp

Everybody’s Gone (Indoor) Surfin’

The unexpected joy of riding waves at the mall.

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