May 2021: Spring Escapes

Our state might be small in size, but it’s big on tourist destinations. That means you never have to go far to escape that shut-in feeling—a fact of life during these pandemic months.

In this issue, we offer six varied ways you can be a tourist right here in New Jersey. Interested in the arts? Consider an overnight in the Princeton area, where you can spend the day strolling downtown or visit nearby Grounds for Sculpture, one of the state’s sparkling cultural gems. Is golf your game? Choose from two world-class courses at the Seaview resort in Galloway. Shopping and dining? You can’t go wrong with a weekend in Montclair. How about a spa getaway? We take you on a tour of the Salt Spa at the Reeds at Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor. Want to make some noise? Why not do it preseason in Asbury Park? Or maybe you just need some quiet time. The Woolverton Inn in Stockton should fit the bill. Read about these great New Jersey destinations here.

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Garden Variety

A Glimpse Inside Life on a Lavender Farm

Relaxation is always in bloom at Pleasant Valley Lavender in Morganville.

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Congressman Andy Kim on Cleaning Up the Capitol

The New Jersey representative reflects on the photograph that went viral the morning after the January 6 insurrection.

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Meet the Winner of Our 2021 Top Dog Contest

Labradoodle Norman Lebet of West Caldwell boasts brains, brawn and compassion.

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A Story of Underground Survival in Wartime Poland

Pam Jenoff’s 11th novel, The Woman With the Blue Star, was inspired by actual events surrounding Jews who lived in a sewer to avoid the Nazis.

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Exhibit Uncovers NJ’s Influence on Artist Thomas Eakins

“Thomas Eakins in New Jersey” runs through June 27 at the John F. Peto Studio Museum in Island Heights.

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Tastemaker Mikki Taylor on Newark Nostalgia

The beauty icon mulls over Brick City’s past and present vibrancy.

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Bernardsville Boutique Is Something to Crow About

Pretty Pink Rooster struts its stuff, despite life’s challenges.

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Inside ArtPride NJ’s Fight to Save the Arts

Through advocacy and funding, the statewide organization serves as a beacon of hope for arts institutions battered by pandemic closures.

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In Atlantic City, Local Leaders Predict Successful Summer

Covid-19 dealt the city a tough hand, but many expect casino crowds to return with vigor.

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Features

The Great New Jersey Monthly Scavenger Hunt 2021: A Guide to All 36 Locations

Register today to start submitting your Garden State selfies.

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Meet Gypsy-Jazz Guitarist Stéphane Wrembel

The French-born musician adds his Django Reinhardt–inspired sound to Maplewood’s cultural pastiche.

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6 Unforgettable Spring Escapes in New Jersey

It’s high time to be a tourist right here in the Garden State. 

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Encounter Arts and Culture in Princeton

Take in life-like art in the open air at Grounds For Sculpture before grabbing a nearby bite.

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Indulge in a Stone Harbor Spa Stay

Spend a weekend getting pampered at the Reeds at Shelter Haven’s Salt Spa.

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Delight in Activities Across Downtown Montclair

The bustling township beckons with culture and cuisine.

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De-Stress Down by the Delaware River

At Stockton’s historic Woolverton Inn, a peaceful weekend awaits.

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Get Back in the Swing at a Vintage Resort

Stay and play golf at the luxury Seaview in Galloway.

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Take Advantage of Asbury Park’s Preseason

Beat the crowds to the Jersey Shore this spring.

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Excellence in Nursing 2021: Meet 6 Extraordinary Health-Care Professionals

In a year when we depended on nurses to help us navigate the new challenges of daily life, these dedicated individuals rose to the occasion.

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Excellence in Nursing 2021: DAISY Foundation Awards

The complete list of recent honorees, spanning 94 practice specialties at more than 70 participating hospitals and facilities.

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Home & Garden

A Spring Awakening at Morven Museum & Garden

The Princeton mansion-turned-museum blooms brightest before summer.

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Eat & Drink

Porter Reviewed: A Rockin’ Restaurant by the River

Nestled amid gleaming high-rises, this new gastropub brings flavor and fervor to a relatively quiet Weehawken neighborhood.

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The High-Tech Nostalgia of Automat Kitchen

Amid the pandemic, an updated automat brings touchless ordering to Jersey City.

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What’s Cristalino? Meet the Tequila with a Tweak

Aged yet crystal clear, this agave spirit is meant to be savored.

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Exit Ramp

At Renowned Kubert School, Top Cartoonists Share Secrets with Aspiring Artists

The country’s only graphic arts school devoted to cartooning resides in Dover.

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