September 2021: Historic Towns

An excerpt from our longtime editor’s farewell:

It’s not easy to say goodbye, but after 13 years (160 issues!) I have decided to step down from the rigors of editing a monthly magazine and all of its related digital versions.

I am endlessly grateful for all of my New Jersey Monthly colleagues through the years—especially my editorial mates. To Kate Tomlinson, our publisher and editor in chief, I say, thank you for this remarkable opportunity and the trust you placed in me.

Finally, I want to thank you, our readers, for continuing to value the printed word. It’s been a privilege to serve you. (If you’d like to get in touch, feel free to email me at [email protected].)

—Ken Schlager 

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FIRST WORD

Farewell from New Jersey Monthly’s Longtime Editor

Ken Schlager racked up 13 years, 160 issues and countless Garden State adventures.

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GARDEN VARIETY

New Jerseyans Share Personal 9/11 Stories on 20th Anniversary

NJ residents, including a Westfield couple who met in a support group for people who lost loved ones in the attack, reflect on 9/11’s impact on their lives.

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Historic State Theatre Readies For Grand Re-Opening

The yearlong, $26.5 million makeover will be celebrated on October 6.

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Big East Commissioner is ‘Living Proof’ of Women’s Progress in Professional Sports

Val Ackerman, a former basketball star who served as first president of the WNBA, talks about the changing trajectory of women in athletics.

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Food Writer Hannah Howard Reflects on Rocky Road to Success

Plenty: A Memoir of Food and Family chronicles Howard’s career, personal trials and path to motherhood.

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At Laurelwood Arboretum, Sculptures Mingle Among Nature

The curated trail in Wayne boasts 15 sculptures, installed by thirty-foot cranes.

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Nonprofit Helps Put New Jerseyans on the Path to Self-Sufficiency

The Lunch Break Life Skills Center in Shrewsbury helps clients with résumés, GED prep and more.

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A New Vision for Arts Education

ArtsEdSEL, an initiative based in Warren, aims to activate the link between emotions and the arts.

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FEATURES

Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway Can Finally Tackle Challenges Face-to-Face

After an unexpectedly disjointed year, the university’s new president is eager to finally be back on campus. 

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New Jersey’s Next Hot Housing Markets

Here are 12 towns to watch as housing demand zooms.

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Hackensack is Back on the Real-Estate Radar for Renters and Buyers

A downtown revitalization in recent years has spawned a construction boom hitched to an eyebrow-raising nickname: the Sack.

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Intriguing Restaurants in Hackensack

One of the best ways to get a feel for the revitalized downtown? Dining out.

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Our Favorite Historic Towns in New Jersey: Princeton, Cape May and More

Explore 10 of the state’s oldest and most charming places to live or visit.

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NJ’s Kitchen Incubators Help Food Businesses Get Off the Ground

For aspiring food entrepreneurs, these increasingly popular spaces provide a reasonably priced, community-centered launchpad.

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HOME & GARDEN

West Orange Mom Emerged from Quarantine a Bold Muralist

The blank walls in Jen Rondeau’s home beckoned amid the pandemic. Now, she’s surrounded by colorful designs—and busy with a brand-new business.

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EAT & DRINK

Li Beirut Reviewed: Collingswood Restaurant is a Love Letter to Lebanon

When an explosion rocked Beirut last year, the Massoud family responded by reinventing their Camden County eatery.

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Fine-Dining Chef Pivots to Perfecting Philly Cheese Steaks

At Gabarelly’s in Stockton, Brian Held is back behind the stove.

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Smoothie-Style Beers Are Flying Off the Shelves

Rich, fruit-forward ales are gaining traction across the state.

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Hoboken’s Black Rail Coffee Has Something for Everyone

The café is both a speedy option for hungry commuters and a family-friendly spot for patrons seeking a leisurely meal.

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Divs Curry Zone: Upscale Indian Dishes in a Flemington Strip Mall

The restaurant aims for a contemporary dining experience with traditional Indian food.

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Olive Branch Delights Cape May Diners

Two longtime restaurateurs run this modern Mediterranean taverna.

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EXIT RAMP

As Miss America Turns 100, New Jersey Sorts Through Her Archives

The pageant’s archives are housed in a secret storage facility in Atlantic County, the region of its birthplace.

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