Since Adventure Aquarium is the only aquarium in the world to exhibit hippos, it’s only natural that the facility hosts a Hippo Festival, taking place from June 21 to July 21.
The Camden Waterfront features an array of attractions, but one of its most popular is Adventure Aquarium, now the third-largest aquarium on the East Coast. This summer, Adventure Aquarium is upping its underwater game with even more aquatic animals. Bonus: admission to the Aquarium’s 3D Theater is now included in general admission.
Since it’s the only aquarium in the world to exhibit hippos, it’s only natural that the facility hosts a Hippo Festival, taking place from June 21 to July 21. Events will include feeding time for the Nile hippos, chats with animal experts, up-close encounters, face painting, games and more. And Hippo Haven’s current residents, 22-year-old Button and baby Genny, will soon get some new pals, plus an updated habitat.
Of course, the massive fun in store at Adventure Aquarium extends beyond hippos: During your visit, meet adorable African penguins at Penguin Park. Take a walk on Shark Bridge and be just inches away from sand tiger, sandbar and nurse sharks. Did you know? This unique, v-shaped rope suspension bridge is the longest of its kind in the world.
Featuring unique exhibits with more than 8,500 aquatic species throughout 2 million gallons of water, Adventure Aquarium is home to the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast, including the only Great Hammerhead Shark as well as Silky Sharks on exhibit in the United States.
Browse VisitNJ.org to discover additional aquariums, fishing charters, cruise opportunities and plenty more fun seafaring options. Plus, download a free NJ travel guide or sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism.
Tap into the arts and dining scene of New Jersey’s big cities, such as Jersey City.
It’s said that all the world’s a stage — but in New Jersey, it can also be your canvas. No need to be stuck inside enjoying art during inviting summer temperatures: The Garden State offers several spots to get outdoors and immerse yourself in New Jersey’s vibrant artistic offerings.
For an urban vibe, take a stroll to view Jersey City’s vibrant collection of mural art. The Jersey City Mural Arts Program, established in 2013, brings together mural artists and property owners across the city. A printable guide to the 66 public murals can be found at JerseyCityCulture.org.
Also in Jersey City is Mana Contemporary, a former tobacco warehouse that now hosts artists in an evolving gallery space. Free tours are offered daily.
When it’s time to leave the city streets in the rearview mirror, head to Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, a 42-acre sculpture park and arboretum. This artistic oasis features more than 270 outdoor sculptures, as well as indoor museum galleries. If you work up an appetite while touring the grounds, head to the highly-rated Rat’s Restaurant, located on-site.
For a more immersive experience, check out events offered by the park, including workshops, concerts, wellness walks, children’s activities and more.
Get in touch with your alfresco artistic side by visiting VisitNJ.org to discover additional opportunities to experience the arts in the great outdoors. Plus, download a free NJ travel guide or sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism.
Summer is a great time to enjoy fun in the sun, but the season also can pose some health and safety risks if you’re not careful. Marjory Langer, MD, chief of the Emergency Department at St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, offers some tips for staying safe this summer:
A. AQUA AWARENESS
Statistics reveal that there were more than 2,000 drownings in the U.S. in 2018, and several hundred of them were fatal. To safeguard yourself and your family in the water this summer, “don’t swim alone — always swim with a buddy,” Dr. Langer said. For kids, “floaties can give a false sense of security because they’re not designed to save lives, so young children should always wear a proper life jacket in any body of water until they’re comfortable swimming.” For those with a pool at home, she added, “be sure that it’s surrounded by a gate or fence with a lock so that kids can’t wander in, and always keep life-safety equipment nearby just in case.”
Marjory Langer, MD, FACEP chief, Emergency Medicine, St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center
Riptides and ocean currents can challenge even the most experienced swimmers, so Dr. Langer urges ocean swimmers to adhere to all daily flags and warnings. “But in any body of water,” she noted, “people don’t typically make a lot of noise when they’re drowning — they’re often very quiet and might only be struggling above the water for 20 to 60 seconds before they go under.” For that reason, the best way for anyone to reduce the risk of this hazard is to acquire at least basic swim skills. “Spending time in the water is fun, keeps you cool, and is great exercise, but to be able to enjoy the opportunity safely, it’s a great idea to take formal swimming lessons, which are offered throughout a large network of YMCAs, swim clubs and community pools statewide,” Dr. Langer said.
B. BUGS AND BURNS
From bees and mosquitos to ticks and more, the threat of insect bites can put a damper on any summer outing. “If you’re in an area with bugs, it’s great to wear loose, light-colored clothing that covers the extremities; in addition, the use of bug spray containing the ingredient DEET is an effective repellant, but be sure to avoid getting it on your face or in your eyes because it can be an irritant,” Dr. Langer said. In the event of a bee sting, “use a tweezer, credit card or another straight edge to try to remove the stinger and be sure to take Benadryl or to seek medical attention if the sting causes an allergic reaction.”
“If you’re bitten by a mosquito, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help with any itching, but it’s best to try and keep mosquitos away in the first place,” said Dr. Langer, who recommends controlling the nuisance of mosquitos by removing standing water from the yard and lighting citronella candles.
As for ticks, which can carry Lyme disease and other infectious bacteria, “I do a ‘tick check’ with my own kids after they come in from the woods or the backyard,” Dr. Langer said. “If you see a tick, pull it out with a tweezer and call the doctor; also try to reduce the risk of being bitten by keeping covered, especially your wrists and ankles, when you’re outside.” To avoid sunburns, Dr. Langer advised, “apply sunscreen before going out in the sun and reapply it often, especially if you’re in the pool. Bad burns can increase your risk of developing skin cancer later in life, so opt for an SPF of at least 15 to 30 to ensure that you’re getting effective protection from the sun’s rays.”
C. KEEP COOL
“Because body temperatures can rise in the summer, it’s especially important to stay well-hydrated during warm-weather, months,” shared Dr. Langer, who said that depletion can lead to heat cramps, heat stroke and even organ failure in extreme cases. “If you see signs of these conditions, which can include nausea, fatigue and delirium, act quickly by moving into a shady or cooler area and rehydrating with water, Gatorade, Powerade or another drink that contains electrolytes,” she said. “And keep an eye out for these symptoms among children under age 4 and especially among senior citizens, whose bodies don’t compensate as well for changes in temperature.”
Overall, concluded Dr. Langer, “summer is a great time for enjoying outdoor activities, but it’s important to be aware of and protect yourself against the potential pitfalls that can happen this season so that you can have fun safely.”
For more information: St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, part of St. Joseph’s Health, is located at 224 Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne and can be reached at (973) 942-6900 or by visiting http://stjosephshealth.org/.
St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center: High-Quality Care Close to Home
St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, part of St. Joseph’s Health, is growing and expanding to meet the needs of northern New Jersey communities. The hospital features comprehensive services including a State-designated Primary Stroke Center, world-class emergency care with a dedicated Geriatric Emergency Department, and advanced robotic-assisted surgery for less pain and faster recovery.
Now open on the Wayne campus is the St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Pavilion, a state-of-the-art facility that offers leading physicians in specialties including bariatric weight loss, liver care, hematology/ oncology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, and breast and general surgery. Physical, occupational and speech rehabilitation offer advanced therapies in the new space, in addition to cardiac rehabilitation, a structured program of exercise and heart-health education designed to help patients regain their active lifestyle after a cardiac event.
To learn more about the clinical services provided at St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Pavilion, call (973) 942-6900 or visit http://www.StJosephsHealth.org.
Garret Mountain Reservation provides serene scenery overlooking the bustling urban areas of Passaic County. Photo courtesy of Passaic County
1. Relax and Breathe
Tap into the myriad health benefits of meditation by attending free meditation classes at Garret Mountain’s Great Meadow every Monday at 9:30 a.m. and every Saturday at 10:30 a.m.; classes are sponsored by the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders and begin on June 17. For more information, call (973) 881-4833.
The Garden State is full of natural beauty, and botanical gardens showcase its spectacular kaleidoscope of colors. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Botanical Garden
3. Visit a Botanical Garden
Enjoy the area’s beautiful flora at New Jersey Botanical Garden at Skylands (2 Morris Road, Ringwood, (973) 962-9534), which houses 96 acres of specialty gardens featuring unusual plant species from around the world. Or plan a visit to Laurelwood Arboretum (725 Pines Lake Drive West, Wayne, (973) 202-9579), a 30-acre, botanically diverse property featuring woodland trails and gardens, wildlife, two ponds, streams and hundreds of varieties of rhododendrons, azaleas and other unusual species of plants and trees.
4. Love Your Lakes
With its dozens of scenic lakes, ponds, dams and reservoirs, Passaic County’s numerous bodies of water offer great opportunities for hiking, boating/kayaking, fishing, swimming and other fun summer activities. Among the most popular destinations, check out Greenwood Lake, a 9-mile-long lake in West Milford, Shepherd Lake, a 74-acre spring-fed lake within Ringwood State Park that features a sandy beach, swimming, concessions and hiking trails, Lake Wawayanda within Wawayanda State Park in Hewitt, and Monksville Reservoir within historic Long Pond Ironworks State Park in West Milford.
A-list fine dining options abound in Atlantic City, presenting a diversity of fare with New Jersey flair.
When it comes to high rollers, Atlantic City has both the gaming and the fine-dining varieties. The seaside resort known as America’s Favorite Playground has several restaurants helmed by chefs known worldwide for their playful takes on cuisine.
If you have an appetite for pairing the sophisticated energy, cutting-edge entertainment and electrifying nightlife of Atlantic City with a restaurant notable for its celebrity name, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill on Pacific Avenue lets guests take in a European vibe while enjoying dishes and drinks crafted by the star of such shows as Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares and Hell’s Kitchen.
At the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Bobby Flay Steak thinks outside the box and offers menu items with regional flair. The eatery’s chic ambience is punctuated by wooden ceiling panels, lobster tanks and wine displays.
Another celebrity chef name at the Borgata is that of Wolfgang Puck American Grille, where the classic American cuisine includes such dishes as spicy tuna tartare with avocado, cucumbers and crisp wontons. The recipient of awards including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Puck invites his Atlantic City guests to dine on an elevated dining terrace (which, by Borgata’s own admission is perfect for people-watching) or in a dining room complete with a fireplace.
Borgata flexes its celebrity chef muscles again with Angeline by Michael Symon featuring classic Italian cuisine. Iron Chef and James Beard Award-winning chef Symon’s Sicilian roots inspire the menu options here.
Ecuadorian-American chef, restaurant owner and Iron Chef winner Jose Garces offers fresh seafood in a beachfront setting at Olón, located at the Tropicana. Bar Olón offers a more casual feel, serving sandwiches, small plates and an extensive beer list.
Also owned by Garces at the Tropicana is Okatshe, a modern version of a traditional Japanese izakaya, a type of Japanese bar in which a variety of small, typically inexpensive, dishes and snacks are served to accompany the alcoholic drinks. Enjoy a selection of small plates, yakitori, ramen, sushi and sashimi at the full-service, 80-seat sit-down restaurant.
For breathtaking views of Atlantic City, head to Guy Fieri’s Chophouse, where you can nosh on fare with New Jersey flair. Owned by the American restaurateur, author, game show host and Emmy Award-winning television personality, the restaurant is located at Bally’s Atlantic City.
1. Find a new park — Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area: Pyramid Mountain’s 1,545 acres of rugged trails, fields, forests and wetlands are a cherished local favorite. Roughly 18,000 years ago, the receding Wisconsin Glacier shaped the unusual glacial erratics found here, such as Tripod Rock (a 180-ton boulder balanced on three smaller boulders) and Bear Rock (one of the largest in New Jersey). This wilderness, virtually untouched for decades, is now a significant wildlife sanctuary. The park’s highest point is 934 feet, with a magnificent view of the New York City skyline. The park is located at 472 Boonton Ave., Montville, N.J. 07045. The park is open from dawn to dusk. For more information, call (973) 334-3130.
Tripod Rock, a 180-ton boulder balanced on three smaller boulders, at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area.
2. Take a canal boat ride at Waterloo Village: The 102-mile Morris Canal connected the Delaware River to the Hudson River in a unique transportation system that enabled the development of the northern part of the state from 1829 to 1924. Since 1969, The Canal Society of New Jersey has been restoring, preserving and studying portions of the canal system and the many artifacts they uncover along the way. Visitors can take a canal boat ride, join a walking tour or explore the wonderfully curated museum. For more information on Waterloo Village in Stanhope, call (973) 292-2755.
Since 1969, The Canal Society of New Jersey has been restoring, preserving and studying portions of the Morris Canal system and the many artifacts they uncover along the way.
3. Climb at Revolutionary cannon at Fort Nonsense: Located in National Historical Park New Jersey,Washington’s troops built the fort in the spring of 1777, on what was then called Kinney’s Hill. Its purpose was to protect the main roads leading north and south in order to preserve Morristown as a military storehouse. It includes seven exhibits and a small monument. For more, call (973) 539-2016, ext. 210 or visit www.nps.gov/morr.
The Revolutionary War cannon at Fort Nonsense is a popular stop for visitors.
4. Get fresh garden vegetables at Alstede Farms: Alstede Farms uses sustainable and certified organic farming methods to grow 250 types of specialty fruits and vegetables. Farmer Kurt, a Chester native and first-generation farmer, founded Alstede Farms in 1982 with the mission to grow local, healthy and nutritious food in a responsible way. For more information, call (908) 879-7189.
Farmer Kurt founded Alstede Farms in 1982.
5. Take a boat ride on NJ’s largest lake — Lake Hopatcong: Experience the rich history of Lake Hopatcong while dining in style on the lake’s first-ever dinner cruise boat. The ship, Miss Lotta (named for the famous vaudeville actress Lotta Crabtree, who summered in Lake Hopatcong), is a renovated 57-foot Skipperliner. Choose from historical tours on the lake, lunchtime sailing excursions and elegant dinner cruises. Meals are catered by popular lakeside restaurants Alice’s Restaurant and The Windlass. For more information, visit Lake Hopatcong Cruises LLC at 37 Nolans Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong, or call (973) 663-5000.
The boat, known as ‘Miss Lotta,’ takes visitors on tours of Lake Hopatcong.
6. Take a bike ride with new wheels from Marty’s Reliable Cycle:Marty’s Reliable Cycles offers a great selection of bicycles and great service. This one-stop shop has everything cyclists might need, including cycling gear, bikes, rentals, lifetime adjustments, a trade-in program, repair pickup and delivery and more. Marty’s also supports area cycling and organizes and sponsors the Garden State Fondo, a family cycling event. Marty’s is located at 173 Speedwell Ave. in Morristown. Closed on Tuesday. For more, call (973) 538-7773.
Marty’s Reliable also supports area cycling and organizes and sponsors the Garden State Fondo, a family cycling event.
7. Stroll in Central Park of Morris County: Central Park of Morris County is a 299-acre multifaceted sports complex. The complex includes two regulation-size in-line skating rinks, a fully accessible Challenger League ball field, two sand volleyball courts, a softball field, four multiuse artificial turf fields with sports lighting, a 5K cross-country course, a 5-acre dog park, an all-access playground, natural amphitheater, disc golf course, tented picnic area and more than 1-mile of paved and natural trails It is the Morris County Park Commission’s first fully accessible outdoor athletic facility. The park is located at 91 Central Ave., Parsippany. For more information, call (973) 326-7600.
Central Park of Morris County is a 299-acre multifaceted sports complex that includes fields for a variety of sports and activities.
8. Smell the roses at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum: The majestic 127-acre Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a regional center for horticultural activities of all kinds. The woodlands, meadows, beautiful rose gardens and distinctive collections of trees make the grounds surrounding the Arboretum’s magnificent Colonial Revival mansion an ideal setting for leisurely strolls. The arboretum is located at 353 E. Hanover Ave., Morris Township. The park is open from dawn to dusk. For more information, call (973) 326-7601.
The 127-acre Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a regional center for horticultural activities of all kinds.
9. Learn some local history — Historic Walking Tours: The Morris County Tourism Bureau invites visitors to “Discover Morris County” and stop by for annual summer walking tours and programs that focus on the rich history of Morris County. This year, seven new tours have been added to the schedule along with the most popular ones returning from 2018. Tours last approximately one hour and involve an easy level of walking. Tickets are $15 per person. For more information, visit morristourism.org or call (973) 631-5151.
The Morris County Tourism Bureau invites visitors to ‘Discover Morris County’ during its annual summer walking tours.
10. Take a train ride — Whippany Railway Museum: The Whippany Railway Museum brings the stories of New Jersey’s railroads to life through its displays of vintage trains and restored rail cars. The museum, which opened in 1965, features the largest collection of American-built standard gauge steam locomotives in New Jersey, and one of the oldest steam locomotives in America — Southern Railway No. 387 (c. 1907).
Railroad fans will enjoy strolling through the elegant Whippany passenger depot and through the railroad yard.
Visit the restored 1904 freight house from the Morristown and Erie Railroad, with its fascinating collection of rail and transportation antiques. Railroad fans will enjoy strolling through the elegant Whippany passenger depot and through the railroad yard. For more information, visit 1 Railroad Plaza, Hanover, N.J. or call (973) 887-8177.
11. Declaration of Independence Reading: On July 4 from noon to 1 p.m. on the Morristown Green in Morristown, families, day trippers and history buffs alike will enjoy an authentic trip back in time to the founding of our nation during the annual Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Co-sponsored by the Morris County Tourism Bureau and Morristown National Historical Park, the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence by costumed interpreters is a free event that will be held rain or shine July 4.
A number of other free “Revolutionary Times” events will lead up to and follow the reading on July 4. Beginning at 11:15 a.m., visitors can participate in a roughly 1-mile march to the Morristown Green from the historic Ford Mansion, a large Georgian-style home built in the 1770s which Gen. George Washington used as his headquarters during the harsh winter of 1779-1780 and which currently houses a museum. At 11:30 a.m., Morris County Tourism Bureau Outreach Leader and local historian Carol Barkin will share opening comments and introduce a musical performance by folk ensemble The Loose Canons. Following a welcome by the MCTB’s Leslie Bensley and an entertaining overview of Revolutionary-era language and practices by Morristown National Historical Park Ranger and educator Eric Olsen, fellow Morristown National Historical Park Ranger and historian Tom Winslow will read the Declaration. Music and a musket salute by Revolutionary War re-enactors will follow.
For more information on the Morris County Tourism Bureau, visit www.morristourism.org.
One of the most popular entertainment venues in the state, The Stone Pony brings in some of music’s biggest names every year. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Travel and Tourism
Spring and summer are wonderful times to enjoy the arts in New Jersey. And if you love the outdoors as much as you enjoy cultural pursuits, you’re doubly in luck.
Xperience Indie Music: Head over to the Camden Waterfront and BB&T Pavilion for the 2019 XPoNential Music Festival (July 26 – 28) to hear established and up-and-coming artists popular on the public radio station WXPN.
Rock Out by the Beach: Since 1974, the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park has been rocking the stage. In the summer, the world-famous venue takes it to the beach with an exciting roster of outdoor concerts.
Do Some “Shameless Name Dropping”: Hobnob with the citizens of Princeton’s history-making past. Take a scenic 3-mile stroll with the Princeton Tour Company on its popular “Shameless Name Dropping Tour” to see the homes and hangouts of Albert Einstein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Woodrow Wilson and more.
Choose Lawn or Amphitheater: The PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel always draws big names in music for its spring and summer lineup. This season will see Rascal Flatts, the Zac Brown Band, Jason Aldean and Chris Young take the stage.
Music on the Waterfront: The Hoboken Summer Concerts showcase free live music ranging from pop to Latin and spectacular skyline views on Thursday nights at Sinatra Park.
On a Classical Note: Throughout the year, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra delights audiences with pops, classical and family programs at seven different venues. But summer is extra-special for the NJSO. Stay tuned as the orchestra tunes up for another alfresco summer concert series!
For more information on plays, concerts, and other cultural events across the state, go to VisitNJ.org to download a free NJ travel guide or to sign up for e-news.
Merit Kitchens’ multiple statewide locations make it easy and convenient for homeowners to stop in and work with designers to create stunning and serviceable spaces.
Whether you’re remodeling or starting from scratch with new construction, designing your dream kitchen can prove to be an exciting but challenging endeavor. This space, often deemed “the heart of the home” because of its frequent use, is one you want to meet your cooking and entertaining needs and look amazing at the same time.
Working with an experienced designer and installer can ensure that your vision comes to life in a way that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Merit Kitchens has showrooms in Belleville, Montclair and Totowa, and is associated with Hunterdon Kitchens in Flemington as well as Quality Kitchens. Multiple statewide locations make it easy and convenient for homeowners to stop in and work with designers to create stunning and serviceable spaces.
Family-owned and operated since 1962, Merit supplies cabinetry to both consumers and contractors and offers an array of brands in dozens of lines that are available in a wide variety of stains, colors, materials and styles.
Thanks to advancements in modern technology, there’s never been a more exciting time to create the ideal kitchen. Merit owner David Earl outlined how he and his team of highly skilled designers put their decades of experience to use helping customers reach their goals. From consultation to installation, these experts share their insight while utilizing state-of-art equipment that helps homeowners see exactly how their finished product will look before work begins.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Before starting a design, Mr. Earl explained that one of the first things he asks clients to consider is their lifestyle.
“When it comes to a renovation, as opposed to new construction, we’ll ask, ‘Are you a family that when you host a dinner party or holiday gathering everyone ends up in kitchen with you? Are they helping you, or in the background having a glass of wine?’ If that’s what you want, then maybe it’s a matter of removing the wall between the dining room and kitchen because everyone’s in there anyway and you want to visit with them. But if you want the kitchen locked away where no one can come in and distract you from cooking, that’s something else entirely,” he said.
Often this requires creative space planning to get great work areas without the appliances crowding each other. This is where Mr. Earl and his team of designers use their expertise to make the best use of the space.
“The final decision is what it’s going to look like,” Mr. Earl said. “Now, I know what I like but I can’t tell you that a white kitchen is going to be in style three or four years from now. Nobody knows. A while ago, yellow was big in kitchens — for about six months — and then it was out again. So, what I recommend is that they do it for themselves and their taste and not for some future person who might buy that home. If clients decorate to their taste, somebody else will feel the love that was put into it.”
Allowing clients to visualize their future room, Merit offers schematic and walk-through 3D renderings.
“It helps them know what they’re getting,” he said. “They understand the design and the cabinets and they’re seeing it in 3D and in color on PDFs that we send them. Or, they can see it on the big screen in our office while working with designers to get a good feel for it.”
With the help of virtual reality goggles, homeowners have the ability to stand in their new future kitchen months before it’s built, he added.
“As a company, we offer cabinets in a plethora of colors, styles and construction,” he said.
Among the top-of-the-line manufactures is KraftMaid. Priding itself on its quality of construction and craftsmanship, the company has been making cabinetry for the past 40 years and understands what homeowners want and need. For example, preferred features such as 90 lb. drawer slides, full-extension drawers, and soft-close drawers and doors are all features that come at no extra cost.
While Merit is focused on high-quality and state-of-the-art technology, the company understand clients often set financial limits on the project.
“We offer inexpensive cabinets that are nice quality, but you might be limited in terms of your options. We also offer custom cabinets with endless options. We help get people together on what they need and want and what they want to spend across many price points,” he said.
Mr. Earl also stated that he and his team are happy to explain the features and benefits of different materials. For example, he said many consumers believe that hardwood is the gold standard when it comes to cabinetry. But melamine is an affordable alternative that resists water, stains and dirt for easy cleaning.
“We’re all experienced designers and we know what we’re doing and we understand cabinets, so we’re able to make suggestions that customers might not have thought of,” Mr. Earl said.
Troubleshooting and Maximizing Space
In addition to making product recommendations, Merit can help homeowners spot potential design flaws. Mr. Earl shared that he recently made adjustments to architectural drawings provided by a client. When asked why, he explained that if the homeowner was accessing the dishwasher in the original configuration, no one would be able to use the stove. By making a simple change, that issue was remedied and it allowed room for additional storage.
While kitchens might be Merit’s bread and butter, Mr. Earl explained that his company serves as a one-stop shop helping homeowners with all their cabinetry needs. From wall units and wet bars to bathrooms and basements, anywhere cabinetry goes, Merit follows.
The company services the region extending from Delaware north through New York and into New England. Completing the look of any room, Merit Kitchens also supplies quartz, natural stone, ceramic, wood butcher block and laminate counters.
From testing your skill on timeless courses to watching today’s top players, find your sweet spot in New Jersey.
Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Travel and Tourism
Visit the Birthplace of the Birdie: The Atlantic City Country Club offers fast-and-firm greens – and a bit of golf history, as well. In 1903, “birdie” was coined on its then-12th hole!
Play a Robert Trent Jones Classic: Hominy Hill Golf Course in Colts Neck can be considered the crown jewel of the Monmouth County Park System. The course, which has hosted numerous championships, awaits your next round.
The Pipes Are Calling: Find the Ballyowen Golf Club at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg. It’s a modern-day, links-style classic with river views. If the Heathland feel doesn’t evoke Ireland, the pub’s bagpiper will.
Pay Homage to 18 Design Legends: The Architects Golf Club of Lopatcong pays tribute to great designs created by the game’s most prolific architects. Immerse yourself in golf architecture history, then savor the cuisine in the clubhouse’s Thyme Restaurant & Bar.
Putt on a Replica St. Andrews Course:Located in Liberty Corner, the USGA Museum features the Pynes Putting Course, inspired by the Himalayas Putting Course in St. Andrews. Grab a replica antique club and balls, and take on the challenge.
Hit a Drive, Sip a Wine: The Vineyards Golf Course in Egg Harbor City provides the perfect complement to Renault’s restaurants, hotel and winery! Sample the 7,200-yard layout with magnificent vineyard vistas — and the winery’s award-winning fare.
Take the Twisted Test: 100 Traps & Bunkers: Serious golfers — of every skill level — love the links-style course at Egg Harbor Township’s Twisted Dune Golf Club. Discover twisting landscapes with dramatic elevations and deep ravines.
Go “Old School” with Donald Ross: The Bay Course at Seaview Hotel & Golf Club in Galloway has the honor of being crafted by the legendary Donald Ross. Built in 1914, the course has been restored to his original links design.
Carry Over a Sand Quarry: Sculpted in and around a sand quarry, Scotland Run Golf Club in Williamstown offers more than a wee challenge. Be ready for No. 16, which features a forced carry over the quarry.
Aim for more golf courses, attractions and events at VisitNJ.org. Plus, download a free NJ travelguide or sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism.
Morey’s Piers, Wildwood. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Travel and Tourism
Whatever your style for celebrating summer, the Jersey Shore provides dozens of ways to make the most of sunny days and balmy nights. Consider just a sampling of what the shore has to offer:
130 Miles of Atlantic Ocean Coastline: From Sandy Hook to Cape May, New Jersey’s coastline offers miles of summer fun: surf fishing, swimming, sea kayaking, beach relaxing, surfing and so much more.
World’s First Boardwalk (Atlantic City, 1870): Do you prefer a peaceful stroll by the ocean or
a walk on the wild side? Whatever your style, there’s a Jersey Shore boardwalk for you, including the nation’s oldest and longest boardwalk in Atlantic City.
60 Beaches: New Jersey has more than 60 designated beaches, each with its own personality, from natural (Island Beach State Park) to family-friendly (Ocean City and The Wildwoods).
11 Lighthouses to Climb: Check out the many lighthouses open to the public, from Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the nation’s oldest standing lighthouse, to Absecon, the state’s tallest lighthouse.
Rides from Chill to 70-MPH Thrills: At Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Waterpark in Seaside Heights, adventure seekers can strap into the Skyscraper and get whipped around at speeds of up to 70 mph! Prefer a more leisurely pace? Enjoy ocean breezes and great views on the tranquil Sky Ride.
Dozens of Mini-Golf Courses: It’s just not a summer family vacation at the shore without a round or two of mini-golf. Find your perfect course and get ready to sink a hole in one.
Two Aquariums: See sharks and penguins at Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant or view loggerhead sea turtles and moray eels at the Atlantic City Aquarium.
The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party: For out-sized seaside fun, check out Beachstock 2019 on June 29 in Margate. The 14-hour-long party features bands, a food court, a surf clinic and a free movie on the beach.
For more Shore info, go to VisitNJ.org to download a free NJ travel guide or to sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism.
Summer is a great time to enjoy fun in the sun, but the season also can pose some health and safety risks if you’re not careful. 
A. AQUA AWARENESS
Working with an experienced designer and installer can ensure that your vision comes to life in a way that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. 
