The Coastal Chateau is a contactless luxury boutique hotel that was formerly known as the “Atlantis Inn”. The boutique hotel sits on the corner of 6th and Atlantic in Ocean City, New Jersey. The space is only 1 block from America’s greatest family resort/boardwalk, the beach, and the ocean! A local South Jersey Family has transformed this space into one of the most beautiful looking on the inside and outside. They offer a variety of different bedrooms and sweets, and even have “pet friendly” villas available!

The Hula Grill is a restaurant tucked back between 9th and 10th street on the Ocean City Boardwalk. It often isn’t recognized, until it becomes that place where “you know if you know”. They have some of the freshest, cleanest, and most delicious meals you will find on the boardwalk. All of their dishes are a win, and they are served with sticky rice, a fresh salad, and their fantastic homemade dressing. The dishes are uniquely authentic with some of the best homemade additions and tastes that makes this restaurant stand out. Nobody does it like the Hula Grill.

Right in the heart of Historic Smithville has opened the most beautifully curated, intentionally crafted, sweetest store called ‘The Bees Knees’. The little shop stands on it’s own along the water on the Historical side of Smithville. The Bees Knees is owned by Bailey who is an artist herself and has a number of her own paintings and pieces within her space.

The Ocean City Farmers Market is now in full swing located between 5th and 6th on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City New Jersey. The Farmers Market is located on the Tabernacle Grounds and includes farm fresh delights and hand crafted treasures for anyone! There are so many phenomenal vendors including local farms, and artisans. This market is one of the greatest in South Jersey area and it runs from 8am-12pm every Wednesday through the end of August.

keria 1010 is back and better than before. Bakeria 1010 closed their Linwood doors in February of 2023 while the owner pursued a different venture in Philadelphia. Mike Fitzick is the owner and crafter behind their unique pizza that is light and airy like focaccia, but crispy when a crust that is better than many in South Jersey. The gem within his pizza skills is the dough which is sourdough

Tacos El Tio opened up in 2014 with the Egg Harbor Township being the first location. They opened a second location in Medford in 2018. The Egg Harbor Township location is on the Black Horse Pike, and is the perfect spot to have a birthday dinner or any kind of celebration. The restaurant takes reservations, and they have indoor and outdoor seating within the appropriate seasons. Their menu includes some of the most authentic dishes with their hidden gem being their burritos. Others may differ on what their favorite dishes are because there’s nothing that is ordered here that is not top tier.

The Nature Reserve is tucked back right off Zion Road in Egg Harbor Township New Jersey. It’s a 1.6 mile loop that takes about 30-40 minutes to complete. The terrain varies from woods, hills, dirt, gravel, and changes in scenery. There is an “upper path” and then a path along the water that is lower. The Nature Reserve is dog friendly, if the dog remains on the leash! There are two different entrances for the Nature Reserve and porta potties at either entrance.

South Jersey is filled with a number of phenomenal options for pizza. I can think of 7 different places I would go to, to get their signature pie. The perfect pizza night would mean multiple stops with multiple different kinds of pizza. A couple I can think of would be South End Pizza for their buffalo chicken pizza, or Gaspares of Egg Harbor Township (When they were open), for their white pizza. Everyone has their preferences and top favorites for pizza. The only reason I heard of Maurizio’s was because someone had brought over their “Grandma’s Pie”. It is the best thing on their menu!!

Chesters of Somers Point is one of the greatest Hidden Gems of all of New Jersey. It’s also known as the “Pastry Pantry”. Chesters is located in the heart of Somers point. It is one of the few bakeries that have been around for decades. For most children, the parents turning the car into an ice cream shop is what brings joy and excitement. For me all of my life, it was getting a gingerbread from Chester’s Bakery

Bellino’s Market is tucked away in Galloway right on the border of Smithville area. It was my first time being there, and the environment was sweet as soon as you stepped in. It’s not just a deli with a sandwich counter to order lunch, but offers a bakery, grocery items, prepped food to take home, ice cream, and more! You could truly enter and leave with a treat for anyone and everyone

This cafe is a cheerful and inviting atmosphere that will instantly make you feel right at home. What sets this cafe apart from the rest is its menu, which features a unique blend of classic breakfast favorites with a modern twist. The friendly staff members are always ready to greet you with a smile and provide top-notch service with refilling your coffee any time it gets low. They even offer their different bakery items for sale at the glass counter to purchase and enjoy in your home. The new location of Shā Swirl Cafe & Bakery is 626 S New York Rd, Galloway New Jersey

Dry Island is an apparel brand owned and created by Eric Plyler located on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City New Jersey. I got the chance to interview Eric and ask him some questions behind the brand, what he did before creating “Dry Island”, and some of his favorite parts about being involved in the community.

Roses Garden & Grill is located on 2605 New RoadNorthfield New Jersey. I have been coming here since I was a kid! Their sandwiches are some of the best in South Jersey. They have hot and cold sandwiches, wings, breakfast, lunch, and more. They provide different options for catering and sandwich trays which would be perfect for your next party. Their entire menu and more is available to order for catering. They have different count options for sandwiches, and even provide things like their appetizers and desserts as a part of their catering menu.

They began their Peace of Wood journey at 1112 Asbury Avenue back in 2016, and now they are located at 345 West Avenue Ocean City New Jersey. Their space includes a wide variety of artwork by Kristina Young, artwork from dozens of local artists, music by local musicians, photography, reclaimed wood and pieces made by Marshall Young, and so much more. They have organically created a space that brings in the community and has grown to be one big local family.

Joe Italian’s Maplewood is a traditional spot in South Jersey housing authentic Italian cuisine. I didn’t learn about this place for many years until someone asked me if I had ever been to the place on the black horse pike that makes their own pasta. I heard “homemade pasta” and knew it was a must. The Maplewood is a “vibe” as soon as you enter the restaurant, and the menu is diverse and DELICIOUS. Everyone knows Olive Garden as the place to be with the salad and breadsticks that come before your meal, but Maplewood does the same, but what makes it different is that they make it all in house!

South Jersey is filled with som of the best Farmers Markets. This article contains a list of 5 from Monday-Friday