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

Jessies is known for having some of the best hand crafter drinks in the area, with using La Colombe as their espresso beans for their frinks. They also have an array of ice cream in the chest next to the register where you order that is available all year round.

“Coffee Cream Community”

HG Workshops is located in Northfield New Jersey. This is truly a Hidden Gem of New Jersey, as it sits back in the far end of the parking lot behind a nail spot and some other businesses. Laura, the owner, has signs out front that direct you right to the front door. This space is very special because it is a creative space where the community gets to come together and intentionally “check in” to being creative.

The greatest authentic Mexican Food Truck in all of south jersey! It is located on the corner of 107 Peach Street in Hammonton New Jersey.

It is a brand new year which can bring on many different emotions, ideas, goals, aspirations, and frames of mind. Many will crack out their journals to begin planning and thinking through all kinds of goals for the year. It is common with the new year to want to set aspirations or ideas of what the year could look like. Under 10% of people who set their resolutions for the year actually end up following through with them! This is always something that has been interesting to me when reflecting on the concept of it being a new year. I feel the excitement and anticipation of a new season and tend to create a monstrous list of all that I’d like to do in the next year. Get yourself to Barista’s to try one of their signature lattes for coffee flights!

Historic Smithville- The well loved, well known, not so hidden gem of New Jersey. Historic Smithville has been around for over 50 years with 50-60 different shops that host some of the sweetest goods in all of South Jersey. This is the place to land for any last minute gifting, with that “small business, special gift” kind of feel. The variety in the stores is what makes this place so special, because you could find something for anyone. It is a charming place any time of the year with cobblestone pathways, and every shop looking like a little home in a village. “It’s a village that seems frozen in time.” There is truly something here for everyone of any age. What makes this place the most magical, is the way that they decorate everything for Christmas.

Date idea for couples who need to connect during the craziness of the holidays. Taking time to remember what the holiday season is really about