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L I F E S T Y L E bay-magazine.com 1
Coastal Living. Thoughtfully Built.
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Walters Architecture, LLC. Lic # N.J. 21AC00111000
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Discover Your Shore Home With Walters For more than 40 years, Walters has helped shape life along the Jersey Shore with homes designed for the way people truly want to live. From custom residences tailored to your vision to beautifully crafted homes available now, every Walters home reflects thoughtful design, enduring craftsmanship, and a deep connection to coastal living. Whether you’re beginning the journey, refining the details, or ready for your next chapter at the Shore, Walters creates homes that capture the ease of summer and the comfort of home all year long.
Discover or design your Shore home CALL 609.361.7000
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ALL HOMES ARE TO BE ENERGY STAR® CERTIFIED Look for high performance homes built to EPA’s ENERGY STAR Homes Program. ENERGY STAR Homes offer enduring quality, value-adding energy efficiency features and a combination of materials and equipment that deliver better performance and an overall superior level of quality. New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program™ is brought to you by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and does not endorse any bay-magazine.com 3 one particular builder. Information can be found at NJCleanEnergy.com.
Contents Open House 17
Fortuna
23
When the sun goes down
29
A house that keeps on growing with them
33
A brief history of the Estate tax
36
A new way to design luxury
40
The house on sand dune lane
46
Make a splash
51
Enduring by design
56
Striking, yet timeless
62
Xanadu: an intentional paradise
68
Hydrangea Haven
72
Views at every level
76
Exactly enough
82
The autumn home
4 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
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Additional locations in Lakewood, Manahawkin, Point Pleasant, and Shrewsbury.
Contents Healthy Living
86
11 Years of transformation
90
The hottest workout in town
94
The glow and the glucose
Get the Look 98
Beyond the trends
102 Hot-again trends to wear this fall
Feature Story 109
Hidden in plain sight
Weddings 116
Sweethearts and saltwater
120
Wedding Bliss
6 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
REYNOLDS BUILDER CONTRACTOR Excellence in Custom Homes and Renovations MarkReynoldsProjectManagement.com | LBI, NJ | 609.597.6099 bay-magazine.com 7
Contents Feed Your Mind 124 Feed your mind 132 Ask Marvin 136 Where to eat. According to LBI Eats 140 A steadfast team 146 The official shuttle of good decisions 152 Thirty years of Blue Claw
Art 158
Handmade for the holidays
162
Where the coast meets canvas
Did you Know? 166
Eat your oysters
170
Full throttle on the bay
176
Selling fun for fifty years
8 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
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bay magazine
CO-FOUNDER | CHAIRMAN PUBLISHER GARY HENDERSON CO-FOUNDER | EDITORIAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR FARRELL DUNLEAVY VP OPERATIONS LUELLEN HENDERSON
CONCEPT & STYLING WEDDINGS JEANNE COON-BOGATH BOGATH WEDDINGS AND EVENTS
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS MICHAEL SPARK MICHAEL JOHN MURPHY JOHN MARTINELLI ROBIN CHASE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JENNA COWPERTHWAITE KATHERINE LIOUDIS LISA SIMEK DENISE PETTI SUSAN VON BRACHEL JEANNE COON-BOGATH
ADVERTISING SUBMISSIONS GENERAL INQUIRES info@bay-mag.com
For a digital copy of bay magazine visit our website at www.bay-magazine.com. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by writers commissioned for articles published by bay magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine. Copyright © 2026 LBI Publishing Inc. bay magazine Open House Magazine Feed your mind cookbook™
609 - 290 - 7537 www.thekitchenandbathroomclub.com 10 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
Wedding Bliss Expo™ The Book
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DYK | Long Beach Island’s Email Blast
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FOUNDERS NOTE
CELEBRATING LONG BEACH ISLAND
As we settle into a bit of a slower pace, especially following such a celebratory summer, there remains an undeniable spark on the island. There is nothing quite like strolling the quiet beach, a hint of chill in the ocean breeze, or watching the sun set over the bay while the autumn marsh grasses shimmer and sway. For this issue, we have so many great things to share with you. We highlight some gorgeous homes fit to inspire whether you are living right on the water or dreaming of your ideal seaside escape. We take some time to share bits of the modern culinary landscape, from restaurant and event features to scrumptious recipes to the hard-working people who keep our island’s eateries running. You will find pages dedicated to seasonal fashion trends, important coastline restoration efforts and celebrating years of hard working business . In short, there’s a little bit of everything, all celebrating the inimitable Long Beach Island. We hope you enjoy the stories we’ve curated in this issue of Bay Magazine and continue to find passion about this coastal lifestyle in every aspect of your days. The
Founders
12 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
Happy Birthday
A A
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16 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
Fortuna WRITTEN BY JENNA COWPERTHWAITE
On a cold morning in January of 1910, a thick fog rolled in along the coast of Long Beach Island. An Italian boat, Fortuna, lost its way in the fog and rough seas, running aground off 16th street in Ship Bottom. While the captain and crew were thankfully rescued, the ship capsized in the soft sand and lay stranded on the beach for most of the year. It became one of the most widely photographed ship wrecks on the Jersey coast; people could be seen climbing the masts, swinging from the bowsprit, and standing on the underside of the hull. Its anchor, recovered years later, stands as a beacon at the new Borough Hall, proof that what no longer exists can still be remembered. This is why Michael Pagnotta has bestowed the name Fortuna on his new project, just three streets over from the original shipwreck. “The project sits on the former site of Ship Bottom’s long-beloved elementary school,” explains Mike. “This was a really hard one to let go of, as the school meant a great deal to so many people, but its memory lives on. And at the end of the day, this next chapter—for both this piece of land and our island’s elementary students and teachers—is very positive.”
bay-magazine.com 17
As school-aged enrollment declined and the maintenance and costs of running an older structure increased, operating two elementary schools was no longer practical. By combining them, the funding can be funneled to a single location, ultimately giving the kids more opportunities and a more updated school building. All students will now attend the newly renamed Long Beach Island Elementary School in Surf City. And as to Long Beach Island’s Grade School in Ship Bottom? Michael Pagnotta plans to give it new life as a single family home neighborhood with as much green space as the former school setting enjoyed. Before the school was redeveloped, it was important to Mike that the community be invited to retrieve any sentimental or historical tokens from the building and grounds. He donated the existing playground equipment and brought an original fireplace to the Long Beach Island Historical Museum. The PTA relocated bricks to the Surf City school and they even discovered the 1951 time capsule, set to be opened in a special ceremony later this year. 18 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
Mike understood the emotional response to the change and committed to improving the neighborhood as a whole, while recognizing that the loss of the elementary school will still be felt. Pagnotta donated 30,000 square feet of the original tract and sold six lots at a discounted price to the Borough of Ship Bottom, resulting in the proposed 60,000 square foot park. As part of the Fortuna project, Michael Pagnotta Architecture + Construction will put in new curbs and sidewalks around the whole block. They are also installing new sewer and water lines for existing homes in the direct vicinity that need improvement. One of their primary goals, as they transform the space to welcome new families, is to reduce the threat of flooding in the area. They raised the grade sixteen inches and significantly reduced the amount of impervious surface on the school site. They are planting more than eighty trees, not only to help with flooding but also to add lush beauty to the space. Additionally all storm water will be retained on site in bioswales, as the development team is committed to sustainability and longevity.
The Fortuna neighborhood will eventually hold 21 homes, working with Freeman & Co for the real estate transactions. Mike has designed five model homes as a starting point, offering customers the ability to customize each model. In close collaboration with the Borough on the redevelopment plan, the homes will be 32 feet tall— two stories over a garage/storage level. Each will include a three-stop elevator, a roof deck, and all the amenities expected in a Pagnotta home, such as engineered hardwood floors, Woodmode cabinetry, and gourmet kitchens. With several premium lots available, the majority of lots are a standard 50 feet x 100 feet. “It’s very rare in a situation like this that you come out with a win-win-win, but I think we did. The Borough will have a beautiful new park, the residents of Long Beach Island will have a new elementary school funded by our purchase of the land, and we will be able to bring a thoughtful reduced number of single-family homes to the neighborhood, ultimately increasing the tax revenue for the Borough and the school. It brings it full circle.” Projected to be available starting late spring of 2027, Fortuna will preserve the memories of the past while welcoming generations to come. bay-magazine.com 19
REYNOLDS Design and Build with Reynolds - Registered Landscape Architects When it comes to creating the most comprehensive plans for your landscape, pool, and outdoor living areas, with over 45 years of expertise, we’ve built a legacy as the most trusted name in landscaping on Long Beach Island.
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PHOTO BY VK VISUALS 22 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN
OPEN HOUSE
WRITTEN BY LISA SIMEK
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED BY COASTAL SOURCE
How Reynolds' Lighting & Audio Design Turns Landscapes into Experiences Forty-five years ago, Mark and Peg Reynolds set out to build a business. What they built instead, over the years, was a family that happens to be in business together: landscaping, construction management, floral design, retail, real estate, philanthropy… each division growing out of whoever in the family loved it most. “There was never a master plan,” Mark says. “Each generation simply followed its own interests and talents, creating opportunities that expanded the family brand in unexpected ways.” Tanek Hood is proof of exactly that. He joined the family orbit the way a lot of good things happen on LBI: he fell in love. Tanek met Katie Reynolds, Mark and Peg’s daughter, while she was finishing college, before she came back to work in the family business. Her parents brought him on, and what started as a mix of irrigation, lighting, and maintenance work slowly narrowed into something more specific. Tanek had a background in photography, and lighting, it turned out, was the discipline where that eye mattered most. “It was something that really seemed to be important to improving people's time on the island with their family,” he says. Twenty-three years later, he's built lighting design into its own respected corner of the Reynolds name, one that now includes his wife Katie's floral division too. It's a detail that says something about how this family works: Tanek's favorite trick is tucking downlights and uplights around the planters and flower boxes that Katie and her mother design, so the flowers Katie curates for daytime are still doing their job after dark. “That's the first thing that's often lost in a lighting design that you're used to seeing during the day,” he says. There's a quiet irony in the work, too. Much of it is invisible by design. “Very few people have seen the entire body of our lighting design work,” Tanek says, “because it's often in a backyard that only gets enjoyed by the clients or a few neighbors.” After more than two decades of long nights fine-tuning projects most of the island will never see in full, he's candid that recognition means something. Ask Tanek what a lighting project actually involves, and you get something closer to a craft than a checklist. Every job starts with a design consultation, followed by his own scouting trip after dark, driving past the property to study competing light from the street or a neighbor's overly bright fixtures. From there, he works the lighting plan into whatever the design team has already drafted, sometimes a full 3D walkthrough, sometimes a simple two-dimensional layout. Once installed, the team does a night walkthrough together, photographing and adjusting until it's right. It's precise, patient work, and it's rarely the first thing a client asks for. “As the lighting and audio person, I'm usually the first component that gets pushed off a budget's must-do list and picked back up in year two, once the rest of construction is covered,” Tanek admits. bay-magazine.com 23
PHOTO BY LJ HEPP
He's built his division instead by leaning on strong partnerships, particularly with electrician Phil Strada, whom he credits as essential to bringing Reynolds' building, landscaping, and lighting projects together. Audio, he says, is a different discipline entirely. “Audio takes less creativity to get it right, it's more about hiding the system and making it sound good, and protecting the neighbors from loud music.” A home might carry four zones of audio instead of two, each one calibrated to a specific use, quiet enough near a neighbor's fence, alive enough at the barbecue. What most homeowners never think about, Tanek says, is how a system needs to grow with them. Families change. Kids get older, guests multiply, routines shift. He designs with that in mind from the start, building systems meant to function well and hold up for years against sun, salt, and storms, not just for the family that moves in on day one, but for the one that's still there a decade later. The technical challenges are real. Tanek points to projects with curved beams, worked out alongside Jeff Fisher, where fixtures had to disappear entirely into the landscape design. Or an oceanfront home in Spray Beach, where articulating shutters, screens, shades, fans, 24 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
and a fire pit all had to share one tight footprint with nowhere to hide a wire. Tanek is particular about what separates a lighting job that merely works from one that's genuinely beautiful. Much of his work relies on downlighting, sometimes called moonlighting, fixtures mounted high in a tree or structure to mimic the way we're naturally used to seeing light fall from above. It's a subtler approach than what he sees creeping onto rooflines across the island: color-changing strip lights that he considers a quick fix, one that rarely functions well and rarely looks good either. His priorities, in order, are security and utility first. “If you can do those two things well and also make it look beautiful,” he says, “then you are really reaching for a pinnacle in quality lighting design.” It's a bar he holds himself to on every project, hoping that whenever he eventually steps back from the island's lighting work, what remains behind speaks for itself. I f Tanek has a signature phrase, it's one his team, his family, and even his clients now tease him about: Civil Twilight. He learned the term from a mentor back in 2004, the window just after sunset, roughly 45 minutes, when it's still just barely light enough to throw a baseball be-
OPEN HOUSE
tween two people. It's his favorite time to photograph a finished project, though for judging the work itself, he prefers full dark. “I really like to look at my work in the dark so that I can make sure all the boxes of the design goals have been achieved.” That instinct for atmosphere is really his whole philosophy. “Lighting is painting a picture,” Tanek says. “I am painting a picture with music and lights.” He talks about a property not as one space but as a series of scenes: a switched-down light for the barbecue, dimmed lighting for a sitting area, zoned audio that doesn't carry past the property line. “Your neighbor often will be my next client,” he says, “so I have to respect their space as much as yours.” That philosophy paid off recently on a project in High Bar Harbor, where a nervous client hesitated on uplighting until Tanek reassured her it would be done tastefully. The next night, during the walkthrough, her neighbors couldn't stop complimenting how soft and subtle it looked. She was glad, in the end, that she'd trusted his instinct. For fifteen years, Tanek has been adding new homes to the Yarmouth and Newport stretch in Holgate, and now much of that lagoon carries a quiet, consistent glow that's unmistakably Reynolds. “It's definitely a statement neighborhood that looks better at night because of our designs,” he says. He's proud of systems he built back in 2011, and just as proud of how the approach has evolved since. What hasn't changed is the guiding principle: a well-designed lighting system has to be flexible,
because families change, gardens change, and the light has to adapt right along with them, always with an eye toward glare-controlled downlighting that lights a home without spilling into a neighbor's windows. One story from that world of long-term work stays with him. Years after installing outdoor shower lighting for a client, Tanek returned to the same home after it changed hands and walked the new owners through the switches. They were blown away by how subtle the lighting was, and by the discovery that the shower could double as a third gathering space for overflow guests. It's a reaction that has stuck with him. Outdoor showers, in fact, have become something of a specialty for the team, a small, often-overlooked space where Reynolds' lighting work quietly shines. Ask Tanek where the Reynolds name goes from here, and he doesn't talk strategy. He talks about family, and about a business he feels is entering a genuinely good moment, everyone pulling in the same direction to build something better together. He hopes to see more of the next generation come back into the fold, the way he did all those years ago with Katie. And he measures his own success less in projects completed than in the small moments they make possible: a video from a client of their kids playing cornhole under the downlights, or crabbing with their grandparents safely off a dock at night. “Lighting may seem like just a small component,” he says, “but it really changes how a family experiences their time together on LBI.”
PHOTO BY JOHN MARTINELLI bay-magazine.com 25
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28 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
OPEN HOUSE
A HOUSE THAT KEEPS GROWING WITH THEM WRITTEN BY LISA SIMEK PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SPARK
Inside designer Laura Fariello's years-long collaboration with a Brant Beach family, and the friendship that built it Some client relationships end when the invoice does. Laura Fariello's with Erin Stanley never did. It started in December of 2021; Laura's first month on the sales floor at Oskar Huber Furniture & Design. Erin walked in with her mother, Shelly, and by the time they left, the three of them had talked through nearly every room in the house, from the main living area down to the lower level and all the way up to the rooftop deck. But what Laura remembers most of that time wasn't the scope of the first project. It's how instantly the three of them got along. "We became instant friends, as if we knew each other forever," she says. "To me, that's an instant connection." That connection, it turns out, had roots. “The whole reason I'm down here doing what I'm doing is my mother and I spent almost 50 years of summers here,” Laura explains. “I don't know if that's what the connection was, that they related to me and I could relate to their mother-daughter dynamic, but the reason I'm here doing what I love to do, where I love to do it, is because I spent 50 years of my summers here with my own Mom.” Next year, two milestones will land at once: Laura's 50th year in the home furnishings business, and Oskar Huber's 100th as a family-run company on the island. The Stanley home sits a street back from the ocean in Brant Beach, close enough to see the water from the upper decks. Built by Mancini Builders LBI, it's a reverse-living layout across three levels, with an open, light-filled main floor and ceilings high enough to make the whole space feel airy rather bay-magazine.com 29
OPEN HOUSE
than boxed in. Laura and the Stanleys worked through it room by room that first December, with one rule above all else: everything had to be comfortable first, and pleasing to both Erin and Shelly. Everything else followed from there. What makes the project interesting isn't a single before-and-after. It's that the house has kept changing as the family living in it has changed, and Laura has been there for most of it. “It's been a work in progress,” she says. “They are always adding accessories.” The main living area uses two sofas rather than one large sectional, a choice that has paid off over years of rearranging as Erin's entertaining needs shift with the seasons and the size of the crowd. A second family room downstairs was designed from the start with a different audience in mind: Erin's son, Quinn, and his friends, somewhere for what Laura calls “youthful but sophisticated” hangout, separate from the main level upstairs. That room has already outgrown one version of itself. 30 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
It originally held bunk beds, a trundle, a desk, and a gaming setup. Quinn has since headed off to Florida to play college football, and the family sold their home in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, making LBI more of a true home base, six months a year, May through October. The bunk beds are gone, replaced by two full-size beds better suited to grown friends visiting than to kids on a sleepover. Upstairs, the four bedrooms still read as a kind of family portrait. Erin's room sits on the main living level and stays simple and minimal, exactly how she likes it. Shelly's is a quieter retreat: a storage bed, a swivel chair tucked into a front window, a private spot for reading that gives her a bit of solitude. A fourth bedroom belongs to Erin's brother. On the lower level, the first room guests see has a bohemian feel, looser and more expressive than the calm of the floors above. Ask Laura where to point a camera and she doesn't hesitate: the main level. The kitchen, dining, and living
areas flow into one another and carry the project's two standout details. In the kitchen, a navy shiplap accent wall, Erin's own idea, anchors the space and is visible from both the dining area and the living room. In the dining room, a rectangular table from Universal serves as a kind of visual hinge between all three spaces, paired with a wall featuring a nautical stingray motif that Erin also dreamed up. “That was her idea, which was really beautiful,” Laura says, “and most of the artwork she did with us.” The outdoor spaces tell their own story of a family settling further into island life. Erin had a pool put in, and converted half of one garage into a storage and bar area. Around the pool, Laura furnished outdoor dining, poolside seating, and a few Adirondack chairs, a staple on Long Beach Island if there ever was one. Two upper decks extend the entertaining further. One sits off the main living area, with ocean views and its own dining and seating for when the guest list grows. The rooftop deck goes a step further, with bar stools, a tete-à-tete for taking in the view, and a fire pit added just last year for cooler nights. Altogether, the layout can comfortably host as many as twelve people, a number that feels less like a design flourish and more like a reflection of how often this family actually gathers. Five years in, Laura and the Stanleys haven't drifted into the usual designer-client distance. Erin and Shelly still stop by the store whenever they're on the island, and Laura says they treat her like family. When Erin mentioned recently that she might even be looking at another house, it felt less like a business opportunity and more like a natural next chapter. For Laura, that's exactly the point. She's doing what she loves, where she loves to do it, and this family keeps giving her reasons to come back. bay-magazine.com 31
BUILDING BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM HOMES ON LONG BEACH ISLAND FOR OVER 40 YEARS 302 LONG BEACH BLVD SHIP BOTTOM, NJ 08008
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WWW.ARAITKEN.COM (609) 494-6020
A Brief History of The Estate Taxes Federal estate taxes have been a source of funding for the federal government almost since the U.S. was founded. In 1797, Congress instituted a system of federal stamps that were required on all wills offered for probate when property (land, homes) was transferred from one generation to the next. The revenue from these stamps was used to build the Navy for an undeclared war with France, which had begun in 1794. When the crisis ended in 1802, the tax was repealed.1 Estate taxes returned during the build-up to the Civil War. The Revenue Act of 1862 included an inheritance tax, which applied to transfers of personal assets. In 1864, Congress amended the Revenue Act, added a tax on transfers of real estate, and increased the rates for inheritance taxes. As before, once the war ended, the Act was repealed.1 In 1898, a federal legacy tax was proposed to raise revenue for the Spanish-American War. This served as a precursor to modern estate taxes. It instituted tax rates that were graduated by the size of the estate. The end of the war came in 1902, and the legacy tax was repealed later that same year.1 In 1913, however, the 16th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified – the one that gives Congress the right to “lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived.” This amendment paved the way for the Revenue Act of 1916, which established an estate tax that in one way or another, has been part of U.S. history since then.1 In 2010, the estate tax expired – briefly. But in December 2010, Congress passed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. The new law retroactively imposed tax legislation on all estates settled in 2010.2 In 2012, the American Tax Relief Act made the estate tax a permanent part of the tax code.3 As part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, estate tax rules were adjusted again. The estate tax exemption was raised to $11.2 million, a doubling of the $5.6 million that previously existed. Married couples were able to pass as much as $22.4 million to their heirs. As of 2025, that rate has risen to $13.99 million per individual (and $27.98 million for married couples). If you’re uncertain about your estate strategy, it may be a good time to review the approach you currently have in place.4 Exemption through the Years Federal estate taxes exempt a share of estates from federal estate taxes. For the 2026 tax year, if an estate is worth less than $15 million, no federal estate taxes may apply.4
RAY OFFENBURGER FINANCIAL PLANNER 609-478-7154 ray.offenburger@rocfinancialservices.com
Year
Exclusion Amount
Highest Tax Rate
2013
$5,250,000
40%
2014
$5,340,000
40%
2015
$5,430,000
40%
2016
$5,450,000
40%
2017
$5,490,000
40%
2018
$11,180,000
40%
2019
$11,400,000
40%
2020
$11,580,000
40%
2021
$11,700,000
40%
2022
$12,060,000
40%
2023
$12,920,000
40%
2024
$13,610,000
40%
2025
$13,990,000
40%
Chart Source: IRS.gov, 2024 1. IRS.gov, 2025 2. Congress.gov, 2025 3. Congress.gov, 2025 4. Investopedia.com, February 10, 2025 5. Treasury.gov, August 12, 2025The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2026 FMG Suite.
bay-magazine.com 33
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OPEN HOUSE
Luxury
A NEW WAY TO DESIGN WRITTEN BY JENNA COWPERTHWAITE PHOTOS BY JOHN MARTINELLI
Just an hour drive from Long Beach Island, centrally located with easy access from a number of New Jersey highways, sits Woodhaven Lumber’s brand new luxury design center in Freehold. The showroom, built to accommodate both homeowners and builders, provides a robust experience and actually allows home projects to be calming and enjoyable. Whether redesigning a kitchen, bathroom or closet, or building an entire house from the ground up, shoppers can explore cabinetry, flooring, tile, shower doors, custom moulding, hardware, interior and exterior doors, windows, patio doors, decking, stairs, and railings all in this one location. David A. Robinson, Vice President and third generation ownership, humbly recognizes, “There is nothing quite like this anywhere else in New Jersey, as far as its comprehensiveness for any home project.” The design center itself is a very sleek, open space, developed from floor to ceiling with precision and care. “We worked with a company who specializes in highend retail space planning,” explains Marketing Director, Julianna Welker, who spearheaded the project along 36 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
with Operations Manager, Louis Caruso. “It was important that the footprint of our showroom be strategically laid out from the get-go to ensure an elevated experience for our customers.” The ultra-high, deep black ceiling offers a modern loft vibe, creating an expansiveness that keeps the jam-packed showroom feeling serene and unfussy. Ample natural light from second story windows and skylights, plus sophisticated overhead lighting make it easy to match colors. Even the music quietly echoing through the space acts as a key element to creating an inviting and productive ambiance. Into that perfect canvas are threaded the displays that help each project come alive. “We were adamant about having a visual for every design concept, every finish option—we want our clients to be able to concretely see how each element of their project comes together,” notes Julianna. To that end, the showroom holds three full kitchen displays—including one with off-set, complimentary colors and another completely monochromatic—and three cabinetry build-outs highlighting a bathroom, laundry room, and dry bar. It also fea-
tures a staircase imagery gallery, a decking and railing collection, wall and panel moulding treatments staged throughout, and a myriad of tiles along with vignettes showing various patterns in which to lay tile. “With such an array all under one roof, we had our eye on continuing to build our relationship with New Jersey’s developers, contractors, and custom home builders,” shares Paul Glinn, Sales Manager . “Builders can literally plan their entire project with us, from product selection all the way through to installation. They have the option of coming in with their clients or sending their clients in directly to meet with our design team. The trust we have established with our builders goes a long way in alleviating some of the burdens of a project from them.” “When we were designing the showroom, our primary goal was to allow clients to get their project done seamlessly—to totally ease the burden of a large home project and have some fun along the way,” shares Krystina Lancaster, Manager of the Design Center. While meant to be a fully immersive experience, the design center is also heavily educational. “People often struggle to verbalize their style, but our designers are skilled at drilling down to determine what will suit both the homeowner’s lifestyle and the particular look they are after. Their knowl-
edgeable, hands-on guidance throughout the course of a project is priceless.” The design center makes even seemingly overwhelming decisions easier by providing tangible visuals for the countless decisions that must be made throughout the course of a build or remodel. “We show the scope of what is possible, from the little unseen details to the larger design tricks. Customers can see six different types of blind corners in kitchen cabinetry, for example. And we love that our showroom gives clients an opportunity to see the quality and craftsmanship of the in-house installation team’s work,” says Louis. “They will know exactly how the finished products will look in their home–tight corners, attention to detail.” Even the more utilitarian components of the showroom were thoughtfully designed. A beautiful conference room encourages fruitful meetings between builders, homeowners, and the Woodhaven design team. With a large touch screen, designers and clients have an interactive tool to explore ideas together, toggling through options, asking questions, and making changes in real time. The restrooms are fully built-out to showcase various options homeowners can choose when designing their own. And curated staging gives customers a true sense of home. The kitchen displays feature a sink,
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oven, and decor that really bring them to life. The walk-in closet is complete with clothes and accessories, all meant to help customers fully envision the space within their own homes. “We even transformed the electrical panel—a necessity sometimes located in an inconvenient location—and trimmed it out to be completely hidden, showing how we can use moulding to make something both functional and aesthetically pleasing,” explains Julianna. The design team meticulously curated the displays to ensure every aesthetic and budget is well represented. “We are confident customers will be able to get a full sense of their project by the time they leave our showroom. Nothing has been left unsaid, so to speak,” says Krystina. “It’s a very hands-on, interactive experience. And though our space is quite large, we’ve made it easy to navigate, so you can see more of what you want without becoming overwhelmed.” Hardware options are neatly encased in drawers; an expansive backlit flooring display strategically tilts, allowing for samples of every color and woodgrain to be seen in a sleek, manageable way; windows on swivel display stands account for both exterior and interior combinations; and there is an extensive exhibit of inspirational vignettes that showcase thoughtful combinations of cabinetry door colors, hardware, and tile, giving customers a concrete launching point for their own project. Plus they offer take-home samples, knowing customers often prefer to handle things in the comfort of their own home before making a final decision. The gallery-like atmosphere of the design center focuses on comfort and luxury, showcasing tactile, high-quality finishes covering the classics through the trends. The Woodhaven team prioritizes privacy and personalized attention when shopping, so they do encourage appointments. They can’t wait to welcome you to their new Woodhaven Design Center at 201 Mounts Corner Drive in Freehold for your next home project. 38 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
B e e c h wo o d
Landscape architecture & construction
residentiaL & commerciaL Beechwood Landscape Architecture and Construction, LLC is comprised of a group of professionals that are committed to setting a high standard of quality and commitment in the Landscape Design/Build industry. Our team of professionals is comprised of individuals with varied experience in the Landscape Construction industry and is comprised of: Landscape Architects, Nurserymen, Horticulturist and Landscape Construction Specialists. From our initial consultation, to the design development stage, through construction implementation, Beechwood will manage each project design to insure satisfaction at every stage. We are committed as a team to deliver uncompromised quality and integrity in all aspects of construction. Customer service and satisfaction are our primary resources for continued growth and expansion! 2 Kerry court, southampton, nJ 08088 609-801-1252 | BeechwoodLandscape.com hic# 13Vh02701200
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THE HOUSE ON SAND DUNE LANE WRITTEN BY KATHERINE LIOUDIS PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SPARK
There are some views that deserve a frame, and on Sand Dune Lane, that frame just happens to be an entire home. Built by Stonehenge at the edge of Barnegat Bay, the residence was designed around the water, inviting the outdoors in. From sweeping walls of glass to carefully selected materials that stand up to the coastal environment, every detail was chosen to enhance the relationship between the home and the bay beyond.
richness of natural wood without the upkeep. These materials are made to look just as beautiful decades from now as they do today. Even the exterior railings were thoughtfully selected, incorporating glass panels to highlight the bay view.
Upon entering the main living area, you're immediately greeted by three massive custom windows offering panoramic views of the bay. While the scenery is enough to blow you away, the windows themselves were carefully selected to ensure they never are. Researched and engineered to withstand strong coastal winds, the expansive windows make it feel as if you’re standing right out on the water.
Inside, the home is filled with equally impressive craftsmanship and detail. Classic architectural elements can be found around every corner, from colonial-style moldings to an intricate marble floral pattern in the primary bathroom. In the kitchen, a custom wood hood anchors the space, while a striking quartzite island countertop features dramatic white veining that resembles the shape of shark teeth. Upstairs, private balconies extend from the primary and junior primary suites, creating yet another opportunity to connect with the waterfront setting.
The view from the outside looking in is equally impressive. Clad in NuCedar shingles, a maintenance-free PVC product that emulates the timeless look of cedar, the home was designed to endure the coastal environment without sacrificing aesthetics. The house features Versatex soffits in a mahogany wood finish, another PVC product selected to achieve the warmth and
Custom woodwork serves as another defining element of the home. A handcrafted mahogany arched entry door creates a memorable first impression, while custom cabinetry throughout embraces timeless design. Raised panel flush inset cabinets in the kitchen, painted poplar and rustic oak bunk beds, wide-plank character-grade hickory flooring, and knotty alder doors with
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custom arched windows all contribute to the home’s character. Beyond aesthetics, many areas of the home were thoughtfully designed around the homeowners' connection to the water. On the ground floor, Andersen folding doors open completely to a covered patio, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. The design allows homeowners and guests to enjoy the bayfront setting when the weather is beautiful while still maintaining the comfort and protection of an enclosed space when conditions change. Paired with a dedicated fishing room just steps from the dock and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and grill area, the layout prioritizes both function and lifestyle, allowing the owner to grab a rod, head straight out onto the water, or entertain family and friends with ease. One of the home's most memorable features is the ground-floor boat bar. A herringbone butcher block countertop adds warmth and character, while the bar itself was crafted from an actual boat, creating a one-of-a-kind focal point. Fittingly, the sink window looks directly out to the bay, ensuring that even from inside, the connection to the water is never far away. More than a showcase of premium materials and craftsmanship, Sand Dune Lane is a home designed around an experience. Every window, finish, and gathering space was carefully selected to strengthen the connection between the home and its surroundings.
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That level of detail is a hallmark of Stonehenge Building Co. Through long-term relationships built on trust and collaboration, the team works closely with homeowners to ensure every decision is made with both client and location in mind. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience building on Long Beach Island, Stonehenge understands how to create homes that not only withstand the coastal landscape, but embrace it. It's this commitment to craftsmanship, communication, and thoughtful design that has helped establish the company as one of LBI's most respected custom builders. bay-magazine.com 43
Your coastal home,
designed to live in.
Personal design service, from first sketch to final pillow. For four generations, we’ve been furnishing homes along the Jersey Shore. From first-time beach houses to forever homes, we work alongside you with clarity, care, and intention. — Personal in-home consultations — Whole-home design & space planning — Custom furniture & upholstery — Coastal & vacation home specialists
Timeless furniture. Designed for the way you live. 101 W. 8th Street, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008 | 609-494-8127 | oskarhuber.com 44 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
New Construction Homes for Sale LO N G B E AC H I S L A N D’S LU X U RY B U I L D E R
LOVELADIES BAYSIDE WITH OPEN BAY VIEWS • 6 bedrooms • 6 full 1 half baths • 4150 sq feet • Salt water pool with built in spa
LOVELADIES BAYSIDE WITH OPEN BAY VIEWS • • •
5 bedrooms 5 full 1 half bath 4150 sq feet
•
Salt water pool with spa
LOVELADIES LAGOON FRONT • • •
4,250 sq ft | Lagoon Front 6 Bedroom | 5 full, 1 Half Bath In-ground Pool | New Bulkhead & Dock
609.494.8010 | INFO@ZIMANDEVELOPMENT.COM | WWW.ZIMANDEVELOPMENT.COM bay-magazine.com 45
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Make a Splash WRITTEN BY JENNA COWPERTHWAITE
PHOTOS BY 3D AND ALL DESIGNS ARE THE PROPERTY OF ASH OUTDOOR
One of the most coveted features of any property on Long Beach Island is a pool. Whether you are looking to strengthen your rental income or enhance the summer experience for your own family and friends, this magical feature is often the answer. Though this time of year finds us getting ready to winterize our outdoor entertaining areas, it’s actually the ideal time to begin planning for a pool installation, and Ash Outdoor is the ideal partner for the job. With so many factors and variables to consider, it’s important to have a trusted expert by your side to walk you through the process and guide you in your selections. CHOOSE YOUR TYPE OF POOL Deciding what type of pool you want is often the first step. Fibreglass pools are known for their smooth, non-abrasive finish and fast installation time. They boast typically low maintenance and are quite durable. Gunite pools can be customized to any size, shape, and depth. They embody luxury, flaunting a practically endless array of colors, finishes, and decorative coatings. This type of pool is built on-site, requiring a longer installation time, and is generally more maintenance intensive. All Ash Outdoor pools are saltwater—a perfect complement to their beachside location. Through electrolysis these 46 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
pools provide a continuous, gentler sanitation method that leaves the water feeling softer and causes significantly less skin and eye irritation. DETERMINE SIZE AND LOCATION The Ash Outdoor team will consider such things as your lot size and intended use to help determine the ideal pool size. They will also explore the recommended shape of your pool based on your property; would a rectangular, oval or freeform best suit your lot? Using their state-of-the-art software, they will determine the location of the sun and shadows of neighboring properties at any given time throughout the day, ensuring the optimal location for your pool. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES Once the basics are covered, it’s time to move on to some of the more exciting aspects that lend a bit of personality to your outdoor space. An infinity pool, for example, has an edge that appears to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, which can be a nice touch for a bayfront or oceanfront home. In the same vein, a perimeter overflow pool recycles the water on all four sides into underground basins, creating an incredible glass effect to the surface of the pool. A tanning
ledge is a shallow area of the pool that lets you enjoy the water without committing to a full swim; it’s perfect for cooling off, lounging with a drink, or supervising young children. The right hardscaping or decking surrounding the pool can transform the area into a serene retreat. The Ash Outdoor team will guide you toward materials that aren’t slippery when wet and pull double duty, as both functional and beautiful. You may even want to consider a pergola adjacent to your pool; open air structures such as this are a stylish way to add some shade while enhancing the resort vibe. IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS We’re not done yet! There are some “icing on the cake” features that will take your outdoor sanctuary to a whole new level. Elevate your nighttime swimming experience with waterproof submersible lights; this finishing touch increases the ambiance of your backyard during the darker hours and can even be an important safety feature. From eye-catching fountains to tranquil waterfalls, including some kind of water feature into your pool design can make your backyard feel positively enchanting. And the peaceful sound of trickling water can be enough to drown out anything happening outside the four walls of your little outdoor oasis. Including some type of tile border is an option that can bring unexpected artistry and elegance to your pool. Last but not least, the right landscaping goes a long way in enhancing the overall pool experience; lush foliage creates a secluded feeling and helps the pool flow seamlessly within your space. THE NITTY GRITTY Ash Outdoor knows the less luxurious aspects of pool ownership deserve attention, too. Their team takes care to design the pool mechanics in the least obtrusive place, selecting quiet, efficient cleaning systems, pumps, and pool heaters. They also craft the space with thought to outdoor showers and other more utilitarian components to provide lifestyle ease while letting the important pieces of your yard take the spotlight. Once each aspect of the project has been considered, the team provides a software rendering so the client can virtually do a 3D walkthrough of the property, giving them a true feel for everything from lighting and space planning to overall ambiance. Additionally, Ash Outdoor’s expertise with details like CAFRA permits for bayfront properties ensure the entire process goes smoothly. Taking the process full circle, from your initial consultation all the way through to your first dip in the crystal clear water, Ash Outdoor will oversee the care of your pool for its lifetime. They establish a personalized maintenance plan—including pool opening, weekly cleaning, and pool closing—to keep your pool shimmering beautifully without any stress. Taking the time to plan during these colder months guarantees many summers of happy memories. bay-magazine.com 47
REAL ESTATE NEW CONSTRUCTION COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE YACHTS & MORE
609.389.9541 | MSPARKPHOTO@GMAIL.COM | WWW.MSPARKPHOTO.COM 48 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
Recognized for Design, Quality, and Experience
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“We wanted a gathering place. A home where everyone would want to come back to.” – KEN & SUSAN MARGULIES
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HOME SPOTLIGHT
ENDURING BY DESIGN
A Coastal Home Rooted in Resilience, Crafted for Connection
F
or Drs. Susan and Ken Margulies, Long Beach Island has always been more than a destination. For nearly two decades, the island served as
the backdrop for family vacations, cherished traditions, and countless memories shared with children, grandchildren, and friends. After years of returning season after season, the couple decided it was time to create something permanent. A home that would embrace the beauty of the Jersey Shore while supporting the lifestyle and family connections that had become so important to them. Located in Harvey Cedars, the Margulies residence was envisioned as a place where multiple generations could gather comfortably while remaining connected to the coastal landscape that inspired it. From the beginning, the goal was simple. “We wanted a gathering place to host family and friends and enjoy the beach,” they shared. That vision became the foundation for every decision that followed.
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The completed home balances contemporary coastal architecture with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While its design is sophisticated, it never feels formal. Instead, the residence reflects a growing shift in luxury living, where comfort, authenticity and meaningful experiences are valued just as highly as beautiful design. Inside, expansive living spaces encourage connection and togetherness. The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, creating a natural gathering place for family meals, celebrations and everyday moments. Open sightlines connect the living and entertaining areas, allowing the home to accommodate large gatherings while still feeling intimate and comfortable. Throughout the residence, floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping ocean views and fill the interior with natural light. The connection between indoors and outdoors remains constant, creating an environment that feels calm, open and deeply rooted in its surroundings. Whether enjoying a quiet morning coffee or hosting family for the weekend, the coastal setting becomes an integral part ofFALL daily 52 BAY MAGAZINE 2026 life.
The home’s design embraces a timeless palette of natural materials, warm textures and understated finishes. Rather than following trends, the spaces were designed to age gracefully and remain relevant for years to come. This approach reflects the homeowners’ desire to create a residence that feels as comfortable today as it will decades from now.
Ultimately, what makes the Margulies residence s p e c i a l i s n o t s i m p l y i t s a rc h i t e c t u re o r location. It is the life that takes place within it. Mornings begin with coffee and ocean views. Days are spent enjoying the beach with family. Evenings bring everyone back together to share meals, conversation and time together. The home serves as the setting for both milestone celebrations and everyday moments, creating an environment where memories can continue to grow across generations. For Susan and Ken Margulies, the residence represents far more than a completed home. It is a place designed to evolve alongside their family and support the traditions that matter most. It reflects a thoughtful balance of luxury, resilience and connection—qualities that will allow the home and the memories created within it, to endure for years to come. Like many homeowners building along the Jersey Shore, the Margulies family also understood the importance of resiliency. Building in a coastal environment requires a careful balance between beauty and durability. Advanced structural
Walters Architecture, LLC. - Lic # N.J. 21AC00111000
systems were incorporated throughout the home to provide long-term protection while preserving the architectural vision. Thoughtful energy-efficient systems and carefully selected materials further support the home’s long-term performance, reflecting the family’s commitment to building responsibly and with the future in mind. Outside, the property continues the home’s connection to its environment. Carefully planned landscaping complements the architecture while reinforcing the natural beauty of the shoreline setting. Outdoor gathering spaces provide opportunities to enjoy the property throughout the day, whether watching the sunrise, spending time with grandchildren after a day at the beach, or gathering with family and friends as the sun sets over the island.
About Walters Walters has been building quality homes at the Jersey Shore since 1984. The company offers Architecture and Custom Homes, and all-inclusive services that seamlessly bring a homebuyer’s dream vision to reality. Walters Architecture is a complimentary service that allows homebuyers to work with in-house architects to design the perfect home with the latest technology and quality building materials. Walters Custom Homes offers newly designed custom home plans that help homebuyers through the homebuilding process. Every custom home built by Walters meets or exceeds the energy efficiency requirements for ENERGY STAR® certification. Walters is located at 701 Central Ave, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008. To learn more, call 609.361.7000 or visit waltershomes.com.
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STRIKING, YET TIMELESS WRITTEN BY JENNA COWPERTHWAITE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SPARK
Kevin and Michelle bought their home in Beach Haven decades ago when their boys were young. “We loved the neighborhood right away. It was the perfect place to give them the freedom that children crave. We could let them walk to the donut store in the morning or hang out at the bay beach just a few steps away, and still keep an eye on them from the deck. It was such a great place to grow up.”
“Marc totally understood what we wanted, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality, but he wasn’t afraid to make suggestions that he thought would improve things,” explains Kevin. “We felt such a sense of security with him. We knew when to listen to his suggestions, and he knew when something was important to us,” says Michelle. It was the perfect give and take, and the finished kitchen reflects that.
With their boys now adults, Kevin and Michelle reached the point where they were ready to sell their Bucks County home and move to Long Beach Island full time. Michelle wanted to make sure that her boys still had a home to come to, so they decided to build new, making a home perfect for their next chapter. The perfect kitchen played a large role in their vision for the future. After touring a few homes from their builder, they had a pretty clear vision of what kitchen they wanted, and without hesitation, they chose Marc and Candyce Lape of Elegance Surface Concepts to help them craft it.
Starting with the bones of the space, Marc had some quick edits to their original vision. For example, he wanted to make sure the soffit be slightly extended to perfectly accommodate the crown moulding of the cabinetry below. The homeowners quickly learned that Marc has an eye for detail that beautifully weaves a room together regardless of the individual components. Cresting the top of the steps in their reverse living home, the gorgeous, open kitchen welcomes every visitor, suggesting a luxurious comfort and ease that makes it easy to settle in.
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“We really wanted something that no one else has,” says Kevin. Michelle adds, “At the same time, it was important to have it look timeless. Classic.” Selecting Covered Bridge Cabinetry, handcrafted by Amish artisans, they customized every aspect of their kitchen cabinets. Pulling from the Farmington Collection, the full overlay doors in maple—a wood known for its durability, smooth grain, and ability to adapt to different finishes— are painted in “Fresh Snow.” The room simply glimmers from the bay water reflecting through the space. A calacatta macaubas quartzite countertop brings elegance along with a subtle contrast against the cabinetry. The soft white background of the countertop is complemented with smoky gray veins, creating a bit of natural movement. This unique slab helped check off Kevin’s request of being unlike any other home. A Bocchi farmhouse apron-front sink is another gorgeous addition to their crisp white palate. Made of fireclay, this centuries-old organic and recyclable material is heat-, scratch-, and stain-resistant, adding a subtly distinctive component to the surrounding elements. The backsplash is a little rustic, keeping the space from
feeling too pretentious. Drawing from traditional subway tile, the Bungalow Bounty tile from MIR are glossy, ceramic 2” x 16” rectangles. The large scale helps keep the backsplash from feeling too busy, but also serves to balance the high vertical cabinets. A large central island houses the sink, microwave and beverage fridge. “The kitchen we saw in a spec home had the microwave in a different place, but Marc advised us to put it on the other side of the island, keeping it out of sight. It’s little things like that which end up making such a big difference. He was truly an invaluable partner in this project,” says Kevin. The island also offers hidden storage behind the stools. With push latches, the doors are completely disguised. “I wanted storage everywhere possible,” explains Michelle. “It’s a lot to move a whole lifetime’s worth of stuff to a beach house.” Taking it a step further, knowing that this would be a home that welcomes two grown men and their future families, they wanted the kitchen to be a super user-friendly space that would accommodate socializing in the midst of food prep. With a few strategic moves in a group effort, they crafted a smart layout that makes ev-
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eryone’s life easier. Placing the beverage fridge on the outskirts of the island allows someone to grab a drink without coming into the working space. Similarly, they put in a big pantry and snack drawers on the outer edge of the cabinetry, encouraging easy access without bumping shoulders. Michelle requested two slide out trash cans and two slide out recycling bins to accommodate large gatherings. The smaller details throughout the space reflect their thoughtful collaboration, as well. In the deep corner cabinet, for example, a lazy susan with slide outs makes a traditionally hard-touse cabinet perfectly functional. Even the bar pulls on the cabinetry needed some refining. With a mischievous side-smile toward Marc, Kevin explains, “I like a grand scale, but I relied on Marc’s guidance when selecting the size for our cabinetry hardware. And I’m glad I did. We have perfectly proportioned pulls now.” Michelle’s example is in the refrigerator. “I knew I didn’t want to be wiping down a stainless steel fridge constantly, so we chose a panel-ready option.” Emphasizing the custom look throughout the room, it was a crucial decision. The finished kitchen is a dream come true. And to boot, Elegance Surface Concepts completed their bathrooms and outdoor kitchen. Having such a solid partner took away a lot of the stress in such an extensive building project. “Marc and Candyce gave us everything we asked for and more; and we even came out with a friend,” say the happy homeowners. 58 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
Out of
The ultimate set and forget? Your landscaping. With thoughtfulness woven into every design, our team at Ash Outdoor can plan your ultimate 9-5 escape for today and years to come. Set that Out Of Office notification and relax.
Call 609.494.7007 or visit ASHOUTDOOR.COM bay-magazine.com 59
ELEGANCE Surface Concepts
Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling | Tile | Vinyl & Hardwood | Countertops
291 Route 72 E Manahawkin, NJ i n f oFALL @ e2026 legancesurfaceconcepts.com 60 BAY MAGAZINE
|
|
844.713.9542
eleganceshowroom291@gmail.com
The Finest Homes Rise Higher
Discover custom elevator solutions designed to complement luxury coastal living with quiet performance, refined craftsmanship, and effortless accessibility for every level of your home.
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Xanadu: An Intentional Paradise WRITTEN BY JENNA COWPERTHWAITE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SPARK
A Beach Haven couple’s initial foray into island life started decades ago with weekend visits which required handling rental change-over chores before they could enjoy the confluence of their Philadelphia and NYC lives in the idyllic beach town. Fast forward many years and many memories, now as year-round residents, it came time to rebuild their tired duplex into something more. Understandably, they were quite intent on finding the right partner. Upon meeting the Thomas J Keller team, the homeowners felt an immediate connection and confidence with the longtime LBI custom builder, knowing the perfect new home would come to fruition through their expertise. The whole house was constructed through a lens of intentionality. From exquisite finish details like trim, tile and color synergy to an emphasis on private and communal gathering spaces both inside and out, the Keller team’s superior craftsmanship and meticulous planning matched the homeowner’s thoughtful design and layout choices. Exuding understated elegance from the exterior, traditional cedar shakes offer a timeless canvas for this coastal home brimming with character in every room. “We didn’t want seaside sterile,” explains the homeowner. “We wanted personality rooted in our 62 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
coastal location and our ancestry.” The top floor of the home was designed to encourage time together. Cresting the stairs to the open-layout living space stirs a bit of a soaring sensation from deep within. “We wanted it to feel like you’re outside, even when you’re inside,” shares the homeowner. Using many subtle tricks, the expansive room seamlessly marries interior and exterior: a mahogany soffit on the covered deck ceiling displayed through the transom windows, interior window treatments that match the outdoor pillow fabric on the sun deck, and fractured light fixtures which give an internal glimmer just like the stars. Seaside-inspired colors and carefully selected pieces of decor keep the easy flow going. Balboa Grey kitchen cabinetry, along the south wall of the great room, is perfectly complimented by an expansive island painted Deep Aegean. In the lighted upper glass portion of each kitchen cabinet stands a cobalt blue ceramic pinecone from Sicily, a tribute to the homeowner’s family heritage. The powder room off the main floor, so designated by
a whimsical brass “Head” placard on the door, offers a delightfully abrupt change from the soaring ceilings and white walls of the living room. Inspired by 20000 Leagues Under the Sea, it feels as if you are swimming in the ocean. Deep blue painted custom trim and anemone-like wallpaper, a seagrass mirror, and a whimsical porthole light invite color and texture immersion. On the sleeping level, three bedrooms—including a junior suite and primary suite—are rounded out with the guest den, offering a pullout sofa and a desk. “We could have made it a fourth bedroom,” explains the homeowner, “but it was more important to us to have this quiet space where guests could relax or work.” Slippers and guest towels, sweetly embroidered with the word “Xanadu,” serve as a tangible representation of the deliberate combination of solitary and collective spaces throughout the home. Xanadu, meaning an idealized place of great magnificence and beauty, is the name they’ve bestowed upon their custom paradise. Within the primary suite, a private outdoor shower directly off the bathroom offers another place to disengage. The open transom displaying a view of the nighttime stars and the intoxicating smell of cedar create
an enchanting experience. For the homeowner, who is a professional musician, a music studio is located in an annex off the primary suite: acoustically designed with slanted ceilings, a double layer of sheetrock, and heavy drapes hanging from the window in front of the poolside Juliette balcony. Underneath the music annex, the Cabana is another wonderful gathering space. A live edge maple slab tops the indoor-outdoor bar, complete with motorized passthrough window. Inside, a full kitchen, beautiful tile floor, and two separate cable boxes for the wall-mounted tvs generate a social atmosphere. The pool sits among a large swath of lush grass, designed specifically for Alice, the homeowners’ beloved black lab full of personality. For the cooler months, an open-air living space beneath the house offers ceiling-mounted heaters, facilitating outdoor Eagles watch parties late into autumn. The laundry room, with secondary access from a poolside staircase, offers custom cabinetry for maximum functionality. Raising the washer and dryer a couple feet off the floor, a simple slide-out strategically prevents clean clothes from dropping onto the floor while providing storage underneath. bay-magazine.com 63
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In fact, an abundance of hidden storage was integrated all throughout the home. The built-in banquette in the dining room, beneath a fun oyster shell chandelier, multitasks with storage underneath. An intimate office space features two custom bookshelves with a bench in between. “The shelving and cabinetry give me a place to store and display things that make me happy,” explains the homeowner, “and the bench gives Alice a place to keep me company while I work.” In the great room, a custom cabinet to the right side of the fireplace offers stylish storage, letting your eyes settle on the Jaws novel and playing cards, a whimsical nod to the 1916 shark attack that inspired the work of seaside fiction. Match64 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
ing cabinetry to the left creates their “Turntable Den,” holding space for the rich sound of vinyl in addition to the whole home Sonos speakers. Showcasing the attention to detail for which the Keller team is known, the home flows so beautifully from space to space. Trim wraps intricately around the corners, a subtle detail that subconsciously pleases the eye. Phenomenal tilework on select floors and walls, brings intentional pops of greens and blues through many spaces. A utility closet in the garage hides all of the unsightly mechanicals, allowing more usable space for everyday items. Proof of the homeowners intention-
al choices, made to suit their lifestyle, the master bathroom vanity has just a single sink. A glass door with brass diagonal piping leads to a temperature-controlled wine closet off the kitchen. Creating cohesion and unexpected beauty, the Keller team echoed that design in the HVAC access, just above the wine closet. The roof deck, purposefully designed to be the largest deck, extends a great glimpse of the iconic Engleside Avenue water tower and comfortable loungers for sunset viewing. When forced to choose, the homeowners’ favorite space is the covered deck off the living room, holding a cozy lounging area on the north end and a game table on the south side pulling double duty as the chess top removes, giving way to a poker table. “This space embodies my most favorite time of day. It’s the gathering room for us early in the morning, while we sip our coffee, play guitar, and greet the day together.” It’s a welcoming home, for both guests and its family, that encourages everyone to find their place, flowing between time to self and time with others. The careful utilization of space and integrated details showcase a deliberately balanced work; their Xanadu, honoring their heritage, their passions and their love. bay-magazine.com 65
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VIEWS AT EVERY LEVEL
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE LIOUDIS
When building or remodeling your dream home on Long Beach Island, every detail matters. From the windows and finishes to the color palette, every decision is made with the goal of bringing the calm, coastal beauty just outside your door into your home. For many homeowners, that planning also includes an elevator, whether for convenience, accessibility, or preparing for the years ahead. But while so much thought goes into the rest of the home's design, the elevator is often treated as purely functional. The reality is, you and your guests will spend time in that space. So why not make it just as beautiful and thoughtfully designed as the rest of your home? South Jersey Elevator, a full-service elevator company providing residential and commercial installation, service, and maintenance throughout South Jersey and beyond, has been helping homeowners elevate their spaces since 2013. Now, through its partnership with FabACab, the company is opening up a whole new world of design possibilities, allowing homeowners to transform their elevator interiors into a seamless extension of their home's aesthetic. FabACab is a nationwide company with over 12 years of experience helping turn a functional space into a design feature. Through its FabACab Fusion technology, almost any image can be fused into lightweight metal panels, creating a completely custom elevator interior that's unique to your home. 72 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
Whether it's bringing the beach inside with a favorite dune photograph, recreating the look of natural stone, or carrying the soft coastal palette found throughout the rest of the home, the design possibilities are virtually endless. The process is very straightforward. The hardest part is deciding what image you want to use. It can be anything, from local landmarks to family photos, or a custom pattern that matches your wallpaper and ties into the rest of your home. The design can cover the walls, the ceiling, or both, creating a completely custom space. Following a design session, FabACab works directly with South Jersey Elevator to coordinate everything. While it's ideal to incorporate the process during the initial elevator build, FabACab Fusion can be added at any time. It can also be swapped out or refreshed during future renovations, so while you may want to look out at Old Barney every time you ride the elevator, you don't necessarily have to forever. It's one of those design details that's easy to overlook, but it makes the experience of moving throughout your home feel much more intentional. You carefully pick out artwork for your living room and finishes for every other space, so why not do the same for your elevator? And who wouldn't want to feel like they're looking out over the bay while traveling between floors? On Long Beach Island, the views should come from every level! bay-magazine.com 73
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EXACTLY ENOUGH Small in Scale. Big on Personality
WRITTEN BY DENISE PETTI PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SPARK
76 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
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Sometimes a project comes along that feels different from the very beginning. For Donna and Victoria Grimes of Serenity Design, this Barnegat Light home was one of those rare opportunities—a project that brought together thoughtful architecture, collaborative partners, adventurous homeowners and a shared vision for creating something truly special. While Barnegat Light is still known for its collection of charming original beach cottages, the borough has gradually embraced a new generation of thoughtfully designed homes. Over the past year, Serenity Design has worked on several remarkable projects there, both
renovations and new construction. This one immediately stood apart. Designed by the out-of-town architectural firm Asher Slaunwhite + Partners, the home reflected a fresh perspective while remaining respectful of its coastal surroundings. Their work is known for being intentional, distinctive and quietly confident—qualities that immediately resonated with the homeowners. "It was our first time working with this architect and builder team," Donna recalled. "From the beginning, everything came together so naturally. It honestly felt bay-magazine.com 77
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like we'd been collaborating for years."
That seamless relationship extended throughout every phase of the project. The cabinetry, tile selections, lighting, finishes and furnishings all complemented one another exactly as envisioned, allowing the architecture and interiors to speak the same language. "There was never a feeling that one element was competing with another," Donna said. "Everything supported the overall vision. That's what makes a home feel timeless." One of the home's most memorable moments came from something they hadn't anticipated. "While we were designing what is, at its heart, a fairly traditional beach house, our clients surprised us with the artwork they'd collected," she said. "It was playful, unexpected and completely reflective of who they are. It gave us the opportunity to weave their personality throughout the home in a way that felt authentic." Rather than overpowering the interiors, the artwork became a defining layer of the design, introducing moments of whimsy while reinforcing the home's relaxed coastal character. Inside the Serenity Design studio, the project has become something of a favorite—not because of its scale, but because of what it represents. "Around the office, we talk about this house as the modern-day beach cottage," noted Grimes. "Today it's easy to assume every new beach house needs six bedrooms, six bathrooms, multiple laundry rooms and every imaginable amenity. This home reminds us that luxury isn't always about building bigger." Located just a few houses from the beach, the home was intentionally designed to be exactly what its owners needed—nothing more and nothing less. "It's quaint in the very best sense of the word," Victoria said. "There's just enough room for their family. Exactly enough, actually." In a town where larger homes continue to reshape the streetscape, this Barnegat Light residence offers a refreshing reminder that thoughtful design is measured by how well a home fits the people who live there—not simply by its size. Through careful collaboration, meaningful details and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, Donna and Victoria Grimes helped create a home that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Sometimes, exactly enough is more than enough.
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The Autumn Home Bringing the Beauty of the Season Indoors WRITTEN BY LISA SIMEK
Walk into The Shops at Reynolds this time of year and you'll catch summer and fall mid-handoff, the palette turning over slowly, in layers, long before one season fully gives way to the other. At the Garden Center, fresh candy-colored hydrangeas step aside for their dried, vintage-hued counterparts, a shift in texture as much as color that pairs effortlessly with the incoming heirloom pumpkins and brass accents. Summer's hanging baskets give way to bundled wheat and harvest foliage. At The Shops at Reynolds, the shop follows suit with a curated edit of local artisans, think potters, jewelry designers, candle makers, and specialty food purveyors, alongside a thoughtfully sourced collection of seasonal home décor discovered at markets throughout the year. From tabletop accents and artwork to decorative objects, vintage finds, and the textured throws and finishing pieces that make a room feel considered, every item is chosen to create a beautiful mix of old, new, local, and collected. It's all part of the same eye, according to Katie Reynolds Hood, who oversees a striking range of the Reynolds family's retail world in Manahawkin: flowers and event orders, women's fashion, furniture, and even the on-site café. Working alongside her parents, who founded the company more than 45 years ago, she's become the connective thread across it all, the kind of multi-hyphenate style authority who can source a hostess gift, style a living room, and plan a fall tablescape without missing a beat. It's given her a reputation on the island as a go-to for pulling a whole look, and a whole lifestyle, together. From her front porch to
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her guest room, Reynolds Hood says, thoughtfully chosen seasonal details are what turn a house into a home that feels ready for fall. It's a philosophy she brings to life throughout the island's homes each year, one layered vignette at a time. Below, she shares her take on doing it right, room by room, in the chicest way possible: WELCOMING GUESTS AT THE FRONT DOOR The entryway sets the tone before a guest ever steps inside, and Katie says that means leaning into the season's natural bounty. Colorful mums, heirloom pumpkins, and hay bales create an immediate sense of arrival, while vintage farm pieces, lanterns, and ornamental cabbage add depth and personality. The key, she explains, is layering: mixing heights, textures, and a few unexpected elements so the porch feels curated rather than store-bought. BRINGING NATURE INDOORS This, Reynolds Hood says, is where the season truly comes alive inside the home. Dried hydrangeas are her go-to, an LBI end-of-summer staple that bridges the softness of the warmer months with the warmth and texture of fall. Paired with seasonal branches, grass plumes, and echinacea pods, they bring a coastal sensibility to arrangements that feels effortless rather than overly seasonal. She recommends layering in fresh florals for a pop of color, then rounding out the look with heirloom pumpkins and candles on a mantel, table, or console. STYLING EVERYDAY SPACES Fall decorating shouldn't stop at the dining room table, according to Katie. The kitchen island, coffee table, and entry console are all opportunities to bring a bit of the season into daily life. Her trick is building a simple base first, a vintage tray, a well-worn cutting board, or a stack of favorite books, which gives even a small floral arrangement a finished, intentional feel. These are the spaces where a home actually lives, she notes, so they deserve the same attention as the ones set aside for company. CREATING A COZY GUEST RETREAT With family and friends visiting throughout the fall, Reynolds Hood says the guest room deserves its own seasonal moment. A few simple touches, a scented candle, a warm throw, a decorative pillow, a single bud vase on the nightstand, go a long way toward making visitors feel thought of. It doesn't take much, she says, to turn a spare room into a retreat that feels curated for the season. As Katie sees it, the best fall décor never looks like it's trying too hard. By incorporating flowers, plants, natural textures, and a few carefully chosen accents throughout the spaces homeowners use most, she believes anyone can create a home that feels warm, inviting, and ready for the season, one thoughtful touch at a time. bay-magazine.com 83
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11 Years of Transformation: Rooted on Long Beach Island, Inspiring the World How Yoga Bohemia Built One of New Jersey's Most Recognized Yoga Teacher Training Programs WRITTEN BY CLAIRE MORGAN
YTT GRADUATION BEACH- GRADUATE ANNA LARUE RECEIVES HER CERTIFICATION FROM LEAD TRAINERS KATIE RIBSAM AND CORRINE DOMBROWSKI DURING THE BOHEMIA SCHOOL OF YOGA'S 2022 GRADUATION CEREMONY. PHOTO COURTESY OF YOGA BOHEMIA.
Every June, something remarkable happens on Long Beach Island. Alongside the familiar rhythm of beach badges, bicycles, and sunrise walks, another kind of journey quietly begins. Teachers, nurses, business owners, retirees, college students, parents, and curious beginners gather with one thing in common: a desire to learn more about themselves through yoga. Some arrive hoping to teach. Many don't. All leave changed. This year marks the 11th anniversary of Yoga Bohemia's Bohemia School of Yoga, celebrating more than a decade of growth and the hundreds of lives it has touched since its first training began in 2015. Over the past eleven years, Bohemia School of Yoga has graduated hundreds of students through its foundational 200-hour and advanced 300-hour programs. Today, 86 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
graduates teach throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, and beyond, with teachers in Canada, Argentina, Italy, Costa Rica, Germany, and Nicaragua, helping establish the school as one of New Jersey's most recognized centers for yoga education with a truly global reach. Yet despite its name, teacher training isn't only for people who want to become yoga teachers. Every year, students enroll to deepen their practice, explore yoga's rich philosophy, improve their well-being, or experience personal growth. Others come with years of teaching experience, seeking advanced education that will challenge and inspire them. Whether someone is stepping onto a yoga mat for the first time or has been teaching for decades, the program is designed to meet students where they are. "When I started the program in 2015, my vision wasn't simply to graduate yoga teachers," says Yoga Bohemia co-founder Katie Ribsam. "It was to create an experience
HEALTHY LIVING YOGA TEACHER TRAINING JUMP - GRADUATES OF THE BOHEMIA SCHOOL OF YOGA'S 2020 TEACHER TRAINING CELEBRATE AFTER RECEIVING THEIR CERTIFICATIONS. PHOTO COURTESY OF YOGA BOHEMIA.
COSTA RICA YTT - STUDENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD PARTICIPATE IN HANDS-ON ANATOMY AND ASSISTED ALIGNMENT TRAINING DURING BOHEMIA SCHOOL OF YOGA'S 2021 TEACHER TRAINING IN COSTA RICA. PHOTO COURTESY OF YOGA BOHEMIA.
that helps people discover their own potential. Teaching yoga is one beautiful outcome—but becoming more present, more confident, and more connected is the real transformation." That philosophy feels especially relevant today. At a time when many yoga certifications focus primarily on the physical practice, Bohemia School of Yoga remains committed to honoring yoga in its fullest sense. Students study anatomy, movement, sequencing, meditation, breathwork, philosophy, ethics, mindfulness, and the timeless wisdom that has shaped yoga for thousands of years. The result is far more than a certification—it's a journey that changes the way people move through life. Many graduates go on to teach professionally. Others never teach a single class. Instead, they leave with practical tools for managing stress, building resilience, strengthening relationships, and approaching life with greater awareness and intention. What began on Long Beach Island has expanded to include destination trainings in Costa Rica and Florida, along with international educational modules in Greece,
STUDENTS BECOME TEACHERS - MANY OF YOGA BOHEMIA'S LONG BEACH ISLAND INSTRUCTORS, INCLUDING THOSE FEATURED HERE, ARE GRADUATES OF BOHEMIA SCHOOL OF YOGA. TOGETHER, THIS BROAD NETWORK OF TEACHERS GUIDES MORE THAN 1,000 STUDENTS EACH WEEK DURING THE PEAK SUMMER SEASON. PHOTO BY LJ HEPP.
Mexico, Guatemala, and Italy. Along the way, Bohemia School of Yoga has welcomed students not only from across the United States, but from Costa Rica, Canada, Argentina, England, Scotland, Spain, France, Italy, and beyond. These global connections have enriched every training, creating an exchange of cultures, perspectives, and friendships while reinforcing yoga's universal purpose—to cultivate connection, compassion, and growth. No matter how far the journey extends, Long Beach Island remains home. The rhythm of the ocean, the expansive sky, and the slower pace of island life create an environment that naturally encourages reflection and renewal. For many students, LBI becomes more than the location of their training—it becomes part of the transformation itself. Over the past eleven years, lifelong friendships have been formed, careers have been launched, confidence has been discovered, and countless lives have been transformed. And every June, another remarkable journey begins. bay-magazine.com 87
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The Hottest Workout in Town WRITTEN BY KATHERINE LIOUDIS
PHOTOS BY ANN COEN PHOTOGRPAHY
If you're tapped into what's new in the workout world, you've probably noticed infrared workouts are heating up. Known for bringing you what's HOT, Black Sheep Studios is once again ahead of the curve with its new infrared studio in Manahawkin. In addition to its original studio on Long Beach Island, Black Sheep recently expanded with two new studios in Young Plaza in Manahawkin. While newcomers and loyal members already love the diverse lineup of classes, owner Devon Karvan is never one to stand still. When she noticed that although heated fitness classes had made their way to the area, no one was offering infrared training, she saw an opportunity to once again bring something new to the community. Though infrared workouts have been around for years, they're definitely having a moment. Unlike traditional heated workout rooms that simply warm the air around you, infrared heat uses radiant energy to warm your body directly, creating a dry heat. The room itself is typically kept between 95 and 100 degrees, with temperatures naturally rising to around 105 to 107 degrees 90 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
once the class is full and everyone is moving. The result feels noticeably different from the humid environment of a traditional hot class. That difference comes with a number of benefits. The increased heat brings a deeper sweat during your workout while also promoting circulation, which can help reduce muscle soreness and speed recovery afterward. So while you're getting in a great workout, you're also supporting your body's ability to recover from it. In a fitness culture that's often centered around pushing harder, lifting heavier, and squeezing in one more workout, recovery is finally becoming part of the conversation. Devon and her team hope to bring that mindset to our local community, using infrared training to bridge the gap between challenging your body and giving it the time it needs to bounce back stronger. The new Manahawkin location is divided into two distinct spaces, with Pilates reformers in one and the dedicated infrared studio in the other. While the heat may be new, many of Black Sheep's signature classes have
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made the transition into the infrared room. Favorites like Abs and Ass and Stretch and Sculpt now join newer offerings including Power Yoga, Gentle Yoga, and BALA Bangles, alongside barre, mat Pilates, core and strength, resistance band training, and other intentional full-body workouts designed to help you move well and recover even better.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with longtime members embracing the new offering and plenty of newcomers becoming converts to the Black Sheep community. But the success of the infrared studio isn't simply because it's the latest fitness trend. Black Sheep has spent the last decade building a reputation for thoughtful programming and exceptional instruction. Devon and her trainers aren't chasing every new workout that comes along. Instead, they take the time to research, train, and ensure every class they introduce is backed by knowledgeable instructors who know how to challenge clients safely and effectively. Infrared wasn't just added because it was popular; it was added because they believed it was something that could genuinely benefit the community. And the infrared studio is only the beginning. Black Sheep is continuing to build on its vision of wellness by expanding its recovery offerings beyond the workout itself. Throughout the summer, the Long Beach Island studio has become a hub for recovery and performance, with plans to continue growing that side of the business and expanding over to the Manahawkin locations. Kelley Scott of Well Hydration offers services including IV hydration, B12 injections, NAD+ therapy, and other wellness treatments designed to support recovery from the inside out. Meanwhile, Dr. Nico Locandro of Local Motion Performance and Physical Therapy sees clients out of the studio, making expert physical therapy and movement assessments more accessible to the island community. As fitness continues to evolve, Black Sheep Studios is proving that a great workout isn't just about how hard you push yourself; it's also about how well you recover. Whether you're stepping into the infrared room for the first time or taking advantage of one of the studio's wellness partners, Black Sheep is committed to helping you feel your best, inside and out. bay-magazine.com 91
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THE GLOW AND THE GLUCOSE WRITTEN BY LISA SIMEK
Confession: the pumpkin pie is not the problem. It's the cookie plate you circled back to three times, the "just one more" glass of mulled wine, and the candy dish that never seems to empty between Halloween and New Year's. We all know this season runs on sugar. What most of us don't know is that our skin is keeping a very detailed diary of every bite, and dermatologists have a name for it: glycation. Consider this your permission slip to enjoy the season fully, with a few small moves that keep your glow intact while you do. Here's the fun part: this isn't some new wellness fad dreamed up on social media. The science dates back to 1912, when French chemist Louis Camille Maillard first described the chemical reaction that makes bread crust turn golden brown in the oven. Decades later, scientists 94 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
realized the same reaction happens inside our bodies: sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin plump and bouncy, and over time that binding stiffens them up. Think of it as your skin slowly caramelizing from the inside. Not exactly the glow we're going for. This year there's fresh intel too. Researchers at Estée Lauder just published findings showing this sugar effect goes even deeper than anyone realized, happening inside skin cells themselves, not just in the collagen surrounding them. It's reshaping how the beauty world thinks about aging, right alongside sun damage as one of the main characters in the story. So what does steady blood sugar actually buy you,
beauty-wise? More than you'd think. Dermatologists point to a whole list of payoffs when glucose stays level rather than spiking and crashing: firmer, more resilient skin, since collagen and elastin stay flexible instead of stiffening into those sugar-bound AGEs. Fewer breakouts and less redness, since blood sugar swings drive the kind of inflammation that shows up as acne and rosacea flares. A brighter, more even complexion, since inflammation is also what leaves skin looking dull and uneven in the first place. And a bit of an anti-puff bonus too: stable glucose means steadier hydration and less of the morning-after bloat that shows up first around the eyes. In other words, this is a genuine backstage pass to better skin, not just better energy. And beauty is really just the start of it. Unstable blood sugar isn't just a skin issue, it's one of the silent root causes driving nearly every chronic health complaint we're seeing today: the energy crashes, the brain fog, the cravings you can't seem to outrun, the mood swings that feel like they come out of nowhere. Left unchecked over years, it's also one of the biggest levers behind our modern epidemics of prediabetes, heart disease, and metabolic dysfunction. Fix your blood sugar, and you're not just fixing your skin. You're fixing the foundation everything else is built on. The good news: nobody's asking you to skip sugar and carbs entirely (yes, carbs count as sugar!). French biochemist Jessie Inchauspé, known to her millions of followers as the Glucose Goddess, has spent years turning blood sugar science into simple, livable habits, and a few of her go-to moves happen to double as skin care. Here are five to keep in your back pocket this fall and winter season: 1. Start with something savory. Inchauspé's number one hack is a savory breakfast, built around protein and fat rather than pancakes or pastries, since a sugary start to the day tends to set off a spike-and-crash pattern that follows you until dinner. Beauty payoff: fewer of those energy-crash cravings that lead to the 3pm sugar binge your skin pays for the next morning. 2. Reach for vinegar before the good stuff. A tablespoon of vinegar, in water or as a salad dressing, before a carb-heavy meal is one of Inchauspé's most talked-about tricks, slowing how quickly
sugar hits your bloodstream. Beauty payoff: less of the glucose spike that triggers glycation in the first place, so this one is doing real work for your collagen. 3. Eat in this order: veggies, then protein, then carbs. Inchauspé's food-order rule is simple: start with something fibrous like a salad or roasted vegetables, move to protein and fat next, and save bread, potatoes, and anything starchy or sweet for the end of the meal. Eating in that order slows down how fast sugar hits your bloodstream, even if the meal itself doesn't change. Think of your Thanksgiving plate: salad (with vinegar!) before the turkey, turkey before the potatoes and stuffing. Same food, same table, just a smarter order. Beauty payoff: a gentler glucose curve means less inflammatory flare-up, which is exactly the kind of thing that shows up as unexpected breakouts the morning after a big dinner. 4. Move for ten minutes after you eat. A short walk, doing the dishes, or even a living room dance party after a big meal helps muscles absorb glucose before it floods the system. Beauty payoff: better circulation on top of steadier blood sugar, which is a nice two-for-one for that lit-from-within look. 5. Let fiber do double duty. Beyond sequencing, fiber itself is quietly one of the best things you can do for both blood sugar and skin. It helps keep glucose steady, calms inflammation, and supports the gut microbiome. Beauty payoff: a calmer gut tends to mean calmer skin, since so much of what shows up on your face starts in your gut. One extra plot twist worth knowing: the "diet" swap isn't always the safe one. Dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, known for her research on the gut-skin connection, has found that artificial sweeteners can backfire, increasing sugar cravings rather than curbing them, and throwing off blood sugar enough to show up as breakouts or redness. So that zero-sugar cocktail mixer at the holiday bar cart may not be the innocent choice it looks like. So go ahead and have the pie. Just start savory, add a splash of vinegar, eat your veggies first, take a walk after, and let fiber be your quiet MVP all season long. Firmer skin, fewer breakouts, and a genuine glow by New Year's. Not a bad trade for one tablespoon of vinegar. bay-magazine.com 95
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GET THE LOOK
timeless patterns. They're the perfect extra layer to throw on while still looking put together. As for color, things are getting a little deeper this fall. Expect to see plenty of rich reds, burgundy, chocolate brown, and other warm tones woven throughout the season. While trends may help shape each season's collection, it's the community that ultimately shapes Five 0 Six. That comes through most clearly in what they stock, especially their custom LBI pieces like sweaters, bags, and patchwork sweatshirts that have become local favorites. But it doesn't stop there. Five 0 Six is always looking for new ways to bring people together, creating a space for both longtime shoppers and people discovering the boutique for the first time. Over the last ten years, the team has gotten to know their customers, understanding what makes them feel confident, and curating a store that reflects the lifestyle and spirit of Long Beach Island. That's one of the reasons this has been such a big summer of events at Five 0 Six, and those gatherings won't stop when the season ends. As the island begins to quiet down, the team plans to continue creating opportu-
Beyond the Trends
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE LIOUDIS
PHOTO BY ALLY JORDAN
Long Beach Island has its own personality, its own pace, and its own customer. The people shopping on the island want to feel current, but they also want pieces that fit their lifestyle. Five 0 Six and their incredible team are tuned in to both what's trending and the needs of the people walking through their doors. With the changing of the seasons comes new trends. Five 0 Six is an expert in embracing them while staying true to the comfortable, coastal-chic aesthetic customers know and love. New this season, expect to see a lot of layers this fall. Silk and lace are making a big appearance, especially as layering pieces. Think lace-trim skirts layered under sweaters or dresses, and lace-trim tanks peeking out from under cozy knits. For outerwear, trench coats are having a moment. Not necessarily the dramatic floor-length styles, but more classic mid-length versions in traditional neutrals, plaids, and 98 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
nities for people to connect. One of their newest and most popular events, Mahjong, will continue through September. Hosting a Mahjong get-together has been a great way for people to come out, learn something new, meet up with friends, and have a chance to win a few prizes. People are excited to try something different, and it's become a fun option for a girls' night out. More than anything, it's another chance to bring people together and keep that sense of community going. As we get deeper into the off-season, the girls at the shop are planning to build out monthly and quarterly themed events. Think curated pop-ups with local vendors that match the season and the mood, along with shopping events designed to help you style the season while introducing you to other local businesses you may not have discovered otherwise. Even after ten seasons, Five 0 Six continues to evolve. Not by chasing every trend, but by finding new ways to serve the community that's supported them from the beginning. In a world where you can order almost anything online, shopping has become about more than just what's hanging on the rack. It's about experiences, discovering new local businesses, and finding reasons to spend time together. Five 0 Six understands that. They're creating more reasons to walk through the door than just to buy clothes. Because at the end of the day, shopping small means shopping with someone who gets you. bay-magazine.com 99
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Hot-Again Trends to Wear this Fall WRITTEN BY JENNA COWPERTHWAITE
The style trends for jewelry this fall are bold, expressive, personality-driven pieces. Chris Biele, owner of family-run Atlantic City Jewelry, takes great care in curating the collection in his store to provide customers with the best selection of high-quality pieces that hit the runway looks. As you look to bring in a few new items to update your jewelry this fall, consider these favorites:
Big, Bulky Yellow Jewelry
Statement jewelry looks great paired with a simple summer tank or layered over knitwear,making it a perfect piece for this seasonal transition. And the popular yellow hue is also a win, easily complimenting both a summer and fall wardrobe. Within this category there is a lot of room for creativity—in shapes, textures, and materials. Sharing a pro tip, Chris recommends we “balance the bold. Pair statement earrings with minimal makeup, or a chunky necklace with a simple neckline. This allows the jewelry to shine without totally overwhelming you.”
Herringbone Necklaces
A symbol of timeless elegance, herringbone necklaces have made a comeback this fall. They have long been celebrated for their sleek, distinctive pattern, designed to emulate the intricate design found naturally in fish bones. The result is a sophisticated, fluid design that easily goes from day to night. Chris reminds us, “When storing, make sure to hang your herringbone necklaces to prevent tangles and preserve its shape.” 102 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
Omega Chains
Such a simple design that creates the most stunning style, omega chains are a versatile piece that deserve a place in every jewelry box. They are formed from a series of shiny flat metal plates secured over a mesh interior, giving them the unique property of maintaining a round shape even when worn. The smooth, structured design reflects light beautifully, andcomplements v-necks, sweetheart necklines, and off-the-shoulder tops. The chain creates an impression when worn on its own, but it can also be layered with your favorite pendant. Chris carries them in sterling silver to gleaming 18kt gold, in a variety of lengths and gauges. He advises his customers to make sure they always remove them before bed or exercise to preserve their shape.
Layering and Stackables
The trend of layered bracelets and stackable rings has redefined modern jewelry styling by shifting
the focus from single statement pieces to highly curated, personalized collections. This "more is more"approach invites self-expression through the deliberate mixing of varied textures, metal colors, and weights—such as pairing delicate cable chains with chunky cuffs, or alternating minimalist pavé bands with bold signet rings. Rather than following rigid rules, the look thrives on contrast, often incorporating a playful blend of yellow, rose, and white golds alongside diverse gemstones to create a rich, dimensional story. And while indulging in a new piece of on-trend jewelry for the fall season, we ought to remember to take care of the pieces we already have. Atlantic City Jewelry handles every kind of repair in-house. Chris can expertly replace a watch battery and handle the repair or reconstruction of anything in your collection. He and his family specialize in antique and vintage jewelry and will ensure your favorite pieces have a long life to come.
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HFOSO - HUNGER FOUNDATION BAY MAG FLYER v3.pdf 1 5/20/2026 3:09:13 AM
Nourishing Our Community
Together.
No one in our community should have to worry about their next meal. Through partnerships, pantry support, and community events, we’re working every day to end hunger and build a stronger, more compassionate C
JOIN US!
OCTOBER 3 & 4
Southern Ocean.
Chowder Cook-Off & Merchant Mart
M
Y
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OUR MISSION
OUR IMPACT
To support local food pantries and families in need by providing food, resources, and hope.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have donated more than $2.8 million to local food pantries.
MY
CY
CMY
K
1 OUT OF 5 CHILDREN IN NEW JERSEY STRUGGLES WITH HUNGER. We are here to change that—together.
Chowder Cook-off & Merchant Mart OCTOBER 3 & 4 Two delicious days of community, competition, and connection! • Sample the best chowders from local restaurants • Explore unique vendors & family fun • Support our mission to end hunger
Bring Your Appetite. Make a Difference. TOGETHER, WE DONATED OVER
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION.
TO LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES
Every action helps fight hunger and build hope.
$2.8 MILLION+
DONATE TODAY
Donate. Volunteer. Sponsor.
SUPPORT LOCAL
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FEATURE
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT Inside the St. Francis Food Pantry's Fight Against Hunger on LBI WRITTEN BY LISA SIMEK
PHOTOS BY BORN BY THE SEA PHOTOGRAPHY
Drive down Long Beach Boulevard on any summer afternoon and it's easy to believe hunger doesn't exist here. The homes sell for seven and eight figures. Many of the marinas are lined with boats that cost more than most people's houses. But four days a week, in a building shared with a parish that has anchored this community for more than five decades, a very different reality plays out. Volunteers stock shelves, case managers greet familiar faces, and families quietly collect a week's worth of groceries before heading back out into a world that has no idea they were ever there. "It's really like a hidden in plain sight type of thing," says Kevin Walsh, Executive Director of the St. Francis Community Center. "You don't really know. Somebody has to choose between a meal or medication, or somebody's household income is just above the poverty line, but they're still not able to live off of their income." Walsh has led the organization for nearly two years, though his connection to the island goes back further. His son, a competitive swimmer and lifeguard in Barnegat Light, trained at the community center's pool during family vacations. "I was just like, oh, this is a cool place. It's really cool on the bay, and I'd love to maybe one day be involved," he recalls. When the executive director position opened, he applied within weeks. "I consider myself a bridge to getting the organization in a place where we've been around for 54 years roughly. I want to put St. Francis in a strong enough place where the next 50 years they can make even a bigger impact than the first 50 some years." The numbers tell their own story. Household visits to the food pantry climbed from 2,625 in 2023 to 3,068 in 2025, a nearly 17 percent increase. The number of chil-
dren served grew even faster, up more than 30 percent over the same period. In just the first five months of 2026, the pantry had already served 1,141 households and more than 4,300 individuals, including nearly 1,500 children. By Walsh's estimate, well over half of the families walking through the pantry's doors are employed, they simply can't stretch a paycheck far enough to cover both rent and groceries. "If we're seeing such high numbers in March compared to the previous March, compared to the previous month, it only means the numbers are going to increase that much more," Walsh says. He points to a single, unrelenting culprit. "It's the cost of living in this area, or even the state of New Jersey. It's the inflation of everything. Look at minimum wage, it's higher than it's ever been, and it's still not enough. It's the cost of everything, it's healthcare, it's food, it's rent. People are making more money than they've ever made before, but there's less." Much of that need, Walsh explains, comes from a population easy to overlook: the seasonal workforce that keeps the island's economy running. "Just think about the island and what generates the economy," he says. "You've got workers who have to come through to support the economy on Long Beach Island, restaurant and hotel workers, laborers taking care of the gardens, amusement park employees, the lifeguard community. A lot of them come in unrecognizable to the people, but they're making minimum, below minimum wage, and the cost of living in the area down here in the summertime is pretty high. It could be surprising, because they're coming down to make a living, but then they realize when they get down here, I didn't realize that feeding myself and feeding my family, even for a threemonth period, is going to be such a challenge." bay-magazine.com 109
FEATURE
For families with children, the need doesn't pause on weekends."When school's out or on the weekend, if a family is on the free or reduced program at school, many of those kids are getting their breakfast and their lunch, and oftentimes an early dinner, provided by the school district," Walsh says. "When school's out, those are three or two and a half meals that those kids may not get. That's where, when the weekend arrives, we want to make sure families are stocked up, because we're not open Friday, Saturday, Sunday. That is a hidden thing. People don't understand that the reason attendance is so great at schools is because that's where kids are getting fed." The need isn't confined to those who live directly on the island, either. St. Francis draws from a radius of 25 to 30 miles across Southern Ocean County, and word of its reputation travels. One winter, a man rode his bicycle to the pantry rather than visit a location closer to home. "There are food pantries closer to him," Walsh explains, "but they just prefer this food pantry because of the service. That's exactly it. It's how they're treated. That's what I hear most often, people tell me they come here because we're nice." Ask Walsh what sets St. Francis apart from other pantries in the region, and the answer has nothing to do with logistics. "We never ask any questions," he says. "We make sure we give them their dignity. It's very difficult for a lot of families coming in for the first time, thinking that they did something wrong, when they did nothing wrong." That philosophy shows up in small, deliberate gestures. Volunteers keep a supply of ShopRite and Acme grocery bags on hand, so that families walking out with a week's groceries look, to any neighbor who might notice, like they simply went shopping. "It takes a lot for someone to walk in and ask for a handout like that," Walsh says. "We had a woman come in one time, she had four kids, and she'd lost her husband recently. She was just begging to come back next month, and one of our workers just said to her, next week." The relief on her face, he says, said everything words couldn't. The pantry runs almost entirely on the strength of its volunteers, many of them retired professionals and members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, who have staffed shifts for years. "They've spent their career giving back or giving to others, and they just feel as though they're compelled to continue that in their retired life," Walsh says. "I'm humbled every day when I come here and see how they treat the people. It just keeps me going."
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That culture of care travels. Some families who once relied on the pantry now return as volunteers themselves. "We get callbacks from people that no longer utilize the services, and then they've come and volunteered because they remember when they were in the same position," Walsh says.
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FEATURE
Running an operation of this size comes with its own quiet challenges. Donated food doesn't always arrive on a convenient schedule, and during the busiest stretches of the year, the pantry has had to rent temporary storage just to keep pace with the volume coming through its doors. Balancing that flow, what's donated, what's purchased, and when it all needs to go back out, is a logistical effort as demanding as the distributions themselves.
Walsh is careful to note that hunger rarely arrives on its own. Families who turn to the pantry sometimes come through the community center's counseling department first, which supports survivors of abuse and domestic violence, a reminder that food insecurity is often tangled up with other hardships that have nothing to do with a person's work ethic or character. "On any given day, anybody could need the food pantry," Walsh says. "We've had mom and dad working in the pharmaceutical industry, both of them get a layoff notice from the same company. That's it, they're only going to make it a month or two out, and all of a sudden they're at the doors of the food pantry." The organization isn't standing still. A year ago, St. Francis launched its Healthy Home Meals Delivery Program, an expansion that brings weekly grocery deliveries directly to homebound seniors, spearheaded by Breanne La Marco, Director of Family Support Services. Initial grant funding from the New Jersey Food Fund has run its course, but Walsh is committed to keeping the program alive. "That's a scaling up of the food pantry and the delivery component," he says. "That's really important." Local partners have stepped up as well. Long Beach Township, through its relationships with area realtors, builders, and contractors, raised $36,000 for the pantry last year alone under Mayor Mancini's leadership. The Hunger Foundation of Southern Ocean, remains a close collaborator, including through a newer joint event, the Annual Chill in Chile Invitational Cook-Off each February, one of three major fundraisers for the community center alongside a golf outing each May and the long-running LBI 18-Mile Run each October. The Foundation's along with the Beach Haven Chamber have their own signature fundraiser, the Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off (formerly Chowderfest), with proceeds benefiting the Hunger Foundation, which in turn distributes its donations across the food pantries of Southern Ocean County. Last year's donations were split among twelve regional food pantries the Foundation regularly supports, St. Francis among them. With need still climbing, Walsh is already looking ahead. "If things continue to trend in the direction, we're going to need to expand the food pantry," he says. "So we're already thinking about a food pantry expansion and how we're going to level up that particular service." Regular food donations help, but Walsh is candid about what the pantry needs most. Monthly shipments from Fulfill, a regional food supplier, cover a base of shelf-stable staples, but fresh produce, meat, and other perishables have to be purchased separately, and that only happens with monetary support. "It's not just food donations, it's monetary donations for the food pantry," Walsh says. "That goes right back out the door to supplement the nutritional food we're providing for the families that come in here." Asked what would help the most, his answer was direct: "A monetary contribution, that really is what it comes down to." For a community defined by its wealth, the message Walsh hopes readers take away is a simple one: this need is real, it is close by, and it can be met. bay-magazine.com 113
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Photo Credit: Pearl & Veil Studios
www.BogathEvents.com (973) 477-1392 Jeanne@BogathEvents.com
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WEDDINGS
There is something magical about saying "I do" with your toes in the sand, the sound of the waves and a salty breeze gently carrying your vows in the wind. It's no surprise that so many couples dream of a beach ceremony on Long Beach Island. As a wedding planner who specializes in LBI weddings, I've had the privilege of helping countless couples create beautiful ceremonies that feel effortless—even though there's a lot happening behind the scenes. If you're dreaming of getting married on the beach, here are my best tips for making your ceremony beautiful, comfortable, and as stress-free as possible .
Not every beach entrance is created equal. Some locations have long, steep dune walkways, limited parking, or difficult access for elderly guests and anyone with mobility challenges. While others have smaller beaches or are prone to erosion. Make sure you speak to an expert before deciding on the beach that is right for you. Either a planner, or Megan and Joel from Rustic Drift can give you great advice on where to do your ceremony setup, having done thousands! Make sure you know the township and specific permitting needs for a ceremony. Many couples are surprised to learn that a beach ceremony often requires permission from the municipality where you're getting married. Permit requirements vary depending on the town and the size of your ceremony, so it's important to research these details early in your planning process. 116 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
The time of day is VIP. The beach is beautiful all day—but the most flattering light happens later in the afternoon. A ceremony scheduled one to two hours before sunset provides the best light, cooler temperatures, and a smaller chance that beach-goers will be in the background of your wedding photos. Although it’s been my experience on LBI that most beach goers will move their chair to get out of the way, it’s not a guarantee. And if it’s a really hot day during peak season, there may not be much space for them to move to!
Have a back-up Plan! The Jersey Shore is stunning, but Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate with weddings. You can pay the Etsy witch, bury a bottle of bourbon under the lifeguard stand or use any (or all) the different ways I’ve seen couples try to guarantee good weather, but the best way is to have a rain plan you can live with! Many couples on LBI use the Spray Beach Chapel, the LBI Historical Society or a gazebo.You will also want to know how late you can adjust your location by talking to the members of your vendor team involved in the beach ceremony. You will also need a plan to communicate those changes to guests. I always have my couples collect a cell phone number and an email address that can be used to communicate decisions at the “last minute.” Most couples want to shit to the rain plan as late as possible -- so designating someone on your wedding team to handle this is essential!
Keep your ceremony setup Simple!
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is trying to compete with the ocean. LBI’s beaches are already breathtaking. And, remember, anything you bring on the beach has to come off the beach! Keep this in mind if you plan to offer water bottles or ceremony programs, and make sure someone is there after the ceremony to ensure no bottles, caps, florals, or ceremony programs are left behind that might make it into the environment. A cute trash can by the drink set-up will solve this problem -- but remember no alcohol. A beach ceremony should feel relaxed, joyful, and unforgettable—not stressful. If you take these things into account, your’s will be too! A few last things to consider: footwear, sunglasses (are they ok for your wedding party -- they might be facing the sun to look at guests), fans or throw blankets for guests and clear umbrellas if you are willing to risk a light sprinkle. If you're planning a wedding on LBI, I'd love to help you create a day that's every bit as beautiful as the setting.
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BRUNCH | LUNCH | DINNER WEDDING RECEPTIONS | PRIVATE EVENTS | REHEARSAL DINNERS
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CREATE THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS
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WEDDINGS
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Kaitlyn
and J e s s e
PLANNER | BOGATH WEDDINGS & EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHER | KIERNAN ROME PHOTO CATERING | FIG, INC. BARTENDING & BEVERAGE | NEPTUNESWINE & LIQUORS AND HERES TO YOU CEREMONY VENUE | SPRAY BEACH CHAPEL CEREMONY MUSIC | CEREMONIOUS STRINGS ENTERTAINMENT | BE THE GOOD PHOTO BOOTH | VW BOOTH BUS ROVING BAR | THE ROVING BAR FLORALS | REYNOLDS GARDEN SHOP TENT RENTAL | SPERRY TENTS RENTALS AND DRAPERY | STYLIZED EVENTS LUX BATHROOM RENTAL | RESTROOM RESOURCES HAIR | WHITE OPAL MAKEUP | MY BEAUTY MAKEUP ARTISTRY WEDDING CAKE | FANCY CAKES INVITATIONS | THE PAPERY 120 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
Why did you choose Long Beach Island? Kaitlyn grew up going to LBI every summer with family, spending summers at her grandparents' home. When Kaitlyn and Jesse met, LBI was one of the first places they visited as a couple. As their relationship grew, Jesse began to love the island for all the same reasons Kaitlyn did. When they decided to get married, they considered other places but kept circling back to Kaitlyn's grandmother's home. It was there they decided to host their family and friends for a night to remember!
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COUNTRY CORNER FARM MARKET BEST PIE’S ON LBI
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275 W 9TH STREET SHIP BOTTOM, NEW JERSEY 609 494 0667
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feed your mind Recipes and photos by Susan Von Brachel and Robin Chase www.robinandsue.com
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FEED YOUR MIND
Homemade Garlic Herb Bread Ingredients: Crusty Italian bread, sliced in half horizontally 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley 4 tsp finely minced fresh garlic (3 cloves) ¼ tsp flaky sea salt ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese Red pepper flakes
Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place both halves of bread, cut side up. Mix softened butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley and salt together and spread on top of each bread. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are crispy and golden brown. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and serve warm. bay-magazine.com 125
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Tomato Artichoke Salad Ingredients: 4 tomatoes, sliced 1 tbsp capers 2 cans artichoke hearts, roughly chopped ¼ red spanish onion, thinly sliced 1 ½ tsp salt flakes Fresh pepper 2 tbsp olive oil ½ lemon, juice only 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves 126 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
Directions: Place tomatoes overlapping on a plate. Add artichokes, red onion and capers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add oregano leaves on top and drizzle with olive oil and lemon.
Ranch Water Ingredients: 1 ½ ounces blanco tequila ½ ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed Topo Chico, chilled, 6 oz. Lime wedges Directions: Add all ingredients into a highball glass over ice and stir briefly and gently to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!
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Baked Cod with Lemon Dill Sauce Ingredients: ½ lb cod 1 tbsp unsalted butter 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp lemon zest 4 tbsp chopped dill, and extra dill for garnish ½ tbsp flour ¼ tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp salt 1-2 garlic cloves, smashed Salt and Pepper to taste 128 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
Directions: Preheat oven to 400F. Place cod in a baking dish lined with foil. Lightly season both sides of cod with salt and pepper. Melt butter in small sauce pan, on low heat and add in olive oil. When butter is melted, whisk in flour. Whisk until it begins to bubble. Add lemon juice, zest, salt, dill and garlic powder to the butter flour mixture, mix well and cool slightly. Place smashed garlic evenly on cod. Pour sauce evenly over cod. Bake in oven for about 12 minutes, and broil on high for 2 minutes. Before serving top with extra dill for garnish.
Jersey Peach Galette Ingredients: 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed 2 tbsp brown sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp vanilla extract 4 ripe peaches, sliced about 1/4” thick 2 tsp maple syrup, for browning crust
Directions: Thaw the puff pastry according to package direction and preheat the oven to 420°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla to the base of a large bowl. Whisk until brown sugar has dissolved. Add sliced peaches to bowl and gently toss the peaches in bowl until both sides are coated. Unfold the puff pastry directly onto the baking sheet, then use a knife to gently score a 1/2” border around all edges of puff pastry. With a pastry brush, lightly coat the border with maple syrup. Arrange the peach slices along the inner border of the pastry. Bake for 16 minutes, or until the edges of the puff pastry have risen and are golden brown. Remove from the oven, let sit for 5 minutes to set. Serve with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
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1302 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ | 609.494.8848 | arlingtonlbi.com
408 Broadway, Barnegat Light 609.342.1928 larivalbi.com 130 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
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FEED YOUR MIND
The sweet-tart fruit brings out the nutty complexity of an aged cheddar. Gruyère is wonderful alongside roasted pears, toasted nuts, and rustic breads. Its rich, slightly sweet character feels right at home on a fall table. Gouda, especially an aged Gouda, complements caramelized flavors such as roasted squash, pumpkin dishes, and candied pecans.
Ask Marvin,
the Cheesemonger Mouse
For those who enjoy a little adventure, blue cheese paired with fresh pears, honey, or spiced nuts creates a memorable combination that's perfect for holiday entertaining.
TM
WRITTEN BY JAIME RYAN
What About Wine? Many fall cheeses pair wonderfully with wine. Brie and Camembert shine with Chardonnay. Gruyère and Alpine cheeses are lovely with crisp white wines, while aged cheddars and Goudas pair beautifully with Pinot
At The Cheese Shoppe, fall is one of our favorite seasons. As the air turns crisp and the summer crowds thin, our thoughts turn to cozy gatherings, holiday entertaining, and all the wonderful flavors that make autumn special. One question we hear frequently this time of year is about baked Brie and seasonal pairings. Recently, we received the following inquiry.
Noir or lighter reds. Of course, you don't need wine to enjoy these combinations. Fresh apple cider, sparkling cider, or even a warm mug of spiced cider can be fantastic seasonal companions.
Dear Marvin, Every fall we see recipes for baked Brie and they always look amazing, but we're never quite sure how to serve it or what to pair it with. What are your favorite ways to enjoy baked Brie, and what cheeses pair best with the flavors of the season? – Ready for Fall Flavors
Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening with family, baked Brie and seasonal cheese pairings are an easy way to bring warmth and flavor to the table. After all, few things say "welcome" quite like a wheel of warm cheese surrounded by good company.
Dear Ready for Fall Flavors, What a delicious question! If there were ever a cheese designed for autumn entertaining, it might just be Brie. Warm, creamy, and wonderfully indulgent, baked Brie is one of the easiest ways to impress guests while celebrating the flavors of the season. The Magic of Baked Brie When Brie is gently baked, its soft interior becomes rich and velvety, creating the perfect centerpiece for a gathering. The beauty of baked Brie is that it can be as simple or as elaborate as you'd like. For a classic presentation, place a wheel of Brie in an oven-safe dish and top it with fig preserves, apricot jam, or a drizzle of local honey. Bake until the cheese is soft and gooey, then serve with sliced baguette, crackers, or apple wedges. Want to embrace the flavors of fall? Try topping your Brie with chopped pecans or walnuts, dried cranberries, and a touch of maple syrup. The combination of creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and sweet fruit is pure autumn comfort. Perfect Fall Pairings Fall is harvest season, making it the ideal time to pair cheese with fresh fruits and seasonal flavors. Sharp Cheddar pairs beautifully with crisp apples and apple butter. 132 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
Featured Recipe: Maple Pecan Baked Brie Ingredients: 1 wheel Brie (8–12 oz) ¼ cup chopped pecans 2 tbsp pure maple syrup 2 tbsp dried cranberries Crackers, sliced apples, or baguette for serving
Instructions: • Preheat oven to 350°F. • Place Brie in a small baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. • Top with pecans, cranberries, and maple syrup. • Bake for 12–15 minutes, until soft and warm throughout. • Serve immediately with crackers, bread, or apple slices.
Stay Cheesy, Marvin the Cheesemonger Mouse
The Cheese Shoppe has two LBI locations—in Surf City and Beach Haven
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK Welcome to Raimondo’s, Long Beach Island’s finest traditional Italian restaurant. Savor real Italian food with creative love. Serving you with over 30 years of experience and precision to every table. From an intimate date to a private party or a catered wedding Dinner | Outdoor Seating Available 1101 LONG BEACH BLVD SHIP BOTTOM www.raimondoslbi.com
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FROM THE WOODS TO THE WATERWAYS NOW OPEN IN WEST CREEK. WALK-INS WELCOME. RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE THROUGH OPEN TABLE. 475 MAIN ST, WEST CREEK, NJ 08092 | WWW.HOLLOWPINESNJ.COM bay-magazine.com 135
FEED YOUR MIND
Where to eat, According to LBI Eats WRITTEN BY KATHERINE LIOUDIS Katherine Lioudis is the creator behind the Instagram account @lbi.eats. A platform dedicated to showcasing food, drinks, and local businesses across LBI. Through social media and local partnerships she helps visitors and residents discover where to eat, sip, and explore!
Table team. Between the firepit seating and a Pines Dog in hand, it's the kind of spot that makes you forget summer is over. For a fun place to watch a game while still enjoying more than your standard bar food, The Arlington is the number one choice for many. The recently renovated interior offers cozy vibes in all the right ways. Think fireplace, a PHOTO BY BORN BY THE SEA PHOTOGRAPHY big draft beer list, and a burger that's a serious Fall dining on Long Beach Island usually comes down to a few key contender for best on the island. The TVs are questions: Can I still sit outside? Where can I watch the game? And perfectly placed throughout the space, so you who's still open? Based on that criteria, there are a handful of restau- can keep an eye on the game without feeling too much like you're sitting in a sports bar. It's rants I find myself recommending over and over again, from local the kind of place where you end up crowding summer straight through the holidays. around a table with friends and settling in for the afternoon. First, if you're trying to hold onto that summer feeling just a little longer, I'd recommend anywhere with a firepit so you can hold onto outdoor dining just a little bit longer. If you're looking to pair it with Maybe I'm biased because I'm within walking distance, but Daddy O is one of my favorite a classic LBI sunset, you can't go wrong with a clam pie and a few off-season (and in-season) spots on the island. Jersey Devils up on the Bird & Betty's rooftop. If the wind starts to pick up, you can always tuck in a little closer to the bar and still enjoy This year also marks their 20th anniversary, making it an especially fun time to stop in. the view. Open daily, the bar is a great place to hang out and enjoy a cocktail or two. Beyond that, While the firepit setup is a bit more limited, Mud City is another they keep things lively throughout the colder great option. I spent a wonderful Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off weekend there, sitting around the firepit and enjoying some delicious months with a packed events calendar, weekly live music, and plenty of reasons to stop in fall cocktails from their adorable Barstream (and just in case you even after the summer crowds are gone. And, missed the news, yes, Mud City is no longer BYOB). It doesn't hurt of course, a personal favorite: half-priced that the Barstream makes for a great photo opportunity too. sushi on Thursdays. One quick disclaimer before we move on: Bird & Betty’s and Mud There's certainly no shortage of great meals City are the only spots on this list that won't carry you all the way on the island, no matter when you're visiting. through the winter, so make sure to enjoy them while you can. And if you miss out on a favorite before it If you're willing to venture a little farther west, be sure to check out closes up until next summer, consider it just another reason to keep coming back! the backyard at Hollow Pines, the newest venture from the Tide 136 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
Beach Haven’s neighborhood bar. 100 N Pennsylvania Ave Beach Haven, NJ 08008 (609) 492-0025 | blackwhalebar.com bay-magazine.com 137
GREAT FOOD, VIEWS & VIBES
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FEED YOUR MIND
A STEADFAST TEAM WRITTEN BY JENNA COWPERTHWAITE
PHOTOS BY LJ HEPP
PHOTOS BY RYAN JOHNSON
First opening their doors at Ship Bottom Shellfish over four decades ago, Bob and Ginna Nugent organically and thoughtfully grew the Tide Table Group family. Joining forces with Eric and Mel Magaziner, their list of eateries now includes eight different locations both on and off the island. As one of our region’s largest employers, they work hard to curate a team who embraces their longstanding ideals of the freshest food and the best service, always with a personal touch. And all these years later, that dedication is not only evident in their growing roster of restaurants, but also their steadfast employees; there are thirteen of them who have been with the Tide Table Group for over fifteen years. In an industry where frequent turnover is the norm, they are thankful for a team who stays with them year after year. But their employees quickly tell you it’s a two-way street; they emphasize how the company culture truly feels like a big family. The care and attention they receive—both at work and in their personal lives—from Bob, Ginna, Eric, and Mel is something they feel they could never receive anywhere else. “We all care deeply about one another. The owners respect and value us as people, not just as workers,” Erica Hemhauser, a server at Mud City, simply states. “From weddings, to holidays, to a casual day off, you will always find at least two or three of us together,” points out Mud City Manager, Becky Bleakly. “Even though we spend so much time together at work, we still willingly hang out late into the night after a long day,” echoes Black Whale server, Brian Hogan. In such a fast-paced environment, it’s critical to be a well-oiled machine. The devotion each employee holds for their particular restaurant is largely what contributes to their success—and ultimately the unique vibe of each location. “Everybody brings on family and friends. It keeps us tight,” says Mud City server, Maureen Winkelspecht. As Ryan Robbins, Black Whale server, likes to joke, “We’re like one big, giant, dysfunctional family.” “We support each other’s kids’ fundraisers. I bring in ice pops for the guys in the kitchen on a hot
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summer day—little things like that go a long way. We all know we’ve got each other’s back,” explains Joanna Fierro, another server at the Black Whale. The close-knit, in-good-times-and-in-bad sentiment was echoed in each one of TTG's longstanding employees. They all acknowledged, in turn, that it was truly sweat equity that made the Tide Table Group, and it continues to be a driving force. “There are so many opportunities within this company,” says Brian. “We have the professionalism. We give our customers a high level of service, while keeping a chill, relaxed vibe. The owners have been able to keep the family emphasis, even with eight restaurants now. They literally know every employee’s name.” That intentionality keeps them true to their roots. “Having worked so closely alongside Mel and Eric, when he was behind the line and she was at the front of the house, everything just feels homegrown here at Mud City. We know what they would want even when they’re not here, and we keep that feel. They know they can trust us,” shares Maureen. The inherent intensity of work in the restaurant industry is balanced out, though; there is an emphasis within the company culture on ensuring ample time at home with their own families. Whether it is a three month break in the off-season or a quieter, slower winter with the locals, no one loses sight of what matters—the people. “Now that the Black Whale is open year round, customers are very happy to have this permanent gathering spot. It’s great to form relationships with them,” says Dina Deluca, General Manager of the Black Whale. One of Mud City server Wendy Peterson’s favorite parts of the job is getting to watch her regular customers grow up. “I am now seeing the young kids from when I first started working come in with kids of their own. It’s also been a pleasure to watch the families of my coworkers grow up over time.” Erica, too, appreciates the family-oriented, loving, and supportive atmosphere “with just the right amount of crazy intertwined.” And they keep that love going with the larger community, as well. “We all live in the area, and Tide Table Group does a lot to support our whole community,” says Dana Strahle, another server at Mud City.
Dina Deluca | 31 years
Dina began waitressing during the summers at Ship Bottom Shellfish, thankful for the time to raise her kids. She embraced acting manager at the Black Whale one day a week for a few years, eventually
taking on the role full time as her kids got older. “I like to create a very happy environment, but with structure. We understand that everyone has a life outside of work, so I strive to be as flexible as possible to accommodate that. I’ve found that if you just give people what they want, they’ll stay. That goes for both employees and customers. Plus, the food and the vibe are just good—that makes my job easier!” Her daughter has followed in Dina’s footsteps, working at both Ship Bottom Shellfish and the Black Whale.
Brian Hogan | 30 years
Brian was fifteen years old when he started working at Ship Bottom Shellfish, when it was just Ginna and two others in the kitchen, two servers in the dining room, and Bob cutting fish. “There were even times when it was only me, Bob, and Ginna. We did A LOT of multitasking, but my biggest memory is just laughing together through it all. I took a few travel hiatuses, spending time in Hawaii, California, and Australia, but they always had a spot for me when I came back home. I never thought at fifteen years old I would find a spot that truly appreciates me.” Brian worked closely alongside Eric to help open Mud City and the Black Whale. More than twenty years later, he remains devoted to the Black Whale. While he spent years working in the kitchen, he developed a seafood allergy which forced him to transition to the front of the house. His time immersed in many different roles at multiple TTG restaurants gives him a unique perspective which he passes on to his customers as a server. “It’s fun to give them a little peek behind the curtain. Mel and Eric, Ginna and Bob, are just amazing. They’ve taught me so much.” Brian met his wife when they were both working at the BW, and they now have two children. “My eleven year old son is already asking when he can start working here. That’ll be a full circle moment for me.”
Becky Peterson Bleakley | 27 years
“It’s crazy to me when I actually think about it, but I started working at Mud City when I was only fourteen years old,” says Becky. It was 1999 and the restaurant had just opened its doors. “My mom was a server and I was a counter girl. It was such a fun summer, working alongside my best friends.” In the coming years, Becky transitioned to hostess and then server. For the past four years, she has been General Manager. Becky even was nanny for Mel and Eric for a few years before having her own kids, calling them “the best people. I can’t imagine not being attached to them in some way, shape, or form forever.” bay-magazine.com 141
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Wendy Peterson | 27 years
Wendy started at Mud City when it first opened, the same year as her daughter, Becky. “I’m nearing retirement and people ask me why I’m still here. The answer is truly because of the people who started this company. I wouldn’t work for anyone else. They were babies when they launched Mud City…I’ve watched them create this empire through sweat and hard work.” When describing the atmosphere at Mud City, Wendy emphasizes the small scale. “We’re always in each other’s way, but it’s what keeps us close,” she jokes. “And it’s what I love.”
Maureen Winkelspecht | 27 years
Maureen, fondly dubbed “Mo-Mo Wink” by Mel, also started at Mud City the day it opened, when she was twenty-seven years old. Her husband was running the water line for the new restaurant and got her a job as a server. Over the years she has worked in nearly every position, but she enjoys serving the best. “It’s my brain game and my workout all in one. We’re old school here. It’s what our customers want. I take your order, I make your salad, I bring the food to your table. The fact that we are such a small operation ensures our customers get a truly personalized experience. And Eric still comes here every day. Mud City is his baby. So we all feel that love.” Maureen’s sons have joined her at MC throughout the years, and her son Otto is still there, working the line. “But we are all family. We are one—I grew up with these people,” she says, speaking of her co-workers.
Dana Carmody-Burns | 26 years at Mud City
Dana started as a busser at Mud City, where she is now one of the senior waitresses. Over the years she also worked at the Black Whale the first summer it opened, and as a hostess and assistant manager. “We hold ourselves—and each other—to a high standard here at Mud City. Even during COVID, when it was so wild and we were so busy, everyone on staff pulled together and hustled hard. It felt like we were just completely united to keep MC running smoothly.” That strong sense of unity continues all these years later. Dana continues the hustle in the offseason as an elementary school teacher!
Erica Hemhauser | 23 years
“When you love what you do and who you’re surrounded by, work doesn’t feel like work,” explains Erica. Having been at Mud City since she was fourteen years old and working nearly every front-of-the-house position, she has found her groove as a server. She 142 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
now has four beautiful children, and her oldest son is working with her. It’s not lost on her how Mud City has given her the flexibility to be fully present with her children at sports, school plays, concerts, emergencies, and family time. “I’ve created memories here since I was a child, and continue to do so every day.” She notes how she’s become very close with some of her regular customers over the years. “Between Christmas cards sent, hospital visits on both ends, words of wisdom, and even birthday gifts given. I am truly blessed.”
Ryan Robbins | 18 years
Ryan started as a busser at the Black Whale, continuing in that role for four years. He did some food running, and has now been a server for the past thirteen years. “Our whole team is really close, and it’s truly a pleasure to show up at work.” He met his wife when he started at the Black Whale, and they’ve now been married for eleven years with three children. That alone is enough to mark the establishment on his heart. “As soon as we enter into Beach Haven, my oldest knows we’re in ‘Daddy’s work area.’” It’s a place that feels like home.
Joanna Fierro | 17 years
As a full-time teacher and coach, Joanna stays busy year-round, spending her summers as a server at the Black Whale. Originally from Monmouth County, she started as a food runner, learning the menu and restaurant nuances, then moved on to a server in her second summer. Three years ago she moved to Ocean County to be closer to her happy place. “Dina is so accommodating,” she states of the Black Whale manager. “It motivates our team to show up ready to work, always. The days can be stressful, but when I see ‘that look’ in someone’s eyes, I know to jump in and help. We’re never on our own. It’s a special place.”
Fabian & Sandra | 20+ years at Mud City Steff Mags | 18+ years at various locations Zach Bedea | Forever! at various locations The Tide Table Group has “good morals and values, beyond good food and service,” declares Joanna. That commitment has proof in the employees who continue to show up, day after day, still loving their jobs. “If you’re not having fun, then what are you doing,” declares Brian Hogan.
T H E B AY P R O V I D E S BARSTREAM
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The Food you want to Eat
Catering • Private Chef • Dining 609.342.0794 8 1 6 L O N G B E A C H B O U L E VA R D S H I P B O T T O M , N J ORDER ONLINE W W W. J O Y S A LT K I T C H E N . C O M bay-magazine.com 145
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The Official Shuttle of Good Decisions WRITTEN BY JENNA COWPERTHWAITE
While the food and atmosphere of each of their eight eateries is truly exceptional, the Tide Table Group keeps their eyes on the full picture—which is why they are adamant about their courtesy shuttle service. Running for over a decade, they whimsically share with their patrons, it’s the “official shuttle of good decisions. And great nights out!”
weekends. At the very least, the drivers advise planning with a minimum of 60 to 90 minutes notice. Simply text your pickup address, number of people, desired time, and destination to the appropriate shuttle number (listed at the end of this article).
The concept is simple: you text the shuttle that corresponds to your chosen Tide Table Group venue with a pick-up time, they bring you to the restaurant, then drop you back off at your home when all is said and done. Though it sounds too good to be true, it’s just a way for the TTG to look out for their community. As owner Melanie Magaziner puts it, “It’s the perfect way to avoid parking fines and DUIs.” Whether you are enjoying a special night out for a bachelor party or you need to transport your whole clan for a family dinner, the TTG shuttles are a smart move.
Celebrations are a vital component of Tide Table Group culture, but please keep open containers to the “before and after” of your shuttle ride.
As the summer winds down, the fall festival season ramps up, so they will keep their shuttles going through Kite Fest weekend. The Mud Shuttle begins running at 3pm, servicing Mud City Crabhouse and Old Causeway. Pick up is available from Ocean Acres to Ship Bottom and Surf City. The Betty Bus stops at Bird and Betty’s, Parker’s Garage, and the Black Whale, beginning at 5pm Monday-Saturday and 3pm on Sundays. It runs from Ship Bottom to Holgate. The Hollow Pines shuttle provides free pick up and drop off among Manahawkin, Beach Haven West, and most of Little Egg Harbor. It operates starting at 5pm seven days a week.
Here’s a quick little
“how-to” for using the courtesy TTG shuttles: Text for your ride
Reservations are highly encouraged, especially on the 146 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
No bottles or cans
Respect the Ride
Singing, laughing, and heart-to-hearts are highly encouraged during your shuttle ride; belligerent behavior, fighting, and profanities are not. It’s that simple.
Tip Your Driver
They are driving to ensure you have an enjoyable night, so keep that good karma going. And remember—if you transfer shuttles, spread the love; drivers don’t pool their tips.
Patience is a virtue.
The shuttle drivers are navigating LBI traffic and lots of requests—they are doing their best! Drivers will text an “on the way” ETA, so be ready for curbside pickup at your time slot to help them keep up with their pickup schedule. From the beach, to the marsh, to the pines, Tide Table Group wants you to include safety with your good vibes and good food.
Save these numbers in your phone for LBI’s favorite Designated Driver: Mud Shuttle 609-713-0451 Betty Bus 609-756-6003 Hollow Pines 609-355-9495
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CRAFTED POURED SHARED
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oldcauseway.com bay-magazine.com 149
This Must Be the Place Beach Haven’s waterfront hot spot, serving up creative seafood, crafted cocktails, DJ’s, sunsets, and a legendary night club. birdandbettys.com 529 Dock Rd, Beach Haven, NJ 609.492.3000
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Randy Skimmons was ten years old the first time he sat at the end of a dock on North 1st Street in Surf City with a string and a hook, pulling up crabs and walking them around the neighborhood to sell. He didn't know it yet, but he was already in the business he'd spend his life building. Thirty years ago, that same instinct, an eye for what's fresh, a feel for the water, and a habit of showing up, became Blue Claw Seafood Market, the small storefront on the island that has quietly become one of its most beloved institutions.
THIRTY YEARS OF BLUE CLAW WRITTEN BY LISA SIMEK
PHOTOS BY BORN BY THE SEA PHOTOGRAPHY
Skimmons grew up on the island, clamming as a kid, sorting and counting product at a local clam house before it shipped off to the Philadelphia market, catching bait and working net boats out of Barnegat Light. He and his father ran a business together for years, one that had nothing to do with seafood, before his father was ready to retire and Skimmons went looking for his next move. A friend who'd owned that same clam house, and who also had a building in Surf City that had briefly served as a seafood market. The timing lined up, and Skimmons, who'd been around seafood nearly his whole life, decided to take the leap. "When I took it over from the other gentleman, it just wasn't what I wanted to sell," Skimmons said. "I had a very clear idea of what I wanted this place to be, so I did something different and built it from there." The name came from those childhood afternoons on the pier. It's a detail that resonates with plenty of longtime islanders who spent their own summers doing the same thing off a bay dock somewhere, string, hook, and a bucket to fill before dinner. That pull toward the water started early, and it wasn't always sanctioned. As a boy, Skimmons had one of his first boats, a ten-footer with a modest one-and-a-half horsepower motor, and a standing house rule that he wasn't allowed to take it past the bridge. He did anyway. Someone caught him from above, gliding underneath in his little boat, and the photo ended up on the cover of The SandPaper in 1977. His mother saw it before he had a chance to explain himself. "I was totally busted," Skimmons says with a laugh.
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The building itself hasn't changed much since 1996. The layout works, Skimmons said, so he's never seen a reason to redo it. What has changed, considerably, is what's inside the case. In year one, he estimates he carried about half the inventory he does now. Sourcing was more limited too: fewer wholesalers, fewer options, and a much smaller radius of what was possible to get fresh. "Now you can get stuff from all over the world within twenty-four hours," he said. "It's changed drastically." From the beginning, Skimmons set out to carry a premium product, a decision he says was never really a question. "LBI is high-end," he said simply. That standard shows in where the seafood comes from. Much of it arrives from Viking Village, the commercial dock in Barnegat Light: scallops, tuna, swordfish, fluke, and whatever else the boats bring in on a given day. Tilefish, one of Skimmons's favorites, comes when he can get it locally, often from a boat called the Sea Farmer, run by a lifelong Barnegat Light fisherman. Crabs, clams, and oysters are all sourced locally as well. Something new comes in every single day. Skimmons is at the dock in Barnegat Light before it opens at eight in the morning, then back at the shop to break down and
prep whatever he's brought in before the next delivery arrives. "That's the only way you can sell high-end product," he said. "You don't want to buy it and sit on it for a week." What customers don't often see, he said, is the constant recalibration behind it: staying in close touch with suppliers, tracking which boats are in on which day, adjusting on the fly when one type of catch isn't available and another is. It's a system built entirely around timing, one that leaves little room for a day off during the season. Ask Skimmons what Blue Claw is known for and he'll tell you it's hard to single out just one thing. The shrimp cocktail and tuna platters, the crab cakes, are all made fresh, several times a day, every day, exactly as they have been since the market opened. The homemade pies are baked daily too, a tradition that started with Skimmons's mother and passed to his wife, Debbie, roughly twenty years ago. The family thread runs through nearly every part of the business. Skimmons's father worked alongside him for years, showing up daily whether he was technically on bay-magazine.com 153
the clock or not. His sister has helped out in the summers, his brother-in-law joined after retiring from his own business, and his nephew worked there for years as well. Skimmons's two daughters, Hannah and Haley, have worked the counter since they were thirteen. Hannah, now a nurse at a children's hospital in Philadelphia, still comes back for major weekends. Haley just graduated from the University of Florida and is headed into engineering for a major construction firm in Manhattan this fall; but like her sister, she's spent every summer behind the counter. Between the two of them, Skimmons said, they can run the place without him, which frees him up to spend his own days in the back: cutting fish, cooking and cleaning crabs, and handling the prep that keeps the front of the store moving.
"That's a big milestone, being in business on Long Beach Island for thirty years," Skimmons said. "A lot of businesses don't make it that long. It's the effort my family has put into it, the sacrifices everybody's made."
For most of Blue Claw's history, the market was open seven days a week, 10 hours a day, from June through September. That didn't change until the pandemic, when Skimmons began closing on Tuesdays for the first time. The market still keeps a longer season than most, staying open through New Year's Eve before closing until May.
For a market that Skimmons describes as not big at all, the range inside the case is considerable: a dozen types of fish on a given day, five or six sizes of shrimp, multiple sizes of scallops. Faroe Island salmon, sushi grade, is a consistent top seller, alongside Barnegat Light's day-boat scallops, which Skimmons says have no comparison anywhere else. Blue Claw is also one of
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One customer has been with him since day one: a Pennsylvania resident with a house in North Beach who Skimmons describes simply as a wonderful, loyal presence at the market for three decades. In years past, he and his wife would order six to ten three-pound lobsters nearly every week for lobster parties at their home, cooked to order in a pot so large Skimmons ended up naming it after him. His wife has since passed away, and the big weekly orders have slowed, but Mr. Thatcher still comes in.
FEED YOUR MIND
the only markets on the island with live crabs available on a consistent, near-daily basis, sold live, steamed, or fully cleaned and cooked. Looking ahead, Skimmons is candid that the past few years have taken a physical toll. Thirty years of early mornings at the dock, long hours on his feet, and the constant lifting and prep behind the counter add up, and he's felt it. With both daughters now stepping into their own careers, it marks a natural shift for the business, one where Skimmons is leaning more on other family members and trusted longtime staff to help keep things running. Still, he's hoping for at least another five to ten years behind the counter. Asked what stands out most after thirty years, Skimmons doesn't point to a single sale or a single summer. "Just the fact that I could work with my family," he said. "My father, my girls, my wife, my sister, my brother-in-law, my mom. Being able to work with my family, that's it." That ten-foot boat is long retired, but the instinct that put a ten-year-old Skimmons on the water in the first place, showing up early, doing it right, keeping it close to family, is the same one that opens Blue Claw's doors every morning. Thirty years in, the case is still full, the pies are still homemade, and the Skimmons family is still behind the counter. Here's to thirty more.
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COASTAL COMFORT 208 N Bay Ave Beach Haven, NJ 08008 609.342.1100 | info@ellislbi.com
Casually elevated creative coastal fare on the Beach Haven waterfront
Parker’s Garage, celebrating the Golden Age of the Queen City 116 Northwest Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008 609.492.1066 | www.parkersgaragelbi.com 156 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
DYK
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Long Beach Island DYK Long Beach Island digital email blast is the email blast to showcase your business to LBI community and the general vicinity of Southern Ocean County and beyond. Businesses on Long Beach Island have been evolving over the years, passed down generations, or expanded. DYK digital email blast is your outlet to expand your digital platform. DYK is the exclusive email blast for connecting people and businesses that are the backbone to Long Beach Island.
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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LAUREN ROTHSTEIN, LORI BONNANI, AND SANDI KOSINSKI
Handmade for the Holidays Meet the Makers of LBIF’s Holiday Market Festival WRITTEN BY TAYLOR JENNINGS
As the holiday season approaches, the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences will once again transform its gallery into a festive marketplace filled with one-of-a-kind gifts, handcrafted artwork, and the creative spirit that makes Long Beach Island such a special place to call home. Sponsored by A. Richard Aitken, Jr., Builder-Contractor, the Holiday Market Festival invites visitors to shop local, support artists, and discover meaningful gifts created by talented makers from across the region. Among this year's participating artists are Beach Block Prints creator Lauren Rothstein, ceramic artist Sandi Kosinski of High Bar Pottery, and painter Lori Bonanni. Though each artist works in a different medium, they share a common inspiration: the landscapes, memories, and experiences that define life on Long Beach Island. For Lauren Rothstein, founder of Beach Block Prints, the island has been at the center of her creative journey from the beginning. After spending summers on LBI as a child and eventually settling here as an adult, she found 158 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
her artistic voice through relief printmaking. Her handcarved prints often feature surfers, waves, lighthouses, and familiar island scenes. "Almost all of my work is influenced by where I spent summers and where I now live, which is LBI," says Rothstein. "Many of my designs are pieced together from snapshots I've taken of the lighthouse, the beach, the ocean, and even friends surfing in the water." Each print begins as a drawing transferred onto a rubber or linoleum block, then meticulously carved by hand. Rothstein embraces the imperfections that come with hand-printing, believing they give each piece character and authenticity. Visitors to her Holiday Market display can expect a collection of cards, prints, and holiday-themed favorites, including her popular Old Barney wreath design and Surfing Santa prints. Like Rothstein, painter Lori Bonanni finds endless inspiration in the island's natural beauty. A longtime resident and member of the LBIF Artist Loft community, Bonanni
is known for capturing the ever-changing light, water, and atmosphere of coastal life. Her work ranges from impressionistic landscapes to more realistic depictions of waves, shorelines, and local landmarks. "I live on the bay, so I'm always observing the light and the way it affects the hue of the water," Bonanni explains. "The light changes throughout the day for a continual display of light and color." Many island residents are familiar with Bonanni's artwork through the annual Beach Haven Art Walk posters she has designed since the event began in 2018. Through her paintings, she seeks to preserve the places and moments that make Long Beach Island unique, from historic structures to the energy of a breaking wave. At the Holiday Market Festival, Bonanni will offer smaller works featuring waves, oysters, mussel shells, and recognizable local scenes. She hopes each piece serves as a reminder of cherished time spent on the island. For Sandi Kosinski of High Bar Pottery, inspiration comes not only from the island's landscapes but also from its wildlife and gardens. A former research scientist whose studies ranged from ceramic engineering to materials science, Kosinski now devotes her time to creating functional and decorative ceramics that blend artistry with technical precision. "The flora and fauna of LBI are prominently featured in my work," she says. "I also strive to portray the sense of calm and peace that the beach offers to me." Kosinski's work reflects years of experimentation with clay bodies, glazes, firing techniques, and surface decoration. Visitors to the Holiday Market will find an assortment of tableware, vases, and decorative pieces inspired by local birds, fish, flowers, and coastal environments. Whether fired in traditional kilns or finished using dramatic raku techniques, each piece is designed to bring beauty, comfort, and function into everyday life. While their artistic styles differ, all three artists agree on the value of handmade work, particularly during the holiday season. In a world increasingly filled with mass-produced products, they believe art offers something more personal: a connection between maker, giver, and recipient. "Knowing that someone spent the time and effort to find something unique that fits your style shows care and love," says Kosinski.
That sense of connection is what makes the Holiday Market Festival such a beloved annual tradition. Beyond the opportunity to shop, the event brings together artists, neighbors, and visitors to celebrate creativity and community. It also provides an important platform for local makers while supporting LBIF's year-round arts and educational programming. Whether you're searching for a distinctive holiday gift, a piece of art that captures your favorite LBI memory, or simply an opportunity to enjoy the work of talented local artists, the Holiday Market Festival offers something for everyone. This season, visitors are invited to slow down, shop local, and experience the creativity that continues to thrive on Long Beach Island.
LBIF’s Holiday Market Festival will be open Saturday, November 14 – Sunday, December 13 from 10:00am – 4:00pm; the Small Business Saturday celebration will take place on November 28 from 10:00am – 4:00pm. Beach Block Prints (Lauren Rothstein) Follow Lauren's work on Instagram: @beach.block.prints. Custom inquiries can be made via Instagram or by email at beachblockprints@gmail.com. An Etsy shop featuring her prints will also be launching soon. Lori Bonanni Fine Art View Lori's work at loribonanni.com or follow her on Instagram at @postcardsfromlbi. Her paintings are also available at Wildflowers Too Gallery in Barnegat Light and at her studio in the LBIF Artist Loft by appointment. High Bar Pottery (Sandi Kosinski) Explore Sandi's work at highbarpottery.com. Her ceramics are available at Wildflowers Too Gallery in Barnegat Light and during the annual LBI Artists Open Studio Tour and Viking Village Arts & Crafts Show. bay-magazine.com 159
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ART
WHERE THE COAST Meets Canvas help shape the artistic spirit of this special place.
Fine art on Long Beach Island finds uniqueness in its authenticity. The work created here is often deeply rooted in a sense of place. Artists are not simply painting the ocean; they are capturing a feeling - a memory, a mood, a moment of stillness, or the emotional connection that draws people back to the coast year after year.
WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH SABINE
There is something about Long Beach Island that has always inspired people. Perhaps it's the moment you cross the bridge and feel the pace of life begin to soften. The demands of everyday life fade away, replaced by a sense of calm and a deeper connection to the beauty that surrounds you.
As both a resident and a working artist, I have witnessed firsthand the growing appreciation for original artwork throughout our community. More collectors are seeking meaningful pieces for their homes, more Art Show & galleries are showcasing exceptional talent, and more visitors are discovering that fine art is an essential part of the Long Beach Island experience.
Welcome to Where the Coast Meets Canvas. I look forward to sharing the journey with you. — Elizabeth Sabine is a New Jersey-based contemporary landscape painter known for her luminous coastal and landscape paintings. Inspired by the Impressionist movement, her work focuses on capturing the mood, memory, and beauty of a place rather than simply documenting it.
This column was created to celebrate and support that growing community.
Moving forward, I will share stories from local artists, highlight exhibitions, art shows, and gallery events, As an artist, one of the questions I’m introduce readers to both emerging most often asked is where I find my and established talent, and explore inspiration. Sometimes it comes from a the role fine art plays in shaping particular shoreline, a quiet harbor, or a our coastal communities. Whethplace I've visited. More often, however, er you are a seasoned collector, it begins with a feeling. I’m drawn to a a fellow artist, or someone who mood, and through paint, I try to capsimply appreciates beautiful things, ture and share that emotion, creating a my hope is that this space offers a space where viewers can pause, reflect, deeper connection to the people, and discover a connection of their own. places, and work that make our While LBI has long been celebrated island so vibrant. for its beaches and coastal charm, it is also home to a flourishing fine art Art has always been about more community that continues to grow and than decoration. It tells our stoevolve. Beyond the summer crowds ries, preserves our memories, and and familiar landmarks, lies a rich reminds us to slow down long creative culture made up of painters, enough to truly see the world sculptors, photographers, gallery ownaround us. ers, collectors, and art enthusiasts who 162 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
On Long Beach Island, we are fortunate to live in a place that inspires that way of seeing every day.
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EAT YOUR OYSTERS WRITTEN BY JENNA COWPERTHWAITE
As summer winds down, the Long Beach Township Field Station continues to ramp up their ongoing restoration efforts for local habitat. Through their championing of the simple concept behind oyster shell recycling, they have dramatically changed our coastal landscape. Along with several other dedicated partners, the township Oyster Recycling Program prevented dumping literal tons of discarded oyster and clam shells into the landfill. Instead the substrate is being repurposed back into its natural environment, ultimately uplifting the bay water, bay islands, and oyster populations. Concentrating specifically on Clam Cove Reserve, the Hybrid Oyster Reef Breakwater Project will inform efforts for a large-scale bay island and habitat restoration in the near future. This enormous undertaking would not be possible without the unfailing support of many island restaurants. Serving the freshest, locally sourced seafood, these locations provide double the bang for your buck, as they devotedly collect discarded shells from each days’ meals. This means that when visitors and residents dine in these establishments, they are indeed contributing to this important restoration effort. So when you arrange to have drinks and apps with friends or join your family for a sunset meal, consider these participating restaurants: The Arlington in Ship Bottom, dedicated to contemporary American cuisine, dishes up some pretty sweet con166 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
coctions, served with a side of live music and delicious cocktails. Blue Water Cafe dishes up a variety of classic seafood meals in a comfy, BYOB setting, offering quaint patio seating as well. Representing Surf City, Boulevard Clams features a fresh seafood market, restaurant, and take out. Come for the clams and stay for the hot lobster roll! Country Kettle Chowda is a small, cozy soup shop in the heart of Bay Village, featuring true comfort food and infamous bread bowls. The Oyster House on Delaware Avenue lets its moniker speak for itself—serving up fresh, modern style tapas and shared plates, this family restaurant prides itself on being a staple in LBI’s sustainable restaurant scene. Located in the heart of Beach Haven, Dock and Claw carries on a five decade tradition of serving traditional and contemporary spins on affordable seafood along with good vibes. Howards Seafood Restaurant, family-owned and -operated since 1950, continues to be a beloved dining spot for the delicious seafood with harbor-side dining. Just over the bridge on a little marshy island, Mud City
Crabhouse pays homage to its bayside roots with incredible food served in an unfussy atmosphere. The Old Causeway offers craft cocktails, an incredibly diverse menu, and live music on most nights, all served in an authentic back-bay environment. Parker’s Garage is a beautiful, open-air venue with an emphasis on fresh, creative ingredients and unparalleled sunset views over the bay. Polly’s Dock and Clam House is a down-to-earth seafood locale offering outdoor seating right on the bay, plus boat rentals and a tackle shop. Black Whale Bar & Fish House is Beach Haven’s quintessential corner bar, with a lively, intimate bar scene and some of the island’s best crab cakes. The Marlin Restaurant & Bar is a family-friendly American grill with a seafood focus, transitioning to a great happy hour and vibrant nightlife scene as the day moves on. Triton Craft Beer and Oyster Bar is a bright, modern eatery featuring a stellar selection of beers on tap and long eat-in tables for enjoying their oysters. With a lineup that includes even more of LBI’s favorite restaurants on its list of past participants since the program started in 2017, the program has made its mark up and down the island. Angela Andersen, Field Station Manager, invites potential future island recyclers to join the ranks of those who are helping to bolster the bay. The shared advocacy for shell collection from these popular eateries goes a long way to healing the bay’s habitats. As of the end of June, the LBT Oyster Truck has collected over 530 bushels of shell just this year. To put
it in perspective, that is over 26,000 pounds—surpassing a whopping 13 tons. And those numbers are before the influx of summer visitors. It is truly magical to witness this community effort in strategically placing shells back in the bay rather than simply dumping them in a landfill. A project of this scale naturally demands the combined efforts of many, including local oyster farms, the Jetty Rock Foundation, Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute, Stockton University Coastal Research Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ocean County, and the New Jersey Bay Islands Initiative partners. Now that the township’s barge is back in the water, it has been deploying shell again since late summer. At Clam Cove, Angela and her team continue to experiment with simulated oyster castles and shell to attract native spat and other vibrant marine organisms to encrust the living reef. A primary goal of establishing these habitats is to protect the marsh shoreline of the bay islands from wave and wake impacts. With so much focus on this hardworking bivalve, it’s hard to imagine now that there were actually a few decades where there were no oysters in the bay. These projects have such a wide-reaching positive ripple effect. Local oyster farmers enjoy a generally healthier ecosystem, critical for the work they do. Other native aquatic life—both plants and animals—thrive. And even us humans benefit; we have an abundance of delicious, healthy oysters to eat while our homes and businesses are more protected from weather events, thanks to the fortification of the bay’s coastline. While restoration efforts like this were unheard of just a generation ago, they have now become an absolute necessity. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Long Beach Township Field Station and its partners for protecting the places we love and contributing to a more sustainable coastline for generations. bay-magazine.com 167
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Full Throttle on the Bay How a humble clam boat became the Jersey Shore's most beloved racing machine WRITTEN BY LISA SIMEK
On any given Sunday between June and September, a roar rolls across Barnegat Bay like nothing else you will hear at the Jersey Shore. It is not the surf. It is not the gulls. It is the wide-open exhaust of a small-block Chevy with no muffler, three feet from the driver's face, skimming across the water at 80 miles an hour. Once you hear it, you do not forget it. This is garvey boat racing. And if you have never seen it, you are missing one of the most distinctly New Jersey things left on earth. The garvey's story begins not on a racetrack but in the mud flats of Ocean County, and like most good origin stories, its precise beginnings are lost to time. What historians agree on is this: the boat takes its name from the Pharo family, Quakers who arrived in America in
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1678 from Lincolnshire, England, sailing on a ship called the Shield and eventually putting down roots in West Creek. Somewhere in the generations that followed, a Jarvis Pharo, known to locals as 'Garvey,' is credited with designing the first of the flat-bottomed, shallow-draft boats that would bear his nickname. Whether he brought the idea with him from England in the form of a punt boat design, or developed it here in response to the particular demands of Barnegat Bay, the result was the same. A wide, stable hull with a blunt bow, built to go where deeper vessels could not; it was perfect for hunting, fishing, clamming, crabbing and oystering along the tidal flats of the Jersey Shore. For the baymen of Ocean County, it was the original pickup truck of Barnegat Bay. The design was so right for this particular stretch of
coastline that it barely changed for two centuries. In Beach Haven and the bay towns up and down the island, nearly everyone had one. The boats were everywhere, rented by the day from local shops, built from plywood or cedar in backyard garages over the winter months. For the baymen of Ocean County, the garvey was simply part of life. The Smithsonian Institution has since taken scholarly interest in it as a distinctly American vernacular watercraft. But long before it caught the attention of historians, the people who used these boats every day had already figured out another use for them. Nobody agrees entirely on how the clam boat became a race boat. One version of the story, told at Tuckerton Seaport, holds that the clammers figured out that the first boat to bring its catch to the docks would fetch the highest price. So they started watching each other. Then racing each other in. Then doing it on the weekends, just for the pleasure of it. Another version places the origin at the Fourth of July community cookouts that volunteer fire companies held at the Barnegat Township dock in the 1950s. The baymen who delivered the clams for those cookouts would gather afterward, their work boats bobbing at the dock, and eventually someone suggested a race. Both stories are probably true in their own way. What they share is the same essential detail: this was always a working waterfront's idea of a good time. By the early 1960s, garvey racing had become a formal competitive sport on Barnegat Bay, organized through clubs that eventually became the East Coast Boat Racing Club and, later, Jersey Shore Boat Racing. The boats themselves evolved rapidly. The old cedar-planked
work garveys gave way first to marine plywood, then to fiberglass. Engines grew from modest single-cylinder motors into tuned small-block V8s. The flat bottom that once carried bushels of clams now carried two-person race teams at speeds the original baymen could not have imagined. "It's NASCAR on water." — Nick Altmeyer Nick Altmeyer grew up watching the Fourth of July garvey races at the Barnegat docks as a small kid, the same races that trace their roots to those postwar cookouts. He watched every summer until he was 16, when his old boss, a racer himself, brought him on as a co-pilot. At 18, Nick drove his first boat, a red and black garvey named Husky Medium, racing in the entry-level Stock 350 class. His wife Jasmine, who grew up in Little Egg Harbor, knew the racing world from a different angle. "I grew up in another small bay town, so garvey racing was always around," she says. "When races were happening, my friends and I would go watch because it was the fun thing to do. Several close friends raced with their fathers and siblings." She and Nick have since realized that their paths crossed at those races many times before they ever officially met. Today, Nick races a boat called the Screamin' Sue, a name that precedes his ownership of her. He drove the Sue for a friend during the 2019 season and, together with co-pilot Jesse Moore, won the World Championship. During Covid, he purchased her and undertook a full restoration, bringing her back to the way she looked when she was first built. She is now powered by a 358 Chevy small block, runs in the 358 Spec class, and is
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capable of 76-80+ miles per hour on the water. One detail that surprises most outsiders: the boat has no neutral and no reverse. It is direct drive. You go forward or you stop. Jesse Moore, who has been Nick's co-pilot since they put together their first boat after high school, handles everything Nick cannot see from the driver's seat. Oil pressure. Water temperature. Race flags. Other boats. Because communication between driver and co-pilot is essentially impossible, the exhaust is three feet from their faces, they rely entirely on hand signals and pointing. "He knows me and I know him," Nick says of Jesse. "We can't communicate while we're racing because you can't hear one another, so it's all hand signals." A race day morning, for Nick, starts with nerves and an empty stomach. He cannot eat. He drinks water or Gatorade and waits. Then he gets the boat in the water, starts the engine, and something shifts. "As soon as I start the boat up, it instantly goes away," he says. "It's like instinct takes over." From shore, Jasmine watches. "Once Nick is on the 172 BAY MAGAZINE FALL 2026
water, my eyes never leave his boat," she says. "I hold my breath, say a prayer, and wait until he comes safely back in." She is not wrong to be watchful. Racing garveys take tight oval courses between three-quarters of a mile and a mile long, running four laps on regular race days and five at championship events. The boats shoot into the air when they hit small waves at high speed and threaten to flip on tight turns. Boats must pass technical and safety inspections before every race. Drivers undergo physicals. Rescue divers and emergency response boats stand by. At racing speeds, there is no time to react. Crashes happen. Jasmine has seen them. "I've witnessed crashes and injuries over the years, so there is always a level of anxiety that comes with being a racing wife," she says. But she is also unambiguous about what she sees when her husband is on the water. "I know how much heart and soul he pours into this sport, which makes me incredibly proud." After the racing is done, the Heacook circle reconvenes. "Everybody that's on my group of buddies that all race with us and our family, we all come back to our house
and have a big barbecue," Nick says, "and reflect on how the day went." Jasmine describes what she sees at those post-race gatherings, and at the races themselves, with a straightforwardness that cuts to the heart of what garvey racing actually is. "Competitors race against each other and then come back to shore, shake hands, help one another with their boats, and celebrate each other's successes," she says. "There are babies in strollers, kids running around making memories, and everyone looks out for one another. It truly takes a village, and that's exactly what this community feels like." Jersey Shore Boat Racing, the organization that now runs the circuit, fields garveys alongside Jersey speed skiffs, small ski boats and mini outboard boats. A season runs eight to nine races, from late May or early June through the end of September, at locations up and down Barnegat Bay, from Tuckerton north to the Waretown and Berkeley Island area, with a summer nationals held at Lake Hopatcong in North Jersey and the World Championships in Beach Haven in September. The races are free and family-oriented, held near public docks and parks on Sunday afternoons. The organization works to bring in local volunteer fire companies and township partners, giving communities a stake in the events. Spectators are welcome to walk up to the boats, ask questions, get close. Nick sees every curious newcomer as a potential convert. "All it takes is one ride for someone to decide," he says, adding with a chuckle, “They either catch the adrenaline bug or say ‘get me the hell off this thing!’" Getting started in garvey racing is more accessible than it might appear. An entry-level setup, a boat with a Stock 350 engine, the class that runs on regular pump gas, can be put together for roughly $6,000 to $7,000. Nick's own 358 Spec class motor runs $10,000 to $12,000 on its own, but the entry-level classes exist precisely to give newcomers a way in. There is even a mini boat class for kids ages 14 to 17, running 13-foot boats with 25-horsepower outboard motors. For those ready to step it up, a production class runs motors up to 75 horsepower. This year, the mini boat class is the largest class on the circuit. "The kids that are starting with the mini boats at a younger age are learning to read the water sooner," Nick says. "They're getting used to how to drive in close proximity to another boat. They're getting a jump start." The overall picture, though, is complicated. A good season sees 15 to 20 garveys on the circuit. This year, the count is closer to 8 to 10, affected by life circumstances,
sponsorship gaps, and the high insurance costs that come with sanctioning an extreme sport. Several towns that once hosted races have moved on, their waterfronts repurposed or their community priorities shifted. Shifting sandbars have rendered some traditional sites unusable. Nick scouts new locations constantly, texting the organization's president with potential spots, looking for the combination of deep enough water, a boat ramp, good spectator vantage points, and a parking lot that makes a race site work. "If you look at boat racing now versus 20 years ago, you would definitely say it's falling off," Nick says, with the even-handedness of someone who has thought about this a great deal. "Who knows where we're going to be in another five to ten years. Hopefully we're still racing." The organization depends on sponsorships to fund insurance and operational costs. Anyone interested in supporting Jersey Shore Boat Racing can reach out through the organization's Facebook page or at jerseyshoreboatracing@gmail.com. Ask Nick Altmeyer what would happen if garvey racing disappeared from the Jersey Shore and he answers without hesitation. "You're going to lose the heritage of it. It's an important piece of history for this area. It kind of explains what the clammers used to do back in the day, on their time off, when they were done working. It's just what this area was built on." He pauses, then adds, with a laugh: "And then all of us have these really fast boats we can't do anything with." Jasmine, who came to this world as a spectator and stayed as a racing wife, puts it in the terms of what she has seen on the shore. "Garvey racing represents that special small-town shore feeling," she says. "Community, tradition, and people who genuinely care about one another." Jersey Shore Boat Racing holds two events this fall that spectators can attend: September 19: Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Racing begins at 10am. September 27: Beach Haven World Championship (at the boat ramp near where Chowder Fest takes place). Racing begins at 12pm. All events are free and family-friendly. For more information or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit Jersey Shore Boat Racing on Facebook or email jerseyshoreboatracing@gmail.com. bay-magazine.com 173
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Selling Fun for Fifty Years The Haymarket's Golden Anniversary WRITTEN BY LISA SIMEK PHOTO BY BORN BY THE SEA PHOTOGRAPHY
Some love stories on Long Beach Island start with the island itself. Susan Hay's did. In 1972, fresh out of Drexel University, Susan set off on a six-week cross country trip with friends. When she got back to Philadelphia, she came down to Brant Beach for the weekend to visit John Hay, a fellow Drexel student who had spent every summer of his life on LBI. She meant to stay a weekend. "It felt like home," Susan says. "I came for a weekend and never left." Fifty years later, that weekend has become one of the island's most beloved institutions. The Haymarket, the toy and hobby shop Susan
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and John opened together in 1976, is celebrating half a century of selling fun to generations of islanders and visitors alike. The Haymarket almost didn't happen by design. It happened between friends. Ella and Bill Tagg, who ran The Tagg-Along Shop at 28th Street in Ship Bottom (now home to Farias Children's Boutique), were neighbors and friends of the Hays in Brant Beach. When Bill passed away, Ella decided to sell the shop. At the time, John was working as an electrician for Perk's Electric, and Susan was at Lynn Photo. "One night we said, wouldn't it be fun to have a toy store," Susan remembers. "We borrowed money and bought Ella's complete inventory. We knew absolutely nothing about the business." What they lacked in retail experience, they made up for in instinct. Susan recalls that hobby shops, model trains and kits especially, were nearly impossible to find in stores at the time. The Hays leaned into that gap and never looked back. The Haymarket's home at 2120 Long Beach Boulevard has its own layered history. Originally built in the 1920s as Abbott's Dairies, the building later cycled through several gift shops and even a surf shop, at one point with sand covering the floor.
"There was a shed on the back of the building, a precursor to a walk-in refrigerator, with the walls lined in newspaper for insulation," Susan says. She still has an old postcard of the building from its dairy days. When the Hays took over, they discovered a huge section of rotted flooring left behind by a leaky ice cream case, one of many surprises tucked into the building's history. By 1987, the growing store had outgrown its space, and Susan and John rebuilt it from the ground up into the shop that stands today. "Building a store from the ground up was an experience, with a lot of decisions to be made," Susan says. "But I love the way it looks, and I am very proud of it." When The Haymarket opened its doors in 1976, there were no computers, no cell phones and no instant payments. Bookkeeping and invoicing were done entirely by hand in ledgers with fourteen categories. New catalogs arrived by mail and took a week to reach the store. Even a credit card sale meant a phone call for authorization, reading off a merchant number, card number and amount, a far cry from a tap of Apple Pay today. Through it all, the Hays kept the store rooted in something more timeless: careful, personal curation. In the 1980s, The Haymarket hosted model building contests with four age groups, six categories and trophies for the winners… an era Susan remembers fondly, even as she notes that traditional hobby building has faded in popularity with younger generations. The Hays' daughter, Ali, practically grew up inside the bay-magazine.com 177
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store. Susan remembers reading her a book once about toys that came to life at night, and jokingly telling Ali that their own toys did the same. Ali, unsurprisingly, was too scared to go downstairs for a while afterward. Today Ali is a registered nurse. Susan is quick to say she never pushed her daughter toward the family business. "Retail is a tough business today, and I have sacrificed a lot, working three to four months without a day off," Susan says. "I don't wish that for her. It is truly my love and passion." That passion extends to the people who help her run the store today, including longtime manager April Dennis, who has been with The Haymarket since 2004. "She has impeccable taste, an awesome memory, and knows a lot of customers by name," Susan says. "I seriously couldn't do without her. She's the best." While many LBI businesses quiet down in the off-season, The Haymarket does not. "It's really not profitable to stay open in the off-season, except
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for Christmas," Susan says. "But we're open all year to support our community." That loyalty runs both directions. The Hays have watched children who once shopped in the store grow up and bring in their own kids. "We joke that we're raising our third generation of kids," Susan says. Susan and John's commitment to the island extended beyond their storefront. Both served as Grand Marshal of the LBI Christmas Parade in different years, an event the Hays helped found, marking the first winter that local businesses stayed open together through the holiday season. Behind the counter, Susan and John balanced each other in nearly every way. "John was a morning bird, I am a night owl," Susan says. "He would read several newspapers, and I read novels and magazines. He could troubleshoot and fix anything." That balance carried into how they ran the shop. John purchased models, paint, glue, tools, electric trains, radio control and hobby supplies, along with Britains soldiers. Susan handled dolls, stuffed animals, craft kits, LEGO, Playmobil, kites, outdoor toys, infant toys, puzzles, games and classic toys. "Together we made a complete team," Susan says. Fifty years later, that team's legacy fills every aisle of The Haymarket, in the curated shelves, in the free gift wrapping offered to every customer, and in the third generation of island children now walking through its doors. So, if you're looking to check a few names off your holiday list this year, or simply want to feel that old sense of wonder again, stop by 2120 Long Beach Boulevard. Fifty years in, The Haymarket is still exactly what Susan and John set out to build: a place where the fun never goes out of season. bay-magazine.com 179
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