Summer Fun & Adventure
AUTO + MARINE
THE JOYS OF SAILING

ENTERTAINMENT SUMMER DINING: JERSEY SHORE EDITION
TRAVEL
A UNIQUE AND LOVELY VERMONT RESORT


Summer Fun & Adventure
AUTO + MARINE
THE JOYS OF SAILING
ENTERTAINMENT SUMMER DINING: JERSEY SHORE EDITION
TRAVEL
A UNIQUE AND LOVELY VERMONT RESORT
For decades, Saks Fifth Avenue on Millburn Avenue reigned as a mecca for high-end retail and metropolitan sophistication. Now The Metropolitan brings legendary living to this unsurpassed suburban location. Situated at the nexus of Springfield and Millburn-Short Hills, The Metropolitan is just minutes from the Short Hills train station, The Mall at Short Hills, Paper Mill Playhouse and Baltusrol Golf Club. Offering a lavishly-amenitized indoor and outdoor luxury lifestyle that features a heated swimming pool, entertainment lounge, sundecks, park-like grounds and a state-of-the-art fitness center, The Metropolitan also adds over 5,000 square-feet of new retail space making Millburn Avenue the ideal destination for shopping, dining and sophisticated living. The Metropolitan. Where Millburn Avenue Comes to Life.
92 Millburn Avenue, Springfield
Legendary Living Coming Soon
RentTheMetropolitanNJ.com
I hope this letter finds you laying by the pool or lake and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.
As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer. There's just something about this season that brings about a sense of excitement and adventure.
Sure, Fall has my favorite flavors and scents, Winter has its cozy charms, and I can't deny the beauty of Spring. But when the summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready for the long, languid days sitting by the pool or floating on a boat.
The pages in our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of this season. And even if Summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults) we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate summer bucket list (check the table of contents for ours!) and curling up with a new favorite beach read. (P.S. Teachers, you deserve this much-needed break!)
My family loves to spend time in LBI, and explore a new vacation spot out of state each year. I love exploring new hiking trails, going for bike rides, and even just having a picnic on the beach with the kids. There's something about being in nature that feels so rejuvenating and refreshing.
Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will enrich and enliven your experience of our garden state this Summer!
If you have interesting, fun, and meaningful stories to share or are a business looking to grow within our community and the surrounding area, we would love to hear from you. Contact John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for advertising opportunities and Ana.Meyer@citylifestyle.com for editorials or call us at 973-944-1440.
We look forward to seeing you around town!
ANA AND JOHN MEYER, PUBLISHERS @CHATHAMSHORTHILLSJuly 2023
PUBLISHERS
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kaitlyn Keane | Kaitlyn.Keane@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Ben Meyer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Kaitlyn Keane
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Jorda Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Proverbs 3:5-6
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @chathamshorthills
Soothing Zen Day Spa seeks to heal clients in a holistic approach by offering a wide range of spa services. They strive to offer the best quality of spa services at an affordable price. They are community-based and customer-oriented, which means that we put clients' interests first. Our mission is to make luxurious spa services accessible. Make Soothing Zen your first choice whenever you think of a spa getaway. https://www.soothingzen.com/
If your kids and teens are interested in fashion design, then join us this summer in our Kids Summer Camp AND Teens Summer Workshops at House of Dezign, Fashion design academy for kids, Teens and Adults. We teach 1:1 Fashion lessons, basics of sewing, portfolio development and more! www.houseofdezign.com
The Chatham Borough farmers’ market kicked off Saturday June 17th and will run through November 18th from 8am – 1pm at Railroad Plaza South. You will find fresh produce, food vendors and more. https://www.chathamborough.org/ resident/farmers-market
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle. com/ChathamandShortHills
Relax while you discover new waterside dining with great vibes, food, views and fun.
Picture this: as the summer heat warms your skin, you take a deep breath and admire the sweeping views of the waterscapes, all while tasting a product of what can only be described as culinary excellence and sipping on a refreshing and rejuvenating handmade cocktail. A vision that may seem too good to be true will become your reality when you visit these stunning waterside restaurants, each of which offer the bestin-the-business food, drink, hospitality, and overall dining experience. At Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant in Long Branch, Klein’s Riverfront Bar & Grille in Belmar, and the Salt Creek Grille in Rumson, prepare to relax and let each of their welcoming and accommodating staff take care of you and your families as you revel in the delight of dining beside the water, whether it be the Atlantic Ocean, the Shark River, and Navesink River. Visit these Jersey shore treasures and treat yourself to the beauty and charm of these gorgeous venues.
For a breathtaking panoramic view of the Atlantic and a picturesque dining experience, visit Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant.
Rooney’s serves delectable lunch and dinner, seven days a week, all year long. They also offer an award winning “Open Table Top 100 Brunch” in the country in the off-season. Best known for its “Angry Lobster”, a house favorite, pan roasted and seasoned to perfection, Rooney’s provides a serene ambiance, as its friendly staff welcomes guests for a variety of occasions, whether it’s to grab a quick bite after a long beach day or to celebrate over dinner and drinks. Adults may especially enjoy Rooney’s famous house recipe Sangria mixed daily using fresh fruit juices, served by the glass or carafe, and garnished with fresh fruit slices, while children may indulge in the kid’s menu, which offers tasty options so that everybody can choose their favorite dish. Enjoy a relaxing and elegant meal on the water and experience all Rooney’s has to offer! https://www.rooneysocean.com/
For 94 years, Klein’s has served as a Belmar staple, as this local fish market has since expanded into Klein’s Riverfront Bar & Grille, a family-oriented restaurant situated right on the Shark River. Serving the highest quality seafood in the area, Klein’s boasts
ARTICLE BY KAITLYN KEANE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDEDits crowd-favorite clam bake, which features steamed clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels and whole lobster served with drawn butter and choice of a side dish. Along with distinguished seafood classics, its menu offers a variety of chicken, pasta, and salads, and of course, delicious children’s options, too. Monday through Friday, Klein’s offers Happy Hour from 3-5, which features discounted drinks and food items served at the bar and high-top tables, as well as live music every weeknight! Bring your loved ones and take in the beautiful views, top-notch food and enjoy a premium jersey shore dining experience at Klein’s.
https://kleinsfish.com/
The Salt Creek Grille offers classic American grill cuisine year-round, with its floor-to-ceiling windows providing vibrant waterfront views of the Navesink River. Known for its Mesquite-Grilled Baby Back Ribs, the restaurant provides a new entree special, market fish, and Chef’s soup each day, as well as a unique drink menu featuring boutique wines hailing from three different continents worldwide. Children’s menus are available as the Salt Creek Grille fosters a very family-centric vibe, and also caters to guests who wish to dock and dine. With Happy Hour occurring weekdays from 4-6, this one-of-a-kind establishment has proved the perfect venue for occasions anywhere from casual dinners to special events. See for yourself why the award-winning Salt Creek Grille is one of the Jersey Shore’s crown jewels! https://www.saltcreekgrille.com/rumson/
With so many great waterside restaurants to enjoy along our Jersey shore, take the time out this summer to simply relax and relish a great waterside sunset while you listen to live music, enjoying delicious fresh sea food and a cool refreshing Jersey shore drink.
Growing up, Emily Jordan spent her summers on Long Beach Island (LBI), and it was always one of the most special places in the world to her. For the last couple of years, she’s also been making it a very special place for others.
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED AND ALYSSA MANCINI PHOTOGRAPHYPicnic Perfect LBI, which she founded in the spring of 2021, provides everything needed for an upscale but relaxed celebration on the beach. “Every picnic comes with a low table with lovely cushions to sit on, but we also offer alternate seating to make every guest feel comfortable,” she says. “We also have really beautiful umbrellas for extra shade. It’s just really sweet and intimate.”
In addition to setting up the tableau, Emily can also arrange for food from her favorite local eateries. If photographs are requested to capture the event,
DELIGHT SOMEONE YOU LOVE FOR ANY OCCASION
she has a list of talented photographers. Everything is taken care of so clients can have a carefree, easy and beautiful celebration.
“Engagement proposals have been by far the most popular event,” she says. “The proposals are so sweet. They just fill up my heart.”
Last year, Emily had a gentleman contact her about proposing to his girlfriend. “Even though he and his girlfriend live in Texas, her family is from right off the island. I set up the picnic in Surf City and when the girlfriend, who thought he was still in Texas, arrived at the beach with her family and saw him standing by this picnic, she ran faster than I’ve ever seen anyone run before. He got down on his knee and proposed. Everyone was crying, laughing and taking pictures.”
She’s also overseen a few elopements. Her fiancé, Blase Clay, with whom she now lives full time in LBI, was ordained as a minister so they could offer full-service elopement packages. Another popular occasion that people celebrate with Picnic Perfect LBI are bachelorette parties. Emily’s also done a lot of birthday parties, anniversaries, and extraordinary date nights for couples looking to change things up.
Last fall, she arranged a picnic for a micro-wedding for about 50 people on the bay beach in Ship Bottom. “We customize the packages we have to fit their celebration needs. While the main picnic items basically stay the same, clients get to choose their themes and their flowers. We also offer custom signage so they can let me know what they want written on their personal chalkboard sign.”
In addition to her fiancé, Emily also gives a lot of credit to her parents, Bill and Kirsten Jordan, for the success of her business. “They have been my biggest mentors. My dad owns his own business and is one of the smartest people I know, and my mom went to the Culinary Institute of America and used to own a catering business.”
Beyond proposals and weddings, Emily’s clients hire her to celebrate birthdays, family, and overall special occasions. From sunrise to sunset, enjoy an elegant, relaxing, and memorable beach picnic experience with Picnic Perfect LBI.
PicnicPerfectLBI.com
PICNIC PERFECT LBI FOR: Wedding proposals
Elopements
Bachelorette parties
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Celebrations of life
In addition to the beach, schedule an amazing picnic for a backyard, home patio or a rooftop deck in LBI.
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At The Leigh Law Firm. P.C, we have built our careers by holding individuals and businesses accountable for acts of negligence. Put simply, we help injury victims recover full and fair compensation for their personal injury or the wrongful death of a loved one. Our extensive client testimonials and outstanding rate of referrals from current and prior clients are a testament to our hard work and successful results.
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A great sport for fun and relaxation
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANIPHOTOGRAPHY
BY RICK METZ AND ANA MEYERTwenty three years ago, when Rick Metz visited a yard sale with his wife and two children on Long Beach Island (LBI) in search of a used refrigerator for their garage, he not only found what he was looking for, but discovered a life-long love of sailing as well.
“The refrigerator was $75, but following standard yard sale protocol, I began to bargain with the elderly gentleman,” he says. “We came to an impasse after at least 30 minutes when finally he said, ‘I’ll tell you what. If you buy this fridge for $75, I’ll take you and your family sailing tomorrow morning.’”
None of them had ever sailed before, but he took the hard-bargaining Sam up on his offer. Although Rick had no idea what he was doing, he learned quickly. “After feeling like a 10-year-old child with my stern fifth-grade history teacher, I started to feel the power of the wind and the calm that sailing provided,” he says. “I soon experienced that wonderful feeling
of escape, freedom, apparent silence, and peacefulness that convinced me of my next move: buying a sailboat and learning to sail.”
Sam was a member of the Brant Beach Yacht Club (BBYC) in LBI, and Rick soon became a member as well. After being a board member for many years, Rick is now the 2023 commodore, or leader, of the club.
“For me, sailing is a sense of empowerment,” he says. “You’re out on the water and the only thing you have is the wind, your sailboat and your knowledge of how to move the boat. The navigation part is kind of fun and challenging.”
Sam was a world champion sailor, and over the years, Rick continued to improve upon his skills and also took part in competitive racing. There are many races, or regattas, every year, including one of the largest that takes place right here in New Jersey. BBYC hosts a regatta at the Barnegat Bay almost every year, and last
year it hosted the ILCA (International Lasor Class Association) Nationals, where 230 plus sailboats participated.
Sailors come from near and far to participate, including those from Canada and all the way to the Virgin Islands. The club will also be hosting the C420 two-person sailboat race this summer, which is going to be the first of its kind because it’s an all-women’s North American championship race. They expect about 75 boats for a total of 150 sailors.
“Typically a one-design regatta will have only one class of boats,” says Rick. “For bigger regattas of over 100 boats, we’ll have varying fleets of boats, with different start times for them. For special regattas, we may have mixed fleets and classes of boats with different start times.”
Regattas are held even in colder months, so sailing is not just a summer sport. For children who take part in these races, it opens up whole new worlds. Many compete all over the country with
youths from around the world, which allows them to build relationships with kids from diverse backgrounds.
Like many other sports, there are also travel teams, and the U.S. Sailing Team has a youth program that allows young people to compete in Peru, Uruguay, the Canary Islands, and other far off places. In addition, some higher-education institutions, such as Boston College, Brown University, and Stanford even offer sailing programs.
At BBYC, kids can start taking lessons at 7 years old. “It’s pretty basic at that age,” says Rick. “The Optimist boats that we use kind of look like bathtubs, but they’re really quite technical and they move really well. They’re amazing little crafts.”
New Jersey is home to many sailing clubs, including the Sandy Hook Bay Catamaran Club, the Raritan Yacht Club, and the Ocean Gate Yacht Club, but for kids and adults who want to learn to sail but don’t or cannot belong to a club, there are alternatives.
“We and other clubs are trying to open it up to the community,” says Rick. “You don’t have to be a full member, but you can be a temporary sailing member where you come and take lessons and we rent you a boat. We also do boat sharing, so you don’t have to invest in a boat. We have sailing memberships that don’t include all the social aspects, which is less expensive, as well. These offerings give better access to
the sport.” It also allows people to learn to sail under safe conditions with proper guidance and instruction.
Another way they strive to share the joy of sailing with others is through their sister organization, the Brant Beach Sailing Foundation. “It’s a nonprofit organization to support and promote sailing.”
In addition to sailing being fun and relaxing, Rick also believes there are many skills you acquire from the sport that can be used in everyday life. “No doubt, one is patience,” he says. “Another is the spirit of competition and the camaraderie. It’s a nice way of getting people together from all backgrounds to do one thing.”
Another takeaway is an appreciation for nature. “I don’t want to sound too profound here, but there are a lot of things you have to navigate in your professional career and in your life, but the one constant, in a way, is always nature. Even though it’s always changing, it’s something that doesn’t lie. It can’t be manipulated, and it’s something we have to adjust to. And sailing is definitely like that.
He adds, “By the way, the refrigerator worked for another 12 years. If it weren’t for superstorm Sandy, it probably would still be working today.” www.bbyc.net
To find out more about the sport of sailing, go to USSailing.org and ASA.com
“I
Experience the best of yesterday and today
Vermont is a great destination any time of the year, and so is the Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in the quaint little village of Manchester. Bursting with things to do both in town and within the resort, it’s also a place where history comes alive.
“This entire area embraces its history,” says Rob Booth, the resort’s director of sales and marketing. “There are ties back to 1769 and the Revolutionary War. Our Marsh Tavern was the original
meeting place for the Green Mountain Boys and Ethan Allen.” In case of enemies approaching, there’s even a secret escape tunnel in its Chophouse restaurant.
The main structures of the resort were built in the late 1800s, but of course, many upgrades have been made to the property since then. While the resort is modern and beautiful, that undeniable Vermont charm has been kept intact.
Some guests prefer to stay in the main resort, with its luxurious guest rooms and suites that have hosted United States presidents such as Ulysses S. Grant and Theodore Roosevelt, whereas others prefer the smaller and cozier Orvis Inn. A completely restored 19th-century residence, it features a sitting room with a fireplace, shared library, and a porch and deck overlooking the village.
For dining, in addition to the two places mentioned above, there’s also the Dormy Grill located at the golf clubhouse and the Falcon Bar. The bar has comfortable lounge seating and a large fire pit that seats about 20 people around it. In warmer months, there’s live music every Friday and Saturday night. And all of this comes with a great view of Mount Equinox.
“Our chef, Joseph Stewart, is amazing,” says Rob. “We use a lot of local ingredients in our restaurants, and we partner with places like Hildene right down the street, which was the Lincoln family’s summer home. Unfortunately, Abraham never got to stay there, but Mary Todd Lincoln did. It’s now open to the public and you can actually see one of Abraham’s hats on display there. But, it’s a working farm as well, and they produce a lot of different cheeses and meats and things like that which we work into our menus. However, we also encourage our guests to eat at restaurants in town, because there are so many great ones.”
Guests also enjoy pampering themselves at the resort’s 14,000 square foot spa. Many of the treatments, which include facials and massages, incorporate seasonal elements found in the area. There’s a pool and fitness center too.
For those looking for outdoor fun, there’s plenty to do. “One of the main reasons people come to visit us is to get out and enjoy nature,” he says. “We’re one of three resorts in the United States that have a partnership with Land Rover. They have an amazing driving school where our guests get to drive a brand new Land Rover on a course where the car is going sideways and up and down. It’s a blast!”
Orvis also offers fly fishing, skeet shooting and other cool activities. “We also have a ton of hiking options in the area, including those on the Appalachian Trail, which is less than a 10 minute drive away.
“Of course, we also have an 18-hole golf course that I like to call one of the best kept secrets in Vermont. It’s just amazing.”
There’s also a lot of activities for kids, and one of their favorites, says Rob, is Golden Hikes. “This is very unique to our property. We have our Chief Happiness Officer, Cooper, a 7-year-old golden retriever, who along with our general manager, Jay Sheldon, leads a great hike to Robin’s Lookout, which has an awesome view.”
Book your stay today and get ready to experience an unforgettable trip.
EquinoxResort.com
@equinoxresort
“Of course, we also have an 18-hole golf course that I like to call one of the best kept secrets in Vermont. It’s just amazing.”
Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark. Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.
Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!
Adult- and Kid-Friendly Natural Bug Repellents from A Beautiful Mess
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY A BEAUTIFUL MESS
(age 15 and over)
MATERIALS:
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 8 drops lavender essential oil
• 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 1.5 ounces distilled water
(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)
• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.
MATERIALS:
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 1.5 ounces distilled water
(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)
• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.
*The grain alcohol is used as a preservative as well as a carrier for the oils, but you can also use a product like this instead of grain alcohol at a 1:4 ratio (1 drop essential oil to 4 drops Solubol) if you’d rather and then just fill the rest with water to fill the 2-ounce spray bottle.
While there can be concern about citrus oils on the skin when exposed to sunlight, lemongrass isn’t a photosensitive oil, and if lemon essential oil is steam-distilled rather than cold-pressed (Oui Fresh essential oils are cold-pressed) it can be used on the skin. So just make sure to note which one your lemon oil is and only spray on clothes if you don’t have a skin-safe lemon oil (which is an application method a lot of people prefer anyway if they are more sensitive to oils).
Find more DIYs at ABeautifulMess.com.
Whether you’re hosting a pool party or simply enjoy sipping the sweet and tartness of an amazing Margarita, this healthier version with these natural ingredients is sure to make your palate happy. This is all fresh ingredients, no mixers. It’s just as easy, much cleaner and better for you!
• 2 oz. Casamigos Reposado or Blanco Tequila
• 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• .25 oz. Fresh Orange Juice
• .5 oz. Agave Nectar
• .5 oz. Orange Liqueur
• Garnish with a lime wheel through a skewer
• Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker.
• Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass.
• Add fresh ice and garnish.
A child’s natural curiosity is boundless. By nurturing that with a thoughtful balance of play and structure, we spark lightbulb moments every day. Learn how our approach inspires a lifelong love of discovery. Enrolling Infants-Kindergarten
NOW ENROLLING SUMMER 2023