Active New Jersey

Boonton Lanes

2010-11-24T08:31:00.000-05:00

Looking for something to do in NJ, but you don't have a lot of cash to spend? How about a little bowling?

I know, I know. Who goes bowling anymore, right? Honestly, I haven't been bowling in 10 years, but when a friend recently wanted to do something that was "active," this oldie (but goody) came to mind.

Why? Boonton Lanes has several specials that they run throughout the week. If you're tight on cash, Boonton Lanes offers 3 hour bowling sessions on Friday and Saturday nights where you can bowl unlimited games for just $13. If 3 hours is too much for you, you can also check out $1 games on Mondays, $2 games on Tuesday and 25 cent games on Sunday (with a $6 cover charge).

Bar Americain

2010-11-23T06:23:00.002-05:00

From diners to medieval jousts to fancy establishments, New Jersey has quite a bit of dining options. But sometimes you just want something that's a little bit different. If you're looking for a fancy dinner but you're tired of all of the local places, I recommend Bar Americain in New York City.

Bar Americain is owned by the renowned chef Bobby Flay, and offers a menu that is unmatched elsewhere. From fliet mignon to leg of venison, the options are vast enough to satisfy the most simple and the most adventurous. Add an array of sides from delicious mashed potatoes to hot potato chips and blue cheese dressing and you're set for one heck of a meal.

Top it off with a bottle of wine from the vast selection (or any of the specialty drinks from the bar) and prepare to not just eat, but to embark on a fantastic experience.

Now let's be honest, I may be a bit biased since I recently enjoyed Bar American for a special anniversary dinner. But don't let that take anything away from this fine dining experience. Bar American truly is on the top of my list for fantastic places to eat.

I should note that if you were thinking "expensive" when I said "fine dining," you'd be right. Bar American will make a dent in your wallet, but I promise it is well worth it.

Hoboken Italian Festival

2010-09-07T06:30:00.002-04:00

Summer is drawing to a close and it's time to find some local things to do in NJ (yes, the Benny's have left the shore). Thankfully, it's time for the annual Hoboken Italian Festival!

The schedule is already set for next week's activities, so check it out and let us know what your favorite part of the Hoboken Italian Festival is!:

The schedule for the Feast.

MC: Johhny Maggio

THURSDAY 9/9

5:00 – 7:00:
Garden State Radio
www.myspace.com/ gardenstateradio/

7:00 – 10:00:
Johnny Drama
www.johnnydramanj.com

8:30-9:00:
Annual Pizza-Eating Contest

10:00 – 11:00
Live DJ

FRIDAY 9/10

5:30 – 7:30:
Monte’s Pythons – Great cover band opens the night…back by popular demand.www.myspace.com/montespython

8:00 – 11:00:
Asbury Fever
www.asburyfever.com
SATURDAY 9/11

12:30 – 1:15
Johnny Maggio sings Sinatra, Bennett, Martin

1:30 – 3:15
Alfio – The Voice of Passion
www.alfiomusic.com

3:30 – 4:15
Iliana Incandela
www.myspace.com/Ilianai

4:30 – 6:30:
R3 Bros. – The area’s Newest Italian American sensation
www.r3brosmusic.com

7:00 – 11:00
Opera 3000
www.webisto.com/opera3000/

8:30-9:00
Annual Cannoli-Eating Contest

SUNDAY 9/12

Sunday, 12 Noon – 12:30
Garden State Jazz Orchestra
www.gardenstatejazzorchestra.com

12:30 – 2:30:
Longtooth

3:00 – 4:45
“Krystal – Hoboken’s Own Rock Band”
www.myspace.com/krystalreturns

5:00 – 7:00:
Chiclettes
www.chiclettes.com/

7:00 – 7:30:
Annual Grape Stomp Contest:

8:00 – 9:00:
Jersey Sound
www.jerseysound.com/

9:00 – 9:25
Fireworks Extravaganza
Fireworks (Click image to view fireworks video)

9:25 - 10:00:
Jersey Sound

Labor Day Weekend | Boonton Carnival

2010-09-06T08:59:00.005-04:00

Labor Day Weekend can pretty much be summed up in one of two ways: the beach, or some good old fashioned fun.

BBQs, backyard fun and carnivals provide a great deal of fun things to do in NJ for families that want to stay local and may not have a lot of money to spend. One prime example is the Boonton Carnival, which is run by the Boonton Fire Department.

On Monday, September 6, the carnival will be open from 3pm - 10pm and you can expect:

-	Pay-One-Price, unlimited rides (bracelets sold until 8pm only).
-	Super 50/50 Drawing at 9pm.
-	Live Band at 7pm - Fly By Night

Jersey Shore

2010-09-03T07:59:00.002-04:00

New Jersey is known for the Jersey Shore. Miles and miles of beaches, gorgeous houses, seedy nightclubs, and of course the MTV show that has made Seaside Heights a household name. We have Seaside, Pt. Pleasant, Belmar, Sandy Hook, Spring Lake, Asbury Park, Wildwood, Cape May, and my favorite Long Beach Island.

With each beach comes a unique set of pros and cons. Pt. Pleasant has a great boardwalk, but parking can be difficult and uber expensive depending on whether you park on in a lot ($20 - $50) or at a meter (just a couple of bucks an hour). Beach access on the weekends will run you about $8 per person too. If you're into the boardwalk and people watching, and you have some cash to spend, Pt. Pleasant is the beach for you.

Sandy Hook, a beach I experienced for the first time this summer, was a surprise favorite for me. Without a boardwalk, Sandy Hook will only cost you $10 per car. The beaches are big and clean, the walk from the car to beach access is pretty short, and the facilities are big and clean. If you're looking for an inexpensive trip to lounge on a sandy beach and swim in the ocean, Sandy Hook is the beach for you.

By far, my favorite beach in New Jersey is in Long Beach Island. LBI is an 18 mile island with a variety of neighborhoods, shops, stores, historical sites and miles and miles of beaches and bays. What I love about LBI is the fact that it is more of a mature setting, but it still has fun youthful activities. The beaches are clean and fun. While there isn't a boardwalk, there are still boardwalk type areas off shore. Good restaurants and areas for nightlife, and The Chicken or the Egg (Chegg) as the local hangout for a bite to eat after hours. If you're looking for a family beach and plan to stay for longer than one night, check out Beach Haven in LBI.

The Chart House

2010-07-21T07:58:00.003-04:00

Yet another fine dining experience in New Jersey, with great food and spectacular views of manhattan. I have been fortunate enough to experience The Chart House several times in the last year, and it is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lives.

The Chart House sits on a pier in Weehawkin directly across from midtown Manhattan. Be sure to ask for a table near the window so you can enjoy the views. The service is spectacular and the food is great. I have had the fillet mignon, a chicken dish and the Goldiva dessert, and they all rocked!

The Chart House is a little pricey, but worth the experience.

Morristown Nightlife

2010-07-21T07:49:00.002-04:00

With the summer in full swing, I thought it would be fun to relive my youthful days and head out to Morristown on a Friday night. Without old staples such as Jimmy's and The Funky Monkey, we weren't exactly sure where to go so we tried a few hotspots.

First up was The Palm Bar, a summery outdoor bar that I had heard of often from younger acquaintances. Thus, I should have known better. The Palm Bar was cool and fun, but mostly filled with 21 year olds. No one was dancing, and it seemed like people were really just there to talk to the same people they arrived with, with the occassional dude in an Affliction t-shirt hitting on a table of young girls.

From there we drove over to Sona 13. This was much more my speed with a great mix of people and a good band that kept the atmosphere light and fun. There was no cover, parking nearby and a fun crowd to mingle with.

So if you're hanging around in North Jersey this summer and are looking for some fun at night, check out Sona 13 in Morristown for a fun night out.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Morton's Steakhouse

2010-07-20T18:07:00.001-04:00

For those who are certified foodies and the large number of us who enjoy a night out on the town, it is common to speak of eating out. Sometimes we even get a little dressier than usual and opt to spend a few extra dollars for a fancier dining experience. I've had such dinners before, but I recently had the opportunity to enjoy one of the best dining experiences to date.

The locale was Morton's Steakhouse in Atlantic City and the occasion was the celebration of my boyfriend's completion of his Master's degree. Without knowing much about Morton's, I began the night with pleasant but average expectations. Boy, was I surprised!

The entrance to Morton's Steakhouse was a simple solid wood door in Caesar's Palace. Upon entering and giving the name for the reservation, my boyfriend was immediately congratulated for his recent accomplishment. We were seated in a booth, where the table was moved to allow us to sit instead of having us squeeze in around the table. Napkins were placed in the laps of the ladies, photos were taken, and we were given customized menus with names and congratulatory messages. We were then given a live presentation of the menu (that was a first for me) and a delicious meal with portions too big for any one human to eat.

While the food was fabulous, it was the overall experience that made the meal enjoyable. If you have a few extra dollars to spend, I highly recommend a lovely meal at Morton's Steakhouse in Atlantic City. Just be sure to make reservations in advance, and let them know when you're there for a super special occasion.

Stress Factory

2010-07-18T21:35:00.003-04:00

Comedy clubs are always an iffy bet. Go to a comedy club in New York City, and you'll pay $40 + just to get in plus a two drink minimum. Go to a comedy club in New Jersey on the other hand, and you'll pay much less but you have to hope you actually get a good comedian.

I decided to go to the Stress Factory in New Brunswick on Saturday night even though I didn't know the name of the big act, and guess what..?? I had an awesome time!

The good? The comedians were funny! With the opening act of Chips Cooney, best known for his current stint on America's Got Talent, the main act of Joe DeVito and the MC Vinny Brand, I was laughing all night long.

The better? Tickets only cost $15 each. They even have specials including a Friday Night Date Night package that includes tickets and dinner for two for just $50.

The best? We were upgraded to front row seats! OK, OK. Upgraded might be a bit of an overstatement, but we were sitting at a table and were offered two empty seats front and center when they opened up. Thankfully the comedians were all friendly,and we weren't mocked, although mocking was still a regular occurance for those who truly deserved it.

Active NJ recommendation: Check out The Stress Factory for a fun night out when you're in the mood for a little bit of fun when you can't make it out to the city.

Monmouth Park

2010-06-27T19:06:00.003-04:00

As a Northern New Jersey gal, whenever I hear of horse races I always think of the track at the Meadowlands. I know, I know, there's a track in Monmouth too. Wait, a track in Monmouth? Yes! And it is beautiful and has talented horses. Better yet, I actually won money there! I only made three bets, each of which were exacta bets, and I won all three of them!

Monmouth Park, for those of you who may not know, is a beautiful race track situated in Oceanport, NJ just a few minutes off of exit 105 on the Garden State Parkway. After a big budget overhaul of the venue and a significant schedule change, Monmouth Park is quite a popular place to be.

Why would schedule changes make a difference? With fewer races during the week, the purses (aka sum of money for winning horses) are even bigger, thus drawing some very good talent to Monmouth. Case in point, Super Saver, a Kentucky Derby winner, will be racing at the Monmouth Park track in the Haskell Invitational on August 1st.

The Haskell Invitational is considered to be biggest race of the summer and is unarguably the most anticipated day of Thoroughbred racing in New Jersey. Spectators can watch as a field of the nation's best three-year-olds battle for the richest invitational prize in the nation.

So if you're looking for something to do on a nice weekend afternoon, check out the Monmouth Park Race Track for some fairly inexpensive (as long as you keep your bets low) fun.

2010-03-03T21:16:00.003-05:00

St. Patrick's Day in Hoboken is one of the biggest events in New Jersey each year, and this year's bash will be sure to follow in the tradition of the Irish spirit that has taken over the city for the last 24 years. While the St. Patty's Day parade isn't set to start until 1:00 pm, several bars are set to open their doors to the early rising party people at 9:00 am.

Yup, we're talking about 9 o'clock in the morning!So what can you expect to enjoy during St. Patrick's Day in Hoboken? A parade that starts on 14th and Washington at 1:00. Bars that open early and serve green beer, and lots of great friends.

Beware though, the police are out in full force and fines are as high as $2,000. So don't drink and drive, and behave yourself in public.

NJ Nets Help Prepare Your Taxes

2010-03-03T21:04:00.003-05:00

The NJ Nets aren't known for being the best basketball team this year, but they are known for their wacky promotions.

This time, fans who attend Friday's game against the Orlando Magic, and who are 18 or older will get a coupon from Roni Deutch Tax Center to get their state income tax done free. Roni Deutch representatives will also be at the game to answer questions. Roni Deutch services for state income tax usually run around $29.

NJ Nets promotions from earlier in the year included a reversible jersey (one side with a Nets logo and the other side with a competitive team's logo) for fans who purchased 10 game ticket packages.

SHU Basketball

2010-02-24T18:08:00.005-05:00

March Madness is right around the corner, but we have a few college hoops games to get through first!

The Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball team has one final home game before the end of the season, which will be played at The Rock in Newark. If you're interested, support those SHU Pirates check it out as they go up against Marquette on Sunday, February 28th at noon.

Medieval Times

2010-02-24T03:59:00.002-05:00

Medieval Times. Ever heard of it? That's right, I'm talking about knights, swords, a suit of armor, horses and castles. No, no - I'm not talking about history books, but rather the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. There are only 9 locations in North America, and one is right in our back yard!

Located amidst the chaos of Lyndhurst, the Medieval Times castle, which is visible from Rt. 3 if you know where to look, offers a great escape to the 11th century. While King Philippe and Princess Leonore offer a glimpse into their world, guests feast on a four course meal sans utensils. That's right folks, if they didn't have forks and knives in the 11th century, you don't get to use them in 2010 either!

Yet they they did have knights and battles to the death, all of which you get to enjoy! The arena is divided into 6 sections, each of which is represented by a knight who engages in different stunts and ultimately in battle. Only one knight will win - hopefully it's yours!

With a full service bar, full meal and great entertainment, Medieval Times is a great experience for all ages. The only drawback is pricing. At the most basic level, tickets cost $57 per person, although group discounts are easily available.

Starland Ballroom

2010-01-31T10:39:00.004-05:00

I've said it before, but it's time to say it again. The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville New Jersey rocks!

On Friday night we were able to see Theory of a Deadman with opening act Halestorm for just $18 each. Parking alone for events at The Rock is $20, so that's a win right there!

In addition, the Starland Ballroom allows you to get up front and close during each act.

Looking for fun concerts? Upcoming shows include:

We the Kings
Anti-Flag
Brandi Carlile
Sebastian Bach
E.Town Concrete
The Used (with one of my favs Atreyu opening)
Cold Nonpoint
Comedy - "Dr. Dirty" John Valby
New Found Glory
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Big D & The Kid's Table
God Forbid • Kittie
Soulfly
WASP
Alkaline Trio
Dashboard Confessional
A Day To Remember

Broadway: Rock of Ages

2009-12-29T14:22:00.003-05:00

Baby, it's cold outside! We had frigid temps in the 20s today, not to mention the crazy wind. What's a girl to do when she doesn't want to go outside?

How about we make plans to spend time indoors, eh?

Last week I saw Rock of Ages, for the second time. Broadway shows involve a quick trip across the river (or under if you're taking the Lincoln) and it's rare that I will see a show more than once, but the deal was too good to be true. An hour or two before the show, Rock of Ages holds a lottery right outside of the theatre. Names of interested parties are thrown into a bucket and 10 lucky winners have a chance to purchase tickets for $26!. The only drawback being that you'll have partial view seats that are on the end of an isle which cuts off some of the stage.

Rock of Ages is one of the best plays I have seen on Broadway in quite a while. A departure from the classic storylines of traditional plays, Rock of Ages is comprised of hit songs from the 80s. Audience members treat the show like a rock concert and wave lighters - Rock of Ages branded flashlight lighters - during favorite performances. With a cast lead by Constantine Maroulis of American Idol fame, this hot show is fun fun fun!

Active NJ recommendations:
1. As we always say, take mass transit when traveling to NYC
2. Make plans to go to Rock of Ages about two hours prior to the show so you can enter the lottery for discounted tickets

Broadway: Bye Bye Birdie

2009-12-29T09:56:00.004-05:00

The holiday season is almost over, and we all have a little extra time for entertainment and travel. Having the funds for such activities might be another question.

Last week, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to see John Stamos in the Bye Bye Birdie musical on Broadway for a mere $18 (including tax and fees). You may have to do some hunting online to find such discount codes, but they do exist.

As for Bye Bye Birdie, it isn't the best play I have ever seen. Yet, it is fun and entertaining, and John Stamos is fun to watch on the stage. The play also features Gina Gershon and a variety of young and experienced actors.

Active NJ's recommendations:
1. Try a Google search for discount codes before buying Broadway tickets. It might take a few minutes to dig through forums and posts, but the deals are out there and are well worth it in the end.
2. If you are commuting from NJ to NYC, take mass transportation. There's no need to fight through the mean streets of NYC when you can take the train or bus.
3. Go see Bye Bye Birdie soon. The play has a limited run that ends on January 24, 2010, and John Stamos is fun to watch on stage.

Christmas in New York City

2009-12-15T19:58:00.003-05:00

It isn't in New Jersey, but it sure is close! Don't forget to visit New York City during the holiday season to see the sites and enjoy the festive holiday season.

All of the major department stores are decorated for the holidays from Macy's with interactive displays (you can write a letter to Santa by touching a screen on the window!) to the nightly light show on Saks Fifth Ave, you are sure to feel like a kid again!

That's not enough? How about the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center or The Pond in Bryant Park (which is also surrounded by the shops at Bryant Park).

New Jersey Nightlife

2009-11-29T18:17:00.003-05:00

Out and about and in the mood for a little bit of the fun New Jersey nightlife that this great state has to offer? Let the recommendations begin!

On Thanksgiving Eve I found myself at Sona 13 in Morristown, NJ. The establishment, which is in the former location of the Funky Monkey, is clearly the hotspot of Morristown these days. By 11:00, the line was down the block. Once inside, the crowd of festive friends and trendy 20 something year olds crammed into the semi-small space to socialize and enjoy the music.

Speaking of music, the tunes were courtesy of a dj (or sound system of some sort) and consisted of shorter snippets of popular music. While there was limited room for dancing, a few daring souls cut a rug and showed their moves to the world.

I definitely recommend Sona 13 because:
- Sona 13 is the "it" place to be
- Fun atmosphere with a great crowd
- Decent prices and specials throughout the week

Hoboken Waterfront

2009-11-23T19:20:00.002-05:00

Hoboken is known for many things. A rockin' nightlife, good restaurants, the birth place of legendary Frank Sinatra, and awesome views of New York City.

And this is where I come in with yet another idea of things to do in New Jersey. Aren't there times when you aren't interested going to bars or parties, yet you still want to be active? Hoboken has some fabulous piers with grassy areas designed for lounging, playing frisbee, and chilling with your puppy. Not your style? Try the benches along the brick waterfront paths.

An added benefit, this fun little activity is appropriate during the day or night! That's right. Enjoy the fascinating view of the NYC skyline with some of the most amazing structures of our time in the brightest sunlight. Or, watch the cruise ships and small boats as they lazily coast down the shoreline. Yet, my favorite is the view at night, with the Empire State Building lit with different shades of light and the beautiful twinkle of lights that emerge from building to building.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend a trip to Hoboken just to relax on the fringe while watching the city that never sleeps do its thang.

Bingo in New Jersey

2009-11-15T20:13:00.003-05:00

Love the thrill of gambling but don't feel like going all the way down to Atlantic City? Try bingo!

I know, I know. Bingo is for old people, right? WRONG! There are plenty of bingo halls all over New Jersey, and they aren't all at churches. Some even have jackpots that reach 4 digits!

Over the weekend, we went to the Wayne PAL (1 PAL Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA. Phone: 973-696-2896) and we had a blast! While we didn't win, we had three full hours of entertainment for the bargain price of $17 each! Most games had a payout of $100 with an additional game that accumulates from week to week (until someone wins) that is currently over $3,000.

Apple Picking in New Jersey

2009-10-23T06:04:00.000-04:00

It seems to be a tradition in the Northeast - as soon as a chill hits the air, we go apple picking! The Northeast has no shortage of farms with acres of fields filled with varieties of apple to choose from, but I like to stay right in the area and pick my apples from a regional farm.

OK, when I say 'right in the area', I really mean a good half an hour West at a farm that isn't too far off of Rt 80 called Longmeadow Farms. It isn't necessarily the coolest of the apple orchards that I've ever been to, but it's fun, fresh, and most importantly homegrown right in our great state.

In addition to a large variety of apples, the farm has pumpkins, berries, flowers, and honey that comes straight from the beehives that are cultured right on the property.

PS Even better than apple picking was the opportunity to take some awesome pictures. Check out some cool shots below such as the daytime moon, apple in the dew, and the fly apple. Enjoy!

Starland Ballroom

2009-10-22T19:40:00.004-04:00

Concerts. Music. Shows. Performances. Entertainment. I love it all.

High ticket prices. $12 for parking. An idiot behind you kicking your seat. I dislike it all.

You with me? Read on, cause there's a place right in Sayreville with great music and low ticket prices. I know what you're probably thinking. "They can't have good bands", but you're wrong! Starland Ballroom has awesome bands, most of which you can see for less than $30. In the next month alone they have shows featuring Boys Like Girls, Cobra Starship, and Saving Abel. Over the past few years I've seen Papa Roach, 10 Years, Blue October, Yellow Card, and Jonny Lang.

What's the catch? There really isn't any. The shows are standing room only (with a few couches to lounge on and seating in the bar area) so it's really first come first serve for the best view. Shows are small with a few thousand in the crowd. Don't get me wrong, you probably aren't going to see Beyonce and Jay Z at Starland, but you will have a great variety to choose from including musical acts and comedy shows for entertainment.

Don't believe me? Check it out at Starland Ballroom.

New Jersey Devils

2009-10-17T09:43:00.002-04:00

One of my all-time favorite things is the vast world of sports. And, while it isn't a sport that I can actively partake in, I am a huge fan of NHL hockey. I'm sure you can imagine my excitement as the 2009 - 2010 season began last week, even if my team hasn't had a stellar beginning (let's just say that my fingers are crossed that things will get better).

To add to the excitement of a brand new season, the second game of the year included one of the biggest rivalries in the tri-state area - the New Jersey Devils vs. The New York Rangers. The game was held at The Rock in Newark, which is ridiculously easy to get to via mass transportation. I will refrain from discussing the final outcome of the game, but all of they hype leading into the night created an awesome atmosphere and great pride for Jersey's Team. The pre-game festivities included balloons in fun twisty shapes, street hockey, promotions and radio stations. All of this in addition to an awesome new hockey statue that was designed by a New Jersey native that lives in the Champion Plaza in front of the arena.

Even more amazing? You can get tickets to any New Jersey Devils home game for as low as $35! Top tier not your style? Plenty of seats are still available for home games. Better yet, the Devils have several packages - guys night, college night, mini game plans, and a Family Four Pack that includes 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas for an insanely low price. For more ticket information check out http://devils.nhl.com/.

Fright Fest

2009-10-12T18:53:00.005-04:00

October signifies many things. The official end of summer, an extra chill in the air, not to mention the darker skies on your nightly commute home. If there is one thing that helps to distract from the depressing wave of winter, it's the scary tales of ghosts and goblins and all that Halloween cheer.

This weekend I was fortunate enough to go to Fright Fest at 6 Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. Tickets, which are originally $49 at the door, can be purchased ahead of time online for just $39. We were lucky enough to have a discount code that reduced the price to $15 per ticket! You can't beat that. All of the rides were in full operation with the exception of the water rides, and lines were minimal for the early afternoon.

As the sun went down, the crowds picked up and the zombies started to come out of the woodwork along with clouds of fog and scary noises. Kids seemed to enjoy the creatures that perused through the park, and all children under the age of 10 were given a whistle they could blow to keep the creatures at bay in case they were scared.

Live performances with music and dancers rounded out the night. My only disappointment was the lack of the haunted hayride, which I had been fortunate to experience in previous years and was really looking forward to this year. Maybe it'll be a consideration for Halloween 2010.

Active NJ

2009-10-06T18:49:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Active NJ, a resource for fun things that active adults can do in (and surrounding) the great state of New Jersey. This site is a result of too many conversations with friends that have started with the classic "I'm bored" and ended with "there's nothing to do around here" when there is, in fact, plenty to do, see, and explore all around us. I invite you to join me on this journey as we take a walk on the fun side.