Monmouth Park

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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