Bar Americain

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.

Jersey Shore

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.

Stress Factory

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.

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.

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

Apple Picking in New Jersey

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!