Arts + Culture

King of Cookman

Pat Fasano helped put Asbury Park on the map and next up for the developer is Atlantic City Article by Ed Condran | Photography by By Al Robinson Photography It's like deja vu for Pat Fasano while walking around Atlantic City's Orange Loop. The Northern end of what was once known as "America's Playground" is helping revive a city that was propped up by entertainment establishments nearly a half-century ago. The gaming halls lived off the fat of the land when the only other establishments were...

Food + Beverage

Charm on the Farm

Beach Plum Farm serves up culinary delights and a refreshing vibe Article and Photography by Ed Condran    The common denominator between Beach Plum Farm and Asbury Park is that there is no off season. Beach Plum Farm stands out in overdeveloped Southern New Jersey. The scenic and idyllic Beach Plum Farm is an authentic working farm, which spans 62 acres of coastal fields and forest, shrouded by cedar and spruce trees in West Cape May. It's hard to believe that the forested area around the...

Arts + Culture

Lights, Camera, Action

The Garden State Film Festival will return for a four day run which celebrates the art of film and live television Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Garden State Film Festival      Every year thousands flock to Asbury Park to experience its vibrant arts community, energetic music scene and array of diverse restaurants. Although spring has just begun, preparations for one of the city’s largest entertainment events of the season has been in the works for months. For more than two decades...

Fitness

Let's play ball!

Little League is a big deal in Asbury Park Article and Photography by Christina Smith On any given afternoon in Asbury Park during the spring, the sound of a bat cracking against a ball echoes far beyond the field. It carries encouragement, laughter, the occasional groan after a missed catch and lessons that last long after the game ends. For nearly 70 years, Asbury Park Little League has been more than a place to play baseball. Today, it proudly offers both baseball and softball, welcoming...

Fitness

Lovin' Asbury Park

Here's why we love the best small beach town in the country Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Christina Smith There's so much to love in Asbury Park. There are so many shops, restaurants and venues to embrace. The town, which once inspired Bruce Springsteen's mournful "My City of Ruins" has come a long way from a generation ago when the Boss was moved to write his ode to the once proud shore destination.          However, Asbury Park, which was named best small beach town by Travel &...

Arts + Culture

The jersey for New Jersey

The New Jersey Devils reaches out for shore night Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Provided by the Devils No jersey says Jersey like the New Devils black jersey. The Garden State's only major level sports franchise that proudly has the state name in its moniker features the fashionable sweater with one apt word, 'Jersey.'  "We're the only team in New Jersey who represents New Jersey on our chest," New Jersey Devils marketing coordinator Jillian Frechette said while calling from her...

Education

Kiwanis and the Community

Where Community and Caring Come Together in Asbury Park thanks to the Kiwanis Club Article and Photography by Christina Smith In Asbury Park, community is more than a word,  it’s a feeling. It’s neighbors looking out for one another, local businesses stepping up without hesitation and volunteers quietly showing up where they’re needed most. Nowhere is that spirit more visible than in the work of the Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park, a group of dedicated residents committed to giving every child in...

Arts + Culture

Looking for Love

Couples who have found each other and where to look for love in Asbury Park Article and Photography by Angelica Niedermeyer   Cupid's arrow has struck a myriad of folks in Asbury Park. Three local couples share their favorite love stories and their favorite date night on a Monday night at the rustic-chic Lola’s European Cafe, the gelato bar was packed to the brim. Shannon O’Hara and Matthew Gomes, who have been together for two years, are hanging out. After growing up in North Jersey, but...

Arts + Culture

Light of Day returns

There is a light that never goes out Article by Ed Condran | Photography by Michael Kravetsky  When everyone is having a blast while immersing themselves into the music at the Light of Day Festival, Tony Pallagrosi is all business. The co-founder and executive director of the altruistic festival is always putting out fires."           "I'm running the whole thing and so my head is all over the place," Pallagrosi said. "I don't usually get to enjoy the show."            However, the trumpet...

Education

Our Body is our Temple

Here are some health and wellness tips for 2026 Article and Photography by Hanna Maria      As we enter this new year the sun may shine brighter,  the moon may be glow stronger,  the air may be more crisp. The sky may be more blue than ever before.  Have you ever wondered why that could be? It all resides within us.        Why do some people see a beautiful yellow flower of a dandelion plant and harvest it for a delicious salad and some step on it with annoyance? Why is there such a different...