Life + Culture

Grateful Hearts, Wagging Tails

K9 Resorts Hillsborough’s Ongoing Commitment to Dogs in Need Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Tom Solymosi When Luca Blessent first opened the doors to K9 Resorts Hillsborough, he envisioned more than just a premier boarding and daycare facility. He imagined a place where every dog — from family pets to rescues awaiting their forever homes — could feel safe, cared for, and loved. That mission has only grown stronger in the years since. Blessent, who owns the Hillsborough location...

Entertainment

A Front Row Look at the Barefoot Country Music Fest

Wildwood, NJ Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by David Surks Garden State City Lifestyle was grateful to have a front-row view on Wildwood’s iconic beach at the 2025 Barefoot Country Music Fest — and it did not disappoint. Held June 19–22, the four-day celebration drew thousands of fans from across the nation to sing, dance and soak in coastal vibes. Headliners included Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Rascal Flatts and Jordan Davis, with more than 40 additional artists...

Life + Culture

The Man Who Said Yes

After Losing Everything, Tom O’Leary Built SHIP to Serve the People Others Forgot Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Thomas O'Leary In the early 1980s Tom O’Leary became homeless after he and his wife lost their jobs. Living in their pickup truck with their three children, two cats and three dogs, he sought service after service to help him, but none provided assistance. At one place, the director even told him, “I guess you think you can run things better.”  “I didn’t get mad,”...

Local Services

The Recycled Revolution Starts Here

With millions of feet of recycled paper already distributed, Tyler Simpson is on a mission to help businesses reduce waste—and save the planet. Article by Holliday Woodard | Photography by Tyler Simpson When Tyler Simpson, founder of TJA Distributors, finished an hour-long pitch to a potential manufacturer, the client asked a question he’d been hoping to avoid: “How old are you?” “I’m 18,” Simpson replied. The client was stunned—but impressed. “When I threw the age at the end, we already...

Sports + Recreation

Closing Time

From Bridgewater to Elizabethtown, freshman pitcher Cory Rible proves he’s built for big moments Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Zoned Sports Academy Name: Cory Rible High School: Bridgewater-Raritan HS, Class of 2024 College: Elizabethtown College, Class of 2028 Sport: Baseball Position: Pitcher Standing tall at 6’3” and 220 pounds, right-handed pitcher Cory Rible is already making an impact in his freshman season at Elizabethtown College. Wearing No. 39, Rible appeared...

Food + Beverage

Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes

Garden State City Lifestyle Recipe of the Month Article and Photography by Brunch by DeMartino For our November Thankful Issue , we’re especially thankful for these cozy Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes—our favorite recipe of the month from Brunch by DeMartino to share around the table with family and friends. Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes From Brunch by DeMartino in Somerville Serves 8–10 Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 Tbsp granulated sugar 1½ tsp baking powder ...

Education

Thankful for Every Word

Inside Bayles Family Speech Center Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Media X Marketing - John Beavers Step into the Bayles Family Speech Center and it feels more like a living room than a clinic — by design. Founder Denise Bayles, a speech-language pathologist with 30 years of experience, builds care on warmth, trust and family partnership. “People need warmth. They need nurturing as well as quality therapy,” Bayles says. “I want families to feel this is a place where we build a...

Life + Culture

Dish It Out with Dina

How a Jersey girl turned Sunday dinners, family roots, and resilience into a cookbook that feeds both body and soul. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Michael Lago For Dina Deleasa-Gonsar, food has always been more than a meal—it’s a bridge between generations, a reason to gather, and a source of comfort. Growing up in an Italian-American family in New Jersey, Sunday dinners weren’t just tradition—they were sacred. “Sunday dinner was every week for us, and it rivaled people’s...

Food + Beverage

October is Garden State City Lifestyle Restaurant Month!

Explore New Jersey's Best Bites: Exclusive October Offers, Chef Specials, and Culinary Surprises Await Article by Garden State City Lifestyle | Photography by Michael Lago, Liz Polo - My Havanna Photography It’s our first annual Garden State City Lifestyle Restaurant Month, and we’ve partnered with top New Jersey restaurants to bring exclusive specials to you throughout October. From fine dining to casual bites, these offers are our treat to you. Visit any of these featured establishments...

Food + Beverage

Garden State Harvest

Risotto with Butternut Squash, Sage & Crispy Pancetta Article and Photography by Garden State City Lifestyle There’s something magical about fall in New Jersey. The air turns crisp, the boardwalk crowds fade, and the landscape transforms into a patchwork of deep reds, golden yellows, and burnt oranges. Farmers’ markets brim with fresh-picked squash, apples, and herbs, making it the perfect time to create dishes that warm the heart and highlight our state’s seasonal bounty. This Garden State...