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

Not So Wicked After All

Photographer Karen Kwong’s couture photoshoot reimagines Wicked with themes of empowerment, transformation and sisterhood. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Karen Kwong | Photography by MuSen Photographer Karen Kwong has never been one to shy away from bold storytelling. One of her latest projects, a couture photoshoot inspired by Wicked , takes that vision to new heights — blending theatrical flair with intimate, empowering moments that highlight the magic of transformation. “I’ve...

Health + Wellness

Vision with Heart

With Gratitude, Jan’s Optical Enters a New Chapter Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Kartheek Hedge For Jennifer Aquino, gratitude is more than a feeling. It is the foundation of her life, her family, and now her role as the new owner of Jan’s Optical, a business that has been serving the Oakhurst community for nearly four decades. Aquino’s journey to becoming a licensed optician and business owner began unexpectedly on the beach. During a family outing more than 15 years ago, she...

Professional Services

A Family Helping Families

Stephanie and Rich Hunnell blend law, empathy and teamwork to guide clients through life’s toughest transitions. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Kartheek Hedge For Stephanie Cañas Hunnell, owner of the Hunnell Law Group, practicing law has always been personal. Her childhood experience navigating her parents’ divorce instilled a determination to advocate for families and children during their most difficult moments — a mission that defines her boutique firm today. Stephanie runs...

Food + Beverage

Roast & Toast

A foolproof garlic–onion chicken to crown the table. Article and Photography by David Burke It’s what I call roast season, when colder weather and the holidays make the aroma and sizzle of a centerpiece roast feel almost primeval. As a chef, cooking a roast at home is extra appealing because restaurants keep me on single portions; chefs like to do at home what they don’t do at work. There’s a lot to like about roasts any time of year: the deep flavor from caramelization that creates an...

Food + Beverage

From Studio to Supper

Creativity fuels everything for Maggie Fischer—including her rustic, crowd-pleasing dip. Article by Marilyn Schlossbach | Photography by Ciara Perrone Cowell For Maggie Fischer, food and family have always been intertwined—often with humor. “Of course, we knew dinner was ready when the smoke alarm went off,” Fischer says. Her dream dinner? “Frida Kahlo, my grandmother and my son, Aiden,” she says. “We’d listen to Electric Light Orchestra and I’d order pizzas so the smoke alarm can’t go off.”...

Local Services

A Legacy of Compassion

Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home Serves Long Branch with Generations of Care Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home In a city as rich in history as Long Branch, some institutions are more than just businesses — they are part of the community's fabric. Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home is one such place. Founded in 1870, the family-owned funeral home has provided care, comfort and guidance to local families for more than 150 years. Now operated by Scott Boglioli and...

Travel

Cruising Toward Hope

How One Local Organization Is Giving Cancer Fighters a Break — and a Reason to Smile Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Ted Friedli For most people, a cruise to Bermuda is a vacation. For Ted Friedli, it was a mission. Fifteen years ago, the Long Branch-based travel agency owner co-founded Kick Cancer Overboard—a grassroots nonprofit that gives free cruises to people affected by cancer. The idea was born from a simple but powerful question: What if we could give someone battling...

Health + Wellness

The Veggie Lady of Monmouth County

How Karyn Moskowitz Is Turning Fresh Food into Community Power Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Karyn Moskowitz At first glance, Karyn Moskowitz might seem like just another friendly face in Ocean Grove. But to hundreds of families across Monmouth County, she’s better known by a different name: The Veggie Lady. As the coordinator of the Building a Healthier, More Equitable Community Initiative (BHEC) at Interfaith Neighbors , Moskowitz isn’t just distributing food—she’s...

Food + Beverage

The Jersey Girl Guide

Turning Local Life Into a Must-Follow Movement Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Estelle Massry What began as a closet clean-out during the pandemic is now one of New Jersey’s most engaging lifestyle platforms. Mackenzie Malpass, Jersey Shore local and the creator behind The Jersey Girl Guide , has turned her eye for style and love for local spots into a curated feed of food, fashion and fun. “The Jersey Girl Guide started as a fun side project — just a place to post things I...