Travel

A Very Boston Holiday

Pack the car, grab your besties, and let the no fuss weekend unfold. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by InterContinental Boston Want the weekend escape without dealing with the airport? Forget TSA lines and lost luggage — this trip is trunk-packed, playlist-ready and friendship-fueled. For us, the perfect girls’ getaway was Boston — a drive-in, park-it escape with waterfront views, spa time we could actually sneak away to and dinner just an elevator ride from our room. Friday...

Life + Culture

Lighting Up Monmouth County

From Disney magic to hometown traditions, discover the holiday displays that make spirits bright. Article by Caroline Fanning | Photography by Gianna Bucchieri, The Cook's Christmas Lights, Powers Family Christmas Lights, Liam’s Spectacular Christmas Display There’s a reason lights are a staple of many year-end holidays: They warm our spirits and remind us winter won’t last forever. Take a drive around Monmouth County this December to enjoy some of the best handmade, homemade and homespun...

Local Services

Service, Season by Season

Growing a Community Through a Festival of Trees Article by Caroline Fanning | Photography by Terry Janeczek For more than 100 years, the Rotary Club of Greater Long Branch has lived its motto, “Service Above Self,” by creating programs that bring hope and joy to local families. One of its most cherished traditions, the Festival of Trees, has become a symbol of generosity, creativity and community connection in Long Branch. The Festival of Trees is a beloved community event that draws...

Entertainment

Eight Bright Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah This Year

Family-friendly ideas with a Monmouth County twist Article and Photography by Garden State City Lifestyle Hanukkah brings eight nights of light, music and togetherness—plenty of chances to make new traditions while honoring old ones. Whether you’re celebrating at home or heading out along the shore, here are kid-approved ways to keep the candles (and spirits) glowing, with a nod to Long Branch and nearby towns. Host a latke bake-off. Turn your kitchen into a test kitchen. Assign...

Local Services

Building Trust, Guiding Futures

River’s Edge Wealth Partners Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Kartheek Hedge When Anthony “Tony” Frigoletto talks about money, he doesn’t begin with stocks or interest rates. He starts with people. The longtime financial adviser and now owner and CEO of River’s Edge Wealth Partners built his career on Wall Street, spending two decades at Wells Fargo after time with UBS and Prudential Securities. But when he launched River’s Edge, his vision extended beyond managing portfolios. “We...

Event Planning + Services

Seamless by Design

Gold Ribbon Productions crafts timeless, cinematic events Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Andrea Phox, Elly Dream, Peter Normandia of Edit Cellar, Devin Peppler Photography For Marisa Goldman, founder of Gold Ribbon Productions, event planning has always been more than a job—it’s a calling. What began as a campus passion at Towson University, where she helped book concerts and homecoming festivities, has grown into a boutique event production company serving New Jersey, New York...

Food + Beverage

Hollis Cooper’s Family Potato Salad

A Taste of Tradition, Faith, and Family Article by Marilyn Schlossbach | Photography by Hollis Cooper For Hollis Cooper local Long Branch resident, cooking has always been a love language. Born from family gatherings filled with laughter, gospel music, and the comforting hum of conversation, her recipes carry a legacy of warmth and connection. “My mom always asked what I wanted for my special meal,” Hollis recalls. “It was always ham, fried chicken, potato salad, collard greens, and candied...

Food + Beverage

Rigatoni Bolognese, the Comfort Classic

Chef Burke’s Kind of Cozy Article and Photography by David Burke When it comes to a pasta topping, Bolognese is high on my list. I’m not alone. The sauce has become such a staple on the American dining landscape that it appears on many non-Italian menus, including mine. Red Horse by David Burke in Bernardsville and Rumson offers rigatoni Bolognese. I use rigatoni because its ridges capture the sauce and its tubular shape coats inside and out. Considered a ragù—a hearty, slow-cooked...

Arts + Culture

The Art Current

Riding the wave of creativity Article and Photography by Andrea Phox A spotlight on Long Branch’s vibrant arts—celebrating the people, projects and performances shaping our community. Theater New Jersey Repertory Company - 179 Broadway, Long Branch Did you know Long Branch is home to one of the premier regional theaters in the country? Located on Lower Broadway, the New Jersey Repertory Company has been showcasing bold new works for 28 years. Founded in 1997 by Gabor and SuzAnne...

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...