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

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...

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 ...

Home + Design

A Business Built on Trust

Hunterdon Door Brings Integrity and Expertise to Garage Services Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Christopher Sztybel After 15 years in the garage door industry, Michael Carone took the leap into business ownership, launching Hunterdon Door in June 2025. With a career that has spanned warehousing, technician work, lead installations and sales, Carone brings hands-on expertise and a customer-first philosophy to every job. Hunterdon Door specializes in residential garage door and...

Arts + Culture

Music Meets Community

RMS and Whitehouse Wind Symphony Debut “Viking Spirit” Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Whitehouse Wind Symphony Readington Middle School (RMS), in partnership with the Whitehouse Wind Symphony, premiered Viking Spirit, an original composition by Christopher W. Johnson, on May 12. The performance brought RMS students and community musicians together for a unique collaboration in the school’s cafetorium. “We were so excited to premiere Viking Spirit ,” said RMS Band Director...

Health + Wellness

Hunterdon Health: Comprehensive Care, All in One Place

Where Innovation, Wellness, and Compassionate Care Come Together Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Hunterdon Health When it comes to health, convenience, quality and continuity matter. At Hunterdon Health’s Clinton Health Campus, patients find all three—often in a single visit. From preventive fitness to pediatrics, imaging and specialty care, the system offers a seamless, whole-person approach backed by nationally recognized quality and a deep commitment to the community. This...

Local Services

Impact100 Hunterdon

Harnesses the Power of Collective Giving Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Impact100 Hunterdon Hunterdon County women are proving that philanthropy doesn’t have to be done alone. Founded in 2023, Impact100 Hunterdon has already awarded its first $100,000 transformational grant — and its leaders say this is just the beginning. The organization follows a simple model: Each member contributes $1,000 annually, and those funds are pooled to award large grants to local nonprofits. What...

Home + Design

Private Ravenswood Estate

Spacious 5BR, 5.1BA with Palladian windows, spa primary suite, and an expansive deck with gazebo. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Nettie Einhorn Architectural Media Service and Skyview Media Welcome to Ravenswood, one of Basking Ridge’s most coveted enclaves with a Far Hills mailing address, stands a residence that blends presence and privacy. Reserved by the builder for its premier homesite, this custom, four-sided brick colonial sits on 3.5 acres bordered by mature trees and...

Health + Wellness

Healing in Style

Headwear that Honors Strength and Beauty Article by Cara Zamorski, HWC, HN, Breast Cancer Survivor | Photography by Cara Zamorski October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize not only the fight against the disease but also the personal journeys of healing that come with it. When a woman begins that journey—whether from chemotherapy or other medical treatments—hair loss can be one of the most emotionally difficult parts of the process. Headwear, however, can be so much more...

Food + Beverage

Brewing Stories, Building Community

Nicole Poko’s Scouts Coffee Bar is redefining what it means to be the heart of a small town. Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Morgan Elizabeth Creative co. Nicole Poko knows everyone has a story. This is hers.  When Poko moved to High Bridge in 2015, the former “city girl” from Old Bridge found herself starving for community and meeting people in her new, more rural home. The following year, she noticed that a café on Main Street was closing and decided to take a leap. She bought...