Local Services

Where Love Continues to Grow

Born from one little girl’s wish, Josephine’s Garden brings comfort, hope and healing to families throughout Bergen County and beyond. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Heidi Hartung-Rispoli There are some gardens planted with flowers. Others are planted with purpose. At Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital in Hackensack, a rooftop garden filled with colorful artwork, butterflies, flowers, frogs, a wishing fountain and places to play carries the vision of a little girl whose...

Food + Beverage

Your Guide to Thanksgiving

Celebrate the season with local flavors, meaningful traditions and simple ways to gather with gratitude. Article and Photography by Carly Mac Manus Thanksgiving has a way of bringing us back to what matters. Across Bergen County, kitchens will fill with familiar aromas, dining rooms will become gathering places and favorite family recipes will make their annual return. But somewhere between preparing the turkey and finding enough chairs for everyone, it's easy to forget that the best parts of...

Shopping

Fashion Runs in the Family

Sisters Erica Thomas and Miriam Steketee turned a shared love of fashion, family and community into Midland Park’s Lulu + Bo. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Clara Wang Photography For sisters Erica Thomas and Miriam Steketee, Lulu + Bo Boutique has always been about more than what hangs on the racks. It is about family, community and creating a place where women can walk in, feel happy, forget about everything else for a little while and simply enjoy shopping. The sisters grew...

Local Services

Blue Signs, Big Stories

Exploring Pascack Valley's Revolutionary Roots Article and Photography by Matthew N. Morin As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Pascack Valley offers a tangible connection to the nation's earliest days. Since 1960, the Bergen County Historical Society has installed and maintained more than 160 historic blue markers identifying landmarks throughout the county. Cast by Sewah Studios in Marietta, Ohio, the original signs feature a distinctive Delft blue color, a nod to Bergen County's...

Life + Culture

Art With Heart

A local artist transforms grief, motherhood and hope into meaningful works of art. Article by Lucille Rizzo | Photography by Victoria Majerczak Some of life's most meaningful journeys begin in the quietest moments. For Emerson artist Victoria Majerczak, painting became more than a creative outlet. It became a source of comfort during one of the most difficult seasons of her life. After her mother was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2024, Victoria spent countless hours by her side through...

Travel

Stay in the Heart of Saratoga

A historic boutique hotel, legendary racing and a charming downtown make Saratoga Springs an unforgettable escape. Article by Lucille Rizzo | Photography by Saratoga Arms Hotel Some destinations are worth visiting. Others make you want to slow down, stay awhile and start imagining your next trip before you have even left. Saratoga Springs is one of those places, and at the heart of the experience is Saratoga Arms . An easy drive from downstate, Saratoga Springs feels like a true escape...

Food + Beverage

Where Everybody Feels Like a Regular

Serving Montvale with timeless comfort, hearty Irish fare and welcoming hospitality since 1974 every day. Article by Carly Mac Manus | Photography by Svetlana Blasucci, Davey's Irish Pub & Restaurant Some restaurants are known for a signature dish. Others are remembered for an atmosphere, a longtime bartender or the table where a family has celebrated birthdays for years. At Davey's Irish Pub & Restaurant in Montvale, it is a little bit of everything. Since Peter Davey opened the doors in...

Arts + Culture

Ask the Appraiser

An unsigned family heirloom reveals the work of a celebrated American artist and a surprising five-figure value. Article and Photography by Jon Felz In this feature, we hear from Jon Felz, expert appraiser and owner of RZM Fine Arts & Antiques, as he helps readers uncover the stories and value behind treasured family heirlooms and unexpected discoveries. Have an item you've always wondered about? Reach out to Jon for a chance to have it featured in a future Ask the Appraiser column. Note to...

Wellness

Relaying Hope

Two breast cancer survivors find purpose, connection and hope through Relay For Life. Article by Kate Ferguson | Photography by Angela Ware and Pascack Valley Relay for Life Each year, the Pascack Valley Relay For Life, a signature event of the American Cancer Society (ACS), brings together residents, schools, businesses and community organizations from across the Pascack Valley. The annual event celebrates and supports cancer survivors and their families while honoring those who have lost...

Food + Beverage

Taste of Bergen

Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Apples, Delicata Squash & Maple-Dijon Glaze Article and Photography by Carly Mac Manus As summer fades into fall, Bergen County's farm stands begin overflowing with crisp apples, winter squash, fresh herbs and root vegetables. Spend a Saturday morning browsing the Ramsey Farmers Market or stopping by local favorites like Abma's Farm in Wyckoff, Demarest Farms in Hillsdale or River Vale Farmers Market before heading home to make this simple one-pan dinner. It's an...