In thePress

From boozy ice pops to frosé, New Jersey bartenders have gotten creative with their frozen offerings this summer.

LONG BRANCH – Pier Village has attracted a West Coast eatery looking to expand its franchises to the East Coast.

 A Kushner Cos. spokesperson told the Asbury Park Press that Hummus Republic, a “fast-growing” Mediterranean-style restaurant chain from California, will open a location at Pier Village this October.

The restaurant specializes in custom bowls, baguettes and pitas. The restaurant opened in 2013 and two years later it partnered with investment group Global Impart Partners to expand the business.

Hummus will take over a 1,500-square-foot space previously leased by Smiley’s Cocktails and Eats at 84 Ocean Ave.

Pier Village will reopen Monday with some changes and new offerings, including a ‘modern Mexican concept’ restaurant and a kosher grill.

Long Branch’s Pier Village is shaping to become a bigger destination this summer

Pier Village has always been a huge attraction to visitors both near and far, thanks in part to its budding boardwalk, beaches, eateries, and hotel resorts. There’s also downtown Long Branch, which is home to even more local businesses — as well as a brewery that’s only a short walk away from the boardwalk. However, the additional construction over the past year will make Pier Village one of the bigger destinations at the Jersey Shore this summer.

From Thanksgiving to Presidents Day, Pier Village will celebrate the return of the iconic Ice at the Pier ice skating rink by the sea. Donned in holiday décor and located in the bustling boardwalk community of Pier Village, the 4,500-square-foot ice rink is the heart of holiday activity and a thrilling experience for visitors and locals alike.

NEW YORK (AP) — Many small and independent retailers who are holding Small Business Saturday shopping events Thanksgiving weekend are banding together with others, believing that there’s strength in numbers.

Engagement photos.

They’re the first formal introduction to you and your partner’s future life together as a married couple.

You want them to be special. You want them to tell a story. You want them to accurately represent the two of you.

But how do you choose the right engagement photo location?

Fortunately, New Jersey is brimming from top to bottom with amazing venues, vistas, and even vineyards that act as the perfect location for engagement photos. I picked 30 of the very best, but it was hard to whittle it down even that far!

Pier Village normally receives a ton of visitors during the busy summer months, as it’s a popular beach destination for locals and tourists, but you can expect the same kind of atmosphere on October 7th. That’s the date for Pier Fest 2018, which will feature various shots, vendors, activities, live music, and other entertainment!

Fall foliage is almost upon us and these getaways are perfect to catch the leaves turning this season.

For those who would rather trade foliage for palm trees, Bungalow Hotel + Pier Village (an hour from NYC and Philly), and the luxurious St. Tropez reminiscent town of Long Branch, NJ is a must-not-miss destination perfect for weekend getaways and day trips. Bungalow hotel – with fresh guest rooms redesigned last month by local photographer, Nicole Cohen – is a vibrant boutique hotel steps away from the Atlantic, and gateway to Pier Village which features shopping (Molly & Zoey, LuLu Lemon, Havianas, Nirvana, Sundaze, etc), restaurants (Beach House, Faustini Wines tasting room, fine Oyster & Cocktail Bar, Luke’s Lobster & more) entertainment and more. Featuring rooms from $250/ night, Pier Village is home to a fresh farmer’s market during the fall months and will host their fourth annual fall festival this October featuring live music, family-friendly activities and more!