Cookies and cream, ice cream shakes, lemon soufflé with huckleberry ice cream, carrot cake.

Do we have your attention now?

Good because we’re breaking down the most extreme desserts Monmouth and Ocean counties have to offer.

This summer, get ready to hit the ground running — and biking and swimming.

There are plenty of fun, challenging and ultimately rewarding races and athletic events happening across the state this season. These are just a few worth lacing up for…

The golden rule of bartending is your cocktail can only be as good as your worst ingredient.

That’s why mixologists are becoming more conscientious, keeping everything fresh and local.

The craft cocktail movement is swaying away from complex drinks. It’s all about focusing on creating traditional cocktails with a modern interpretation and memorable presentation.

With the Shore’s beautiful beaches, sophisticated hotels and jam-packed summer events, you never have to leave the Garden State.

Keep it local and embark on our favorite staycations…

Ah, coffee. Can you hear my sigh of contentment from there?

Many of us have a deep love for the stuff: milky cups of sweetened coffee and flavored, frothy lattes to double shots of espresso and smoky dark roasts. Simply put, we have to have it.

Luckily, the Shore – and beyond – is home to plenty of coffee shops and roasteries to fill our cups. Here are some local favorites…

Enjoy the warm weather this weekend while watching kites soar above the beach from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Apr. 22 and Sunday, Apr. 23 in between Melrose Terrace and Morris Ave.

The “Kites at the Pier” festival is returning for its second annual year, and this year, it will feature a variety of kites, including inflatable flying sea creatures and traditional kites.

LONG BRANCH: There must have been 200 children at Centennial Square in Pier Village on Saturday, April 15. Add the parents and grandparents and other family, it was a Big event day, just right for an Easter Egg hunt in the sand on the beach. The Chamber of Commerce was there as were the Bunny and friends playing with the families and posing for photos.

The weather held out nicely, not too warm, and just right for romping on the inflated rides that filled the park area where the ice rink had been during winter months. Some visitors even enjoyed the Atlantic waves as they waited for the hunt to begin.