The Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey: This Hidden Gem Flies Under the Radar

Founded in 1972, the Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey is a museum dedicated to telling the story of New Jersey’s flight history. Though it’s not the most well-known attraction in northern New Jersey, those who visit the museum consider it a hidden gem.

Here, interactive exhibits help make aviation history interesting and relevant to people of all ages. Exhibits include “Women in Flight," information on the first American hovercraft, and the rocket engine that propelled the X-15. There are also special programs available, like the "Dare to Fly, " which includes a museum tour and a design workshop taught by pilots where young visitors can build their own gliders and compete against one another.

The Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and entry is $8 for adults and $6 for children and seniors.

The Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey
400 Fred Wehran Drive
Teterboro, NJ 07608
(201) 288-6344
www.njahof.org

The Hot Grill: Hot Dogs and More

When you're in the mood for a classic hot dog head over to The Hot Grill in Clifton. Order your hot dog "all the way;" you'll receive a fried Texas sausage with chili sauce, mustard, and raw onions. Make sure you pair your hot dog with a side like fries or onion rings. If you like gravy try the French fries with gravy, sauce, and cheese. You can also get a terrific cheeseburger. Put chili on your cheeseburger if you're really hungry. Don't be surprised to find a line when you arrive. Breakfast is served from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and noon on Sunday.

The Hot Grill
669 Lexington Avenue
Clifton, NJ 07011
(973) 772-6000
www.thehotgrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-hot-grill-clifton

Create a Chic and Stylish Entryway With These Pro Tips

Your entryway has the power to wow or bore guests as soon as they step into your apartment, so it's important to make sure you spend ample time on its interior design. If you're just getting started glamming up your entryway, here are a few tips that should help get the ball rolling.

  1. Create a vignette. First things first: find an entryway table. That's where you'll put your hallway vignette. It's part functional, part aesthetically pleasing. Include a tray to collection your keys and loose change when you walk in, but also add strictly decorative touches such as candles, flowers, and other odds and ends that reflect your style.
  2. Add a mirror. When you're working with a cozy entryway, you can really expand the space (without knocking down any walls) by just hanging a mirror. Find one that fits in with the rest of your aesthetic, perhaps a round, vintage mirror for last-minute touch-ups before you walk out the door, or maybe a more contemporary square mirror if that jives better with your minimalist decor elsewhere.
  3. Glam up your walls. Creating a gallery wall is a surefire way to engage your friends as soon as they walk through the door, especially if you create that gallery wall using personal photos in artfully mismatched frames. You can also use mirrors of different shapes and sizes, however, for the ultimate space-creating effect.
  4. Throw down a runner. When you're interior-designing, don't forget about the real estate underfoot, either. Spruce up your floor with a chic, colorful runner.

How to Style an Entryway [The Everygirl]
Small Apartment Entryway [Pinterest]
21 Ways to Enhance an Entryway [Real Simple]

Treat Yourselft to a Little Retail Therapy at The Outlets at Bergen Town Center

The words “one-stop-shop” have never been more relevant than when used to describe the The Outlets at Bergen Town Center in Paramus. The shopping center is located just a short ride from Paramus Park Mall and Garden State Plaza, but the outlets' edge lies in its hard-to-beat outlet prices.

The shopping center has a collection of discount and outlet stores from all the major department stores: Nordstrom Rack, Bloomingdales Outlet, Neiman Marcus Last Call, and Saks Off 5th among others. There is also a significant collection of factory stores offering discounts on major brands like Nike, Gap, Banana Republic and J.Crew.

And if you need to run an errand or grab a bite, or squeeze in a workout, the center also has a Target, Whole Foods, CVS, and Blink Fitness. Make sure to get there early on weekends to avoid the chaos of the parking lot!

The Outlets at Bergen Town Center
1 Bergen Town Court
Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 845-4050
www.bergentowncenter.com/index.aspx

Mama Rosa Pizza and Pasta: That’s Italian Cuisine!

In Jersey you expect good Italian food, and Mama Rosa Pizza and Pasta doesn’t disappoint. Located on Union Avenue just off of Beech Street, Mama Rosa is the perfect spot for everything from a slice of pizza to a full Italian meal. The ambiance of the dining room is cozy, with checkered tablecloths and comfortable seating. Bring your friends or your family – everyone will feel at home here! All of your classic Italian favorites are here. The pizza and pasta selections alone are terrific, but come for lunch and try a calzone or specialty hero. And everything can be ordered for delivery or takeout. If you’re hosting a party, think of Mama Rosa as a catering option.

Mama Rosa Pizza and Pasta
332 Union Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
(201) 939-2342

www.mamarosapasta.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mama-rosa-pizza-and-pasta-rutherford

Explore the Flavors of Thai Fare at Pimaan Thai Restaurant

Whether you’re a longtime Thai food fan or an adventurous eater looking to experience a new style of cuisine, Pimaan Thai Restaurant is a must-try eatery in the Bergen County area. This authentic Thai restaurant stays true to tradition in every recipe, using only the freshest herbs and highest quality spices to flavor each unique dish.

Every item on the menu is also artfully plated, creating an upscale feel that pairs perfectly with the décor. Pimaan Thai Restaurant offers an affordable lunch menu with your choice of entrees served with soup and salad for one low price, as well as larger rice and noodle dishes that make very filling dinners. Favorites like pad Thai, rad na and fried rice come with your choice of protein, and there are also a number of different styles of curries to choose from. Add a Thai iced tea or coffee to your meal for an even more authentic experience.

Pimaan Thai Restaurant
79 Kinderkamack Road
Emerson, NJ 07630
(201) 967-0440
www.pimaanthai.com

How to Take Your Couch From Furniture to Focal Point

Your couch is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home. It provides a space to curl up and watch a movie, to catch up with a longtime friend, and even to share a meal during those weekend take-out nights. If you want to make your sofa more of a focal point, these smart tips will show you how.

  1. Update your throw pillows. The easiest way to take your sofa from basic to stylish is by adding fun, vibrant throw pillows. Choose a few in complimentary colors, mix and match patterns or even go with a geometric, black and white scheme for a hip, retro, look.
  2. Add a blanket. Take a tip from the pros and casually drape a throw across the ottoman or folded on the back of the sofa. Choose something that pairs well with the rest of the room’s color scheme, or go with a classic knit throw for a cozy feel.
  3. Switch up your rug. Choose a vibrant area rug that extends a few inches wider than your sofa, and make sure that it’s large enough to tuck under the sofa’s front legs.
  4. Add a gallery wall. Finally, create a designer-worthy gallery wall directly behind your sofa by framing your favorite family photos, wallpaper swatches, and art prints.

Before & After: How to Style Your Sofa [Elle Décor]
Style a Sofa 5 Different Ways [HGTV]
How To: Style A Sofa [Glitter Guide]

Go Nuts for the Nutella Flavor at Ice Cream by Mike

Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla or you’re the type to go all out with a two-scoop hot fudge sundae, you’ll find all of your favorite ice cream creations at Ice Cream by Mike. Unlike many other ice cream shops, however, this Bergen County favorite makes all of its premium flavors using only all-natural ingredients, which makes you feel good about letting yourself indulge.

There are flavors like the popular Nutella, chocolate toasted almond, and classic strawberry made from fresh, local strawberries only when they’re in season, as well as a wide variety of other flavors that change from day to day. You can order your ice cream in a cup or a cone, or if you’re in the mood for something more elaborate, go for a sundae or a fresh-made chocolate malt.

While it may be a bit difficult to spot from the outside, Ice Cream by Mike is a locals-only favorite that you’ll be happy to stumble upon.

Ice Cream by Mike
163 Main Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
(201) 343-4514
www.yelp.com/biz/ice-cream-by-mike-hackensack

Volare’s Restaurant: A Comfortable Spot for Family & Friends

Come to Volare’s Restaurant for classic Italian cuisine. Located right in Station Square, Volare’s is popular because everything is made fresh! Even the pasta is prepared on site every day.

The dining area is cozy but not too small, perfect for a family dinner or an intimate meal. Volare’s is a BYOB, so you can enjoy your favorite bottle of wine with your meal. Treat yourself to the three-course lunch or four-course dinner specials, both delicious options. Pasta Night on Tuesdays, Wednesday’s Chicken Special or the Sunday Family Takeout Package are also tasty times at Volare’s. A pianist usually plays some nice tunes, and Volare's even hosts live music on some weekends.

Volare’s Restaurant
7 Station Square
Rutherford, NJ 07070
(201) 935-6606

www.volaresrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/volares-restaurant-rutherford

White Mana: Burger Delights

White Mana offers diners tasty burgers and fries, in addition to delicious sliders, mini burgers replete with onions and pickles. For such a tiny establishment White Mana packs quite a wallop. While it can occasionally get bit crowded, the popularity shows just how much regulars enjoy these hamburgers. Like all proper burger joints White Mana offers a tasty array of sodas and milkshakes — the perfect complement to a hot, juicy burger on one of White Mana’s signature potato buns.

For burgers this good you should be prepared for a wait, due to the size and popularity of White Mana the place tends to get a little crowded. Even so, White Mana remains a great spot to enjoy a tasty meal. Visit its website to learn more!

White Mana
358 River Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
(201) 342-0914
www.yelp.com/biz/white-manna-hackensack

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