Bergen Performing Arts Center: All The World’s a Stage

The John Harms Center in Englewood originally opened in 1926 as a movie theater, and over the intervening decades, the venue has evolved to become one of the leading cultural institutions in the state. It closed its doors in 2003, but a group of concerned citizens formed a nonprofit group to breathe new life into the venue.

Now named the Bergen Performing Arts Center, this excellent theater space plays host to a wide variety of musical acts, including Sting, Vanessa Williams, and Woody Allen. The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra also plays here regularly. In fact, no less an authority than Tony Bennett has called the hall the “best-sounding theatrical hall in the American song tradition.”

Visit the Bergen Performing Arts Center's website to see a calendar of upcoming shows!

Bergen Performing Arts Center
30 N. Van Brunt Street
Englewood, NJ 07631
(201) 816-8168
www.bergenpac.org
www.yelp.com/biz/bergen-performing-arts-center-englewood-2

Nibble Artisanal Chocolates at Matisse Chocolatier

One of northern New Jersey’s most popular gourmet chocolatiers is located in Englewood: Matisse Chocolatier. It’s a little hard to find; you need to go around the back of the building to find the entrance. But you'll immediately know you're in the right place as you're greeted by the intoxicating aroma of fresh chocolate!

The selection is far too extensive to mention everything, but some can’t-miss creations include the savory, decadent salted caramel chocolates, which are delicate and rich. Other favorites include the chocolate-coated pretzel rods, the almond bark, and the shaped chocolate lollipops. Chocolate-dipped fruit is also very popular, but it’s smart to call in to reserve some in advance, as they're made fresh each day and sell out quickly.

The walls are covered with photographs and endorsements from legions of celebrities who love Matisse's delicacies, including Jersey’s favorite son, Bruce Springsteen.

Matisse Chocolatier
260 Grand Avenue
Englewood, NJ 07631
(201) 568-2288
www.getfreshchocolate.com
www.yelp.com/biz/matisse-chocolatier-englewood

Expression Yarn Studio: Englewood Crafts

Knitting and crocheting have enjoyed a resurgence in the last decade or so, with a new generation of young people discovering the pleasure of crafting with their own hands, but Englewood’s Expression Yarn Studio is no Johnny-come-lately. They’ve been in business since 1978 in their cozy shop, providing generations of New Jersey knitters with the tools of their craft at affordable prices.

Wool, silk, linen, cotton and even alpaca yarns are on offer here, all at excellent prices. Blended yarns are also available. They also sell Clover needles, thimbles and a selection of other accessories. The owner produces knitting patterns the old-fashioned way – by hand – and she’s happy to help you find something that’s appropriate to your skill level. Visit the Expression Yarn Studio website to learn more about this Englewood craft store.

Expression Yarn Studio
13 E. Ivy Lane
Englewood, NJ 07631
(201) 569-4111
http://www.expressionyarnstudio.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/expression-yarn-studio-englewood

Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall: Fine New Jersey Shopping

Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall is a shopper’s destination in New Jersey, with just about every store you could possibly ask for, plus an array of great dining and entertainment options. They’re also about to open a new ‘Premium Fashion District’ with fantastic upscale stores like A/X Armani Exchange, Sandro, Robin’s Jean, Forever Flawless, Ivviva and Kiko Make Up Milano.

The mall’s anchor stores – Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and JC Penney – are where you head to find everything from the latest fashions to house wares. Dining and snacking options abound, so don’t hesitate to treat your taste buds at Charley’s Grilled Subs, Capital Grille, Bourbon Street Café, MW’s Hawaiian Grill, Ruby Thai, or Chipotle. You can even enjoy a ride on the giant carousel!

Visit the mall's website to see a directory of shops.

Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall
1 Garden State Plaza
Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 843-2121
http://www.westfield.com/gardenstateplaza/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/westfield-garden-state-plaza-mall-paramus

Ice Cream Charlie’s: Old Fashioned Deliciousness

Homemade frozen goodness is right around the corner, at Ice Cream Charlie’s. Located on Park Avenue just down the street from Lincoln Park, Ice Cream Charlie’s is the place to go to get the freshest and most flavorful ice cream, frozen yogurts and Italian ices. This is where you get the good stuff! The lines can get long but don’t worry because the friendly staff keeps everything moving briskly. The store will remind you of that old fashioned ice cream parlor of your dreams. There’s always a good selection of ice cream flavors, so you might just have a hard time choosing! Luckily, you can get a cone or cup to suit your appetite, be it a child’s size or a three-scoop large. Having a special occasion? Get a great ice cream cake!

Ice Cream Charlie’s
200 Park Ave
Rutherford, NJ 07070
(201) 939-8133
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ice-cream-charlies-rutherford-2

Garreston Forge and Farm: New Jersey History

Escape from the hustle and bustle and travel back in time to a more serene era at Garreston Forge and Farm. The Pre-Revolutionary sandstone home is the jewel in the crown of Bergen County’s historical sites. The Garretson homestead was once an extensive tract extending from the Passaic to the Saddle River and was originally settled by the Garretson family in 1719, after which, six generations made it their home.

Today the farm contains the Dutch farm museum and also sponsors and promotes educational programs that involve local history and folklore, as well as colonial agriculture, horticulture, crafts and archeology. Visit the gardens to explore over 50 varieties of medicinal and culinary herbs, butterfly gardens, fruit orchards and native plants and flowers.

Garreston Forge and Farm
4-02 River Rd
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
(201) 797-1775
www.garretsonfarm.org
www.yelp.com/biz/garretson-forge-and-farm-fair-lawn

Public Domain/Public Domain

Edgewater Golf Range: Practice Your Swing

Looking for a great golf experience overlooking the Hudson River with a sensational view of the Manhattan skyline? Edgewater Golf Range could be your go-to spot. 88 heated, windproof stalls make for a great place to practice your driving skills. Their pro shop features all of your favorite products, accessories and golf equipment from quality suppliers like Callaway, Mizuno and Titleist. The miniature golf course features 18 holes and is designed to enhance your golf skills in a beautiful riverfront setting that’s challenging, relaxing and fun. If you'd like to improve your golf skills, the range even has pros on staff. Stop by for their early bird specials with discounts from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Edgewater Golf Range
575 River Road
Edgewater, NJ 07020
(201) 840-4001
http://edgewatergolfrange.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/edgewater-golf-range-edgewater

Madeleine Cafe and Bakery: Classic French Delights

The sweet tastes of a classic French bakery are at the Madeleine Café and Bakery. Founded by a woman with a dream of being a pastry chef, the Madeleine is more than a name, it’s a shell-shaped, spongy cookie that you will love. There are lots of Madeleine varieties here, so try a few and take some home! There are also many different specialties that are perfect for a relaxing breakfast. The lunch specialties are also tasty, and you can enjoy them all in Madeleine’s beautiful and relaxing café and lounge. Don’t miss out on the cupcakes, macaroons, cookies and shortbreads. Madeleine’s also caters events.

Madeleine Café and Bakery
11 West Erie Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
(201) 933-2301
http://www.yelp.com/biz/madeleine-cafe-rutherford

Red Mango: Frozen Yogurt in Edgewater

Red Mango takes its name from the tropical fruit that only turns red when it’s at the peak of ripeness and luscious flavor. Frozen yogurt is what you'll find here, a delectable array of flavors and toppings to satisfy almost any palate. Pomegranate, Madagascar Vanilla, Cinnamon Apple Pie, Pumpkin Spice, Spiced Brown Sugar, White Peach, Sugarcane Cola, Peppermint Dark Chocolate and, of course, Mango, are just a few of the flavors offered in their ‘sweet’ category. Tart flavors include Lemon Spritzer, Lemonade, Summer Melon, Black Currant, Green Tea and Mandarin orange. Get a Fro-Yo Mashup with a scoop of frozen yogurt swirled with your favorite toppings for a special treat. Artisan hot chocolate, fruit smoothies, frozen coffee chillers and skinny sorbettos are also on the menu.

Red Mango
725 River Road
Edgewater, NJ 07020
(201) 945-6700
http://www.redmangousa.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-mango-edgewater

Cake and Cone: Sweet Treats in East Rutherford

Whether you’re in the mood for a soft serve cone or a banana split, you’ll find it all at the Cake and Cone. Located on Patterson Avenue just off of Uhland Street, the Cake and Cone keeps it simple by serving outstanding classic and soft serve ice cream cones, sundaes and shakes. This is the perfect place to bring your family, friends or even a date! There’s no seating, you just step up to the street-side counter and order. There are always plenty of delicious flavors, and lots of candy and other toppings. Get your ice cream in a cake cone, sugar cone or a sugar bowl. The sundaes are always big and loaded with tasty syrups and toppings. And if you’re having a special occasion, order a personalized ice cream cake.

Cake and Cone
306 Paterson Avenue
East Rutherford, NJ 07073
(201) 933-2589
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cake-and-cone-east-rutherford

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