INNSIDE STORY
Outlets & Inn-lets: Shopping, surf and summer-y stays
It's sweet summertime in the Garden State, time to celebrate sun and sand, water and waves, and all-out shopping days. At Liberty Village Premium Outlets in Flemington enjoy music from around the world in the Courtyard every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. The Farmer's Market at Liberty Village runs every Sunday through November 25th.
Head to the beach for the Sandy Hook Summer Concert Series on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. during certain weeks throughout the summer (6/20-06/27, 7/4-7/25, 8/1-8/29). You can also boogie on the beach at the Chicken Bone Beach Concert every Thursday evening in July and August.
Get patriotic with fantastic fireworks displays on and around Fourth of July in Hamilton, Haddonfield, Ocean City, Stone Harbor Beach, and Wildwoods.
See art in action with the Sand Sculpting Contest in Ocean City on July 11th. Also on the 11th is the Mid-Summer Ocean Swim in Seaside Park. The New Jersey State Barbeque Championship takes place in North Wildwood from July 13-15.
The Berkeley Island Beach Bash features island fun, music, games and campfires on August 3.
And wherever you may roam, be sure to book at one of our member inns!
INNSIDE SPECIALS
"Belmar Inn-lets & Outlets" - Six Flags & Circle Factory Outlets, water sports at Shark River inlet, and 10% off two nights at the shore (The Inn at the Shore, Belmar)
"Island Heights Inn-lets & Outlets" - Jackson Outlets, Barnegat & Manasquan Inlets for boating and fishing, free boat and trailer storage, stay three nights and the fourth night is free (Cottage on the River, Island Heights)
"The Perfect Outlet" - $25 shopping spree redeemable at Liberty Village Premium Outlets, Liberty Village treat-filled shopping tote, and a two-night stay (Main Street Manor, Flemington)
"Picnic at the Lake in the Skylands" - Picnic and paddleboat at Wawayanda Lake and beaches, hike the Appalachian Trail, grill and chill for an alpine night (Alpine Haus B&B, Vernon)
"Shopping & Relaxing" - Shop at Jackson Outlets, save 10% on your room (Victoria On Main, Toms River)
"Cruising and Snoozing" - Have lunch or dinner aboard the River Lady Paddle Wheel Cruise, save 10% on your room (Victoria On Main, Toms River)
"Lambertville Outlets & Inn-lets" - Outrageous shopping spree at Liberty Village and one inn-spiring night (Chimney Hill Estate Inn, Lambertville) |
MEET THE INNKEEPERS
 Matthew & Dara Schmid
Villa Park House, Spring Lake
Kid-friendly B&Bs in Spring Lake are a rarity, which makes Villa Park House a delightful exception to the rule. Owners Matthew and Dara Schmid have a 3-1/2 year old son so it made sense to welcome families to their establishment.
People who visit often remark on how colorful the place is. "It's very gingerbread-y, ornate and colorful," says Matthew. That, and the food, is what guests say they like about Villa Park House. Matthew, a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, has a delicious resume that includes positions such as Director of Banquets at the Rainbow Room in Manhattan and similar roles at W Hotels and the Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan.
Starting a B&B was a 20-year dream for him. His wife's dream was to move back to the Jersey Shore. Together they're living that dream.
Fun facts: Dara Schmid was a child actress, playing in roles such as "Annie" when the show left Broadway for its first world tour. She has appeared on TV shows, in commercials and soap operas, and she is now an anchor/producer/writer for MSNBC.
EAT INN: Cobbler and quencher for summertime
This Star-Spangled Cobbler recipe is red and blue and yummy all over. (Scarborough Inn, Ocean City)
Easy to blend and refreshing to sip on a hot summer's day, this Fruit Punch will make you feel cool as an ocean breeze. (John F. Craig House, Cape May)
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