NJ Archives - Living in Millburn-Short Hills NJ

Home in Summit NJ? Expect Great Schools!

September 4, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

If you are new to the Summit School community, having possibly just purchased a home in Summit NJ, you may not be aware of all the fantastic advantages you gain in a Summit school. First off, school starts on Thursday, September 6th. However, before starting the new school year, it’s exciting to note several achievements reached by students who live in Summit NJ that were announced over the summer.

For instance, did you know that:

84% of Summit students scored 3 or higher on the AP exams?
Sixteen Summit sports teams won championships on county, regional or state levels?
Four of our Summit coaches won coaching honors in 2011-2012?
Students who live in Summit NJ earned regional, state and national awards in forensics?
Summit students displayed artwork at statewide conferences?
Summit students earned recognition in regional and statewide bands, orchestras and choruses?
Summit middle and high school theatre programs were awarded multiple nominations and awards?

Wow! Summit is an excellent place to live if you want your child to learn, grow and succeed, as are many of our New Jersey towns. I’d love to share with you my personal experience that comes from having a home in Summit NJ and it’s surrounding towns. I know the local New Jersey schools and will help you and your family find the perfect fit! Give me a call at 973-202-7270 or visit the Summit School District online to find out more.

New Providence NJ Home to Innovation

August 24, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

As heads turn to New Providence NJ schools with their recent amazing performance assessments, residents who live in New Providence NJ will also notice some physical changes to local schools. Over the past year, the New Providence school district installed two new solar power systems to help reduce costs to taxpayers AND reduce environmental impact. Take a tour of the neighborhood near your New Providence NJ home and you’ll see the improvements at Allen W. Roberts Elementary and at the high school. Together it’s anticipated that the school district will see a reduction of at least $30,000 each year!

Tioga Energy and the school district worked to develop a 15-year power purchase agreement so that bonds and additional community taxes were not needed to make these school improvements. Tioga, who owns and maintains the solar systems will now be able to provide lower cost solar electricity to the school district, accounting for the reduction mentioned above. Read more about developments from the New Providence School District by visiting their website or calling 908.464.9050.

Jazz Live in West Orange NJ

August 15, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

A nice dinner date can go a long way when you live in West Orange NJ. But, when you throw in some jazz, specialty drinks, candlelight, and a lovely scenic view, you create an evening that is unforgettable.

Highlawn Pavilion, located super close to your West Orange NJ home, is very conscious of this little known fact. And, is the reason why the exquisite four star restaurant (so dubbed by by The Star-Ledger and named “Excellent” by The New York Times) has extended it’s special “Jazz Menu” nights. Already a favorite of those who live in West Orange NJ and named as “Best Romantic Restaurant” in Montclair Magazine, it’s hard to go wrong at Highlawn.

You and the one you love can enjoy some high end entertainment, along with a deluxe $29 Prix-fixe meal, featuring your choice of appetizers, entrees, and desserts! You can enjoy your evening on the Patio or in the Bar, but the Jazz performance takes place in the Piano Room. From 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, you’ll be treated to live jazz performances, locally grown rich cuisine, and a night on the town at Highlawns Pavilion.

To see the full summer jazz schedule, please visit Highlawn Pavilion online and make a reservation, so you don’t miss out on the opportunity for a lovely evening away from your West Orange NJ home.

Explore Nature by Your Home in Short Hills NJ

July 24, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

With summer comes the chance for opportunities to enjoy plenty of outside time and there is plenty to keep you and your family active near your home in Short Hills NJ! Joining teams, golf courses, tennis matches -it is a time when the term “rain-check” is almost laughable. The birds and butterflies come out and flowers are in full bloom. What else does this mean in if you live in Short Hills?

Did someone say Greenwood Gardens? Yes -and it’s right by your home in Short Hills NJ!

Greenwood Gardens, a formerly privately owned landscape, recently turned public, is hosting special garden tours over the summer, starting August 4th at 10 AM and continuing through October. At only $10 for non-members over 12 years old, it’s a real deal, and perfect for the closet naturalist. The historic landscape provides relaxation among the trees and flowers, helping to inspire young minds and renew old ones.

People come to paint, to just think, to escape the urban setting outside the tranquil walls of the gardens, or to just walk around and get a breath of fresh air. Bring your little ones to teach them about nature and the world they live in. Make friends with nature enthusiasts galore! You can’t go wrong with Greenwood Gardens. So grab your sketchbook, pull on your walking shoes, and head out the door for some good old-fashioned natural fun near your home in Short Hills NJ.

Live in Chatham NJ & Dine Out in Style

July 13, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

Living along the Midtown Direct, we’re blessed that NYC is only 30 minutes away. We have choices to make when it comes to good food. We also have some incredible chefs moving in our direction. So keep your options open and find a place near where you live in Chatham NJ where you can feel like it’s a celebration and be home in 5 minutes.

Like, maybe, Restaurant Serenade?

The atmosphere is sophisticated but not stuffy and inviting for cocktails or dinner at the bar.

The mood in Serenade is much like its name: romantic, relaxing, and worthy of a date for any occasion.

The food, the atmosphere, the service . It all the traces back to one thing: the chef.

Chef James Laird built his steady but popular restaurant on his interest in the culinary arts. As a graduate from the Culinary Institute of America, James left the US to increase his talent and experience in Europe, under the careful eyes of renowned chefs Georges Blanc and Alain Pic. And increase he did.

As a kitchen official of many different restaurants including Lespinasse, The River Cafй, and Aureole, he continued to fine-tune his talent, finally moving on to a sous-chef position at the highly acclaimed Ryland Inn in New Jersey. He’s left traces of his amazing talent wherever he’s been, From “Extraordinary” ratings (an equivalent of four stars) to descriptions of “soft and subtle love songs” (talking about his divine cuisine of course!). But he’s found his happiness in Serenade, a restaurant “among the Garden State’s most rewarding dining destinations.”

Where can I find this heavenly place? Glad you asked.

The restaurant is located close by, if you live in Chatham NJ, and is worth the commute no matter where you live in New Jersey.

I am constantly searching to find and recommend places for my clients and welcome any reviews YOU may have coming from your New Jersey home..

So, go on, make a reservation! Although it’s just one of many amazing dining experiences near your home in New Jersey, it is a special one.

Great Restaurants Await if You Live in Summit New Jersey

July 10, 2012 by rbenjamin 1 Comment

New Jersey is home to a number of sophisticated restaurants, from Florinos to Roots Steakhouse, especially for those who live in Summit, NJ. But, wherever you live in New Jersey, and for whatever occasion, you are lucky to have a wide variety so you can always find your type of fine dining.

Like, for instance, if you love a good steak and fine wine? Go to Roots Steakhouse!

When you arrive at the doors, you’ll find what you’ve been looking for – delicious food and great customer service. However, don’t forget to make a reservation, since Roots is known as being one of the hot spots in NJ.

Roots prides itself on being upscale, well-attended, and worthy of being seen. Which is why it’s price range is a bit up there compared to other restaurants near your Summit New Jersey home. The full bar is home to good, epicurean wine and beer, making your experience there a fun one. The noise level at the bar can get right up there and getting a seat can be tough, so I definitely recommend getting to the bar early for a good spot. Otherwise it’s standing room only.

Plenty Of Options if You Live in Summit New Jersey

Try Florino’s! This Summit New Jersey dining experience will have you seated and feeling part of their family before the main course arrives. This is absolutely one of my favorites. I can always count on running into a ton of my friends here.

Many a review has said it’s a favorite, so don’t forget to make a reservation! The great service, elegantly served food, and good atmosphere are some of the things that make it a favorite to those who live in New Jersey, but don’t forget the wine. Florino’s is very serious about its wine, and you can tell by its delicate wine menu (at all price points!) and main floor wine library and cellar.

Sounds good, doesn’t it?

So, grab a parking spot, make a reservation, and enjoy some of New Jersey’s fine dining near your New Jersey home!