Category Archives: Activities

Planning Your Summer Trip to New Jersey: Things To Do and Tips to Keep You Safe

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Planning Your Summer Trip to New Jersey: Things To Do and Tips to Keep You Safe

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Photo Courtesy: Stacey Jal

Planning a summer trip out East this summer? Don’t forget to check out the “Garden State.”
Although New Jersey is the fourth smallest state in the U.S., it’s not small on things to do and see. Check out our recommendations for things to check out this summer, as well as a few safety tips to consider while traveling.

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Photo Credit: Lizzy M.

Battleship Brewfest

Hosted by the New Jersey Brewers Association, Battleship Brewfest is celebrating its 23rd
anniversary this summer. Buy tickets to the festival and you can sample craft beer from New
Jersey breweries, and get an up-close and personal look at Battleship New Jersey. Enjoy live
music, food vendors, and support your favorite craft brewer!

Fourth of July Celebrations

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Photo Credit: Mike D.

Wherever you end up in New Jersey, you’re likely to find a celebration on or around the 4th of
July. Oceanfest in Long Branch is a popular event for both tourists and locals alike or head to
Keansburg Amusement Park for their Independence Day celebration.
If you’re unable to visit New Jersey until after the 4th, but want to catch a fireworks show,
Tropicana in Atlantic City has a fireworks show every Saturday night until September.

Rugged Maniac

Who says kids are the only ones who can have outdoor fun this summer? Rugged Maniac is an
event in Englishtown that’s just for adults. Take part in getting through over 25 obstacle courses
(that’s three miles long) and celebrate your success (or failure) with beer and music. If you’re
interested in this popular summer event, it’s important to sign up ahead of time to secure
yourself a spot.

Visit a New Jersey Jackals Game

Summertime is the perfect time to catch a baseball game and the professional baseball team,
New Jersey Jackals plays most of their summers games at Yogi Berra Stadium in Montclair.
Check out the full schedule here.

Other Places To Check Out

Whether you are a history buff, a fan of Springsteen, or just want to enjoy a day at the beach, here are other places worth visiting when traveling to New Jersey:

  • Asbury Park
  • Atlantic City
  • Island Beach State Park
  • Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
  • Morey’s Piers
  • Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area
  • Jersey Shore
  • Sahara Sam’s Water Park

We have a plethora of Lakes and Beaches to visit as well, you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose.

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Photo Credit: Asad M.

Tips to Consider While Traveling

Whether you’re heading to New Jersey on a road trip or in a rental from the airport, driving may
be your biggest challenge. The Jersey Turnpike is notorious for being fast and aggressive, so
it’s important to pay attention. If you can’t keep up with the speed of traffic, you better stay in the
right lane.
Many New Jersey residents recommend learning how to drive on a jug handle (which is a type
of ramp). No one expects out-of-towners to be expert New Jersey drivers, but if you stay alert,
focused, and eliminate all distractions, your risk of an accident is low.
If you’re planning to drink alcohol at any event, designate a sober driver, or use a rideshare
service. Nothing ruins a summer trip more than a DUI or an accident.

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Photo Credit: Mike D.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

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Dads are FREE at MEDIEVAL TIMES for Father’s Day!

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What better way is there to celebrate dad than to make him feel like a king?  Treat dad like royalty this Father’s Day at Medieval Times!
Available for all shows now through June 16, Dads are FREE at Medieval Times with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket.  Just use the code DAD19 to take advantage of this great special offer.
A special upgrade package is available for an additional $25 which includes:
  • Framed photo of dad and family
  • 25 oz souvenir glass stein with the choice of draft beer or soda
Everyone in your party does not need to upgrade to the package.  Guests can purchase packages online, by phone, or at the door.
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Beetlejuice: The Musical

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Beetlejuice The Musical has been Nominated for 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical!

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Review by Influencer Wayne Griffin; Bright and colorful, quirky and hilarious…. But “dark” all at once, as is typical of any Tim Burton work. The costumes and sets are vibrant and fun and include some very clever puppetry throughout. Where the movie’s plot centered around the newly deceased Maitland couple, the producers brilliantly adapted the stage play to focus on the grieving daughter Lydia and her journey through sadness, anger, depression and finally the acceptance of losing her mother. Touching on several delicate topics that weren’t as delicate when the 1988 movie debuted (conservatives, immigrants, pedophilia, LGBT), the producers found ways to lightheartedly poke fun and still maintain political correctness. In the end, Lydia ultimately tricks the trickster, as she goads the ultimate con-man Beetlejuice back to the Netherworld.

The writing, production and development of the play took almost six (6) years.

Prices range from $59-$179 (include a $2 facility fee). Recommended for ages 10+. Purchase tickets at https://beetlejuicebroadway.com. 

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BEETLEJUICE stars Tony Award nominee Alex Brightman (School of Rock) in the title role, Two-Time Lortel Award nominee Sophia Anne Caruso (Lazarus) as Lydia, Tony Award nominee Kerry Butler (Mean Girls) as Barbara, Tony Award Nominee Rob McClure (Honeymoon In Vegas) as Adam, Obie Award Winner Adam Dannheisser (Rock of Ages) as Charles, and Two-Time Drama Desk Award Nominee Leslie Kritzer (The Robber Bridegroom) as Delia, with Jill Abramovitz (Fiddler on the Roof) as Maxine Dean, Kelvin Moon Loh(SpongBob SquarePants) as Otho, Danny Rutigliano (Holiday Inn) as Maxie Dean, and Dana Steingold (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) as the Girl Scout, in a cast of 25 that includes Tessa Alves, Gilbert L. Bailey II, Will Blum, Johnny Brantley III, Ryan Breslin, Natalie Charle Ellis, Brooke Engen, Abe Goldfarb, Eric Anthony Johnson, Elliott Mattox, Mateo Melendez, Sean Montgomery, Ramone Owens, Presley Ryan and Kim Sava.

BEETLEJUICE is directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Alex Timbers, with an original score by Eddie Perfect, a book by Scott Brown & Emmy Award nominee Anthony King, music supervision, orchestrations and incidental music by Kris Kukul, and choreography by Connor Gallagher.

It’s showtime, folks! The ghost-with-the-most makes his Broadway debut in this edgy and irreverent musical comedy based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film. BEETLEJUICE tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.  When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes, unleashing a (Nether)world of pandemonium, and the biggest sandworm Broadway has ever seen.

BEETLEJUICE features scenic design by two-time Tony Award nominee David Korins, costume design by six-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner, sound design by four-time Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, projection design by Drama Desk Award winner Peter Nigrini, puppet design by Drama Desk Award winner Michael Curry, special effects design by Jeremy Chernick, illusions by Michael Weber, hair & wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, make-up design by Joe Dulude, physical movement coordinator Lorenzo Pisoni, casting by Telsey + Company and Rachel Hoffman, CSA, dance arrangements by David Dabbon, music producing by Matt Stine, production stage manager Matthew DiCarlo, associate director Catie Davis, associate choreographer Nancy Renee Braun and line producer Jenny Gersten.

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Social Media Details:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeetlejuiceBway/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beetlejuicebway

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beetlejuicebway/

 

*Disclosure: This post is made possible by support from Beetlejuice. All opinions are my own.

Slime Mania Expo Giveaway!

Posted in Activities, Current Giveaways, Kids and Moms by

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This will be the most exciting event in the world of slime!  Karina will be bringing together thousands of slime fans and hosting Slime Mania Expos in many cities across America.

Slime Mania Expo will feature appearances by your favorite slimers, a large vendor marketplace with the best slime companies, slime workshops, on stage activities and demonstrations, Q&A sessions, competitions, slime making, slime trading area, games, raffles, exclusive merchandise, and so much more! A very limited number of different VIP packages will be available for purchase. Tickets will sell out quickly so get your tickets now!

Slime Mania by Karina Garcia

Venue: W100 and Event Center

Date: Saturday, June 15, 2019

Door Time: 12:00pm

Start Time: 12:00pm

 

  • General Admission ($25) – Grants general admission access to event at 12:00 PM. Parents who wish to accompany children with VIP tickets must purchase a GA ticket.
  • Early Access VIP Package ($50)– Grants early access to the event at 11:00 AM and comes with a tote bag w/ goodies, an exclusive, signed Karina Garcia poster and a commemorative VIP laminate.
  • Workshop VIP Package ($75) – Grants early access to the event at 10:00 AM and comes with a tote bag w/ goodies, an exclusive, signed Karina Garcia poster, a commemorative VIP laminate and access to (1) VIP Slime Workshop.

Workshop + Karina M&G VIP Package: $99

  • General Admission Ticket
  • Meet & Greet with Karina Garcia
  • Individual photo with Karina Garcia
  • Access to (1) VIP Slime Workshop
  • Extra Early Access (10:00 AM)
  • Tote Bag w/ goodies
  • Exclusive poster signed by Karina Garcia
  • Commemorative VIP laminate
  • **Parents/Guardians can accompany their child with General Admission Ticket**

Make Slime w/ Karina VIP Package: $149

  • General Admission Ticket
  • Access to Slime Making Session with Karina Garcia
  • Meet & Greet with Karina Garcia
  • Individual photo with Karina Garcia
  • Access to (1) VIP Slime Workshop
  • Extra Early Access (10:00 AM)
  • Tote Bag w/ goodies
  • Exclusive poster signed by Karina Garcia
  • Commemorative VIP laminate
  • **Parents/Guardians can accompany their child with General Admission Ticket**

Make Slime w/ Karina VIP Package (Afternoon Session): $149
Includes:

  • Access to Slime Making Session with Karina Garcia (Afternoon Session)
  •  Meet & Greet with Karina Garcia
  • Individual photo with Karina Garcia
  • Access to (1) VIP Slime Workshop
  • Extra Early Access (10:00 AM)
  • Tote Bag w/ goodies
  • Exclusive poster signed by Karina Garcia
  • Commemorative VIP laminate

I am giving away TWO FREE GENERAL ADMISSION PASSES to the expo at iPlay America June 8th! Enter to win now!

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Pretty Woman: The Musical on Broadway!

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Pretty woman is iconic. Made famous by the 1990 hit movie featuring the beautiful and talented Julia Roberts is now a Broadway Musical, and all the fun that you’d expect! Continue reading below for a special discount for my readers!

The beloved 1990 rags-to-riches romantic comedy has been adapted into a stage musical, filled with power ballads written by pop singer Bryan Adams and his longtime songwriting partner, Jim Vallance.

In this modern update on Cinderella, a prostitute and a wealthy businessman fall hard for one another, forming an unlikely pair.  The two continue to get closer, only to discover there are significant hurdles to overcome as they try to bridge the gap between their very different worlds.

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PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has opened on Broadway and is playing to sold-out-audiences. With
original music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, a book by Garry Marshall and the film’s
screenwriter J.F. Lawton, and direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, PRETTY
WOMAN: THE MUSICAL plays at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st Street).
Tickets for PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL are now on sale for performances through Sunday, September 1, 2019.

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The play was purposely crafted to stay “true” to the movie, including all the iconic scenes and Vivian’s outfits. The producers were particularly proud of how the racially diverse cast of actors, missing from the 1990 motion picture set in ’80s Los Angeles, has developed over time with the play’s cast. An unintended, but pleasant consequence of the perfect players eventually settling in to the various roles.  With music written by ’80s pop singer/songwriter Bryan Adams, the selections covered everything from rock to pop to country to opera. Andy Karl who plays high-powered businessman Edward Lewis (who is interestingly married to fellow cast member Orfeh (Kit DeLuca), spent time with Adams studying his vocal inflections and nuances. It’s obvious during his performances how reminiscent of the legendary singer, Karl’s singing sounds.  Bright and colorful sets and costumes with multiple outfit changes throughout the production. Funnier than the big screen version, Vivian (Samantha Bark), Kit (Orfeh) and Giulio (Nico DeJesus) keep the audience laughing throughout. Undoubtedly, actor Eric Anderson who plays Happy Man and Mr. Thompson, steals the show with humor, versatility and charisma. – Written by Wayne Griffin

Show Run Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

I have a treat for you! My readers receive discounted tickets to the show, so treat yourself or your Mom this Mother’s Day and plan an adult Date Night to see Pretty Woman on Broadway with this discount code: MOM1

–       Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrettyWoman

–       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrettyWoman

–       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettywoman/

–       YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/PrettyWomanTheMusical

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PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL stars Samantha Barks as ‘Vivian’ opposite three-time Tony Award nominee and Laurence
Olivier Award winner Andy Karl (Groundhog Day, Rocky) as ‘Edward,’ with Tony Award nominee Orfeh (Legally Blonde) as
‘Kit,’ Eric Anderson (Waitress) as ‘Mr. Thompson,’ Jason Danieley (The Full Monty) as ‘Philip Stuckey,’ and Kingsley
Leggs (Sister Act) as ‘James Morse’ in a company of 25 that includes Allison Blackwell, Tommy Bracco, Brian Calì, Robby
Clater, Jessica Crouch, Nico DeJesus, Anna Eilinsfeld, Matt Farcher, Lauren Lim Jackson, Renée Marino, Ellyn Marie
Marsh, Jillian Mueller, Jake Odmark, Jennifer Sanchez, Matthew Stocke, Alex Michael Stoll, Alan Wiggins, Jesse Wildman
Foster and Darius Wright.
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by
Kenneth Posner & Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, and music
supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke.
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL had its world premiere at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre in March 2018, with Chris Jones
from The Chicago Tribune raving, “A shrewd and savvy retooling of the blockbuster by maestro Jerry Mitchell.”
Tickets for PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL are now on sale at the Nederlander Theatre box office and at
http://www.ticketmaster.com (877.250.2929). Tickets range from $79 – $179. The playing schedule for PRETTY WOMAN: THE
MUSICAL is: Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, matinees Wednesday and Saturday
at 2pm and Sunday at 3pm.

What’s most important is that Pretty Woman herself, Julia Roberts approves!

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*Disclosure: This post is made possible by support from Pretty Woman: The Musical. All opinions are my own. Co-written by Wayne Griffin who attended the talk-back portion of the show.

WWF Legends to Meet with Fans at iPlay America this Spring    

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WWF Legends to Meet with Fans at iPlay America this Spring    

Freehold, NJ., iPlay America will be hosting some of America’s most notorious wrestling legends this spring. Wrestling fan favorites, including hall of famer Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, tag team champions Afa & Sika, “The Wild Samoans,” women’s champion and hall of famer Wendi Richter, and more will be coming to iPlay America’s Warehouse 100 on Saturday, April 27, for an all-day, 80’s Wrestling Con event.

On April 27, join the wrestling fun with this first ever, exclusively 80’s event starring legendary WWF fighters. Sit down with WWF’s biggest stars during a Q&A session where they will talk about the good, the bad and the ugly of 80’s wrestling. Be a part of the ultimate 80’s Wrestling auction, which gives guests the chance to win signed memorabilia, wrestling figures, Coliseum videos, wrestling buddies and more. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event. Additionally, local vendors will be setting up tables at the event, giving guests the chance to learn about businesses in the area.  

Advanced admission tickets, which grants access into the 80’s Wrestling Con event, are available for purchase at https://www.iplayamerica.com/event/80s-wrestling-con/. Doors will open to the event at 10:00 AM. Supertickets, individual autograph tickets, photo-op tickets and Q&A tickets will all be available for purchase at the door.

Be sure to visit https://80swrestlingcon.com/ for more confirmed guests, pictures of auction items, event updates and more.

“When booking new events, we look to bring in opportunities that our audience responds well to,” said Jessica Schwartz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for iPlay America. “Our fans have shown great interest in the wrestling events we’ve held in the past, and the announcement that WrestleMania 2019 will be held in New Jersey has only generated more excitement through the local wrestling fanbase. We are thrilled to be able to bring more wrestling events to the area and host the all-day 80s Wrestling Con event for wrestling fans of all ages.”

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About iPlay America

iPlay America is the place to Get Inside the Fun! It’s all indoor, family-friendly themed environment provides guests nearly four acres of outstanding rides, games, and attractions making it the perfect destination for FUN year round! The Event Center @IPA is home to concerts, corporate events, expos, galas, trade shows, company outings, sporting events, social gatherings, and every kind of party. iPlay America offers guests a mouth-watering selection of Boardwalk style fare, classic American cuisine at Game Time Bar & Grill, and an impressive event catering menu. ALWAYS free to enter, iPlay America’s guests can enjoy exciting attractions like 2-level Laser Tag, Indoor Go-Kart Track, Spinning Coaster and the Sky Trails® High Ropes Course (the largest indoor ropes course in New Jersey). iPlay America is a 2017 winner of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Service. For FUN, fine food, and events of any size, the award winning iPlay America is the place to Get Inside the Fun. iPlay America is located on Route 9 at 110 Schanck Road in Freehold, New Jersey.

Disney’s “The Lion King” Official Trailer is Here!

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Now THIS is what ive been waiting for!!

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THE KING ARRIVES IN 100 DAYS

The brand-new trailer for Disney’s “The Lion King” is available today, marking 100 days until Simba arrives in theaters on July 19.

Disney’s “The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau (“The Jungle Book”), journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

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Staying true to the classic story, director Jon Favreau utilizes pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring the iconic characters to the big screen in a whole new way. Featuring the voices of Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon, Disney’s “The Lion King” opens in U.S. theaters on July 19, 2019.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyLionKing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionking

Website: https://disney.com/lionking

Hashtag: #TheLionKing

Genre:  Action-Adventure

U.S. Release Date:  July 19, 2019

Cast:  Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver, Florence Kasumba, Eric André, Keegan-Michael Key, JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph, with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and James Earl Jones.

Director:  Jon Favreau

Producers: Jon Favreau, Jeffrey Silver, Karen Gilchrist

Screenplay by: Jeff Nathanson