You may not know this but August 25th – August 31st is when the annual celebration of “Be Kind to Human Kind” week takes place. It’s a week when you can do things to try and make the world a better place. In fact, each day of the week has a theme:

• Monday – Drive Courteously
• Tuesday – Spread Kindness, One Heart at a Time
• Wednesday – Offer a Helping Hand
• Thursday – Treat Others Well
• Friday – Come Together
• Saturday – Say Something Nice
• Sunday – Show Them That You Care

But you don’t really need a special week to make the world a little bit better. The little things you do and say on a daily basis can have a big impact on those around you. If you’re looking for some ideas on how you can pay it forward or share some random acts of kindness, here are 50 ways:

1. Pay for someone’s coffee.
2. Put money in a meter that is about to expire. 
3. Leave a generous tip for a waiter or waitress.
4. Hold the door open for someone behind you.
5. Smile at a stranger.
6. Clean out your closet and dressers and donate your clothes.
7. Pay someone a compliment.
8. Leave a copy of a great book at your favorite coffee shop for someone else to read.
9. Send some bagels to your local fire department.
10. Write a positive review for someone on Yelp.
11. Spend some time visiting an elderly family member or neighbor.
12. Volunteer time at your local animal shelter.
13. Donate blood.
14. Introduce yourself to a new neighbor and bring them a small welcome gift.
15. Let someone in front of you at the grocery store who may only have a few things to check out.
16. Offer words of encouragement to someone who may need it.
17. Tell a funny joke to someone.
18. Spend time with a child teaching them something new.
19. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or in a local food pantry.
20. Offer to babysit for a single mom or dad.
21. Mail a card to someone out of the blue.
22. Be a courteous driver.
23. Fill the copy machine at work with paper.
24. Before you throw something away, decide if you could reuse or recycle the item.
25. Clean up trash in your local park.
26. Set up a non-perishable food drive for your local food pantry.
27. Send a positive text message to three different people today.
28. Write a recommendation for a co-worker on LinkedIn.
29. Let a store manager know when you receive great customer service from an employee.
30. Bring extra pet food to your local animal shelter.
31. Hide dollar bills in children’s library books.
32. Put your phone away and provide someone with your undivided attention.
33. Become a mentor to someone.
34. Say “yes” to someone who asks for your help.
35. Send a thank you note to a teacher who had a positive influence on you.
36. Offer to take a photo for someone.
37. Bring a plant or flowers to a neighbor.
38. Put some money in a musician’s or performer’s cup.
39. Make a charitable donation.
40. Help someone carrying packages.
41. Buy a homeless person a warm jacket or sleeping bag.
42. Start a new pot of coffee at work if you take the last cup.
43. Pay the toll for the car behind you.
44. Let someone in front of you when traffic has to merge.
45. Leave a gift card on the shelf at a local store where someone will find it.
46. Say hello to someone in the elevator.
47. Show some extra patience in a difficult situation.
48. Bring some treats to your local library staff.
49. Grab a friend, go for a walk, and let them do the talking.
50. Tell your partner how much you appreciate them.

You don’t have to wait for “Be Kind to Human Kind” week to do something nice for someone. You can do it any time you want! Today is the perfect day to get started!

The time of the year that many have been anxiously waiting for is here. The Halloween season has finally arrived. This is the time of the year when everyone fulfills their spooking needs. From haunted hayrides, to spook walks, and pumpkin patches, there is a lot to look forward to during the Halloween season.

If you’re in New Jersey and looking for fun Halloween attractions, the good news is that New Jersey has plenty of heart-pounding attractions coming up.

Here are some popular Halloween attractions in New Jersey:

Haunted Scarehouse

Haunted Scarehouse is located in Wharton, NJ. This haunted house is recognized by Halloween enthusiasts as the most original and innovative haunted attraction in New Jersey! Haunted Scarehouse features two floors of jaw-dropping props, and rooms decorated like movie sets with actors to increase the tension. Come and see for yourself why Haunted Scarehouse was rated by America’s Best Haunted House as the Scariest Haunt in the United States.

Night of Terror

Find this haunted attraction at the Creamy Acres Farms, in Mullica Hill, NJ. Night of Terror includes haunted attractions such as two haunted houses, two outside walk-through attractions, a corn maze, and an award-winning Ride of Terror haunted hayride. There is also a Haunted Paintball Ride, where there are props and live zombies to shoot, from the safety of a wagon ride.

Dracula’s Domain

This haunted attraction welcomes the bravest of souls. Dracula’s Domain is located in Jackson, NJ. Face your haunted fears on a spooky hayride through 66 acres. Only if you survive the hayride will you be able to walk the most horrifying walk of your life through the Psycho Path. Walk through the Dead End Corn Maze, and try to find your way through a labyrinth while being terrorized by zombies and the insane!

Bane

If you’re looking for the scare of your life, then come and test your boundaries at Bane.  This haunted attraction is located in Livingston, NJ, and is known as one of the scariest and most interactive haunted attractions in New Jersey. The Bane includes 40,000 square feet of haunted space, and will give you an adrenaline rush that you’ve never experienced before.

Field of Terror

The Field of Terror is the largest haunted attraction farm in New Jersey. Located in East Windsor, this haunted farm offers 120 acres of haunted hayrides, walk-through attractions, and a corn maze. The haunted walk-throughs at the Field of Terror includes the Unknown and Dementia, and the family friendly flashlight maze. If you’re around the East Coast of New Jersey, be sure to fulfill your spook needs by going to Field of Terror.

Don’t miss out on the fun this Halloween season; simply find a Halloween attraction to go to! If you’re craving a heart-stopping adrenaline rush this Halloween season, there are plenty of haunted attractions to choose from. Anywhere from the Field of Terror, to the Bane, and the Haunted Scarehouse, New Jersey has it all.

The Best Family Beaches to Visit in New Jersey

The New Jersey shoreline isn’t only known for its nightlife, but it’s also known for having some of the best family-friendly beaches in the United States.  New Jersey has an entire 130 miles of shoreline, filled with some of the prettiest beaches around. Anywhere from scenic boardwalks to national parks, you can find a variety of beautiful beaches to bring your family.

Maybe it’s your first time in New Jersey, and you’d like to enjoy a nice day on the beach with your family, or maybe you’ve lived in New Jersey (or close by) for a while, and you’re finally ready to explore the beaches with your family. Here’s a list of the best NJ beaches to get you started:

Sandy Hook National Seashore   

This seven-mile beach and national park is known for its view of the Manhattan skyline. If you enjoy seafood, Sandy Hook has plenty of restaurants in the Atlantic Highlands. You can also find food trucks by the parking areas. Sandy Hook is the perfect beach for bird-watching, fishing, swimming, and lying out.

Long Branch  

Long Branch has one of the largest beaches on the Jersey Shore. Bring your family to a beach that is filled with stunning boardwalks, fine restaurants, and shopping. The Pier Village consists of plenty of shops and restaurants, including McLoone’s Pier House, and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Take your kids to the playground, which is located at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park.

Asbury Park   

Asbury Park is known for its boardwalk, Bamboozle Festival, as well as the North East Food Trucks Park. Bring your kids along to other family-friendly activities, such as mini-golfing at Asbury Eighteen, and the Asbury Splash Park. Or go to the Silverball Museum Arcade, where there are plenty of pinball machines! Asbury Park is also filled with great restaurants, such as Pop’s Garage, The Crepe Shop, Langosta Lounge, and more.

Island Beach State Park

This preserved barrier island offers beautiful bay and ocean beaches. Island Beach State Park is the perfect beach for camping and grilling. There are plenty of restrooms, located at each of the beach entrances. Parking is also very accessible. However, if you’re coming to Island Beach State Park with young kids, keep in mind that the further down the island you park, the more walking you will have to do. Reserve an entire day filled with kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and more. Bring your dog along as well. Island Beach State Park welcomes dogs on leashes, only in the park areas.

Long Beach Island

Take your family to a beautiful 18-mile white sandy beach. Long Beach Island includes 17 towns and five boroughs. For stunning panoramic views of Long Beach Island, visit the Barnegat Lighthouse, which is located on the north side. Take your kids to the Fantasy Island Amusement Park, which is a Victorian-themed park in Beach Haven. If you’re visiting Long Beach Island during the summer, check out some family-friendly events, including children’s movies and free concerts.

So pack your swimsuit and bring along your children, because it’s time to go beach exploring! Set aside a Saturday afternoon and enjoy some downtime with your family at one of Jersey Shore’s best family beaches!

Everybody loves wine! New Jersey is home to some incredible wineries that are a great way to spend a day, or a weekend depending on your taste! The vast countryside of New Jersey lends itself to dozens of wineries across the state, below are a few of the headliners.

White Horse Winery

White Horse Winery is a winery on the smaller side in Hammonton, New Jersey. There is a luxurious tasting room there that offers $10 tastings! This package entitles you to 5 different wines to sample. There are also other packages that include food or more wine tastings, all affordably priced. A unique thing about the White Horse Winery is their wine club. The club gives you exclusive access to discounts, events, and other great incentives. A big reason people join the club is access to premium wines. In the winter, Spring, and Fall, White Horse sends you 4 premium bottles of wine. They send you whatever their winemaker thinks would be best, depending on the season, so it is always a nice treat. To learn more about White Horse Winery visit their website http://www.whitehorsewinery.com/.

Valenzano Family Winery

Valenzano Winery is located in the small town of Shamong, New Jersey. The scenery at Valenzano is exceptionally beautiful, even or a winery. This makes it a popular destination for weddings and other elegant events. In addition to these large events, Valenzano’s also offers tours and tastings of their wines. You get a full tour of the production facility, barrel room, and bottling plant. You even get to walk outside and take a stroll through the beautiful vineyards. A tour at Valenzano’s is a little pricey, costing $49 per person, but we promise it is worth every penny! As for the wine, there is a little something for everyone. With wines starting as low as $11 and just about every kind you can think of, everyone will be able to find something for them. Check Valenzano’s website for more information on their tours and vast wine selections. https://valenzanowine.com/

Heritage Vineyards

Heritage Vineyards has been producing family grown grapes for their wine since 1853. It has won New Jersey Winery Of The Year 3 different times and as recently as 2015. They offer tastings 7 days a week for as low $8! There are guided tours available of the winery and the vineyards, but only on Saturdays at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Tours are only $20, which is a pretty good price for a tour of such an amazing winery. Like White Horse Winery, Heritage Vineyards has a wine club open for the public to join. There are a few different packages that all deliver you a package of 3 bottles of Heritage Vineyards wine 4 times per year. It is a great way to try different kinds of wine without going out and struggling to find something to buy. The club also gives you tons of great discounts on events at the vineyard and win from Heritage. Check out Heritage’s website to learn more about their vineyard and wine club. http://www.heritagewinenj.com/.

There is no bad time to go to a winery, but with the weather turning nice it makes it a little more enjoyable. If you are into wine you have probably been to a few of the wineries above, but if you haven’t you need to check them out. They have a wine for everyone and the tours are very engaging and give a good look into the wine-making process. Now it is time to get out there and get to wine tasting!

The summer is quickly approaching which means more free time for you and the kids! Keeping yourself and your children occupied through a long summer is not an easy task. There are only so many fun activities in the apartment and around the community, so it might be a good time to explore. Below are some great summertime activities to do with you and your kids close to Weatherby.

High Elevations Trampoline Park

Located in Sewell, New Jersey, High Elevations is a massive indoor gymnastics themed park great for a variety of ages. It is a essentially a big warehouse filled with trampolines, ball pits, and anything else you can jump, bounce, or fly off of. There is a trampoline dodgeball court, basketball court, and a massive foam pit great for diving into. There is a special area of the park specifically meant for children ages 6 and under, so High Elevations Trampoline Park truly is fun for the whole family. Check out highelevationtrampolinepark.com for more information!

Bridgeport Speedway

If you have the need for speed, or even if you don’t, Bridgeport Speedway is a great way to spend a day. There are races at the track pretty much every weekend and even some big weekend long events throughout the summer. Races at the Speedway usually feature cars flying at over 100 mph on a dirt track, making it one of the fastest of it’s kind. There are various concessions and other events to enjoy alongside the races. Whether you are a fan of auto racing or not, a day at Bridgeport Speedway is a great time. Check here for more information on the track and upcoming events http://www.bpspeedway.com/events/

Old Cedar Campground

Camping isn’t for everyone, but if you have never done it you need to give it a try. There is no better place than Old Cedar Campground located in nearby Monroeville. The campground has all the classic features you would expect, like a swimming pool, lake, fishing, playground, mini golf, tennis, basketball, and so much more! There truly is something for everyone at the Old Cedar. Old Cedar has a few different ways to stay. If you have a tent or a more permanent camper or RV, you can rent a site by the nite or week. There are also cabins that can be rented for a little higher price, but still a cheap weekend for the family. One thing is for sure, you will not have trouble finding activities to keep you busy at Old Cedar Campground.

These are just 3 of the biggest attractions close to home in Gloucester County, but there are all kinds of other great things to do. We can talk and talk about how great summer around Woolwich Township can be, but the best way for you to find out is to go out and experience it on your own.

Winter is the time for cold and snow, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep yourself locked in all day! While the weather may feel a little unpleasant, it also allows for some really fun activities that happen only during the wintertime. From the active to the relaxing, here are some entertaining things to keep you busy during the winter season.

Ice Skating – Indoors and Out

Nothing says “winter” quite like a calming afternoon of ice skating. Even if you aren’t a great skater–it takes balance!–it’s still nice to sit and watch skaters circle round and round the rink. Your closest ice skating option is the Swedesboro outdoor skating rink at Auction Park, which is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on most weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the weekend. The rink even hosts hockey games! If you’re looking for something a little more inclusive, Millennium Skate World in Camden accommodates parties and has other fun activities, like an arcade. So, whether you’re taking a date or the kids, or even going alone, a little ice skating is a good way to enjoy the benefits of winter and get a little bit of exercise.

Weekend Ski Trip Opportunities

Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and sledding are among the best winter activities. Unfortunately, as you probably know, there aren’t too many options nearby for genuine skiing and snowboarding. However, if you’re willing to travel a little, and maybe even spend a weekend, there are some mountains a few hours away in Pennsylvania. One of your closest options is Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon Township, PA, which has multiple trails, a terrain park, and tubing. Similarly, Shawnee Mountain in East Stroudsburg, PA has all the same activities but with a seemingly greater focus on family-friendliness.

Camping, the Easy Way or the Hard Way

Wait, camping is supposed to be a summer activity, isn’t it? Not necessarily. Camping during the winter offers unique challenges and spectacular views of nature that you can’t get any other time of the year. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sit shivering in your snow-covered tent; you could always rent a cabin for the weekend. Nearby Four Seasons Family Campground in Pilesgrove is true to its name – it’s open year-round and offers cabins with full bathroom, heating and kitchens. It won’t be too much work for you to find other campgrounds in the nearby area that are open to visitors during the coldest months.

Carriage Rides and a Dickens Extravaganza in Cape May

Cape May might be a hot tourist area during the summer, but it undergoes a transformation once the snow begins to fall and a calm falls upon the town. You can take a scenic stroll down the quaint streets, visit the lighthouse, and even have a carriage ride give you a historical tour of the town. Talk about romantic! If you time your visit right, you might even make the Charles Dickens Extravaganza, a series of events covering the famous author of “A Christmas Carol.” If you’re in dire need of some holiday spirit, a trip to Cape May might just be what the doctor ordered.

With Halloween around the corner, it’s understandable if you’re a little more on edge than normal. It’s that time of the season when you second guess shadows and hear things go bump in the night. But, what if something really is moving in the shadows and going bump in the night? According to some, New Jersey is full of haunted places – and we’re not talking about scary haunted house amusements. If you’re the least bit suspicious, steer clear of these supposedly haunted New Jersey locales.

Ringwood Manor, Stomping Ground for Revolutionary Soldiers

Ringwood Manor, located on 582 acres of land in Ringwood, would be anyone’s dream mansion, if only it weren’t haunted. According to legend, the house was built on land steeped in Native American legend. The original owner, Robert Erskine, headed up the American Iron Company and played a large part in the Revolutionary War as George Washington’s cartographer. Erskine was buried near a pond on the land in the 1700s, and visitors to the estate have seen his ghost staring out across the pond. Others have reported also seeing ghosts of French Revolutionary soldiers, as well as a friendlier ghost named Sally who greets guests as they arrive. The house is now a National Historic Landmark District. After all, what person would ever want to own it?

Clinton Road, the Scariest Drive in New Jersey

By many accounts, a lot of strange stuff has gone on near Clinton Road in West Milford. The most popular tale is that of the ghost boy who stands guard at one of the bridges that crosses Clinton Brook, also known as Dead Man’s Curve. Tradition holds that you place a quarter in the middle of the road, which the boy will collect at midnight. But, make sure you watch out for the phantom cars that people have reported driving down the road at night. Sightings aren’t limited to ghosts – there have also been sightings of strange creatures roaming around the area, thought to be survivors of Jungle Habitat, a nearby safari park that closed down in the 1970s.

The Devil’s Tower, Haunted by the Wife of Its Builder

Not to be mistaken with the natural rock formation in Wyoming, this Devil’s Tower in Alpine is manmade and much more frightening. You need only look at a picture of the tall, brick structure to get a serious case of the the creeps. That’s not what makes the building so terrifying, though. Although not too much is known about the history of the tower, legend has it that a man named Manuel Rionda built it in the early 1900s for his wife, who later died after jumping–or being pushed–from the top of the tower. Apparently, her spirit haunts the tower to this day.

Pine Barrens, Home of the Jersey Devil

Not all places are necessarily haunted by ghosts. On paper, the Pine Barrens of South New Jersey sound idyllic: a one-million-acre National Reserve home to seven counties and plenty of natural forest. But, if you grew up in the Garden State, the reality is a little spookier than that. As any New Jerseyan knows, the Pine Barrens is where the Jersey Devil lives. For centuries, unfortunate settlers have spotted the creature, which is described as a mix between flying combination of a goat, kangaroo, and a bat. Even Joseph Bonaparte, brother of the famous Napoleon, reported seeing the creature. You might want to take your camping trip elsewhere!

While there are always concerts to attend throughout the year, there’s just something about seeing a great music show during a great stretch of weather. A memorable musical experience can be the highlight of the summer, or even the year, and this season there is plenty in the area worth seeing, no matter your tastes. Here are some of the biggest shows worth checking out this summer.

Kidz Bop Kids – July 23, Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ

Chances are that if you’re reading this, you don’t particularly care for Kidz Bop, the musical troupe made entirely of kids who cover pop songs in a kid-friendly way. It’s true that, among adults, Kidz Bop has a less-than-stellar reputation, but if you’ve got some tykes, what better way to introduce them to the concept of a live show while also indulging their musical senses? You might be tempted to plug your ears for the entire concert, but it could make for an overall worthy experience for the whole family.

Art Garfunkel – July 30 at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ

Sure, you might feel a little shortchanged in getting to see only half of the famous ‘60s folk group, Simon & Garfunkel. And although it’s the Paul Simon half of the group who’s found more fame since the duo split up, Art’s still worth seeing. While the two have performed together in recent years, it’s an infrequent occurrence and who knows when they’ll get together for a show again. Plus, with Garfunkel’s worsening throat issues and ever-increasing age, if you’ve ever wanted to hear “Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water” live, you’d be better to go sooner rather than later.

Wiz Khalifa and Kevin Gates – August 5 at BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ

These two hip-hop artists are no longer just up-and-coming names – they’re full-blown stars. Wiz has been a well-known name for a little longer than Gates, but both now have big hits to their names. If you’ve listened to the radio in the past year, you’ve probably heard “See You Again” or “2 Phones” at least once. The lineup for this sure-to-be pleasantly raucous outdoor concert also includes Jhene Aiko, Casey Veggies, and DJ Drama.

98 Degrees – August 12 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ

Embrace your inner ‘90s kid with this reunion tour of one of the most popular boy bands of the turn of the millennium – 98 Degrees. Perhaps that’s not enough to induce a nostalgia attack, so they’ll also be joined by other mainstays of the era: O-Town, Dream, and Ryan Cabrera. If you missed them the first time around, now’s your chance!

Philadelphia Folk Festival – August 18-21 in Salford Township, PA

As the end of summer approaches, there are few better ways to wind down than with some soothing folk music. The Philadelphia Folk Festival, billed as the longest continuously-running outdoor festival in North America, celebrates its 55th anniversary this year with performances from Los Lobos, the Lone Bellow, and many more. While you could stick around for just one day, you could also bring a tent and make it a weekend – this festival is camping friendly.