Articles Tagged "Small Businesses"

Still not quite finished with your Christmas shopping? You're not alone. Green Monday is the last day you can order products online if you want to receive them before the holidays. Busy people all over America use this day to get some last-minute shopping done, including our agents. Here are a few of their favorite shops around Ridgewood for snagging those last few presents at the eleventh hour.

Click Here to Read More...

Dietary restrictions and preferences don't have to stop you from dining out when you live in Bergen County. If you're on a gluten-free diet, it's easy to find local restaurants with quality menu items just for you. 

A gluten-free diet excludes foods containing gluten, such as wheat and other grains. While it helps reduce symptoms of Celiac disease, this diet has many other benefits, including weight loss, reduced inflammation, and energy. We know the best spots if you're looking for local restaurants with gluten-free options. Check out this list of recommendations from our agents.

Click Here to Read More...

Chocolate is on many people's list of favorite foods; for some, it's something close to an obsession. Although you don't need a reason to treat yourself, International Chocolate Day is observed on September 13, so mark it on the calendar and plan to visit a local Chocolate Day destination.

Our agents recommend getting your chocolate fix by visiting the following shops.

Click Here to Read More...

September 7th is National Beer Lovers Day, and what better way to celebrate than to unwind with a pint of your favorite brew? If you're moving to a new neighborhood, it may be more difficult to find a place. There are plenty of Ridgewood homes for sale, but are they near any good pubs or breweries? Do they serve the beers you like? We've got you covered. Here's a roundup of our favorite places to have a beer in Ridgewood and the Bergen County area.

• Gearblock Brewing Company - 140 Franklin Turnpike Suite 2, Waldwick, NJ 07463
  Inspired by a love of automobiles and their inner workings, Gearblock Brewing Company serves up a wide variety of award-winning craft beers near Waldwick homes for sale, Friday through Sunday afternoons and evenings. They have everything from pale ales to stouts, plus sours, fruit beers, hard seltzers, and several seasonal offerings, all handcrafted and delicious.

  Click Here to Read More...

The Paramus Summer Food Truck Festival will arrive on August 14th, and we couldn't be more excited. This family-friendly event at Paramus Park Mall will feature music, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, shopping, and much more. There will be more than 20 food trucks available, and our agents have identified some of their favorites:

• Angry Archies
  If you're a fan of crustaceans, be sure to stop by the Angry Archies truck. In addition to crab cakes and lobster rolls, you can find chicken sandwiches, chicken fingers, lobster mac and cheese, truffle fries, potato salad, and more. The selections may vary a bit, but one thing you can count on is that their crab poutine will be making a grand appearance at the event.

  Click Here to Read More...

It's always nice to take a whole day and enjoy it together as a family. You can tour a museum, have a picnic in the park, or learn a new skill together. Luckily, there are plenty of family-friendly sights and things to do around Bergen County. Our agents know the area well and have some great recommendations for local family day destinations. 

1. The Hermitage: 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423
   If you're looking at Ho-Ho-Kus homes for sale, The Hermitage is a great place to visit nearby. This small home has a rich history. In 1778, George Washington stayed at the home while on his way to White Plains. William Paterson, Alexander Hamilton, and Peggy Shippen Arnold also stayed at the home.

   Click Here to Read More...

Whether it's a romantic date or a family celebration, an elevated dining experience can really set the scene for life's special moments. Our agents love heading out for a great steak, fresh seafood, and a nice glass of wine on the weekends. Thankfully, the Bergen County food scene does not disappoint. We have many upscale restaurants where you can wine and dine with the people you love the most.

When casual dining just won't cut it, you can enjoy a high-quality meal at one of these Bergen County fine dining destinations.

Click Here to Read More...

With International Yoga Day right around the corner on June 21st, it's time to celebrate one of the greatest fitness revolutions in the modern era. Millions of people across the country practice yoga every single day, and there are many studios throughout Bergen County. We can't list them all, but our agents have put together their favorites:

• Shree Yoga Studios — 3 Barnstable Ct., Saddle River, NJ 07458
  Shree Yoga Studios refers to itself as the "Harvard of Yoga," and we'd say this is a very accurate description. They offer both in-studio and online classes for people of all fitness levels, health conditions, yoga experiences, and ages. If you want to do a deep dive into their past classes, they offer a virtual library through their website where you can access past Zoom classes 24/7. This studio is close to quite a few Saddle River homes for sale, so check it out when you're nearby.

  Click Here to Read More...

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? If you're a fan of chocolate, you're not alone. In fact, so many people love chocolate ice cream that there is an entire holiday dedicated to the flavor. June 7th is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, and our real estate agents can recommend some great Bergen County ice cream shops to visit in celebration. 

• Van Dyk's Homemade Ice Cream: 145 Ackerman Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
  Van Dyk's Homemade Ice Cream is a small, family-owned ice cream shop. They make all of their own products in-house, and their ice cream is smooth and creamy. 
  
  In honor of National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, ordering chocolate would make sense. But Van Dyk's also has chocolate chip, chocolate peanut butter, cheesecake brownie, and coffee chip. They sell pints and quarts to take home for later, and their milkshakes have quite a following, too.

  Click Here to Read More...

Our agents are always excited to hear that Bergen County's golf courses have opened up for the season. And now that we've gotten through the wind, rain, and occasional late snowstorm that April often brings, it's time to look ahead to clear skies and smooth fairways. 

New Jersey offers some truly world-class golf courses, and some of the very best are right here in Bergen County. These local courses near our Ridgewood homes for sale are truly above par.

Click Here to Read More...

Nobody is quite sure who invented the hamburger. Some say it originated in Hamburg, Germany. Others say it originated in Hamburg, New York. There's even evidence to suggest medieval folks ate meat patties similar to hamburgers. Regardless of which of these theories you subscribe to, one thing is for sure: Burgers are delicious.

Luckily, May is National Burger Month, the perfect occasion to treat yourself to one of these juicy, mouthwatering creations. If you're looking at Ridgewood homes for sale, we recommend some nearby burger restaurants.

• The Office Tavern Grill: 32-34 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
  The Office Tavern Grill is a laid-back neighborhood bar where you can enjoy drinks and burgers with friends. Their Tavern Burger is a crowd-pleaser. Made from 100% ground chuck, it comes topped with provolone, stout-braised onions, bacon, and burger sauce.

  Click Here to Read More...

If you've always wanted to get started in an activity like dance or art or have been looking to improve your skills, you'll find plenty of classes around Ridgewood that can help. You'll not only learn and have fun but will also find others who share a common interest with you.

Our agents suggest checking out the following classes in Ridgewood.

Click Here to Read More...

With today's fast-paced schedules, lunch often becomes the forgotten member of the day's meal trifecta. Help our agents change that status by observing National Make Lunch Count Day on Wednesday, April 13. Enjoy a quality midday meal at one of these wonderful restaurants around Ridgewood. 

• From Scratch - 44 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
  Some of the best restaurants are like eating at home but at another level. Chef Claudia Rovegno brought recipes from her native Rome to provide fresh, homemade, gourmet meals at From Scratch. At Claudia's unique "grocery bistro," you can eat on-site or take out a meal from the grab-and-go menu. Be sure to try the Pinsa Romana, a lighter and healthier version of traditional pizza. Hours are noon - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

  Click Here to Read More...

March 14th is a big day for pie lovers throughout the country. Every year when Pi Day rolls around, area bakeries put out their best pies of the year for everyone to enjoy. Our agents know that looking at real estate can work up quite the appetite and recommend the following bakeries where you can find a slice of pie and a little rest and relaxation.

• Reinholds Quality Bakery - 32 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 07463
  From cupcakes to cookies to custom cakes, Reinholds Quality Bakery, located near these Waldwick homes for sale, has it all. And, of course, that includes pies in a variety of flavors. Customers also rave about the Yum Yums, twisted cinnamon donuts with a delicious glaze topping.

  Click Here to Read More...

The margarita was invented in Mexico in the 1930s, and since then, it has become ever more popular in the U.S. and beyond. Now, there's even a holiday to celebrate this tasty drink: National Margarita Day! It's coming up on February 22. The best part is that all you have to celebrate is sit down, relax, and enjoy a margarita. So, we recommend you take a short break from looking at Ridgewood homes for sale and stop by one of these restaurants.

• Sangria: 1033 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah, NJ 07430
  The restaurant might be named Sangria, but they make delicious margaritas, too. This is a convenient place to stop if you're looking at Mahwah homes for sale. They're open daily for dinner, and their menu includes a delightful selection of Spanish favorites, including albondigas, tostones, and paella. The bartenders at Sangria make a delicious margarita, served in a tall glass with a slice of lime. They also have a great selection of Spanish beers and wines, along with sangria and sangria cocktails.

  Click Here to Read More...

For special events, you go out to celebrate at a restaurant. For very special events, you book a private dining room in the restaurant, so you and your guests can enjoy great food and have a great time without disturbing or being disturbed by the other customers. Which restaurants have private dining rooms, though? It can be a challenge to organize, especially if you've just moved to a new neighborhood. Fortunately, we can help. Our agents know the Bergen County area backward and forwards and, once you've moved into your new home, can help you find the best restaurants with private event rooms near you. Here's a list of our favorites.

• The Rail Yard Tavern - 14-26 Plaza Rd. N, Fair Lawn, NJ, 07410
  Designed to evoke memories of old steam trains, The Rail Yard Tavern is nonetheless a fully modern establishment. With a focus on pizza and steak, they offer a variety of delicious menu options made with the best and freshest ingredients. They also cater to private events, from birthdays to holiday parties to corporate events and more.

  Click Here to Read More...

Celebrate Have a Bagel Day by ordering your favorite variety — plain, with your choice of fillings, or "schmeared" with a tasty spread. Whether you're ordering for breakfast, lunch, a snack, or a treat for the office, you're sure to enjoy its deliciously doughy flavor.
  
Our agents suggest trying one of the following cafes or delis for some of the best bagels around Ridgewood.

Click Here to Read More...

With the holidays approaching more quickly than you're probably prepared for, cross some names off your gift list by making your shopping easy. Instead of hitting the big-box chain stores, pay a visit to some of the unique local shops in Ridgewood, NJ. You'll get superb customer service and be able to find a wide variety of interesting gifts that are sure to please the recipient.
  
Our agents recommend stopping in some of the following stores to make your holiday shopping easy.

1. Olive R. Twist - 34 Wilsey Square, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
   If you have someone who loves to cook on your holiday shopping list, chances are good you can find them something they'll love at Olive R. Twist. The shop carries fresh olive oil and balsamic vinegar that can take a dish to the next level. If you're undecided about what to buy, sample products in the tasting room and get some recommendations from the owners. You can also select some local gourmet foods, kitchenware, cookbooks, or a gift basket with two of the shop's best-selling olive oil and balsamic pairings as well as a Melamine dipping bowl.

   Click Here to Read More...

Visiting a pumpkin patch is such a fun way to celebrate fall. You can meander through the fields with your family or friends, select your favorite pumpkin, and then take it home to carve. The Ridgewood area is home to many great pumpkin patches, many of which also offer other fun fall activities. Here are a few our agents recommend checking out.

• Ward's Pumpkin Patch: 552 NJ Route 17, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
  Ward's Pumpkin Patch is a family-run venue where you can stroll around and choose your own pumpkin. Prices start at just $1 for the smallest pumpkins. They carry unique varieties such as Long Island Cheese, Rock Star, and Red Warty Things and offer painted pumpkins for sale.
  
  In addition to pumpkins, Ward's also sells other fall favorites like ghost suckers, mums, and decorative gourds. You can even pick up some corn stalks to decorate your home for autumn. They're open daily from 10 am until sunset. Dogs are welcome as long as they're leashed.

  Click Here to Read More...

Pepperoni is the country's most popular pizza topping, and it's easy to understand why. The round discs are lightly spiced, so they are flavorful but not aggressively so. And they pair well with other toppings such as sausage, mushrooms, or onion.
  
Pepperoni Pizza Day is on September 20, and you'll have plenty of local pizzerias to choose from if you'd like to enjoy this delicious dish. The following are some of the restaurants our agents head to when they're looking for great pepperoni pizza in and around Ridgewood.

• Santoni's Pizzeria and Restaurant - 88 Godwin Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450  
  Founded over 30 years ago, family-owned and operated Santoni's Pizzeria and Restaurant has become a local favorite. It has a comfortable neighborhood pizzeria feel, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will make you want to make many return visits. Pizzas are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and you can get your pepperoni fix with a Santoni's Special (pepperoni, sausage, peppers, onions, and mushrooms) or a Meat Lover's (pepperoni, ham, meatballs, sausage, and bacon).

  Click Here to Read More...

Who doesn't like pastries? They're available in almost endless varieties and flavors and are delicious for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Luckily, the Ridgewood, NJ, area has a good number of bakeries that will satisfy your sweet tooth with yummy pastries:

Our agents recommend stopping by these amazing pastry shops to treat yourself.

• Sook Pastry 24 S. Broad St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
  Keum-Sook Park brings an impressive culinary resume to Sook Pastry, which has earned local and national awards for its delicious pastries. Check out the display case for drool-worthy, elegant creations like The Prospect, which combines pate a choux, puff pastry, vanilla pastry creme, and chantilly. Or choose other options – including savory or sweet crepes, fruit tarts, croissants – with a long list of variations to suit your tastes. The list of pastries is extensive, so you're sure to find plenty to please your taste buds and plan a return visit to the shop.

  Click Here to Read More...

National Waffle Day is on August 24, a day that commemorates the anniversary of the first patent for a waffle iron in 1869. Waffles were available before then, but this way of cooking enabled the dish to be much more widely available. Since then, waffles have become a breakfast staple and have also been used in a more versatile way, ranging from waffle cones to chicken and waffles.

A waffle is still a perfect breakfast item, but if you'd like to expand your chance to sample this soft yet crispy bit of deliciousness, some area restaurants serve them throughout the day or for lunch or dinner. Our agents suggest trying the following restaurants that serve waffles that aren't just for breakfast.

• The Daily Treat Restaurant - 177 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 
  Owned by the same family for over 50 years, The Daily Treat Restaurant has an eclectic menu. You'll find a wide variety of dishes available, including meat, fish, chicken, pasta, salads, and vegan selections. Belgian waffles are also served each day, so you won't have to time your visit just right to enjoy the tasty treat.

  Click Here to Read More...

Many beef connoisseurs would argue that there is no cut of meat more tender than filet mignon. That's why, when you order it in a restaurant, you want to make sure you're in a place where they do it right. 

Here in the Ridgewood, NJ, area, we're lucky to have some of the best steakhouses in the Northeast just minutes from our doorstep. These are the places our agents go for perfect filet mignon in the Ridgewood area, and we highly recommend that you check them out when you're in town.

• Roots Steakhouse - 17 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
  Offering cooked-to-perfection steaks in a traditional setting, Roots Steakhouse is a reliable destination for a great meal. Choose the perfectly tender 12 oz. filet mignon, or go with the 8 oz. petit filet mignon if you're trying to save room for dessert. Located just minutes from these Ridgewood homes for sale, Roots Steakhouse also serves up some outstanding seafood, including Maine lobster and one of the best raw bars in the Ridgewood area.

  Click Here to Read More...

Summer is here, and the days are hot! If you're a dedicated coffee drinker, this probably means you're reaching for iced coffee rather than hot. But where are the best places to order iced coffee in Ridgewood? Our agents happen to know a thing or two about coffee, and they have a few recommendations to share.

• Rey Sol Coffee: 22 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
  Stop by Rey Sol Coffee after looking at Ridgewood homes for sale. This cozy coffee shop has padded chairs where you can relax and sip your drink. They source their own coffee from Columbia, and it's incredibly fresh. 
  
  In addition to classic iced coffee, Rey Sol Coffee has delicious nitro cold brew. Their Iced Campesino is another fan favorite; it's made with their signature syrup containing cloves, star anise, cinnamon, and panela. Oat, almond, coconut, and soy milk are all available upon request.

  Click Here to Read More...