My Articles

10 Cool Places in NJ You Must See Before You Die | Vanessa Vanacore

There's simply no denying that although New Jersey may be small in size, it's still jam packed with so many wonderful things to experience. From world class casinos and restaurants to white-sand beaches and waterfalls. This is a state that is diverse just as much as it is sometimes misunderstood.

So keep reading to learn more about some of our favorite, must-see spots that make New Jersey truly special.

Hidden deep in the woods of the Pine Barrens, this abandoned factory has become a graffiti

Visit the World's Largest Candy Store in New Jersey | Vanessa Vanacore

Many may not know that the world's largest candy store is located right here in New Jersey. If you haven't yet visited the American Dream in East Rutherford, this is definitely another reason to make the trip.

The mall is home to a variety of different world-class attractions like an amusement park, waterpark, aquarium, mini-golf courses, an ice skating rink, Legoland, and even an indoor ski resort making the American Dream so much more than just a shopping mall.

IT'S SUGAR is one of the large

10 Must See Concerts in NJ this Spring | Vanessa Vanacore

New Jersey has some of the most unrivaled music venues in the country from huge stadiums like MetLife to smaller outdoor spaces on the beach. As temperatures rise and covid restrictions slowly become lifted there is no better time to enjoy some live music than this coming Spring.

We put together a list of some of the coolest concerts taking place in the Garden State between March and June. As always, this is not a comprehensive list. Some shows may or may not be sold out or cancelled after this

4 new Essex County Restaurants to check out this Week | Vanessa Vanacore

The Essex county dining scene is constantly changing, growing, and evolving. As 2020 saw the mass closure of restaurants, 2021 has seen the reopening and in some instances, exciting new restaurant concepts. Below is a list of four places that have opened over the past couple of months that are definitely worth a try.

Cap't Loui is a Massachusetts born seafood restaurant with locations in New York, New Jersey, Georgia, and California The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood boils tossed in Lo

A List of the Best Portuguese Restaurants in Essex County | Vanessa Vanacore

It's no surprise that Essex County is a major hub for international cuisines. Places like the Ironbound neighborhood in Newark are known to have some of the best Portuguese food in the entire country so residents seeking a journey through Portugal's delectable flavors can find it without having to travel far.

Keep reading to learn more about the best Portuguese restaurants and what dishes to try.

Iberia combines the best of both Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. It's most known for its Paella a

7 Insta-Worthy Desserts You Need to Try in NJ | Vanessa Vanacore

If you have not already given up on your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier or cut out sweets, you may want to keep scrolling. New Jersey is home to some of the most interesting, and aesthetically pleasing food we've ever seen. Whether you're into ice cream or donuts, these are the most insta-worthy desserts in the Garden state that you must try.

It's not every day you get the chance to indulge in Middle Eastern sweets, Nablus is looking to change that. This pastry shop serves homemade dess

Everything You Need to Know About the New Trendy Restaurant in Harrison | Vanessa Vanacore

Charley, a new Viennese bistro located at 202 Angelo Cifelli Drive in Harrison has just opened as of February 12th. The new concept, inspired by a German Kauffeehaus is run by Michelin-star chef Kurt Gutenbrunner. Keep reading to learn more.

Charley is located adjacent to the Urby apartment complex entrance. Built with the intention to create a community, the bistro offers a welcoming space where residents and local community can gather.

The concept behind Charley came from chef Kurt's experie

Where You Can Try Girl Scout Cookie Cocktails this March | Vanessa Vanacore

It is officially Girl Scout Cookie season, that wonderful time of the year when we get to indulge in all of our cravings from Thin Mints to Samoas and Tagalongs.

Even if there is not a Girl Scout in your life, pop culture and social media will remind you it’s that time of year again. These irresistible cookies are wildly popular and continue to surpass not only Oreos, but also Milano and Chips Ahoy in terms of sales. More than 200 million boxes of cookies were sold last year alone, generating n

About Me

Hi, I'm Vanessa. A Connecticut native who's been working in NYC and living in NJ for 10 years.

As a frequent traveler, I love writing about cities and towns, hotels, and culinary adventures — and enjoy blending all of these whenever possible!