🌸 Experience the magic of cherry blossoms in New Jersey this spring! 🌸

It’s Wednesday, New Jersey!

🌤️ Weather Watcher ☔A little sprinkle might sneak in early today, but after that, expect partly sunny skies with a high of 52°. 🌥️ ☀️ Thursday brings sunshine and a high of 54°—a perfect day for a stroll! Friday warms up to 59° with a mix of sun and clouds, but keep an eye out for a chance of showers Friday night. 🌦️ The weekend looks mostly cloudy with highs in the mid-50s and a few chances for rain here and there—so you might need an umbrella, just in case! 🌂💦

What’s on tap today:

• New restaurant opens in Asbury Park

• Camping close to home

• Volunteers honored

Up first…

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in New Jersey

Did you know that New Jersey boasts more Japanese cherry blossom trees than even Washington, D.C.? That’s right! With over 5,200 cherry trees, Branch Brook Park in Essex County is home to the largest and most diverse collection of cherry blossoms in the United States. Each spring, the Garden State transforms into a floral paradise, with breathtaking blooms appearing from early to mid-April. Here’s where you can experience New Jersey’s most spectacular cherry blossom displays in 2025.

Branch Brook Park – Newark, NJ

📍 115 Clifton Ave., Newark

Spanning 360 acres through Newark and Belleville, Branch Brook Park is the epicenter of cherry blossom beauty in New Jersey. The annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival runs from April 5–13, offering visitors a front-row seat to nature’s pink and white spectacle.

Festival Highlights:

• Cherry Blossom Challenge Bike Race – April 5

• Cherry Blossom 10K Run – April 6

• Essex County Family Day & 1-Mile Fun Run – April 12

• Bloomfest! – April 13 (Live music, cultural exhibits, kids’ activities, and artisan vendors)

Established in 1927, the park’s cherry trees were first donated by Caroline Bamberger Fuld in memory of her husband. Since then, thousands more have been planted, creating a dazzling array of colors ranging from pure white to deep pink. Designed by the famed Olmsted Brothers, Branch Brook Park is listed on both the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.

More to Explore:

• Stroll along the scenic Lenape Trail

• Visit the Prudential Lions & Octagon Shelter

• Take in the stunning Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, one of the largest Gothic churches in the U.S.

More Cherry Blossom Spots in New Jersey

Beyond Branch Brook Park, these locations offer picture-perfect cherry blossoms and additional activities to enjoy:

Frelinghuysen Arboretum – Morristown 🌸 Explore the gardens, Great Lawn, and historic mansion on a guided tour.

Hurd Park – Dover 🌸 Admire cherry blossoms and visit the historic Doughboy Monument honoring WWI soldiers.

New Jersey Botanical Gardens – Ringwood 🌸 Enjoy a season-long display of lilacs, rhododendrons, and wildflowers.

Rahway River Park – Rahway 🌸 Go fishing, birding, or biking along the scenic Rahway Riverfront Park Trail.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum – Summit 🌸 Join nature programs like Arboretum Afternoons and Campfire Friends.

Verona Park – Verona 🌸 Relax by the lake while the kids enjoy an inclusive playground.

Warinanco Park – Elizabeth 🌸 Rent a pedal boat at the Boathouse for an unforgettable waterfront experience.

David C. Shaw Arboretum – Holmdel 🌸 Explore historic Longstreet Farm and witness 19th-century farm life.

Divine Park – Spring Lake 🌸 Stroll along the picturesque lake surrounded by cherry blossoms.

Sayen House & Gardens – Hamilton 🌸 Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at the Annual Azalea Festival on May 10.

🥘 Local Bites & Delights

🌴Get ready for a taste of the South in Asbury Park! BarCo Brands, the hospitality group behind several local favorites, is transforming The Break into Palmetto Southern Kitchen + Bar. This exciting new venture opened March 18 and brings a modern twist to traditional Southern cuisine 🍴. Chef James Avery, known for his appearances on Gordon Ramsay's "Hell's Kitchen," leads the culinary program. The menu features mouth-watering dishes like peel-and-eat shrimp, jalapeno pimento cheese, crab and collard dip, and chicken-fried chicken. Palmetto will also offer a full raw bar and steaks, along with handcrafted cocktails and a selection of whiskey and bourbon 🍹. Located on the iconic Asbury Park boardwalk, Palmetto aims to provide a relaxed yet refined dining experience.

🍎 Health & Wellness

Helping Hands 🤝

📚 Book Nook

Looking for a good listen? Here’s a list of trending nonfiction audiobooks!

1. The Let Them Theory narrated by Mel Robbins

2. Sound Therapy: Bliss (396Hz) by Audible Sleep
   Narrated by Scarlett Burke, this Audible Original provides a soothing listening experience designed to promote relaxation.

3. Atomic Habits by James Clear
   James Clear narrates his own book, offering practical advice on building good habits and breaking bad ones.

4. Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen
   Chrissy Teigen shares her insights and humor in this engaging Audible Original.

5. I’ll Have What She’s Having by Chelsea Handler
   Chelsea Handler narrates her latest release, a humorous memoir that explores life's ups and downs.

6. If You Tell by Gregg Olsen
   Narrated by Karen Peakes, this true crime story is both gripping and thought-provoking.

7. The House of My Mother by Shari Franke
   Shari Franke shares her personal story in this moving memoir.

8. Into the Madness by Trevor Aaronson
   Trevor Aaronson narrates his own investigative work, delving into the world of undercover operations.

9. White Noise by Audible Sleep
   This soothing Audible Original is designed to help listeners unwind and relax.

10. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
    Narrated by Sean Pratt and the author, this audiobook explores the rising tide of anxiety among younger generations.

📅 Can’t-Miss Local Events

March 26 – Bell Works FRESH (Holmdel, Monmouth County)
March 27 – 30 – Garden State Film Festival (Asbury Park, Monmouth County & Cranford, Union County)
March 28 – 31 – Jersey Shore Restaurant Week
March 29 – Book Signing with Jenny Jing Shu (Eatontown, Monmouth County)
March 29 & 30 – The Chocolate Expo (Edison, Middlesex County)
March 29 & 30 – Greenberg’s Toy & Train Show (Edison, Middlesex County)
March 29 & 30 – Easter EGGspress at DiDonato’s Family Fun Center (Hammonton, Atlantic County)
March 30 – Pickleball Social Benefits HABcore (Manasquan, Monmouth County)
March 31 – Art on Screen – Dawn Of Impressionism, Paris 1874 (West Long Branch, Monmouth County)

🎉 Happy Birthday Shoutouts!