Mainland Living - Best Version Media

Home
Mainland Living - Best Version Media

Welcome to Mainland Living...a monthly invitation to celebrate all that is special about the Mainland The best part?

Meet the people in your neighborhood whose stories you might not really know, and whose moments you’ll be glad to share. Join us as we meander down the bike path and through the trolley tracks of time, celebrating all that is unique and inspiring from our connected towns of Northfield, Linwood, and Somers Point. We'll explore the cool and quirky, celebrate our kids and families, as well as the nei

ghborly bonds we often take for granted. We'll feature stories, events, and ideas submitted by you—our neighbors. Whatever you're planning, celebrating, cooking, or remembering, if you think it should have a place among our pages, we want to hear from you! So please engage with us and share the gratitude—who couldn’t use a little more of that!

14/08/2025

WEEKEND PREVIEW:

______ Tiki Disco Pop-Up!
NOW August 6 through September 6, 4 - 11 pm
Queen Jayne’s Lounge & Royal Drinkery, Somers Point
Get your boogie shoes on and… your Hawaiian shirts? However you choose to dress up, come visit Queen Jayne’s to witness a spectacular transformation. Featuring rum-laced tropical drinks, throwback Disco riffs, and an incredible mashup of music, you don’t want to miss the pop-up event of the summer.

______ Carlos Morales LIVE!
Tonight! (Thursday), 6-8 pm
Backyard Bar, Gregory's Bar
Live music outside with the best drinks and company around.

_________ Garden State Film Festival's "Best of the Fest"
Tonight! (Thursday), 6:30 pm (Sips and treats reception) & 7 pm screening
Noyes Arts Garage, 2200 Fairmount Ave, Atlantic City
Featuring award-winning short films, the best the cinematic arts have to offer from New Jersey's Premier Independent Film Festival® past festivals.
Cost: $17 / Tickets via brownpapertickets.com/event/6664878

______ Somers Point Concert Series: Vanessa Collier
Every Friday, 7 pm
William Morrow Beach, Somers Point
Vanessa Collier, Memphis Blues Music Award winner for Best Saxophone

_____ Dropkick Murphys and Bad Religion
Friday, 7:30 pm
Ocean Casino Resort
Summer of Discontent Tour with The Mainliners. Tickets via ticketmaster.com

______ Somers Point Farmers Market
Saturday, 8 am - Noon
Somers Mansion, Somers Point
40 local vendors offering food, crafts, and fresh produce on the grounds of Somers Point’s most historical properties.

_____ Woodstock Boardwalk Bash
Saturday, Noon - 5:30 pm
Resorts Casino Hotel
SideStory performs for a party on the boardwalk celebrating the 51st Anniversary of Woodstock! An afternoon full of live music, games, activities, trivia, and more. Dress to impress! Tie dyes and peace signs encouraged!

_____ EHT Movies in the Park: Beetlejuice
Saturday, 6 pm (weather permitting)
J. Lincoln Amphitheater, Tony Canale Park
Cost: Free / ehtrec.com

_____ Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam
Saturday, 6:30 - 9 pm (Vendors open at 5:30)
Newport Ave Beach, 6500 Boardwalk, Ventnor
This week features: Kick it Out -Heart Tribute

______ Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Saturday, 8 - 10 pm
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Where folk, Americana and vintage rhythm & blues create the perfect harmony. Tickets via ticketmaster.com

______ Born to Run Down the Dream LIVE
Saturday, 8 pm
Josie Kelly's Public House, Somers Point
Springsteen vs. Petty—a full r***e celebrating two of the most iconic American Songwriters. Performed by an ALL-STAR BAND! Which one is the greatest? You decide! Live from The Adare Ballroom - DOORS OPEN at 6 pm / 8 pm Showtime. No cover.

_______ 2025 EHT Farmers’ Market: Week 11
Sunday, 9 am-1 pm
1 Swift Dr., EHT
Local vendors, neighbors, and fresh air.

______ May Day at Gregory’s!
Sunday, 6-8 pm
Gregory's Bar, Somers Point
Enjoy live music at the Backyard Bar every Sunday evening through August.

13/08/2025

A Season of New Leadership: The Green Thumb Garden Club
By Rosemary Evans

Speaking of all things summer gardens... The Green Thumb Garden Club of Somers Point installed new officers for the upcoming 2025-2026 year at the annual celebration picnic in Kennedy Park. Sally Pietrofitta is now acting President, and Emerald Hornig is Treasurer. The club will meet again on September 2nd, but volunteers will continue all summer to tend our various garden projects, including the kitchen garden behind Somers Mansion, the library entranceways, and the Butterfly Buffet in Kennedy Park. For more information about the club, please contact [email protected].

L to R: Past President Diane Miller, Secretary Lee Portnoy, Treasurer Emerald Hornig, President Pro Tem Sally Pietrofitta, Outgoing President Pam DeMarco. *Missing is Lisa Gasper, Vice President.

13/08/2025

THE GREEN OUTDOORS: Surving the Heat: Summer Garden Tips
By Glendon McClain

Weeding is a task that nobody I know enjoys, but it is necessary. Weeds allow invasive plants to take care of good conditions and outcompete plants for food and light. I find that weeding is best done in small patches at a time, interspersed with more enjoyable chores. for pests.allow watering keeps the roots near the surface as they are less stable and do not have to search for moisture. But be careful also not to overwater, especially plants in pots or containers, as this can cause roots or bulbs to rot and drown the plant by forcing all the oxygen out of the soil. If you are not a good judge of how damp the soil is, you might consider the purchase of a Soil Moisture Tester ($6 and up).

Planting in summer can be difficult due to periods of hot, dry weather. Most new plantings will require a lot of watering in the first few weeks under the best conditions, cooler, moist weather; now they will need close watching. Larger plantings, such as shrubs or trees, would be best left for fall when conditions are better.

Spacing of plants is important as planting too close causes many problems, one of which is competition for food, water, and light, preventing them from reaching maximum growth. Another is a lack of airflow, making them prone to fungal diseases and a comfortable home for pests.

Some of your taller plants, you may find, will need support as they grow, as strong winds can damage unsupported plants, and the weight of some blooms may cause the stem to snap. Unsupported plants may also flop over the other plants, damaging them, or over borders, creating a messy look.

Weeding is a task nobody that I know enjoys, but it is necessary. Weeds allow invasive plants to take care of good conditions and outcompete plants for food and light. I find that weeding is best done in small patches at a time, interspersed with more enjoyable chores.

Remember to feed your plants. Before plants bud, use a general fertilizer; once buds start to appear, use a high potassium fertilizer. A general fertilizer promotes strong, healthy roots and leaves, while a high potassium fertilizer promotes good flowering or cropping. For new plantings, work fertilizer into the top 4-6 inches of soil before planting. For established plants, spread fertilizer evenly around the base, scratch it lightly into the top inch or two of soil, and then water thoroughly.

12/08/2025

STAYCATION WITH MELODY MOSER:

Easy Daytrips from the Jersey Shore
Ready for a change of scenery close to home? Princeton, New Hope, and Lewes offer history, art, and small-town charm—all just a short drive away.

—A Storied Escape: Princeton, NJ
An easy trip from the Jersey Shore, Princeton welcomes visitors with its Ivy League history, vibrant arts scene, and tree-lined streets that invite exploration.

Begin your visit with a stroll through the storied grounds of Princeton University, where vine-covered buildings and manicured gardens create a timeless, storybook ambiance.

At its center stands Nassau Hall, built in 1756. In 1783, the Continental Congress gathered here, briefly making Princeton the nation’s capital as the Revolutionary War drew to a close.

History is only part of Princeton’s charm. Art lovers will soon have another reason to visit: the grand reopening of the Princeton University Art Museum this October. The entirely new facility replaces the original and continues a tradition of art collecting that began in 1755, now showcasing more than 117,000 works spanning ancient artifacts to contemporary art.

Afterward, stroll over to Palmer Square and grab a table at Teresa Caffé or Mediterra, both offering locally inspired menus.

Minutes from campus, Princeton Battlefield State Park marks the spot where Washington won a crucial 1777 victory, boosting American morale during the bleakest days of the Revolutionary War.

For a completely different experience, just 20 minutes from downtown Princeton, Grounds For Sculpture blends art and nature into a year-round outdoor gallery. Founded by sculptor and philanthropist Seward Johnson, the 42-acre park features nearly 300 works by more than 700 artists, ranging from abstract and modern to whimsical, oversized figures tucked among lush gardens and quiet pathways.

Two striking pieces include On Poppied Hill, blending Monet’s Woman with a Parasol – Madame Monet and Her Son and Poppies, Near Argenteuil; and Johnson’s largest work on site, Were You Invited?, which brings Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party to life with playful details.

—A Riverside Escape: New Hope, PA
Set along the Delaware River, New Hope, Pennsylvania, mixes history, art, and riverside charm, inviting visitors to linger and soak it all in.

Stroll through the town’s boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops, then step into Farley’s Bookshop for a cozy browse among its thoughtfully curated shelves.

The Bucks County Playhouse, a gristmill-turned-theater dating to 1939, has hosted Broadway-bound shows and rising stars ever since. For lunch, you can dine right at the Playhouse Deck, a casual riverside spot with views of the Delaware, or head to the Logan Inn, where seasonal fare is served in an elegant space that reflects its 18th-century roots.

Afterward, take a peaceful walk along the Delaware Canal Towpath, where shaded trails and quiet water views echo the days when mule-drawn barges carried coal to market.

Across the Delaware, Lambertville offers a treasure trove of art galleries—dozens of curated studios like A Mano, Union, and Highlands—as well as eclectic antique shops.

Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, a 10-minute drive away, brims with colonial-style buildings, landscaped gardens, and more than 60 specialty shops, including the local favorite Lucky Cupcake Company—where the blueberry cheesecake muffin is a must-try.

—A Maritime Escape: Lewes, DE
The day begins aboard the Cape May–Lewes Ferry, a scenic 17-mile ride across the Delaware Bay. Since the 1960s, this route has linked New Jersey and Delaware, offering views of lighthouses, seabirds, and passing ships.

In Lewes, maritime history is everywhere. Stroll past 18th- and 19th-century homes, boutique shops, and galleries. At the Zwaanendael Museum, explore Lewes’s maritime heritage, from early shipwrecks to lighthouses and coastal archaeology.

Don’t miss the Overfalls, the last lightship built for the U.S. Lighthouse Service, and the U.S. Life-Saving Station Boat House, where a guide shares how brave surfmen once launched into storms to rescue sailors using early life-saving equipment like a breeches buoy and a life-car.

When hunger strikes, enjoy casual seafood at Striper Bites or linger over seasonal farm-to-table dishes at Heirloom.

Finally, at Cape Henlopen State Park, wide beaches, bike trails shaded by maritime forest, and sweeping views from the point invite exploration. Fort Miles’ WWII gun batteries recall wartime stories of submarine encounters and daring missions along the Delaware coast.

No matter which direction you head, these easy daytrips deliver history, charm, and a refreshing change of scenery—all within easy reach of the Jersey Shore.

08/08/2025

Northfield hosted another amazing National Night Out, filled with food, fun, and countless organizations joining the Northfield Police Department in coming together for community engagement.

06/08/2025

The National Night Out in Linwood brought out crowds and community members eager to support a night of engagement.

Activities included food, festivities, and some helicopter flyovers— all for a perfect August night.

Check out the full coverage in the September issue of Mainland Living.

06/08/2025

The Somers Point National Night Out beat out some early raindrops to put on quite a show. Attendees at JFK Park were treated to food, games, and some amazing police enforcement simulations.

The Somers Point Police Department (Official) put on another wonderful community event. Check out the full coverage in the September issue of Mainland Living.

05/08/2025

This week marks the hosting of National Night Out events by local law enforcement agencies throughout the Mainland. Check out the dates and times, and come out for fun, food, and community engagement.

SOMERS POINT
Tuesday, August 5: 5 - 8 pm, JFK Park

LINWOOD
Tuesday, August 5: 5:30-8:30 pm, All Wars Memorial Park

NORTHFIELD
Thursday, August 7: 6 - 8 pm, Birch Grove Park

04/08/2025

The only true law is that
which leads to freedom...
There is no other.
—Richard Bach (Jonathan Livingston Seagull)

YOU DO YOU
By Anne Bullen

Long before beach chairs became a thing, I was a curious three-year-old, wandering from blanket to blanket down a crescent-shaped beach on Connecticut’s Long Island Sound. After checking out their snacks, beach merch, and their kids, I’d take a seat on the corner edge of a family’s blanket and stare, hoping to score a tuna sandwich before Mom could come over and scoop me up amid a flurry of apologies.

My preschool wandering was a little taste of freedom and an early experience in the choose-your-own-adventure world of the beach. At the beach, kids, grownups—even dogs—get to press the pause button and indulge their whims: Want to build a sandcastle taller than your toddler? Go for it. Feel like chasing a kite down the shoreline? Run like no one’s watching. Prefer to sit under an umbrella with a cold drink and a good book at Dog Beach while your pup digs a hole to China? Approved! Every grain of sand whispers: You Do You.

Growing up, my husband was a skimboarder and avid body surfer who still enjoys a romp in the waves. Noah created complex ball castles until he retired the shovels and pails one day, grabbed a surfboard, and never looked back. Daniel favored boogie boarding and hanging with friends, and I relished the sun of the late afternoon with sand between my toes, a snack, and a snooze–each of us doing our own thing, together.

August is a sun-kissed reminder to fill your cup now with an abundance of summer's promise: more play, more sandcastles, more paddleboarding, and the freedom to be ourselves. Wishing you your best wave yet!

Picture: "Rumson Avenue Beach," painted by Anne Bullen's aunt, Tine Graham

01/08/2025

Green Thumbs, Golden Hearts: Meet Richard & Tanna Williams

It was July 2024 when nature lovers discovered a secret garden on a quiet street in Linwood. Using a map provided by The Little Gardens Garden Club, visitors followed a trail of Adirondack stones leading to a backyard cultivated with care by the home’s owners, Richard “Dick” Willams and his wife of 61 years, Tanna.

“We have Yew bushes we transplanted from Dick’s parents’ home in Margate. They must be more than 80 years old by now,” Tanna shares as the couple stands under the shade of a large holly tree. Just steps away stands a water feature Dick engineered using a water spout the couple found at an antique shop.

The Williams were among nine other homeowners who joined The Little Gardens Garden Club Tour that year, and their property flourishes at various stages of spring and summer with bright azaleas, showy hydrangeas, and the crowning jewel: an enormous rhododendron at the property’s frontage. Passersby will often see Dick and Tanna side by side, working tirelessly on their yard, one of many shared joys that also include golfing, traveling, and—most importantly—community service.

“We lived in Northfield for eight years before building our home here in 1975,” Dick reflects. “The neighborhood used to be filled with beautiful, huge Dutch elms, but they died from Dutch Elm Disease. There are also more houses than there were before, but not much else has changed. Lots of young families, and the park is nearby. It’s still a wonderful place to raise your family.”

The Williams’ property is a living illustration of a life created with intention. Each season brings new tasks and challenges, requiring hard work, planning, and even a little luck when it comes to the unexpected. The same can be said about their shared journey, one they’ve walked side by side, taking them to the farthest reaches of the globe and to the unique corners of their community, where they are always ready to enrich some soil—especially in the places most in need of good intentions and a little sunshine.

The August issue of Mainland Living is arriving in mailboxes now—we hope you .

Photography: Shaun Reilly Photography

01/08/2025

Congratulations to Linwood’s most beautiful new escape: Petals & Pours - A Tea Room at Central Square.

Barista's Coffee House owners Leila and Joe Karlsen have partnered with Leila’s sister Roya to create a perfectly appointed tea room offering everything from traditional tea service to creative mocktails and delicious bites in one stunning setting.

We look forward to sharing the full inspiration for this new shop in the September issue of Mainland Living. In the meantime, be sure to reserve your spot and enjoy the serenity. 🫖 🌺

31/07/2025

WEEKEND PREVIEW:

______ John Wood LIVE!
Tonight! (Thursday), 6-8 pm
Backyard Bar, Gregory's Bar
Live music outside with the best drinks and company around.

______ Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Family Fun Night
Friday, 5 pm
Bright Stars Gymnastics & Swim Academy, EHT
Games, zipline, food, raffles, and fun. This event is FREE to attend, however, there are small fees for several activities. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.

______ Somers Point Concert Series: John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band
Every Friday, 7 pm
William Morrow Beach, Somers Point
Multi-million-selling “Eddie and the Cruisers” Soundtrack Recording Artists John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band return to the beach in Somers Point, performing the favorites you know and love.

_____ Toto + Men at Work + Christopher Cross
Friday, 8 pm
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
They say fashion is cyclical... and they’re right. Truly amazing things never go out of style, and that includes some of the favorite sounds of the 80s.

_____ Disco Explosion with the NY Bee Gees
Friday, 8:30 pm
Superstar Theater, Resorts Casino
The Schultz-Hill Foundation presents: Disco Explosion with the NY Bee Gees with special guest Crystal Stark, performing a tribute to Donna Summer and Whitney Houston. Get ready for a night of legendary hits, high-energy performances, and nonstop disco vibes! Tickets via ticketmaster.com

_____ Ashanti in Concert
Friday, 9 pm
Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
It’s no wonder that “The Woman You Love,” the first single from American R&B singer Ashanti’s 2014 album BraveHeart, begins with Busta Rhymes calling out, “Ashanti! We miss you baby!” – in the five years since her last release, anticipation for the star's much-awaited return has reached fever pitch. Tickets via ticketmaster.com

_____ Eddie Griffin
Friday, 9 pm
Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
Comedy Central has honored actor and comedian Eddie Griffin as one of the Top 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of all time. Don't miss your chance to see him live!

_____ Ocean Casino Resort's 7th Birthday Fireworks & Drone Show
Friday, 9-10:30 pm
The Park (lobby level), Ocean Casino Resort, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Created from illuminated, synchronized, and choreographed groups of drones that arrange themselves into various aerial formations.

______ Somers Point Farmers Market
Saturday, 8 am - Noon
Somers Mansion, Somers Point
40 local vendors offering food, crafts, and fresh produce on the grounds of Somers Point’s most historical properties.

______ Movement & Mimosas
Saturday, 9:30 am
Sunrise Tequila Bar, Margate
All Levels Yoga Flow on the rooftop led by Melissa! Feel the summer breeze and enjoy the chill vibes at the Rooftop Lounge. Stay for post-class brunch and cocktails. Tickets via momence.com

_______ Destination America
Saturday, 1 & 7 pm shows
Gateway Playhouse, Somers Point
a high-energy musical r***e that tells the story of our nation through its greatest songs. Performed by the Musical Munchkins of Gateway to the Arts, this vibrant showcase takes audiences on a musical road trip across the country—from Nashville to Seattle, New York to L.A., and everywhere in between. Whether you're a fan of Rock and Roll, Country, Broadway, or Motown, you'll find the heart of America beating in its music. Get ready to clap, sing, and dance along as we celebrate the diverse sounds that unite us all! Tickets: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/gatewaybythebay/7169?productionidlist=228919

______ Sensory Night at the Park
Saturday, 6 pm
OC Waterpark, Ocean City
A special evening designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the special needs community. This event will provide a quieter, calmer environment with no loud music, no flashing or bright lights, and a reduced crowd to ensure a more comfortable experience for everyone. ***In order to keep the crowd size limited, tickets are only available online in advance: https://ocwaterpark.com/events/?fbclid=IwY2xjawL4jmpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBtMGNIVlFQdEtzYVZPOHR6AR5ArZS0eRxbEihmAiOZyK23jtzEJMbBfUd_X3pM2rNc0OEXW2mubUBU_xBM5w_aem_Z4yAfd4OSvNnDrSA6j8u7g

_______ Head Above Water Live
Saturday, 6 - 9 pm
Crabby Jack’s at the Crab Trap, Somers Point
Head Above Water is traveling up from SW Florida to the Jersey Shore (Jon Austin Weigand’s old stopping ground!). Come on out and enjoy the sounds.

_____ Ventnor City Summer Beach Jam
Saturday, 6:30 - 9 pm (Vendors open at 5:30)
Newport Ave Beach, 6500 Boardwalk, Ventnor
This week features: Parrot Beach -Jimmy Buffet Tribute

______ Dead Reckoning at EHT Vagabond
Saturday, 7 pm
Vagabond EHT, 3016 Ocean Heights Ave, Egg Harbor Twp
FREE SHOW…Dead Reckoning returns to the deck at EHT Vagabond, performing 2 sets of Grateful Dead classics and rarities with Colin, Nash, Al & Charlie. Great food & drinks, No Cover…Join the Party!

______ Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost
Saturday, 8 pm
Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City
Colin Jost is a writer, performer, and author best known for his work on "Saturday Night Live” and his memoir, ‘A Very Punchable Face.’

______ Mrs. Romper Romp
Saturday, 8 - 10 pm
Starlight Ballroom, Resorts Casino Hotel
Dust off your favorite caftans and join us for an evening of nostalgia with a twist. We’ll be playing party games with a Three’s Company flair, serving up themed cocktails like “The Jack Tripper” and “The Janet Special,” and dancing the night away to Yacht Rock hits performed by our professional singers. Dress like Mrs. Roper to really join in the fun!
Prizes galore await lucky winners, and the night wouldn’t be complete without a surprise performance. Tickets: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36719/production/1236584?fbclid=IwY2xjawLvLlpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFSajNVajIyUk5wakwzakltAR4iEzDC4ZBd37Ma59C-OIakCKjZzu-1KDL0iCdG8sNpCBGOfga-VzWZ7n47IQ_aem_QHUs6utbHP68FoKHvGME2w

_______ Lil Wayne: The Carter VI Tour Celebrating 20 years of Carter Classics
Saturday, 8 pm
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City
With five Grammys and nine #1 albums on the Billboard Top Rap Albums Chart, Lil Wayne remains ne of the most recognizable figures in rap. Tickets via ticketmaster.com

_______ 2025 EHT Farmers’ Market: Week 11
Sunday, 9am-1pm
1 Swift Dr., EHT
Local vendors, neighbors, and fresh air.

______ May Day at Gregory’s!
Sunday, 6-8 pm
Gregory's Bar, Somers Point
Enjoy live music at the Backyard Bar every Sunday evening through August.

Address

Website

facebook.com

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mainland Living - Best Version Media posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Address
Alerts
Contact The Business
Claim ownership or report listing
Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?

Country:

City:

14/08/2025

13/08/2025

13/08/2025

12/08/2025

08/08/2025

06/08/2025

06/08/2025

05/08/2025

04/08/2025

01/08/2025

01/08/2025

31/07/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share