There’s plenty of summer left which means time for reading by the pool, in the backyard, or at the beach. Don’t know what to read?  Check out the website Good Reads (www.goodreads.com) where you and your friends can find book suggestions, keep track of what you’ve read, and trade recommendations. Some suggested light reading includes: Planting Dandelions: Field Notes From  A Semi-Domesticated Life by Kyran Pittman – This chronicle of a mellow sister with a seemingly ordinary life that turns out to be anything but honors suburban life with gentle humor. The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin, …

I confess that I am not the greatest spa person in the world, although sometimes I wish I was. All in all, I'm just not that good at relaxing. Even so, here is a list of nearby spas, some of which I've heard are great, and others I've actually tried out myself. Add your favorites to the comment section below. 1. Flic Spa (388 Broad St., Bloomfield) is an Asian-inspired spa that offers body treatments and wraps and a variety of massages like Swedish, deep tissue and hot stone. A couple's massage is also available. Flic is currently offering a "spring fever special" including a full body …

Top of the mornin' to ya! For the Irish in everyone, seven lucky places to shake your shamrocks at this St. Patrick's Day: Get your (green) drink on at A.S.H. Bar & Grill (140 Bloomfield Ave.) with $1 emerald-colored beer, $2 Guinness, $2 Bushmills and $2 green shot specials, starting at 6 p.m. Hungry? Feast on a standard Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage or shepherd's pie while listening to karaoke and bagpipes. The gift giving luck o' the Irish awaits you at Irish & More on Church Street in Montclair. All week this fantastic shop has had a smorgasbord of Irish gift items spread out on …

It's hard to create a truly comprehensive list of summer camps — there are so many genres: sleepaway, toddler, arts, theater, day camp, science and exploration. This week, we're focusing on one area: sports. If you live in the Maplewood/South Orange area, there are a number of sports-centric camps available for your budding athlete. If we've missed your favorite here, please add it in the comments! Pirate Sports Camp at Seton Hall University makes use of Division I-level facitilies to host a multi-sports co-ed sports camp for children ages 7-12. The camp runs just two weeks: August 1-5 and …

Who doesn't love to curl up with a good book? Patch dropped by Bloomfield Public Library to ask librarians for their top picks of great reads - and we've collected quite the list of page-turners for adults, teens and tots. Bloomfield Public Library's Senior Librarian Linda Pendergrass, Webmaster Lisa Cohn, Principle Librarian Linda Esler and Librarian Joan Dorfman came up with an eclectic list of non-fiction, fantasy, mystery and children's books, all available at the library. Check the availability of these titles by clicking here. FANTASY Bitten - Kelley Armstrong (part of the Women of the …

Bloomfield Patch's newest feature Patch Picks highlights editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more.  Each week, you’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends, and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more.This week, Patch Picks take a look at a handful of quirky boutiques around town. Vintage Soul Clothing (613 Bloomfield Ave.) …

Bloomfield Patch's newest feature Patch Picks highlights editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more.  Each week, you’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends, and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more.This week, Patch Picks take a look at just some nonprofit organizations in and around town. Bloomfield Educational Foundation …

Who said dining out in Bloomfield isn’t romantic? Valentine's Day is next Monday and now is the perfect time to start planning a special night out with your loved one. But there's no need to leave town to celebrate - Bloomfield Patch offers up five sweet spots with great food and atmosphere. Patch Picks: Where to go for Valentine's Day Victorio’s RestaurantTucked away in a small shopping center, Victorio’s (69 Belleville Ave., 973-748-4646) will never be confused with bigger, more elaborate restaurants – but it doesn’t have to be. It’s reliable, local, has a cute, rear dining room, the food …

Starting today, Bloomfield Patch will run a new weekly feature called Patch Picks, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off,  and more.  You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends, and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more. Patch Picks: Where to go for Super Bowl Sunday    •      Avenue Steakhouse (A.S.H.)    •      …