Greater Long Branch, NJ March 2026

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT. DISCOVER ELBERON’S RICH HISTORY, QUIET STREETS AND NEIGHBORHOOD GEMS BEYOND THE TRAIN STOP MOST PEOPLE PASS RIGHT BY.

Home, Right Where We Are

Hello, March!

There’s something about this time of year that gently nudges us back home. As winter fades and spring starts to peek through, I find myself noticing the little things—what’s working, what feels heavy and what could use a refresh. Our March Home Issue always feels especially fitting, and this one celebrates the idea that home isn’t just about four walls—it’s about place, history and the details that make a community feel lived in and loved.

Between my daughters’ busy schedules, sports and dance competitions, I’m constantly reminded how important it is for home to feel grounding and welcoming. I’ll also be the first to admit I’m not always great at slowing down enough to notice what’s right in front of me—which is exactly why I love sharing stories that encourage us to look a little closer.

On the cover, turn to page 30 for Hidden in Plain Sight. This feature takes readers to Elberon, a neighborhood many pass through without realizing its rich history and quiet character. From presidential summers to longtime local businesses, it’s a reminder that some of the most interesting places at the Jersey Shore are the ones you almost miss—unless you decide to stop and explore.

You’ll also want to turn to page 12 for A Second Home for Your Pets, which introduces Purr’n Pooch Pet Resort. With decades of experience and a deeply personal approach to care, this story highlights what it truly means to create a safe, enriching home-away-from-home for beloved pets.

Another standout feature can be found on page 24 with Where Windows Get Their Finishing Touch. This story follows the nearly 30-year journey of Window Treats Inc. and the craftsmanship, integrity and relationships that have shaped a trusted local business—one window at a time.

And of course, our Readers’ Choice Awards are back. Flip to page 34 to see the local businesses our readers love most, and be sure to follow along for future months’ categories at @greaterlongbranchcitylifestyle.

I hope this issue inspires you to slow down, explore your surroundings and maybe discover something new—right where you are.

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Jake Slowinski | jake.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

CO-PUBLISHER

Tiffany Slowinski | tiffany.slowinski@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Carly Mac Manus | carly.macmanus@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Cary Zackman | cary.zackman@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jessie Fernandez | jessie.fernandez@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kristin Kowalewski | Kristin.Kowalewski@citylifestyle.com

INTERNS

Dina D'Aiuto, Angelica Ferri, Riley Burns

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Caroline Fanning, Chef David Burke, Andrea Phox, Lauren Lovallo

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Thomas DiOrio, Purr’n Pooch Pet Resort, Chef David Burke, Shelley Clark, Andrea Phox, Window Treats Inc., Lindsay DeAngelis, Greg Kelly, James Foley, Bee-Gone Termite & Pest Control

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

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GeoCeramica® at The Stone Gallery

The Stone Gallery recently welcomed members of the hardscape community to an introductory event showcasing GeoCeramica®, a porcelain paver designed to transform installation and elevate long-term value for both installers and homeowners. Despite the busy end of year season, the event drew strong attendance and enthusiasm. The Stone Gallery is proud to be the exclusive reseller of GeoCeramica® in the marketplace and looks forward to the impact this innovative product will bring to future projects.

City of Long Branch Renames Seventh Avenue Community Garden in Honor of Jacob Jones

The City of Long Branch has renamed the Seventh Avenue Community Garden in honor of Jacob Jones, now the Jacob L. Jones Community Garden, recognizing his decades of service, leadership and lasting impact on the community. A dedication ceremony with local officials took place earlier this winter.

Felice to Open Italian Restaurant at Monmouth Square in Eatontown

Felice, a popular Italian restaurant known for classic dishes and warm hospitality, plans to open at Monmouth Square in Eatontown, the new mixeduse development rising on the former Monmouth Mall site. The addition brings an elevated dining option to the evolving neighborhood.

A SECOND HOME FOR YOUR PETS

HOW PURR’N POOCH PET RESORT REDEFINES PET BOARDING THROUGH EXPERIENCE, CARE AND HEART

Dick Palazzo believes Purr’n Pooch Pet Resort is the best pet boarding facility in the world.

ARTICLE BY CAROLINE FANNING PHOTOGRAPHY BY PURR’N POOCH

PET RESORT

It is a bold claim, especially coming from the owner of a hands-on pet care destination with locations in Wall and Tinton Falls. Yet it is not one that invites immediate disbelief. According to Grand View Research, the United States alone is home to about 9,000 pet boarding facilities. So what makes Purr’n Pooch stand apart?

“Experience cannot be bought,” Palazzo said, offering the first and most steadfast reason behind his confidence.

It is a quality he has spent decades building. Before opening Purr’n Pooch more than 55 years ago, Palazzo studied veterinary medicine while mastering grooming and dog training. Alongside a colleague, he began developing a concept that was largely unheard of at the time — an all-in-one pet resort focused on socialization, enrichment and individualized care.

“Fifty years ago, most people relied on friends or family to watch their pets,” Palazzo said. “Otherwise, dogs went to kennels where they might not leave a crate all day.”

From the start, Purr’n Pooch was different.

Palazzo was also an early adopter of doggie day care when it began gaining traction in the 1970s as work patterns changed. Today, dog day care is a multibillion-dollar industry — valued at $1.7 billion in 2024 and growing, according to Grand View Research — but Palazzo was experimenting long before it was mainstream.

“Nobody thought of putting multiple animals together, especially animals that weren’t yours,” he said. “I’d open the kennels and say, ‘Come on, guys, follow me. We’re going to have fun.’”

Equally unconventional was his leash-free approach to group play. To ensure safety, Palazzo later developed the Purr’n Pooch Pet Shield — a rigid plastic tool designed to safely separate, direct and protect dogs if needed while they enjoy their freedom to play.

Dogs at Purr’n Pooch are grouped by play style and energy level rather than size or breed. Lowerenergy dogs enjoy relaxed indoor-outdoor spaces, while more active dogs are given room to run and play freely. Boarding dogs spend most of their day socializing alongside day care dogs, reinforcing a sense of routine and normalcy.

That individualized approach extends across all services. There are no one-size-fits-all policies. Every pet is evaluated individually — dog by dog, cat by cat.

Purr’n Pooch is also one of the few facilities in the area to board both dogs and cats. Its

CONTINUED >

“NOBODY THOUGHT OF PUTTING MULTIPLE ANIMALS TOGETHER, ESPECIALLY ANIMALS THAT WEREN’T YOURS.

I’D OPEN THE KENNELS AND SAY, ‘COME ON, GUYS, FOLLOW ME. WE’RE GOING TO HAVE FUN.’”

custom-designed catteries feature natural elements such as rock waterfalls and faux foliage, allowing feline guests to explore throughout the day.

Experience is reflected not only in philosophy, but also in staff. Of the resort’s approximately 110 employees, many have been with the company for more than 20 years.

Jen Connors, who has worked at Purr’n Pooch for more than 30 years, recalled once turning on the news in a dog suite at an owner’s request — just one of many small touches designed to make pets feel at home.

That continuity is no accident.

Purr’n Pooch remains family-owned, with Palazzo’s daughters leaving corporate careers to return to the business. It is not a franchise, nor is it located in a strip mall. Both locations were purpose-built to house animals, complete with hospital-inspired ventilation systems designed to prioritize health and comfort.

As private equity increasingly acquires veterinary and boarding facilities nationwide, Palazzo said many compromises are made. Purr’n Pooch chose a different path.

“Every staff member who walks through my door loves animals,” he said. “But the real question is whether they can care for them, be with them and love them around the clock.”

That commitment also extends beyond the resort itself.

The Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals was created to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary and formalize decades of charitable giving by Dick and Mary Palazzo. Inspired by their long-standing support of animal welfare, the foundation honors the unsung heroes of animal rescue while helping animals in need. The Purr’n Pooch Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to continuing that legacy of giving back.

For Palazzo, those details matter. Taken together, they explain why he believes Purr’n Pooch is not just exceptional — but world-class.

For more information, visit purrnpooch.com and purrnpoochfoundation.org .

IF YOUR WALLS COULD TALK

They’d Ask for Art

If you live in Monmouth County, you know the region has long been bursting with creative talent. Today, the City of Long Branch is emerging as a cultural center—a home to working artists, makers and storytellers shaping a renewed artistic energy along the Jersey Shore.

The intention of this column for Greater Long Branch City Lifestyle is to spotlight the painters, potters, photographers, sculptors, printmakers and other visual creatives who make our corner of the world so vibrant.

Supporting local artists by bringing their work into your home or place of business strengthens the entire community. Buying local art uplifts creators, fuels small businesses and fosters an environment that encourages originality and expression.

In our routine-driven lives, it’s easy for the senses to dull. Art helps remove those filters. Image- and object-makers spark imagination, invite curiosity and remind us to feel. Art, quite simply, is medicine for the soul.

LOCAL ART BELONGS IN OUR HOMES

In this community, creativity has a heartbeat. Artists are working in studios, spare rooms, garages, basements and shared spaces—bringing something into existence for us to experience and remember. Local art doesn’t just complement our homes; it acknowledges our connection to the place we live.

Here’s why more homeowners, collectors and small businesses are choosing to fill their spaces with work created close to home.

IT ADDS AUTHENTICITY

Art brings character. Each piece reflects the artist’s hand, perspective and lived experience. Choosing local art means choosing something rooted in the soul of the community. Thoughtfully placed artwork adds depth and makes a space feel more welcoming—whether at home or at work.

IT STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Investing in local talent is an investment in the heart of the community. It keeps creativity thriving, supports small businesses and helps build a culture people want to experience and belong to. Displaying local art is a daily reminder that meaning and beauty are being made just down the street.

IT SPARKS A STORY

Every piece has a story—where it was created, what inspired it and why it resonated with the buyer. In homes, offices and waiting rooms, artwork becomes an instant conversation starter. Guests notice it. Clients ask about it. Colleagues connect over it. Local art invites us to wonder, share and remember.

IT INFLUENCES MOOD

Art has the power to shift energy. Whether it’s a calming seascape, a bold abstract or a photograph rich with light and texture, the right piece can inspire creativity, offer comfort or simply make people feel good when they walk through the door. Thoughtful art shapes how a space is experienced day to day.

IT’S A MEANINGFUL INVESTMENT

Local artwork becomes part of a home’s or business’s story. It’s cherished beyond trends, carries emotional value, supports a living artist and often becomes an heirloom. Local art lasts because it’s chosen with intention.

LOCAL ARTISTS TO KNOW

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ANDREA PHOX

Below is a sampling of talented artists working in and around Long Branch. Visit their Instagram pages and websites to explore their work:

Caroline DeFelice — @carolinedefelice

Elenor James — @elenorjamesart

Margery Cohen — @margery2222

Monica Nast — @monicanaskartist

Kelly Perotto — @kellypnycnj

Jason Stumpf — @jstumpf

Maggie Fisher — @maggiefisherartworksnj

John Mathias — @johnmathiasart

Jennifer Watson — @jenniferwatson | jenniferwatsonart.com

Kira Yustak — @kirayustak | kirayustak.com | ugallery.com/pages/kira-yustak

Andrea Phox — @andreaphox | andreaphox.com

Mady Dietrich — @inthewasartworks

Wayne Baruch — builtworldphoto.com

Amy Kupferberg — @amykupferbergartist

Bruce England — facebook.com/bruce.england.90

Don Bradford — facebook.com/don.bradford.946

Scott Szegeski — @scott_szegeski | scottszegeski.com

Stacy A.S. Pritchard — @staceyaspritchardart | staceyaspritchard.com

Frankie Mainieri — @mainieriart

Carla Valentino — @carlavalentino31

Wynn Gay — @wynngayart1

Local professional framer —@90Degreeframing

For a broader view of New Jersey’s visual arts community, visit the Jersey Artist Registry at jerseyartistregistry.com. Founded by artist and curator Ellen Martin, the site connects collectors, gallery owners and art lovers with top visual artists across the state. While it is not a sales platform, artists can be contacted directly for inquiries and purchases.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Andrea Phox is a Master Professional Photographer, artist, and travel workshop leader based at the Jersey Shore. As author of The Art Current, she spotlights local creatives with curiosity and heart. When not in her studio in the West End Arts Center, she leads immersive  off the beaten path, photo workshops from Cuba and the U.S., blending art, culture, and connection. See more at andreaphox.com

A Spoonful of Comfort

Rethinking chowder—and turning chili into a creamy crowd-pleaser

Most people think of chowder in terms of clam, fish or corn. That gives short shrift to a broader category of soup defined by its hearty, chunky character—often thick and creamy, though not always.

Consider tomato-based Manhattan clam chowder, which is relatively light compared with the robust creaminess of the New England version. What truly defines chowder is not the presence of cream, but its substantial texture.

Nearly any ingredient can be “chowdered,” from chicken and shrimp to pork, oysters, beef and vegetables. Even chili can be adapted to the form.

Chowder traces its roots to the 1700s, when English and French sailors prepared stews of fish, pork, onions, herbs and soaked biscuits for thickening. The word is believed to derive from the French chaudron, meaning cauldron, and the Old English term jowter, meaning fish peddler. These early stews were adopted by fishermen along the Atlantic coast of Canada and what would become the United States. Over time, chowder evolved into a cornerstone of American comfort food, often incorporating cream and potatoes, though neither is required. Regional variations followed local ingredients, from corn chowders in the Midwest to conch chowder in the Florida Keys.

The following recipe reimagines chili as a chowder, softening its traditional flavors while lending warmth and richness to the creamy base. The result is a cold-weather crowd-pleaser that bridges two classic comfort dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 3/4 pound ground beef

• 3/4 pound chuck beef, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 jalapeño, minced (or 1 teaspoon adobo)

• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon flour

• 1 can beef consommé

• 1 can cheddar cheese soup

• 2 cans water (use soup can to measure)

• 1 can pinto beans, drained

• 1 can whole-kernel corn, drained

• 1 cup roasted corn

• 1/2 pound Yukon gold potatoes, diced

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Splash of lime juice

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

2. Add ground beef, chuck beef, bell pepper and jalapeño. Cook, stirring, until beef is browned. Remove mixture from pot and set aside.

3. Drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot. Add tomato paste and cook until darkened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and oregano and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. Add butter and flour, stirring to form a roux. Gradually whisk in consommé, water and cheddar cheese soup. Add potatoes, beans and corn.

5. Stir barbecue sauce into reserved beef mixture, then return beef to pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until potatoes are tender and broth has thickened, 45 to 60 minutes.

6. Stir in cream and season with salt and pepper. Finish with a splash of lime juice. Garnish with scallions, if desired, and serve with tortilla chips or oyster crackers.

ARTICLE BY

WHERE WINDOWS GET THEIR FINISHING TOUCH

When Elliot Laniado opened a small home-furnishings shop in East Brunswick in the early 1990s, he had no intention of becoming a window-treatment authority. In fact, he’ll tell you the entire venture began “sort of by accident.”

At the time, Laniado had a growing family, a house under construction, and was running several retail stores in neighborhoods throughout New York City selling budget furniture and home goods. Still, he felt pulled toward something different, something a little more elevated.

So he opened a store in Loehmann’s Plaza on Route 18, hoping it would be his entry point into a higher-end market. But the jump he made wasn’t quite high enough.

“From the low end that I was at, my high end wasn’t high enough,” he said. And so began a phase of improvisation that would eventually define his career.

When a 3,000-square-foot former Linens ’n Things location became available, Laniado took it, even as the chain was shifting toward massive 20,000-square-foot superstores. To make his much smaller space viable, he added the Hunter Douglas line, and unknowingly set the stage for what would become Window Treats Inc.

That was 1994. The company officially incorporated the next year. And nearly 30 years later, Window Treats Inc. is a trusted resource for homeowners and designers alike.

But the road to expertise wasn’t instant.

Learning a completely new product category required persistence, and a lot of late nights at the dining room table. Laniado threw himself into vendor trainings and eventually enrolled in a window-treatment consulting course led by a Brigham Young University professor who quite literally wrote the book on the subject. After his day job, Laniado would study while his kids did their homework beside him, amused that “Daddy was doing homework” too.

He passed the course, earning his certification, and began expanding into what the industry calls hard treatments — shades, blinds, shutters — before eventually tackling the more complex category of soft treatments: drapery.

Laniado didn’t enter that part of the business willingly, he joked.

“I always tell people I went kicking and screaming into drapery,” Laniado said. “It’s much more detailed. Fabrics are endless. Styles are endless. And I want everything to function properly.”

But the work found him anyway. While outfitting a showroom in New York City with shades, the designer called and says the executive office wanted drapery. Laniado had never done drapery in his life. He shares yes anyway, hung up the phone, and immediately scrambled to learn how.

The project was a success, and it opened the door to an entire new side of business.

Today, Window Treats Inc.’s offerings are almost limitless: the full Hunter Douglas line, Hartmann & Forbes, motorized and automated systems, and custom solutions for everything from triangle windows to arched tops to tented ceilings.

“We can do anything,” explains Laniado.

What keeps him in the business, though, isn’t the technical challenge. It’s the people.

“I love meeting people and enhancing their lives,” he explained. “We transform spaces. We make people happy.” He often describes window treatments as “the jewelry of the window,” a detail that can completely shift a room’s tone, mood, or function.

That mindset is embedded in the company’s vision of making people happy where they live and work. And it’s supported by five core values: education, thoughtfulness, integrity, positivity, and excellence, all standards that Laniado says simply reflect how he already lives, both in business and in his role as a longtime first responder with Jersey Shore.

“Tell the truth and you never have to remember what you said,” he said, a principle he has passed on to his children and grandchildren.

The company has grown to a team of about 10, including employees who have been with Laniado for more than 20 years. He won’t single anyone out — “I’d feel like I’m leaving out the others,” he shares — but he credits the entire team for helping build the business.

And although Window Treats now advertises and maintains a strong presence on social media, Laniado built the foundation the old-fashioned way: one project at a time.

“I focused on doing a good job for the people I had,” he said. “If you make them happy, they tell other people.”

Three decades later, that philosophy is still working.

CONTACT WINDOW TREATS INC

80 Broad St. Ste 16, Red Bank

Phone: (732) 219-0303

Website: customdraperyandshades.com

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Home for Creativity

The Branchport Galleries mark a new chapter for arts and culture in Long Branch

The Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center has expanded its footprint with the opening of the Branchport Galleries, a move that doubles the center’s gallery space and reflects the city’s growing investment in arts and culture.

Since opening in 2021 inside the former Bank of America building at 577 Broadway, the center has evolved into a year-round creative hub. Its rotating exhibitions span multiple disciplines, while classes, educational programming and special events draw visitors from throughout the region.

As participation from both artists and audiences has grown, the need for additional space became increasingly clear.

“We were bursting at the seams,” Mayor John Pallone says, noting the steady rise in exhibition submissions and foot traffic.

“The expansion allows us to welcome more artists and create more opportunities for people to engage with the arts.”

Work on the Branchport Galleries began last August in the rear portion of the building along Branchport Avenue, following the relocation of the city’s Office of Community and Economic Development. The renovated wing features arched entryways, wood floors and a warm, open

layout designed to support a wide range of exhibitions and programming. Together with the existing Broadway Gallery, the additional space offers greater flexibility for both artists and curators.

Arts Director Maggie Fischer says the expansion also allows the center to broaden its educational offerings. New easels, supplies and creative tools support additional classes and workshops, with an emphasis on hands-on experiences for participants of all ages.

The new galleries open with For the Sake of Art, a multidisciplinary exhibition featuring wood sculpture, painting, photography, fiber art and ceramics. One gallery is dedicated to Unframed , an exhibition of work by emerging young artists curated by Long Branch resident and high school junior Charlotte Mathias. The show includes pieces from more than 30 students across Monmouth County.

The added space positions the Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center to continue growing alongside its community, expanding access to the arts while supporting both established and emerging voices in the region.

Hidden in Plain Sight

No matter how long you’ve lived at the Jersey Shore, there’s always somewhere you haven’t fully explored. I’m a lifer, and friends still invite me to places they somehow know I’ll love—and have never heard of—on a near-weekly basis. Coffee pop-ups tucked into side streets. Old bars that make winter nights pass quickly. Restaurants hosting one-night-only prix fixe menus that feel like insider secrets. From Keyport to Point Pleasant, tiny hidden gems fill a glittering treasure chest along the coast. Most of Monmouth County knows Elberon only as a stop on the NJ Transit line—a station name that flashes by between Asbury Park and Long Branch as express trains speed toward Manhattan. For commuters, it’s a momentary blur. But Elberon is far more than a place you pass through. It is one of the Shore’s most historically significant neighborhoods, layered with stories that long predate modern beachfront development and seasonal crowds.

In the late 19th century, Elberon was a prestigious seaside resort, drawing wealthy families, political figures and industrialists seeking fresh ocean air and respite from city life. Grand summer cottages lined wide, treeshaded streets just blocks from the water. Among Elberon’s seasonal residents were several U.S. presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes and James A. Garfield.

ARTICLE BY CAROLINE FANNING

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG KELLY, JAMES FOLEY

Garfield’s connection to Elberon is perhaps the neighborhood’s most remarkable chapter. After being shot in Washington, D.C., in 1881, the nation’s 20th president was brought to Elberon in hopes that the sea air would aid his recovery. In an extraordinary feat of engineering, a special railroad spur was constructed so Garfield’s train could pull directly to the cottage where he was staying. For weeks, Americans followed daily updates on his condition, with Elberon briefly becoming the focal point of national attention. Garfield ultimately died there, forever linking this quiet coastal enclave to a pivotal moment in U.S. history.

As resort culture waned in the early 20th century, Elberon evolved from a summer playground for the elite into a year-round residential neighborhood within Long Branch. The massive cottages gradually gave way to smaller homes, but the area retained much of its original character. Wide streets, mature trees and an unhurried pace still set Elberon apart from busier Shore towns. It feels like a neighborhood

slightly removed from the noise— more lived-in than curated, more local than performative.

That sense of continuity carries into Elberon today. While trends cycle through other parts of the Shore, Elberon remains defined by the people who live there and the institutions that serve them. The neighborhood’s businesses aren’t flashy or fleeting; they feel rooted, intentional and quietly confident.

Directly across from the train station, Modern Man Barber Studio reflects that philosophy. Owner Alex Gomez offers classic barbershop services—hot towel razor shaves included—in a space that blends old-school tradition with modern design. For Gomez, the barbershop is about more than haircuts. It’s a social space, a place where conversations

unfold naturally and where clients return not just for the service, but for the familiarity. The shop attracts everyone from high school students to retirees and professionals commuting to Manhattan, reinforcing Elberon’s role as a true crossroads between past and present.

A few blocks away, Roots + Remedies speaks to another, less obvious side of Elberon’s evolution. Owned by longtime friends Frieda Sitt Laniado and Michelle Zaccai BenDayan, the herbal apothecary and organic café was conceived with a simple goal: helping people support their health using natural, accessible options. The shop offers an extensive selection of herbal syrups, tinctures, balms and essential oils, alongside an ingredient-conscious café where refined sugar is notably absent. Roots + Remedies feels less like a trend-driven wellness space and more like a neighborhood resource—one grounded in education, balance and trust.

Nearby, Doru Pilates adds a layer of quiet sophistication to Elberon’s present-day identity. Founder Lauren Ginsberg, a former New York City finance professional and Pilates instructor, created the studio to bring a higher-level Pilates experience to the area—one rooted in expertise rather than hype. Named for her grandfather, Doru Pilates reflects Ginsberg’s emphasis on legacy, care and intention. The studio’s experienced instructors and boutique atmosphere feel well-matched to Elberon’s understated character.

Taken together, these businesses don’t define Elberon—they simply reflect it. They exist as extensions of a neighborhood shaped by history, community and continuity rather than constant reinvention.

Elberon doesn’t announce itself. It doesn’t market its past aggressively or chase attention. Its appeal lies in what most people don’t realize as they pass through: the presidential summers, the extraordinary railroad built for a dying president, the transformation from elite resort to close-knit neighborhood, and the way that history still quietly informs daily life.

Sometimes, the most interesting places aren’t the ones everyone is talking about. They’re the ones you almost miss—unless you decide to slow down, step off the train and look a little closer.

Special discount: Use code CITYLIFESTYLE for 20% off any purchase at Roots + Remedies.

READERS’ CHOICE

From historic homes near the coast to new construction and full-scale renovations, Greater Long Branch residents know the value of working with professionals they can trust. This month’s Readers’ Choice: Home Edition highlights the local businesses and service providers homeowners rely on most to build, maintain and enhance their spaces.

Each winner was selected entirely by reader vote—real recommendations based on firsthand experience. The results reflect not only quality workmanship, but consistency, communication and community reputation.

With that, we’re proud to announce the March 2026 Readers’ Choice winners for Greater Long Branch.

BEST FLOORING SPECIALIST

The Flooring Guy LLC

Readers repeatedly recognized The Flooring Guy LLC for dependable service and quality craftsmanship. Voters cited attention to detail, clear communication and results that elevate both form and function inside the home.

theflooringguy.us | (908) 627-9106

BEST HVAC

COMPANY

Casper Plumbing & HVAC

When comfort and reliability are essential, Casper Plumbing & HVAC earned strong support from readers. Homeowners praised the company’s responsiveness, professionalism and trusted service across heating and cooling needs.

casperfriendlyservices.com | (732) 759-4568

BEST BUILDER

MNC + Sons Contractors

MNC + Sons Contractors stood out among voters for quality construction and project execution. Readers highlighted the team’s ability to manage complex builds while maintaining high standards throughout the process. mnccontractors.com | (718) 676-7366

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER

Sheila Rich Interiors, LLC

Sheila Rich Interiors, LLC was consistently praised for creating polished, livable spaces that reflect each client’s style. Voters noted the firm’s attention to detail and ability to bring vision to life. sheilarichinteriors.com | (732) 870-3012

BEST KITCHEN & BATH REMODELER

Ocean Bath & Kitchen

Kitchen and bath renovations are major investments, and Ocean Bath & Kitchen earned top honors for helping homeowners navigate them with confidence. Readers pointed to thoughtful design and smooth project flow as standout qualities.

oceanbath.com | (732) 695-3535

BEST PAINTER

C. Henry Painting

A quality paint job can transform a home, and readers repeatedly recognized C. Henry Painting for clean work, professionalism and reliable results across both interior and exterior projects.

chenrypainting.com | (732) 377-2425

BEST TILE COMPANY

Artistic Tile

Tile plays a defining role in kitchens, baths and living spaces, and Artistic Tile earned readers’ trust for its craftsmanship and selection. Homeowners highlighted both expertise and product quality. artistictile.com | (732) 212-1616

BEST PAVING COMPANY

Trinity Paving

Trinity Paving was recognized by readers for dependable paving and sealcoating services. Voters cited durability, clear expectations and long-lasting results as reasons for their choice.

trinitypavingnj.com | (732) 741-7283

BUILT ON LOCAL TRUST

These Readers’ Choice winners represent the professionals Greater Long Branch homeowners turn to when it matters most. From essential repairs to transformative renovations, each business reflects the trust, referrals and real experiences that define the community.

To see upcoming categories and voting opportunities, follow us on social media at @GreaterlongBranchCityLifestyle

HOW BEE-GONE KEEPS NEW JERSEY HOMES PEST-FREE—INSIDE AND OUT

UNINVITED GUESTS, HANDLED

Protecting a home means paying attention to more than what is immediately visible. From carpenter bees drilling into deck railings to termites quietly weakening structural supports, pests can cause serious damage long before homeowners realize there is a problem.

For more than 40 years, Bee-Gone Termite & Pest Control has helped homeowners and businesses across Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union counties identify, treat and prevent pest infestations. Founded in 1980, the locally owned company has built a reputation for fast response times, thorough inspections and solutions designed to protect homes for the long term.

Many pest problems begin subtly. A few mosquitoes can make outdoor spaces unusable. Carpenter bees hovering near exposed wood may seem harmless at first, but their burrowing can weaken decks, railings and siding. Inside the home, ants, spiders or rodents often signal larger issues hidden behind walls or in crawl spaces.

“Real pest control isn’t about quick fixes,” says owner Dean White. “It’s about understanding what’s happening behind the scenes and protecting a home before small problems turn into major repairs. We treat every home like it’s our own.”

Some of the most destructive pests are the ones homeowners rarely see. Termites, carpenter ants and rodents often nest inside walls, attics and foundations, causing structural damage over time. Bee-Gone technicians are trained to identify these hidden threats through detailed inspections that go beyond surface-level signs. Once activity is detected, treatments are applied directly at the source using EPA-approved products and proven methods.

Bee-Gone’s residential services include termite inspections and extermination, carpenter bee and ant control, mosquito management, rodent removal, bed bug treatments and stinging insect control. Each plan is customized based on the home’s layout, construction and surrounding environment, helping to both eliminate current infestations and prevent future ones.

The company’s approach is hands-on and proactive. Technicians inspect decks for wood-destroying insects, seal entry points used by rodents and address conditions that attract pests in the first place. Clear communication is a priority, with homeowners informed about what was found, how it is being treated and what steps can help reduce future risk.

In addition to residential services, Bee-Gone provides comprehensive commercial pest control for offices, restaurants, retail spaces, warehouses and multi-unit properties. Pest issues in commercial environments require fast, discreet action to protect customers, employees and operations. Bee-Gone’s technicians work efficiently in high-traffic settings while minimizing disruption and maintaining compliance with health and safety standards.

Despite its growth over four decades, Bee-Gone remains rooted in the values it was founded on. What began with one truck and a simple promise—to treat every customer like family—has grown into one of New Jersey’s most trusted pest control companies. Fair pricing, responsive service and genuine care continue to define the business.

“WHEN

Serving communities including Middletown, Holmdel, Freehold and Toms River, Bee-Gone emphasizes education alongside treatment. Clients are guided through what pests they are dealing with, why they appeared and how to prevent repeat infestations. That focus on long-term protection is what keeps many homeowners and businesses returning year after year.

When pests appear, early action matters. With experience, local knowledge and a commitment to doing the job right, Bee-Gone continues to help Central New Jersey residents protect their homes—and their peace of mind.

BEE-GONE TERMITE & PEST CONTROL

Proudly Serving Central and Coastal New Jersey

Phone: (908) 468-2841

Website: beegonepests.com

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN JENKINS, AMANDA PROUDFIT

MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED

There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.

Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.

“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”

Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”

That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.

THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED

The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.

“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”

A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.

ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME

The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.

Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.

POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT

If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.

LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH

Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.

Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.

At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.

PROJECT CREDITS

Builder - Buildwell

Architect and Interior Architect - Flower Architecture

Designer - Kate Manz

RENTALS

• 345 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch

2 BR, 2 BA, den | Multiple units, $5,000$5,800 range/monthly | Web# 22514704

• 139 Brighton Avenue, 9A, Long Branch

3 BR, 2 BA | $3,900/monthly | Web# 22535964

• 42 Cottage Place, 2, Long Branch 3 BR, 1 BA | $3,500/monthly | Web# 22529508

THROUGHOUT MARCH

Monmouth Repertory Theatre Performances

179 Broadway, Long Branch

Catch plays, readings and workshops at New Jersey Repertory Company. Check dates for One Night Stands and season offerings. More info: njrep.org/tickets-and-events/events-calendar/

MARCH 1ST

Long Branch Spring Concert

State Farm Rd., Long Branch | 3:00 PM

Join the community for the city’s spring concert event at MPCC. Bring the family to welcome the season with music and local flair. More info: Long Branch City Events Calendar (longbranch.org)

MARCH 6TH

Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles — Long Branch

400 Block, Long Branch | 3:30 PM

Experience orchestral performances in a candlelit setting at Pollak Theatre. Indulge in tributes to iconic rock classics in an intimate, luminous concert. More: feverup.com/en/long-branch-nj-us/candlelight

MARCH 9TH

Introduction to Qigong and Tai Chi — West Long Branch

95 Poplar Ave., West Long Branch | 10:00 AM

Learn fundamentals of Qigong and Tai Chi at Monmouth County Library—West Long Branch Public Library. Ideal for wellness and beginners.

MARCH 23RD

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Workshop — West Long Branch

95 Poplar Ave., West Long Branch | 1:00 PM

Explore the basics of AI and how it impacts daily life at Monmouth County Library—West Long Branch Public Library.

MARCH 28TH

Monmouth County Park System Spring Craft Show — Tinton Falls

95 East Bay Ave., Tinton Falls, NJ | 9:00 AM

Find handmade goods, crafts and local vendors at Fort Monmouth Recreation Center. Free admission. More information: monmouthcountyparks.com