Tips To Optimize Your Home Air Quality

 These days we are spending more and more time at home. If you are a non-essential worker, it's likely that you are working at home. Chances are your children are at home at least part-time for school. With all the time we are spending indoors, it's important that the air quality of our homes is the best it can be. Indoor air quality is often overlooked as it isn't something that is immediately noticeable. We can't see it or smell it, so we tend to ignore it until we start to suffer possible side effects.

We recently had an issue in one of our bathrooms where mold had begun to grow and eventually spread. It was cause for concern since mold can be very unhealthy, especially for those who suffer from respiratory issues such as asthma. Mold is considered an indoor air pollutant, and if left untreated, mold will spread throughout your home and cause serious respiratory and overall health problems.

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5 Tips To Prepare For Hurricane Season

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Here at the Jersey shore, we are preparing to head into hurricane season. Since Hurricane Sandy made landfall here in 2012, hurricane season continues to instill a sense of fear and uneasiness in most Jersey shore residents. From high winds to storm surges that cause flooding to loss of power and utilities, it's important to be prepared for any situation.

Even over the course of this summer, we've been faced with heavy thunderstorms that have caused extensive damage from downed trees as a result of powerful winds. Whether it's the summer storm season or hurricane season, here are 5 tips for preparing your home and yourself to stay ahead of the game.

1. Create a Hurricane Supplies Kit
This kit should contain essentials that you'll need in the event of loss of power or if you become stranded inside your home. Plenty of batteries, bottled water, blankets, candles, coolers filled with ice, and if you have a gas or charcoal grill, be sure to have the gas tank filled and extra bags of charcoal so that you can cook.

2. Determine an Evacuation Plan
If you live in an evacuation zone, be sure to know the route you will need to take to leave a dangerous area. They are most often marked with signs, but you can call local authorities to get the specific and direct routes. Also, allow plenty of time to evacuate and expect traffic as you exit your area. Also, have a bag packed in the event that you may need to evacuate mid-storm. If you have pets, have supplies read to go for them, including carriers and cages. You don't want to be scurrying at the last moment looking for a carrier that is at the back of the attic.

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3. Strengthen Your Home
The first place to suffer the effects of a hurricane or strong storm is the exterior of your home. Roofing, siding, and gutters are most likely to become damaged during a storm. Peter's Roofing Company offers before and after-storm services to inspect your roof, siding, gutters, and even skylights before a problem occurs. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having suffered damage to the exterior of your home, Peter's Roofing specializes in expert repair of roofs, gutters, siding, skylights, and more. The experts in New Jersey EPDM roofing, Peter's Roofing employs expert estimators who can help you determine which roof is best for your home and your budget. When it's time for installation, Peter's Roofing pays careful attention to project timelines and budgets to remain within the parameters while adhering to quality and safety standards.

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Founded by Pedro Guaman, Peter's Roofing Company is recognized as one of the best roofing contractors in New Jersey. Pedro, his brothers, and other related families continue to exceed their clients’ expectations with their professional and efficient work, which includes roofing, siding, gutters, doors, windows, skylights, chimneys, attic fan, roof leak repair, flat roof repair installations and replacements, roof pipes, exterior renovations and exterior home improvement that will bring joy to you and your family for years to come.

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4. Get an Insurance Check Up
Make sure you are up-to-date on all required insurances. If you live in a flood zone, be sure you have flood coverage on your homeowner's policy. Also, confirm with your agent, what will be covered if your home suffers damage whether it's to the exterior of your home or to the interior (basement flooding, etc.).

5. Complete a Written Plan
If you can't complete a written plan, at a minimum, have a plan in mind and communicate it to the entire family so that everyone is one the same page. Make sure everyone knows where emergency supplies are located. Let the family know when you will evacuate should you need to do so.

Take action today, so you are prepared for the 2020 hurricane season.

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How To Keep Your Home Pest-Free

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We've had a pesky, yet albeit inconsistent, ant problem for years. They pop up when we least expect them and during times of the year when ants generally shouldn't be invading our home. We've found them everywhere from the kitchen to the bathroom to the master bedroom and places in between.

We've sprayed, placed traps, sprinkled Borax, and tried every other trick in the book. But time and time again, the ants return and are worse than they were before. If you've ever had an ant issue, you know that they are persistent. They don't tire or surrender easily, and often "over the counter" tactics just aren't effective. We had finally had enough when I was in bed reading to find one crawling across my hand. Yuck! Time to call in the pros!

We finally gave up trying to rectify the problem on our own and went in search of a professional pest control service that could help us with this problem once and for all. After much research online and chatting with friends and neighbors in search of recommendations, we discovered that Surf Termite & Pest Control, a local, Jersey-shore based service in Neptune, NJ would be our best bet for successfully helping rid us of our irksome little ant friends.

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Kiddie Academy Hosts Storytime LIVE!

This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Kiddie Academy. All opinions are my own. 

It's the time of year when the weather can be slightly unpredictable and unseasonably cool to try to plan an outdoor activity for your children. Whether it's rainy or chilly, it's a good idea to have an indoor activity that the kids will love.

When my daughters were younger, one of our favorite activities was story time. Whether we had our own at home or ventured out to attend one at a local library or book store, we always looked forward to the chance to get lost in a few books. My own love of reading started early, and it was always my goal to foster a love of reading in my children.

Reading aloud to your child has proven lifelong literacy benefits. However, while reading a story, it’s also important to stop to talk about the story to further engage your child in the process.  You can ask questions about the story, talk about the emotions related to the story, or even create an alternate ending. You’ll elevate story time from a passive to an active pursuit, making for a richer, more valuable experience.

Kiddie Academy®  has taken story time one step further by bringing a book to life right before your child's eyes. Kiddie Academy offers a unique story time for children and their parents with its Storytime LIVE!, a free community event where the beloved literary character, Curious George, jumps off the page and visits the classroom in person!

Kiddie Academy, a nationally recognized provider of educational child care programs, has been teaching children and helping them discover more about the world around them for 35 years. Kiddie Academy offers full-time care, before- and after-school care, STEM programs, and a summer camp program for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.

Storytime LIVE is open to the public not just currently enrolled students at Kiddie Academy. So grab a friend and visit Storytime LIVE this Saturday, September 30th at any of these locations:

• Jackson
• Marlboro
• North Brunswick
• Secaucus
• Watchung Square
• West Caldwell
• Springfield

Do your children love storytime? If so, will you be attending Kiddie Academy's Storytime LIVE! to see Curious George? Find the location nearest you and register here: http://www.kastorytime.com/

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Back To School Shopping at The Mills At Jersey Gardens

There's no denying it now. Back to school season is in full swing, and it's time to shop. There's no better place to get all your back to school essentials than at The Mills at Jersey Gardens. After all these years, I finally have it figured out. One stop shopping is the BEST! The Mills at Jersey Gardens is one stop for EVERYTHING!

I was recently invited to attend a back to school blogger event at The Mills at Jersey Gardens hosted by Corine from Complicated Mama. In addition to getting the latest scoop on back to school trends, we had a chance to browse the mall in search of the all the incredible deals and back to school specials. We didn't have to look too far. The bargains are everywhere!

With Corine and Carly

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K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital Presents Superhero Soiree

We often think of superheroes as larger than life. With capes blowing in the wind and biceps bulging at the seams, superheroes are what children's dreams are made of. But many times the superheroes in our lives are children.

On Friday, April 29th, 2016, K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital will honor our smallest heroes at its annual Superhero Soiree at The Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, New Jersey.

This year's honorees are Kyra Citron who will be honored with the Hometown Hero Award and Charles Dadzie, M.D. who will be honored with the Physician Hero Award.

The cocktail reception will include a delicious menu with hors d'oeuvres and stations, reception style seating and music and dancing.

This year the team at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital will be developing a new Pediatric Palliative Care Program for children and their families with chronic illnesses and life-threatening medical conditions. As the parent of a child with type 1 diabetes, I am all too aware of the struggles that come with caring for a child with a chronic illness. Seriously-ill children require care that focuses on treatment of symptoms, pain and stress management, and patient and family support. Their health conditions affect their entire families, who must cope with their young family member's illness and make difficult decisions regarding quality of life. The goal of pediatric palliative care is to add life to the child’s years, not simply years to the child’s life.

Just as superheroes fight big battles, no matter how hard or long our young patients battles may be, with strength of will and determination, there is always hope. You can help provide courage to our patients and their families by being a hero for the night to ensure our mission is fulfilled. All monies raised from ticket sales for Superhero Soiree will go towards the new Pediatric Palliative Care Program at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital.

It's sure to be a fun night for a good cause. Hope to see you there!

For more information and ticket pricing, click here or visit www.meridianhealth.com/superhero.

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Whole Foods Market Set To Open in Wall, NJ on April 13th

Here at the Jersey Shore we've been waiting for years for a Whole Foods Market to open in the area. There have been teasers and rumors of a location opening, but nothing panned out. Then to our surprise, Whole Foods Market announced on its Facebook page that a location would be opening in Wall, New Jersey in the spring of 2016.

Collective cheers were heard all over Monmouth and Ocean counties. People were rejoicing. A Whole Foods would finally be less than a 40 minute drive. In less than 48 hours, the Whole Foods Market will open its doors to hungry, health-conscious consumers and foodies from the Jersey Shore.

Today, I was invited to take a sneak peek at New Jersey's 15th and newest Whole Foods Market. The 39,000 square foot store has a coastal theme and is absolutely gorgeous inside and out.

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Casual Mother's Day Outfit Inspiration From Unpredictable Juno

Me | Corine | Carly

Mother's Day is a big deal in our family for two reasons. One is the obvious, of course. It's a day to honor me and other moms for all of our selfless acts. The second reason is that Mother's Day always falls near Emma's birthday. She was born the day before Mother's Day, and most years her birthday comes either just before or just after Mother's Day.

Since 2003 when Emma turned one, we have been hosting the Mother's Day festivities which are always a combination birthday party/Mother's Day celebration. Since we host it in our home, it's always a casual get together where guests arrive comfortably dressed and ready for fun, and every year I consistently overdress for the occasion.

This year I promised myself that I would not overdress for our casual gathering. I've been known to get pretty gussied up in fancy dresses, jumpsuits, and pantsuits. But this year, I'll be dressing appropriately for a fun, simple celebration.

I am always game to try something new. So when Unpredictable Juno invited me, Carly from Thirty Something Fashion, and Corine from Complicated Mama to participate in a Mother's Day outfit collaboration, I jumped at the chance. A chance to catch up and shop at a new to me boutique with some of my besties? Oh yeah! I am so there.

Unpredictable Juno is an apparel and accessories boutique located in Oakhurst, New Jersey and owned by Danielle Tucci. It features a unique collection of the season's most sought after looks. With a variety to choose from, Unpredictable Juno can outfit you for a day at the beach, a night on the town, and anything and everything in between.

Danielle and her staff are incredibly helpful without being overbearing. I liked how they offered suggestions for outfit pairings but also gave us freedom to browse about the store leisurely.

From dresses to jumpsuits to rompers to jeans, Unpredictable Juno can dress you for an occasion.

For my Mother's Day look I knew I wanted to go with jeans. I found this AMAZING pair of destructed denim from Elan. These jeans. They are so fabulous. I love the light denim. I don't have a pair of jeans in this color, so I was thrilled to find them. The fit is spot on, and let's talk about the comfort factor. This denim is so light and soft that the jeans almost feel like pajamas.

Jeans by Elan c/o Unpredictable Juno | Tank by bishop + young c/o Unpredictable Juno | Necklace c/o Unpredictable Juno. Call store to order 732-222-5860.

Blazer, shoes, and clutch are my own.

When I wear destructed denim, I like to balance it with a structured, polished top. I love the way this faux leather panel tank balances the distressed denim. A top like this is a great way to dress up any pair of denim, destructed or otherwise.

The blazer is my own, and I added it as the weather around Mother's Day can be unpredictable. But I won't be wearing it indoors. This fabulous tank will stand on its own.

I've been having a love affair with tassel necklaces lately, and I fell in love with this one the moment I saw it. It has the tassel detail I adore, but the beads add an element of interest that many other tassel necklaces don't have. In addition to this necklace, Unpredictable Juno has a full selection of jewelry to fit any budget and occasion.

The first thing I do every Mother's Day is treat myself to an iced coffee and then I do some browsing. This outfit will be perfect for carefree coffee and shopping.

To see Corine's Mother's Day outfit, click here.

To see Carly's Mother's Day outfit, click here.

Ready to shop? Unpredictable Juno is offering you 10% off your purchase when you mention this collaboration. Visit the shop and pick up a few beach essentials like a coverup and a bag. Or have a special occasion coming up? A dress and some fabulous jewelry are waiting for you at Unpredictable Juno.

Can't make it into the store? No worries! Unpredictable Juno offers shipping. Just call the store (732-222-5860) to arrange to have your purchase shipped to you.

Stay in touch with Unpredictable Juno by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

This post was written in partnership with Unpredictable Juno. All opinions are my own.

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Win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets to Liberty Science Center

Last weekend we were invited to explore the Liberty Science Center. We love the LSC and look forward to any opportunity to visit. This past weekend was especially fun since the LSC was playing host to a weekend-long Star Wars party. While we were there, we explored the new Sid the Science Kid exhibit as well as Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit.

Our visit started off with a private meet and greet with Star Wars characters. R2D2, Stormtroopers, Obi Wan Kenobi, it was pretty incredible for this Star Wars fan!

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Gifts for People Who Love New Jersey

Maybe you've crossed everyone off your list. Or maybe you are still searching for the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy for person on your list. I'm still shopping, and along the way, I've found some great gifts for your Jersey friends.

Click on the links below for more information or to purchase.

Top Row:
Wood Sign | Framed Print | Tee Shirt

Middle Row:
Necklace | Cutting Board | Napkins

Bottom Row:
Pillow | Print | Makeup Bag

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Bahama Breeze: A Restaurant For All Occasions

This post is written in partnership with Bahama Breeze, All opinions are my own.

Although we love a quaint celebration at home, but for a nice change of pace, we enjoy a celebration out at a restaurant. Who doesn't love the chance to sit back and leave the cooking, serving, and cleaning up to someone else? Whether you are celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, a girls' night out, a retirement, or a report card of straight As, Bahama Breeze can make your celebration a memorable one.

On a recent Saturday, the girls and I had a shopping trip planned to pick out the dress Emma would wear to the dinner/dance during her 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. But before we hit the mall, we wanted to have lunch. We were eager to try somewhere new, and we mutually decided on Bahama Breeze in Toms River.

Upon our first step into Bahama Breeze, we were immediately transported to the tropics. Lush tropical plants and decor surround you, giving you the feeling of being on a tropical island.

We ordered some icy beverages and perused the menu. The girls ordered non-alcoholic piña coladas, and I ordered the "Shark Attack Shack" rum flight. You can read more about my beverage choice here.

Bahama Breeze mixes up a variety of cocktails including signature cocktails. legendary island cocktails, tropical favorites as well as non-alcoholic concoctions, beer, wine, and sangria. Bahama Breeze proudly serves premium spirits and takes pride in every drink the mixologists make.

While we leisurely enjoyed our delicious drinks, we munched on the coconut shrimp appetizer. The large, succulent and crunchy shrimp are served with a citrus-mustard sauce.

Bahama Breeze specializes in American cuisine with an island infusion. Caribbean-inspired specialties abound, and whether you are a seafood lover or a landlubber, there's something on the menu for everyone to enjoy.

Both the manager Matt and our server were all too willing to give us recommendations and offer up their favorite menu items. I seriously wanted to order every item on the menu, so their feedback was very welcome.

After going back and forth between the Calypso Shrimp Linguine and the Lobster Mac & Cheese, I ended up going with the mac and cheese. One bite, and I knew I made the right choice. It was delicious. It was rich but not so much so that you could barely have more than 5 bites. The side of fresh green beans offered a nice balance to the richness of the lobster and the cheesy pasta.

Although there is a kids' menu, my girls ordered from the regular menu. They were both eager to try Caribbean twists on their favorite foods. Emma, who has a penchant for spicy foods, ordered the Jamaican Jerk Chicken and cleaned her plate.

Harper ordered the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and was thrilled with it. The chicken is marinated in a mango sauce before it's grilled, and the salad is topped with huge shavings of Parmesan cheese.

And what's dinner without dessert? Bahama Breeze has six desserts on the menu, all sound as mouthwatering as the next, and after much discussion, we finally agreed on Rebecca's Key Lime Pie, a tangy pie with handmade brown sugar crust and peaks of golden meringue.

Whether you are celebrating a momentous occasion or a small milestone, let Bahama Breeze play host to your next gathering.  If it's cocktails and appetizers for one or dinner for ten, Bahama Breeze brings the islands to you in a fun, vibrant, and lighthearted atmosphere.

Bahama Breeze also hosts a happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 6 pm and a late night happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 10 pm to close. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, half-priced appetizers, and a good time.

For more information, follow Bahama Breeze on its social channels below and on the Web at www.bahamabreeze.com.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Bahama Breeze, Toms River is located at 1201 Hooper Avenue (on the outskirts of the Ocean County Mall). For more information, call 732-736-7012. 

This post is written in partnership with Bahama Breeze.

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Rumtoberfest is Happening NOW at Bahama Breeze

This post is written in partnership with Bahama Breeze.

It's Halloween in the islands, and that can mean only one thing: Fun! While you may be thinking Oktoberfest, it's time to shift your thinking to Rumtoberfest. Yes! A celebration of rum and fun is happening right now through November 8, 2015 at the Bahama Breeze in Toms River, New Jersey.

What is Rumtoberfest?
Every Friday through November 8th, Bahama Breeze invites you to its Toms River location for barrels (pun intended!) of rum-fun which includes live music, a fortune teller, a friendly pirate, games, prizes, and even secret password specials. To go along with all the fun and games, Bahama Breeze will be serving signature Rumtoberfest flights and Hurricanes. Keep your eyes peeled for the rum barrel as it makes its way around the restaurant. You don't get more authentic than that!

I sat down and settled in for my "flight"...rum flight, that is.

If you are looking for a quick island getaway, a Rumtoberfest rum flight is your answer. There are three different cocktail flights to choose from, each flight priced at $9.79 per flight. Matt, one of the Bahama Breeze managers at the Toms River location suggested the "Shark Attack Shack" flight for me. Or if you are a rum aficiondo, sample a flight of straight rums. Bahama Breeze offer top shelf rums that will please your palette and give you the ultimate island experience.

The "Shark Attack Shack" included the Painkiller (Pusser's Dark Rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juices with freshly ground nutmeg), the Yaka Hula Hickey Dula (pineapple juice, Riesling, and Bacardi Black Rum), and the Zombie (Barcardi Black and Barbancourt Rums with Peach Schnapps). Although each was delicious in it's own right, my favorite was the Painkiller. It tasted like a liquid pina colada. Delicious!

Can you tell that I thoroughly enjoyed my Rumtoberfest rum flight?

In addition to the Shark Attack Shack, there are two additional rum-filled cocktail flights to delight you. "Mama's Hooch & Holler" and "Float My Boat Bar" will transport you to islands with warm breezes, steel drums, and lazy afternoons in the sun.

Whether you are a rum expert or just trying it for the first time Rumtoberfest is for you. There's no need to hop on an airplane to head to the islands. It's much easier than that. Hop in your car and head to Bahama Breeze in Toms River.

Unleash your inner creative islander and show up in your best island costume for a scary good time at Bahama Breeze. Not into costumes? No worries. How about a pirate tattoo instead? Whatever your fancy, you'll find plenty of fun and rum at Rumtoberfest.

Rumtoberfest will be celebrated every Friday at the Toms River Bahama Breeze location through November 8. For more information, follow Bahama Breeze on its social channels below and on the Web at www.bahamabreeze.com.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Bahama Breeze, Toms River is located at 1201 Hooper Avenue (on the outskirts of the Ocean County Mall). For more information, call 732-736-7012. 

This post is written in partnership with Bahama Breeze.

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Jenkinson's Boo At The Boardwalk is Back! #JenksMemory

For two weekends in the fall, Jenkinson's Boardwalk hosts Boo at the Boardwalk, a seaside celebration filled with Halloween fun including games, trick-or-treating and more. The kids get a chance to take an early spin in their costumes and collect candy from Jenkinson's businesses including the Sweet Shop and the Aquarium.

At last year's festivities, there was plenty of fun for the kiddos including a coloring table with fun and spooky pictures. You could even turn your coloring creation into a mask. This year Jenkinson's promises all the fun of last year and some new events and activities as well!

There was a prize wheel. You spin it. You win it!

There were fun photo opps including an adorable threesome of scarecrows.

And a Jenkinson's step and repeat.

We had a chance to sneak in a few games of Skee-Ball too!

After the boardwalk fun, we headed to the Aquarium. Even the penguins were in the spirit of Halloween!

This year Jenkinson's has added a few new events including a beach maze, a pumpkin patch, and underwater pumpkin carving shows at the Aquarium.

New in 2015 is Perky's Pumpkin Derby, a race of pumpkins to the finish line! For full contest rules, regulations, and entry requirements, click here.

Jenkinson's Boo at the Boardwalk is a limited engagement. You can enjoy the fun on the weekends of October 17th and 18 and again on October 24th and 25th from 12 - 4 pm. The aquarium hours are 10 am - 5 pm on Saturdays and Sunday. Underwater Pumpkin Carving** is held in the Aquarium and will have four showings: Oct. 17 & 24: 12:30-1 and 3-3:30.

** Requires admission to the Aquarium.

For more information, visit jenkinsons.com.

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Summer Fun at Jenkinson's Boardwalk #JenksMemory

When you think of summer fun at the Jersey Shore, you think of Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Amusements. Jenkinson's, located in Point Pleasant Beach, is your one-stop shop for family fun and entertainment. Jenkinson's dominates the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk with an amusement and arcade area, an aquarium, miniature golf, several food concessions, and a nightclub.

From the beach to the boardwalk, Jenksinson's offers plenty to put smiles on everyone's face for an entire day or for a few hours.

Come for a day or a week and enjoy the sprawling beach complete with palm trees. Beaches are open daily during the summer season.

A little too hot for the beach? Head indoors where it's cooler and the sharks are behind glass! The Jenkinson's Aquarium features your favorite creatures from sea habitats including sharks, penguins and seals.

On our most recent visit to the aquarium, we were lucky enough to catch a diver cleaning the tank.

Kiddos and adults will get a thrill in the amusement area. Rides for every age abound. If you are seeking a thrill on the tame side, try the train or the carousel. My girls have long abandoned the tame rides in favor of those with more speed and more spins!

Feeling competitive? How about a good, old-fashioned game of miniature golf. Or for a slower pace, a walk through the Fun House is always a good idea.

Jenkinson's is open daily, but hours vary from attraction to attraction. Check the web site for specific hours.

Jenkinson's offers special events throughout the year including Hot Halloween, Boo at the Boardwalk and Christmas in July. Tuesday afternoons and Friday evenings are wristband days where you have access to unlimited rides for one low price. See web site for details.

What are you waiting for? Hope in the car and head to Jenkinson's today!

Disclosure: As a Jenkinson's Ambassador, I have been provided with a voucher for my visits. All opinions expressed are always my own.

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