“Staycations” are mini vacations that require minimal travel; this means no airport hassles, heavy luggage, or expensive hotel bills. A staycation could involve not  leaving your house or it could mean visiting local sites or taking day trips. Whether you're watching your budget, have environmental concerns, or if you just like the idea of staying local this spring and summer, a staycation is a great way to have fun, bond with your family, and enjoy local attractions that you may have overlooked.   A mini getaway to a local hotel or bed and breakfast, a day trip to the zoo, or a picnic in the…

This week Patch Picks is presenting some great spas in the area worth checking out. Take a look at what there is to check out. Bangz Salon and Wellness SpaEnjoy a massage, manicure, pedicure, and Egyptian facial in one of Bangz’ eight treatment rooms. The spa also features full and half-day spa packages, including an Anti-Aging Deluxe, a Head To Toe, and an Awakening package, among others. The spa also offers a variety of body treatments, hair removal, skin care, nail services, and cosmetics. Their Medi-Spa offers non-surgical procedures, injectables, laser treatment, vein treatment, and …

Saint Patrick’s Day Annual LuncheonAddress: Washington Township Senior Center, Rock Spring Park, Long Valley, NJ 07853Washington Township Recreation Department is offering its annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at 11 a.m. The department will be serving corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, mixed vegetables, Uncle Sal’s famous salad and Irish soda bread. Marcel and Lucky will be singing and dancing. The cost of this event is a non-refundable fee of $7 for residents and $8 for non-residents. Please send your check, made payable to Washington Township Parks & Recreation, to the office at 50 Rock Road, …

With a little over a hundred days until most summer camps begin, it's time to start touring different camps and registering! This week, Patch chose five fantastic summer camps to consider ranging from smaller local day camps to far-stretching sleep-away camps. Regardless of which type of camp you are seeking, these camps will surely provide a wide variety of outdoor adventures, unique activities, and tons of summer fun for kids and teens. Meadowbrook Country Day CampThis local day camp is located on a beautiful 50-acre site and offers programs for those in nursery school through ninth grade. …

In light of the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day, Long Valley Patch asked five local librarians to choose their favorite books for children, teens, and adults. Librarians at Washington Township Public Library had a difficult time narrowing down their lists, but each highly recommend stopping by the library to check out the following books: Jacqueline Zuzzi, Library Director Loving Frank by Nancy HoranHow to Talk so Your Kids Will Listen and Listen so Your Kids Will Talk by Adele FaberNanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlinSweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan BradleyDead…

Every week, Patch Picks ... well, we'll pick what Patch Picks each week. That is to say, every Monday we'll be back with a list of the most interesting, the best, the craziest, the biggest, the most wonderful something-or-other that we've decided to highlight. Patch Picks: Boutiques Looking for a special gift or just a fun, new place to shop? You will find unique jewelry, upscale clothing and accessories, stained glass, and bridal products and services at these five fabulous area boutiques. Ladyfingers Ladyfingers offers a wide variety of unique jewelry and gifts for women of all ages. Wander…

Patch Picks is exploring the world of nonprofit organizations in the community, and highlighting a few that are making a major difference. Check them out. HeartworksThis non-profit organization began in Bernardsville in response to the demonstrated support to families in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It is made up of a group of women who strive to make a difference in the lives of Long Valley residents and those in need in surrounding areas through random acts of kindness. Heartworks members meet at a member’s house on the third Tuesday of each month to discuss …

Every week, Patch Picks ... well, we'll pick what Patch Picks each week. That is to say, every Thursday we'll be back with a list of the most interesting, the best, the craziest, the biggest, the most wonderful something-or-other that we've decided to highlight. Patch Picks: Romantic Restaurants for Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is Monday, Feb. 14, and before you’re left scrambling at 5:30 p.m. without a reservation, we thought these suggestions might help you decide–in advance–where you can go. Benito’s Trattoria (Chester)Northern Italian cuisine is available at this quaint eatery along …

Every week, Patch Picks ... well, we'll pick what Patch Picks each week. That is to say, every Thursday we'll be back with a list of the most interesting, the best, the craziest, the biggest, the most wonderful something-or-other that we've decided to highlight. Patch Picks: Super Bowl Destinations Kick-off is just after 6 p.m., so make sure you saddle up to one of these bars or restaurants early and get a seat. Long Valley Pub and Brewery–Two bars with nearly a dozen TVs to watch the game. Seasonal and house-made brews will be flowing until the bar closes at 11 p.m. Located at 1 E. Mill Road…