Summer is officially in full swing, and with July comes our annual reminder: it’s okay to unplug. And with that, our team will be pressing pause from July 4th through July 14th to rest, recharge, and relax on our official TLG summer break.
We always say that creating fun, local, and meaningful content is our favorite part of the job; but even as storytellers, we need a little reset now and then. Taking this intentional break helps us come back energized with fresh ideas for you, our amazing community.
A few pre-scheduled posts will still go out here and there, but our OOO will be up, and you’ll likely hear back from us when we’re back to business as usual the week of July 14th. In the meantime, feel free to send tips to [email protected] or @themontclairgirl on social platforms — we’ll check them upon our return.
We know most media outlets never really stop, but we’ve learned that intentional breaks make our work (and our wellbeing) better in the long run. Maybe this is your sign to take one too: read that book, hit the beach, take a spontaneous day trip, binge Love Island, or just do nothing — guilt-free.
See you soon,
The Montclair Girl Team
PS: Some links that may help you while we’re away:
DTS Vibes
For all the fun Jersey Shore content, visit our sister site, The Jersey Shore Girl (and follow @thejerseyshoregirl_ on Instagram!). You can also follow @thecatskillsgirl for upstate NY content, curated by our founder, Jen.
Our Newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter that shares all of the top stories to your inbox — we’ll be sharing some articles you need there next week, and in general — all of our top stories are shared there weekly.
Perusing our archives is easy peasy here — there’s truly something for everyone:
- Food + Drink
- Lifestyle
- Events + News
- and pretty much search anything your heart desires on the rest of the site!
Our Events Calendar — add your own event!
The Montclair Girl’s self-service events calendar gives readers the chance to view upcoming events, and event hosts to post their events for free — before our weekly events article goes live on TheMontclairGirl.com and shared on our socials. You can post at any time, 24/7.
Click here to submit an event to our calendar, and click here to browse all of the local happenings going on in Montclair and Northern New Jersey.
Our Real Estate Directory
Our real estate directory is a user-friendly approach to local real estate searches for living in the tri-state area of NYC, NJ, and beyond.
- List your property for rent/sublet, vacation rent, or for sale
- Search for free for listings in any area or type of property
- Inquire directly with the seller/landlord/agent/owner
Send any feedback or inquiries to [email protected]. You can also use the code READERS2024 for a free listing in the directory the week we’re away.
Our Jobs Platform
Our jobs platform is a resource for job seekers and those who are looking to hire candidates through our parent site, The Local Girl. You can also feature your resume on our candidates page.
Click here for our deals directory that shares deals from local Northern New Jersey businesses.
There’s always so much going on, and lots of reading to do!
PPS: A Few Articles For Your Browsing While We’re OOO
Montclair + Essex County Summer Bucket List: 50 Must-Try Activities for 2025
Drive-In Movie Theaters in the New Jersey + New York Area
Must-Visit Rooftop + Outdoor Bars in the Montclair Area
10 Independently-Owned Ice Cream Shops in the Montclair Area
Fun Summer Road Trips Near Northern New Jersey
A List of Fun Outdoor Activities in New Jersey
And FINALLY: Our Summer Reading Picks
See below for a few member of The Local Girl team with their current book picks that are a must-read this summer:
^ Jordan, The Hoboken Girl Writer + Volunteer Coordinator
^ Erin, The Hoboken Girl Writer
^ Heather, The Hoboken Girl Writer
^ Kerrie, The Hoboken Girl Writer
^ Laura, The Hoboken Girl Writer
^ Christina, The Montclair Girl Writer
^ Carli, The Bergen Girl Writer
^ Jenna, The Jersey Shore Girl Writer + Marketing Associate
^ Jessica, The Jersey Shore Girl Writer + Marketing Associate
^ Lauren, The Local Girl Editorial Assistant
^ Stephanie, The Local Girl Deputy Editor
^ Casey, The Bergen Girl Marketing Associate
^ Joelle, The Local Girl Marketing Director + Volunteer Coordinator
From the Heart <3
We want you to know how much we appreciate every DM, comment, share, like, read, and email — it’s what keeps us going. Please email us any time at [email protected], and on social @themontclairgirl.
Have a wonderful, safe, and healthy start to July — and we’ll see you very soon!
Photo Credit: Some Shelly Photography
xo, The Local Girl Team
Our sites below for easy access while we’re away:
A Look at Montclair’s New Lackawanna Plaza + the Small Businesses Within
After 10 years of sitting in an abandoned lot, the once-empty Lackawanna Plaza has been reinvented and is now filled to the brim with local love. The population of small businesses, the Montclair Flea Market, restaurants, and more, Lackawanna Plaza has had a glow-up. The variety of small businesses within the building provides a sense of community. Keep reading for a highlight of the small businesses within Lackawanna Plaza and all it has to offer to Montclair locals.
The History of Lackawanna Plaza
Lackawanna Plaza has had a long history in Montclair. Before becoming the bustling plaza it is now, Lackawanna Plaza was once home to the Lackawanna train terminal here in Montclair. In the 1980s, it was transformed into a shopping mall with a grocery store, as well as retail and office space. At the time, the Pinnacle Companies partnered with the Hampshire Companies to plan the initial Lackawanna Plaza developments within the area. The proposal was not passed until 2019, but it still did not come to fruition due to a lawsuit claiming the space as a historical and architectural landmark.
Read More: 3 Montclair Updates: Watchung Plaza, Faulty Sidewalks, + Parking
In 2021, BDP Holdings, a Montclair-based real estate investment company, acquired the space that had been sitting empty for 10 years. David Placek of BDP Holdings is the new owner of Lackawanna Plaza and had the vision to redevelop the plaza, while preserving its historical and architectural integrity.
Lackawanna Plaza Now
MG visited the new Lackawanna Plaza and here's what we found: part of the updates to the re-imagination of Lackawanna Plaza are the changes to the physical layout. Upon walking in, we were greeted by a large skylight overlooking the main space where the food hall is located with tons of small restaurants, a co-working space, a mini-bar and the large, open-air room where the Montclair Flea is located. Before hitting the main space, we noticed the presence of a wine shop, a fresh-produce market, and The Little Shops, which are pop-ups highlighting a host of small businesses.
Ironbound Farm
Neither the food court, nor the Little Shops, but still a highlight of our exploration was Ironbound Farm. We picked up ingredients for dinner and saved ourselves a trip to the grocery store.
The Ironbound Farm is a 108-acre regenerative farm, orchard, and craft cidery located in Asbury. The store is chock-full of fresh produce and other goodies. We're always on the lookout for a new source for Jersey tomatoes and these might just do the trick.
The Little Shops
MG visited The Little Shops which are pop-ups within Lackawanna Plaza offering everything from vintage clothing to DIY charm bracelets. Here's what we found:
Ceaser Jewelers
Owned by Michael Ceaser, this store buys and sells diamonds, watches and estate jewelry. They also have repair services for jewelry and watches.
Ceramar X Woman to Women
Ceramar sells bags and accessories inspired by traditional Colombian crafts and the vibrant NYC style. Woman to Women is a clothing shop with all clothing designed by Gia André. Before having the physical Lackawanna Plaza location, the brand was established in 2013.
Economize Her
Economize Her is a secondhand store that recycles and resells goods to promote purchasing intentionally.
Framed By Ria
The second location of Framed By Ria is now located within Lackawanna Plaza. The store is founded by Ria Asmaeil, a second-generation framer, who learned the skill from a young age.
Jade Alycia Beauty
Jade Alycia Beauty is a skincare shop with vegan skincare for sensitive skin formulated by Jade Alycia.
Maplewood Shop
The Maplewood Shop is a woodworking store with the mission to build confidence, creativity, and community through portable woodworking programs.
New Faith Supply
New Faith Supply is an LGBTQ+ owned archival vintage store owned by 21-year-old Willow Skyfin. Willow shared that she started collecting clothes at age 11 when her mom introduced her to thrifting. As a kid, she would go to estate sales and garage sales for fun, and style and photograph her finds. Willow's friend Carol, who owns Phenomenal Woman, also in Lackawanna Plaza told her about the reinvented space, and the rest was history.
Phenomenal Woman
Phenomenal Woman is owned by friend duo Carole Bailey and Thomasina Sallustro-Hyland. Carole and Thomasina have combined their multi media artistry and design to create Phenomenal Woman, a clothing store with handmade and curated clothing with a contemporary vibe.
The Player Agency
The Player Agency is a board game retail shop within The Little Shops. With card games, and board games that are new and used, they've got it all for your next family game night.
True Ascend
True Ascend is a charm bar with tarnish-resistant jewelry. DIY your own charm jewelry from key chains to bracelets and necklaces.
See More: Maxwell Alley: A New Farm-to-Table Restaurant in Jersey City
Locals can get involved and feel a sense of community through events at Lackawanna Plaza. The Montclair Flea is every Saturday and Sunday from 11AM-6PM. Additionally, the RecRoom in Lackawanna Plaza hosts a variety of events, such as its free pop-up coworking space every Thursday from 10AM-6PM. See more opportunities to get involved and feel the community vibe via the website.
To stay up to date on the latest Montclair + Northern New Jersey news, follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram and TikTok, sign up for our newsletter that shares the top stories in your inbox here, and check out our events calendar.
