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Both the Chrysler 300 and the Pacifica can make great family vehicles. Their price points and fuel economy are similar. While the Chrysler 300 gets a respectable 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, the Pacifica gets an only slightly lower 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. So choosing between the two is a matter of what you're looking for. Luxury or practicality? Space or style? Let's explore. Interior The Chrysler 300 can easily feel like a luxury car. You can customize its spacious interior with 14 different styles, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel has convenient driver controls. The rotary e-shift dial on the center console selects gears electronically and saves space. And if that isn't lavish enough, you can add heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats and front console cup holders that keep your beverages hot or cold. Versatility is the Pacifica's hallmark. It's roomy, filled with handy storage spaces and cup holders, and equipped with Stow ‘n Go second- and third-row seats that take it from carpool to cargo in seconds by folding into the floor. Three-zone automatic climate control and a built-in vacuum are also available. more Exterior The sophisticated Chrysler 300 comes in nine different paint colors and wheel designs. Available adaptive exterior lights auto-adjust for prime visibility on curvy or hilly roads by monitoring your speed and steering angle. The Pacifica looks sleek, though it's the tallest and widest vehicle in its segment. This exterior size translates to a nicely spacious interior. Available features include power doors and tailgate that open by pressing the key fob or waving your foot under the door. How's that for hands-free?  The Pacifica also has a sunroof with a glass panel over each of its three rows. Cargo The Chrysler 300 has one of the larger trunks in its segment, and the roomy back seat can handle extra cargo. With the back seats folded down, the Chrysler 300 can fit 16 pieces of carry-on luggage, more than its main competitors. But when it comes to cargo, the Pacifica is unparalleled: with seats stowed, the Pacifica can hold 53 pieces of carry-on luggage. Technology The Chrysler 300 comes with an 8.4-inch touch-screen infotainment system. The Pacifica's infotainment system has a 5-inch touch screen, but you can upgrade to the 8.4-inch model. The Pacifica also has an entertainment system with two 10-inch touch screens in the rear seats. Onboard Wi-Fi is available on both vehicles. Safety The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Chrysler 300 four stars and the Pacifica five. The Pacifica also received highest honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Chrysler's optional advanced safety package includes automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, automatic high-beam headlamps, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control. The Pacifica adds a 360-degree camera and rain-sensing wipers to it safety package. Surprising similarities in price, gas mileage, safety features, and technology make either vehicle a great choice. Image by FotoSleuth is licensed under CC BY 2.0

It happens to all of us — the sweet tooth. The craving for baked treats, sugary goodies, or gooey rewards. Whether you live in the Ocean Township area or you are just visiting, there's a place to satisfy your craving. Here are a few places to get yummy treats to calm your craving. Purple Glaze Donuts, etc. Doughnuts are for more than just breakfast. Purple Glaze Donuts, etc. has been satisfying the doughnut community since 2015. Owned by a retired teacher turned baker, Purple Glaze Donuts, etc. is located at 516 Summerfield Ave., Asbury Park. This doughnut and coffee shop offers plain and simple doughnut creations, such as cinnamon and sugar or classic Bavarian, alongside decadent flavors like French Toast, Ring of Fire, and Wake 'n Bacon. Their Vegan menu is equally diverse, with plain vanilla, a chocolate-filled-chocolate Triple Threat, and Mango Tango options, among others. They also offer custom catering. more Coney Waffle When you're in the mood for ice cream, there are few that can satisfy the craving the way Coney Waffle can. Established in 2015, Coney Waffle is based on the concept first created in 1941 by the owner's grandmother for her Coney Island concession stand. Coney Waffle has four locations in New Jersey, and each offers uniquely designed waffle cones as well as The Cannoli Waffle, The Galaxy Cone, and The Side Show Shake. Forty-plus flavors of hard ice cream, vegan alternatives, and frozen drinks are offered at all four locations, and the Long Branch location is certified Kosher. Sugarush Voted best cupcakes by New Jersey Monthly magazine. New Jersey's first cupcake bar, Sugarush, is located at 37 E. Front St., Red Bank, New Jersey. Sugarush has been featured on ABC's "The Chew" and won Food Network's "Rewrapped." Their cafe offers a craft-your-own cupcake bar featuring five cake flavors as well as daily specials. Icing flavors include vanilla buttercream, chocolate mint, and strawberry cream, to name just a few. Along with icing, they offer a wide array of drizzles, stuffings, and toppings. There's also a top-10 favorites menu with options like Carrot Toffee Crunch and Cappuccino. Sugarush also does event planning and has party space available for special occasions. Broad Street Dough Co. A new take on freshly made, Broad Street Dough Co. makes your doughnuts right in front of you and invites you to help. Located at 2005 Route 35 N., Oakhurst, Broad Street Dough Co. has 20 different kinds of doughnuts, including S'mores Galore, Chai Town, and Wayside Walnut, as well as custom and catering options. With menu selections separated into Old School, BSDC Specialties, Triple Layer, and A Little Extra, you're sure to find a new favorite doughnut creation. They also offer Vegan, Gluten-free, and Parve options and are a certified Kosher Dairy. When your sweet tooth catches you in Ocean Township, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy it. No matter your flavor or needs, you can celebrate special events or the success of the day with doughnuts from any of these delicious locations. Image user jronaldlee is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Summer is quickly fading, but that doesn't mean you have to be sad. Beat the end-of-summer blues by enrolling in a fall class in Asbury Park. The city offers numerous activities — from art classes to cooking classes — for interested residents. Pick up a new skill by checking out one of the following local offerings. Art Let your inner artist blossom by attending an art class at the Main Avenue Galleria at 57 Main Ave. in Ocean Grove. Choose from either a one-day workshop in which you can perfect a specific skill or a multi-week course to strengthen your creative prowess. Some upcoming one-day workshop classes include: Pansy in Colored Pencils: Aug. 26 from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m.; cost is $35. Sips & Serendipity — Haifa by the Sea: Sept. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m.; cost is $40. Abstract Flowers Painting: Oct. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; cost is $65. All the multi-week courses are currently in progress, but keep your eyes peeled on the event page to plan for upcoming classes. Previous options have included an Anatomy Workshop, Painting with Texture, and Painting and Drawing for Beginners. more Music With big musicians like Bruce Springsteen and bands like The Gaslight Anthem getting their starts in Asbury Park, it should come as no surprise that the city has a thriving music scene. Learn how to play your preferred instrument by enrolling in lessons at the Lake House Music Academy. This establishment is located at 618 Lake Ave. and offers assistance in guitar, bass, piano, vocals, and drums. If you have the basics of music down, you can also opt for lessons in songwriting, music theory, and audio engineering. You'll be taught by a number of working musicians who have years of experience performing. Cooking For cooking lessons, you'll have to drive to nearby Fair Haven to get to the Taste and Technique Cooking Studio. This culinary school is located at 597 River Road and offers numerous classes for adults who are looking to up their cooking game. Choose a participation class if you want to get your hands dirty or a demonstration class if you'd rather just watch how it's all done. Upcoming fall classes include: Autumn Decadence (partial participation): Sep. 30 from noon to 3 p.m.; cost is $75. The Indian Kitchen (partial participation): Oct. 4 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; cost is $75. Oktoberfest (partial participation): Oct. 11 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; cost is $75. Yoga Work on your flexibility, strength, and spirituality at an Asbury Park yoga class. One of the premiere yoga studios in the area is The Daley Practice at 625 Bangs Ave., Suite 1. They offer classes daily, so you can get your fill of downward dog whenever it's most convenient for you. Single classes are $18, five classes are $80, 10 classes are $150, 20 classes are $280, 30 classes are $390, and an unlimited monthly pass is $140. Stay active and engaged with the world around you by learning one of these skills. Whether you're a budding prodigy or a fledgling beginner, you'll still have fun and accomplish something new. Image by Les Roches is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Craving something out of the ordinary? Asbury Park has a plethora of Asian restaurants offering flavorful food. Get your fill of delicious cuisine at one of these great Asian restaurants in Asbury Park. Taka Taka is located at 660 Cookman Ave. in Asbury Park and is open from noon until 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and from noon until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Taka specializes in Japanese cuisines such as sushi and katsu. They have more than a dozen unique specialty sushi rolls that they created, including the crab mango or yuzu lobster rolls. Taka also serves sashimi and nigiri for those who most enjoy the taste of fish. The dinner options highlight some traditional Japanese dishes like chicken teriyaki, chicken katsu, and either soba or udon noodle soup. Bamboo Leaf Bamboo Leaf is located at 724 Main St. in Bradley Beach and is open on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., on Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m., and on Monday they are closed. If you like spicy Thai food, Bamboo Leaf is the place to go. Start your meal with an order of traditional spicy papaya salad that will leave you feeling refreshed. When it is time to order your entree, you can choose from curry, noodles, stir fry, or fried rice. more Yummy Yummy Chinese Restaurant Yummy Yummy Chinese Restaurant is located at 59 South Main St. in nearby Neptune. Yummy is only a few minutes away from Asbury Park, but if you want a quick Chinese meal, it's a great option. Their menu boasts all the classic American-Chinese dishes like General Tso's, sesame chicken, happy family, and triple delight. You can choose from pork, seafood, chicken, beef, or vegetable on any entree. Yummy even has lo mein and chow mein if you enjoy noodle dishes. Don't forget to order a crunchy egg roll or wonton soup with your meal too. MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos is right in Asbury Park at 632 Cookman Ave. Their business hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 a.m. MOGO — the Korean word for "eat" — is fusion cuisine that takes spicy and flavorful Korean dishes and serves them in Mexican style. The dishes at MOGO are build-your-own. Start by picking the style in which you want your food to be served: a taco, a burrito, or a bowl. Next, pick from Korean-marinated BBQ rib-eye, soy-ginger marinated chicken thighs, cod with spicy mayo, spicy marinated pork belly, sweet and sour shrimp, or spicy tofu. Whichever option you choose comes topped with a type of slaw or pickled salad. If you happen to follow a low-carb diet, any of these tacos can be served on romaine lettuce leaves. Asbury Park has endless options if you like to dine on Asian food. Pick from Japanese, Thai, Chinese, and even Korean cuisines, and you will surely have a satisfying meal. Image by jeffreyw is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Considering a Jeep as your next new car purchase? If so, you'll love the rugged durability and premium off-road features that come packed in each vehicle from this manufacturer. While Jeeps are known for their adventuring prowess, they also come highly ranked in a category people don't expect — safety. Jeep does everything they can to make their vehicles as safe as possible, including adding a number of passive and active safety features. Before you buy your new Jeep, make sure it has the following safety features to keep yourself protected on the road. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Path Detection (RCPD) Unless you have eyes in the back of your head, it's nearly impossible to see everything that's happening around your car. That's why the duo of Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection is so potent. The systems use radar-based sensors to detect vehicles around your Jeep. BSM catches cars in your blind spot while you're traveling down the highway, while RCPD lets you know if a car is behind you when backing up. more LaneSense Lane Departure Warning Even the best drivers sometimes swerve out of their lane unintentionally. Swerving can have disastrous consequences. The available LaneSense Lane Departure Warning system monitors the road and provides an audible alert when you start to drift. If you don't correct yourself, the Lane Keep Assist feature will steer you back on course. ParkView Rear Back Up Camera Parallel parking can be tough, especially when you're not used to it. That's why the ParkView Rear Back Up Camera is so helpful. It provides a video feed of the road behind your car with overlaid grid lines to help you back up perfectly into that tight spot. If you get too close to a car or obstacle behind you, you'll hear an audible warning chime. Electronic Stability Control Electronic Stability Control is an advanced system that uses a plethora of sensors placed around your Jeep to detect when you're veering off the road. If this does happen, these sensors can correct over- or understeer to get you back on the correct path. Together with Electronic Roll Mitigation, this feature greatly reduces the chance of a rollover crash by keeping you in control of the wheel. Forward Collision Warning With Active Braking Even people with extremely fast reaction times might not be able to brake quick enough if the car in front of them unexpectedly stops. That's where the Forward Collision Warning system comes in. If it senses an obstacle in front of you that could cause an impact, it provides an audible alert. If you don't respond in time, it will automatically engage the brakes to prevent you from crashing. As you can see, Jeep has definitely taken a step into the future when it comes to safety technology. Not all of these features come standard on every model or trim level, so be sure to do your homework before making a purchase. For more help, stop by Sea View Jeep and check out our current inventory of new Jeeps. Image by David Guo's Master is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The 2019 Cherokee continues to provide the off-road performance and rugged style you expect from Jeep. This powerful SUV comes in a number of different trim levels to accommodate as many drivers as possible. If you're in the market for a new Cherokee, use this guide to decide between the different trim options. Latitude Just because the Latitude is the base trim of the 2019 Cherokee, doesn't mean it disappoints. It comes with a choice of six neutral and earthy colors as well as 17-inch painted aluminum wheels. Inside the car, you'll enjoy using the 7-inch touch screen that comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. more Latitude Plus Searching for a few more features? The Latitude Plus is the trim for you, with a choice of seven colors and 17-inch satin carbon aluminum wheels. The Latitude Plus kicks it up a notch with available Rear Cross Path Detection and Blind Spot Monitoring. It also comes with a 7-inch touch screen loaded with Uconnect technology. Enjoy the leather-wrapped steering wheel and storm-blue stitching on the seats. Altitude Also available in seven paint colors, the Altitude comes equipped with 18-inch gloss black five-spoke aluminum wheels. Everything about this car's exterior screams chic with the blacked-out grille, window trim, and more. You'll be able to take better control of the road with an all-new 2.0-liter turbo engine that gives you enough zoom for both off-road and highway driving. Limited Choose from seven different paint colors and savor the sleek look of the 18-inch polished/painted aluminum wheels on the Limited trim. This Cherokee trim comes standard with an 8.4-inch touch screen, Nappa leather-trimmed seats, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. You'll also benefit from improved cargo space, and an available CommandView dual-pane panoramic sunroof lets you take your adventuring to new heights. Overland Seven paint colors are available for the Overland trim as well as giant 19-inch polished aluminum wheels. As the Cherokee's luxury trim, the Overland comes packed with extras like a Zebrano wood-accented steering wheel and Nappa leather-trimmed seats. It also includes a hands-free power liftgate for easier cargo access and ventilated and heated front seats. Trailhawk The Trailhawk completely boosts your color palette with 10 exterior paint options. You'll also have the choice of either 17-inch painted or polished aluminum wheels. However, the real highlight of this trim is its off-roading features. It comes with a 3.2-liter V-6 engine and is Trail Rated so you don't have to hold back on your excursions. Plus, the red tow hooks make it easy to pull yourself out of a ditch if you get stuck (which is highly unlikely with this setup). All these trims come with the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD or 4x4), except for the Trailhawk, which comes solely in a 4x4 drivetrain. With so many choices for the new Cherokee, we know it can be overwhelming. Stop by Sea View Jeep today to get a closer look at each of these trims and find out which one is right for you. Image by truckhardware is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Are you looking to buy a 2018 Jeep Renegade soon? This five-seat vehicle is an SUV at heart with the look of a classic jeep and is available in six trims: Sport, Upland, Latitude, Altitude, Trailhawk, and Limited. Here's all you need to know before you decide which model suits your preferences. Exterior Design and Styling As a buyer, it doesn't matter what's under the hood if you can't picture yourself driving that car every day. Luckily, Jeep understands that drivers buy the whole package and pay as much importance to appearance as they do to other aspects of a vehicle. Available eye-candy features include deep-tinted glass windows, a wraparound black roof, and a removable panel sunroof. On the Latitude, Altitude, and Limited, the exterior mirrors are painted in the same monotone paint as the body. more Engine and Performance All models include front-wheel drive but can be customized to four-wheel drive. Some models — like the Sport, Latitude, and Altitude — come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but they can be upgraded to the nine-speed automatic transmission that comes standard with the Limited model. When it comes to horsepower and performance, the Trailhawk was built for adventure with a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 engine that generates 180 horsepower. The Limited puts out the same level of horsepower with a standard 2.4-liter I4 M-Air engine. The Sport, Latitude, and Altitude trims come with a standard 1.4-liter I4 MultiAir Turbo Engine that produces 160 horsepower. Interior Design Dual zone temperature control is standard in all trims except the Sport. Contrasting with the exterior design, where you have ten different colors to choose from, the available interior colors are a little more classic. In the Latitude, for example, you can choose from the three combinations available: all black, black and sandstorm, or black and ski gray. A wide selection of interior combinations, a redesigned center stack, and new storage solutions for tech gadgets all come together for extra comfort no matter how long the car ride. Safety & Top Tech Features Safety matters in the 2018 Jeep Renegade, so all models include standard features like front and rear side-curtain airbags (in total, the cars have seven standard airbags) and a rear back up camera for more accessible parking. Regarding available features, Jeep has put a lot of effort into technology. The highlights include lane departure warning, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring system, and the Uconnect 911 call button that connects the driver to an emergency service operator instantly. In the tech world, display size matters. The Sport comes with a 5-inch touchscreen display, while the Latitude, Altitude, and Limited come standard with a 7-inch display. The 8.4-inch screen is the largest version available. Every one of the features that you'll find across the six trims of the 2018 Jeep Renegade is meant to provide the best driving experience possible. There are plenty of configurations to choose from so you can turn any model into your dream car. Image by RL GNZLZ is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

It's an indisputable fact that Asbury Park has one of the best beaches in the state of New Jersey. But there's more to do in this town than surf and play in the sun. Take a break from the waves, and go shopping at one of these top five eclectic boutiques. Surf Equipment and Art at Lightly Salted If you think the combination of art and surf is unlikely, then you'll be surprised at Lightly Salted. Although surf rules this shop's atmosphere, you don't have to be a surfer to enjoy it. Browse the shop for coastal art pieces and surf-style fashion and accessories, and if you're inclined to give it a go at riding the waves, you can sign up for some surf lessons. For longtime surfers, drop by to order your custom-made surfboard. Unique Outfits at Interwoven Fashion trends are overrated. What's the fun of looking like everyone else? Interwoven, a clothes and accessories shop, sets its path in the fashion industry by supporting a lot of unknown brands and introducing them to their customers. The owner's rule of thumb is if a piece catches her eye and sparks happiness, it finds its way into the collection. If you prefer established fashion designers, you'll also find more familiar pieces that the owner carefully selected. Vintage is Always In at Rebel Supply Co Rebel Supply Co. is the perfect vintage shop for indecisive buyers or anyone who loves to browse. It doesn't matter if you have a particular style or are obsessed with a specific brand's collection from two seasons ago, rest assured that here you will find what you're looking for. Keep an eye on Rebel Supply Co.'s Instagram page for Outfit of the Day suggestions and daily deals. Artisanal Goodies at Big Spoon Little Spoon This mom-and-pop shop is the perfect blend of the founder's skills and expertise. Matt's creative genius and Amy's knowledge in herbs and art come together every day at Big Spoon Little Spoon to make the best all-natural handcrafted products. Sourcing local, organic, and responsible ingredients as much as possible, the shop has a variety of plant-based soaps, body butters, and aloe vera lotions to choose from. The Soap Box gift set is a great way to introduce the brand to a friend or to buy for yourself as a pampering gift. Quirky Decor at Shelter Home Fun House Adding a fun piece here and there to your home decor is like wearing a colorful pair of socks with your suit. It's just adventurous enough to stay within the limits of your comfort zone. Well, at Shelter Home Fun House, you'll find those types of pieces. Even if you don't feel like changing anything in your house, a colorful kitchen accessory makes a great gift. A branch of the main store, the Shelter Home Fun House also has a collection of T-shirts and hoodies made in collaboration with local artists. By shopping at any of these boutiques, you'll support local businesses while finding unique pieces. Image by kezee is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Drivers looking to buy the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk probably already fell in love with this SUV with the heart of a sports car. But there are more great features to uncover. Find out the five reasons why this is the ideal car to drive around Asbury Park in summer and winter. Top-Notch Engine Power, Rain or Shine Maybe you don't need an SUV with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine that produces 707 horsepower, but you certainly can want one. The 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk has it, and the performance is no less than impressive. If you've wondered if an SUV can go from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds, now you don't have to anymore. And the beauty of this vehicle is that it maintains the same performance on wet pavement and even when it's freezing outside. more Effortless Road Tripping Taking on the open road during warm summer days is a favorite family activity, especially if a lazy day at the beach is at the end of that ride. But that doesn't mean you can't take the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk on a winter trip. The suspension and the exclusive 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with run-flat tires make any bump on the road feel harmless. With this SUV, you can go for a drive in any weather conditions. Ideal Interior Temperature at All Times What is the ideal temperature inside a car? Everyone has a different idea of how high or low you should set the temperature, and Jeep takes that into account. The 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk comes standard with dual-zone automatic temperature control to keep your entire family happy. It also has heated seats in both the front and second row, which is perfect for drivers and passengers who want some extra warmth in the winter. On-Board Entertainment Whether you're driving your kids or stuck in traffic during your work commute, you know how important it is to focus on the road but be entertained at the same time. In the summer, you may feel a little more relaxed. Driving to the beach isn't as stressful as trying to get to work on time, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have the best sound system to sing along to the latest hit. The Uconnect multimedia system in the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk comes with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, nine amplified speakers with a subwoofer, and the ability to connect to Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. Cargo Capacity Not all drivers use the Trackhawk as their main vehicle, but that doesn't mean you can't make it your family car. It provides 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than enough room for transporting groceries, sports equipment, and other everyday items. The Trackhawk is practical as well as fun. Take the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk out for a test drive, and experience the most powerful vehicle in its class. It's the most awarded SUV for a reason. Image courtesy of Jeep.com

Whether you're looking for something old fashioned or trendy in Asbury Park, these are the top five coffee shops where you can grab a cup of joe. Our suggestions are all about excellent service for both early birds and late risers. Booskerdoo Coffee & Baking Sometimes all you want is a steamy-hot cup of coffee in the morning and maybe a pastry on the side to kickstart the day. Well, Booskerdoo Coffee & Baking keeps it that simple. The staff roasts coffee beans and bakes the pastries on location, in front of the customers. Drip coffee and espressos are all made with beans from around the world. If you're not sure what to choose, they'll gladly point you in the right direction. Neon is a favorite drink with four shots of espresso mixed with 4 oz of steamed milk. more Café Volan At Café Volan, coffee is a high-quality product meant to be appreciated as a glass of fine wine. The caffeine kick is just a bonus. When it comes to what to order, regulars and new customers are unanimous in suggesting the cold brew. Hot options are also available if you're not a fan of iced coffee. If you want to have the same experience at home, you can ask about what coffee beans they used and buy a bag. High Voltage Seafront Café Are you in the mood for coffee with a sea view and some Polish-inspired snacks? Then the High Voltage Seafront Café is right up your alley. The menu is full of delicious food options, including to-die-for avocado toast and organic, homemade Polish pierogies. Don't expect the typical coffee drinks at this sun-bathed café on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, and assume nothing less than high-quality products and service. The lavender latte, hot or iced, is a customers' favorite. The Chat & Nibble With all the fashion trends around coffee drinking, are there any old-school traditional cafés left standing? In Asbury Park there are, and The Chat & Nibble is one of them. It has been in business for more than 30 years and is still serving happy clients their breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Just glance at the menu, and you'll notice that food is the main star here and coffee is just a drink included in the breakfast special. The drink pairs well with anything on the list, but clients swear by the huevos rancheros and the Asbury Hash Special. Twisted Tree Café When a coffee shop lists drinks named Bomb and Red Eye on the menu, you know it's serious about caffeine. But here, the owners also care about your health and offer a delicious selection of vegan and vegetarian smoothies. Creamy Berry, Green Monster, and Two to Mango are some of the most ordered drinks at the Twisted Tree Café. Drinking coffee is so embedded in our daily routines that we sometimes don't stop to savor it. With the rise of the so-called third wave of coffee, the drink is now less of a commodity and more of an affordable luxury, preferably locally sourced. Image by Alex Chan is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Deal Lake is a man-made lake that runs through several New Jersey towns. It is the largest freshwater lake in the coastal area, and it features several shallow ponds and channels that are fun to explore. Many private homes surround the lake, and there are several boat launches and some great fishing spots. Here are some of the ways to have fun on Deal Lake this fall. Fishing The shallow waters combined with the many lily pads and fallen trees attract many different species of fish. Since most of the lake is only 3-4 feet deep, the conditions are ideal for bass, carp, and even largemouth bass. Deal Lake is also very close to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and it has several areas where it drains into the ocean. This allows for many saltwater fish and species to make their way to the lake, so you can find oysters, clams, and blueback herring, along with many others. more Boating The lake is one of the few in New Jersey that allows unlimited horsepower engines, so you can launch your boat no matter what size it is. There are tons of coves and canals to explore if you want to take a slow ride around, but you can also speed through the calm waters for a little excitement. Just make sure to keep it down in the many no-wake zones. When you want to pick up the speeds, head east of Route 71 and west of Norwood Avenue. more Paddling Whether you prefer a kayak, canoe or a paddleboard, there are plenty of places to explore on Deal Lake. A slow paddle around the waters is sure to bring some beautiful scenery and views of wildlife along the shores. Make sure to look carefully, and you'll probably see painted turtles and even snapping turtles in the water. If you look up, you can find osprey, herons, and loons. If you don't have your own kayak or canoe, the Deal Lake Dock Co. rents them for both half and full days. It also offers guided tours if you want someone to show you around. This company makes it easy to rent with a waiver to complete and sign on its website, so you can get out on the water quickly and easily once you get there. Golfing There are several golf courses right around the lake. The William F. Larking Golf Course at Colonial Terrace sits at the end on the lake on the west side, and nearby there is also the Hollywood Golf Club and the Deal Golf and Country Club. If the little ones want to play, you can head toward the beach and go to the Asbury Eighteen Mini-Golf course for some beachfront mini-golf. There is always something to do on Deal Lake. Whether you want to spend time out on the water or stay on the shore, you can enjoy fishing, taking in the scenery, or looking for wildlife. Image via Flickr by Y, used under CC BY 2.0

We have all been there, rushing around throughout the day with no time to sit down and eat. Because we are often on the go, the only time we can find to eat is on the road. However, eating when you are driving is a form of distracted driving, and it can be dangerous. Here are some reasons why you should never eat behind the wheel. It Slows Our Reaction Times If your hands are off the wheel to hold onto a drink or a sandwich, then you won't be able to react as fast if something happens. This is especially true if you are eating something that needs unwrapping or something that is difficult to hold onto. Some people even take both hands off the wheel to eat their food, which is even more dangerous. more It Is a Visual Distraction A visual distraction is something that causes a driver to take their eyes off the road. Both eating and drinking cause visual distractions, even if the motion is as small as glancing down while you put your cup in the cup holder. Some visual distractions are more severe, such as looking at your burger to find out where to take your next bite or looking down to grab a french fry out of the bag. It Is a Cognitive Distraction A cognitive distraction is something that takes a driver's mind and their focus away from the road. When eating behind the wheel, you might be thinking about unwrapping your food or concentrating on not spilling or dripping. Even if you're just taking a large bite of something, your focus changes and you can miss things happening on the road around you. Spilling Drinking hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, is more dangerous than many drivers realize. Spilling a drink when driving is distracting, but if it is hot, it is even worse. It can put you and others on the road around you in danger if your focus is on the scalding liquid that just ended up in your lap, and not on the road in front of you. The Greasy Wheel Many foods that we eat on the go can make our hands greasy or slippery. Burger grease or the sweat on the side of a soda bottle can make your hands wet and keep you from getting a good grip on the steering wheel. This can make it dangerous when turning in traffic or around tight corners on back winding roads, where it is important to have a good handle on the wheel. There is no room for multitasking when you drive. It doesn't matter if you have a hamburger or a piece of fruit, or if you send a text on your phone — these are all things that cause distracted driving. It is important to realize how dangerous eating and driving really is. If you wait until you get home or stop and eat before you get behind the wheel, it could save your life. Image via Flickr by wuestenigel, used under CC BY 2.0