Explore New Jersey has another packed day of stories, openings, and statewide happenings, highlighting everything from Veterans Day honors to new restaurants, breweries, and business breakthroughs across the Garden State. Here’s a look at what’s making news today.
Lifestyle
New Jersey honors its veterans with a series of meaningful events, pardons, and free services throughout the state. Governor Phil Murphy announced new pardons for 11 veterans, and ceremonies are taking place aboard the Battleship New Jersey and across dozens of towns. NJ Transit is also offering free rides for service members today. Read more about the statewide events here: Honoring New Jersey Veterans Today With Pardons, Free Rides, and Special Events Across the State.
Beer & Breweries
Woodbury Heights welcomes a new player in the craft beer scene as Sons of Barley Beer Co. prepares for its grand opening on November 22. The brewery aims to blend traditional brewing craftsmanship with modern flair, offering exclusive small-batch releases to kick off the celebration. Full story here: Sons of Barley Beer Co. Opens Doors in Woodbury Heights with Grand Launch Set for November 22.
Theatre
Two major opportunities for aspiring performers are happening this week: auditions for the Apollo Theatre’s Amateur Night Holiday Special at American Dream Mall and casting calls for It Shoulda Been You. Both promise to showcase incredible local talent and creativity. Learn more here: Apollo Theatre Auditions & “It Shoulda Been You” Casting Calls.
Entertainment
Families are invited to celebrate the holiday season with Gingerbread House Decorating and Family Night at Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton. The event mixes festive fun, art, and tradition for guests of all ages. Details here: Create Holiday Memories at Morven: Gingerbread House Decorating and Family Night in Princeton.
Politics
New Jersey enters a new political chapter as Mikie Sherrill officially takes the Governor’s Office, signaling forthcoming shifts in state policy and governance. Explore how this transition could shape the future of New Jersey politics: Mikie Sherrill Takes the Governor’s Office as New Jersey Prepares for Policy Shifts and Political Change.
Real Estate
Hudson County’s skyline continues to evolve with the debut of Braddock Park West, a luxury rental development redefining modern living in North Jersey. With a focus on community amenities and high-end design, it’s another sign of growth in the state’s competitive housing market. Full coverage here: New Jersey Housing Market Evolves as Braddock Park West Brings Luxury Rentals to Hudson County.
Weather Report
Winter may be arriving early this year as an arctic air mass moves into the region, bringing a November chill and the chance for scattered flurries. Stay updated on today’s forecast here: Arctic Air Brings Early November Chill and Possible Flurries to New Jersey.
Music
For fans of hard-hitting sound, MetalMania Live continues its exclusive showcase of all-live heavy metal and hard rock. Every song is performed in its raw, unedited live form—celebrating the intensity and energy that only a stage performance can deliver. Read more: MetalMania Live Brings the Raw Power of Live Metal and Hard Rock to New Jersey Fans.
Restaurants
The Philly-based favorite Honeygrow continues its rapid expansion in New Jersey with its 10th Garden State location now open in Kearny, joining others in Cherry Hill and Marlton. Their signature stir-fry and salads have become local staples. Details here: Philadelphia-Based Honeygrow Expands in New Jersey with 10th Garden State Location in Kearny.
And for BBQ lovers, 365 BBQ in Fort Lee is quickly earning praise for its premium meats, savory sides, and welcoming atmosphere. Explore this standout Korean BBQ spot here: 365 BBQ in Fort Lee.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils’ eight-game home streak came to a close last night as the Islanders edged New Jersey in a tense overtime finish. Get the full recap and player reactions here: Islanders Edge Devils in Overtime, Ending New Jersey’s Eight-Game Home Streak.
Technology & Business
The state’s tech and innovation sectors continue to thrive. The Boon of Wireless has announced a partnership with Wirelo, enhancing collaboration and innovation across the wireless communications industry. Read more here: The Boon of Wireless Joins Forces with Wirelo to Strengthen Innovation and Insight Across the Wireless Industry.
In business news, Work Hard Dress Right celebrates its 125th Culinary Therapy Show in partnership with Chef Cardie—an inspiring collaboration that bridges food, creativity, and style. Learn more: Work Hard Dress Right Celebrates Partnership with Chef Cardie for 125th Culinary Therapy Show.
Meanwhile, Xenna unveiled promising clinical results for CalmScalp®, a steroid-free treatment designed to ease scalp irritation naturally. Story here: Xenna Unveils Promising Study Results for CalmScalp® — A Steroid-Free Solution for Scalp Irritation.
Rx Bandz continues to make waves in the health tech world after securing new funding to advance its MiniJect Auto-Injector toward FDA submission—a major milestone in the medical device industry. Read more: Rx Bandz Secures New Funding to Advance MiniJect Auto-Injector Toward FDA Submission.
Finally, Xtel Communications introduces a powerful new CIO Program aimed at simplifying cybersecurity and improving IT resilience for New Jersey businesses, schools, and municipalities. Learn more: Xtel Introduces New CIO Program to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Streamline IT Management Across New Jersey.
Stay with Explore New Jersey for more updates throughout the day on everything happening across the Garden State—from local arts and entertainment to statewide innovation, dining, and sports.
