24 fun things to do for kids & teens
dad, grad & teacher gift guide
events, music & news
making a difference: james ward walks the walk for LGBTQ+
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Warm weather is here and that means kids & their parents are on the lookout for camps, fun classes, and good ole' entertainment.
Check out 24 ways to spice up their summer in downtown Westfield.
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give a personal photo keepsake
Let Galeria West create personalized photo art for your dad or grad. Spell "Dad," "2021," or another meaningful word or number with photos. Use your existing photos or new images captured by professional photo artist Carlos Ivan Cruz.
111 Quimby St
908.301.9217
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upgrade his grill
Your recipe for a perfectly grilled meal? Genesis® II E-335 Gas Grill - Deep Ocean Blue has a sear station, a world class grilling engine, and side burner to simmer barbecue sauce. Equipped with the power and features you need and backed by a 10 year warranty on all parts.
Now $200 savings.
220 Elmer St
908.233.0400
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the flavor & story of African American BBQ
Curated by renown author, Adrian Miller, the Black Smoke Spice Set tells the story of African American barbeque culture from West Africa to the American West. This limited time set includes 5 seasonings, 3 of which are not available elsewhere. The Black Smoke Spice Set compliments Mr. Miller’s latest book — available at Savory Spice — and is a great gift for dad!
138 E Broad St
908.264.8947
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quality instruments
now on sale
Let Golden Age Fretted Instruments help you create an extra special Father’s Day gift package of a guitar and amp. Or choose from an array of guitar accessories including strings, cables, straps, pedals, capos, tee shirts, and more! We also have ukeleles, banjos, and mandolins.
Shop the substantially discounted retirement sale.
266 E Broad St
908.301.0001
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handsome desk accessories
Dad will love these hand-made exotic wood desk accessories by Larry Anderson. Wood crafted trinket boxes, cell phone holders and letter openers, as well as outer space paper weights by Glass Eye Studios. They are functional works of art, truly a thoughtful gift.
549 South Ave W
908.868.9414
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save on tag heuer
Shop the special Father's Day promotion on all in stock Tag Heuer watches at Adlers Jewelers from May 25 to June 19.
217 North Ave W
908.233.6900
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whiskey business
Give Dad the perfect Father's Day Whiskey Sampler Pack for only $65.89 (excludes tax). The gift basket includes three 375 ml bottles of Woodford Reserve Double Oak, Makers Mark Cask Strength, and Basil Hayden.
127 Central Ave
908.232.5050
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one-hour vacation
Kennedy's Barber CLub, the one-hour vacation destination. Get Dad a gift card and let him disconnect for an hour.
226 North Ave W
908.233.0360
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italian wine for savoring
This Sangiovese wine is fruity and naturally acidic with nuances of ripe cherry, blackberry and minerals. Ruby red color, medium body and balanced tannins make this robust Tuscan wine an ideal companion to meat and tomato based dishes. 90% Sangiovese 10% Montepulciano Vineyards in Tuscany, Italy Cellared at Hopewell Valley Vineyard.
121 E Broad St
908.325.2486
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mancakes
Three chocolate chip pancakes topped with chopped bacon, mini Reese’s cups, sliced bananas, chocolate sauce, Reese’s peanut butter sauce, and bacon lollipops.
Father’s Day Brunch weekend specials available Saturday, 6/19 and Sunday 6/20 for dine-in or takeout.
Special gifts for the first 100 dads to dine-in (one per table).
137 Central Ave
908.264.8180
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a lot at steak
Cater a top notch Father’s Day steak dinner with the Sweet Waters Father’s Day Catering Menu.
Enjoy the highest quality cuts of beef, seafood and sides catered for 10 to 12. A few favorites include colossal shrimp cocktail, 48 oz porterhouse steak, Brussel sprouts with slab bacon and lobster mac and cheese.
Place orders by Thursday, June 17th at noon.
43 Elm St
908.317.2599
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this one's on them
On Father's Day, dads receive one free entree with the purchase of entree equal of great value. In store only.
70 Elm St
908.301.0050
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turn up the pomp with grad & teacher gifts |
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teachers rock
Thank those teachers who went above and beyond virtually and in person during a school year like no other with hundreds of possible items they will love.
221 E Broad St
908.654.0444
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thanks for 'everything' with everything bagels
Give a Manhattan Bagel gift card for your dads, grads, & teachers!
210 S Ave W
908.654.0525
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this year's in the books
Do you have a dad, grad or special teacher you want to celebrate? Say it with BOOKS!!
270 E. Broad St.,
270 E Broad St
908.233.3535
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they really earned this one
Enjoy a luxurious massage at 30% off!. Offer expires June 30, 2021.
221 Lenox Ave
908.928.0010
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gift relaxation through stretch
Full body 45-minute stretch experience — only at Kika Stretch Studios.
Imagine lying on a mat and having someone gently stretch your body from head to toe. We help release tension that's been trapped in the body for years. Call to purchase your gift card today.
66 Elm St
908.376.9680
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a sure bet
For Teacher Appreciation — through June 15 — for every $50 Beyond Main Downtown Westfield Digital Gift Card purchased, get an additional $10 digital gift card to use on your choice of Beyond Main Markets.
Support local with an online gift card good at over 15 local downtown Westfield businesses.
Nominate a teacher and they could win $100 gift card.
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you don't want to miss this |
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1 westfield mini grand prix race
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Car racing for the whole family.
Saturday, June 12, 2021,
1 to 5 PM under the tents on Quimby Street.
Experience the excitement of racing when you drive your mini 1/18th scale electric car at the speed of up to 200 mph in the Mini Grand Prix Race. The cars are driven with real steering wheels and throttles on a 20’ x 20’ track.
Winners will get entered into a random drawing for prizes. Free admission sponsored by Extreme Party Racing. No registration is required.
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2 chalk it up to summer —3D chalk art exhibition
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June 18th through the 20th under the tents on Quimby Street
Internationally recognized street artist Anthony Cappetto works in 3D illusions and 4D augmented reality using chalk to create conceptual, thoughtful murals and street art throughout the world. This summer you can check out his work on Quimby Street in downtown Westfield.
Mr. Cappetto will begin his street art on June 14th and it will be complete by Friday, June 18th. But don't wait to see the fantastic art as it will disappear with the wet weather.
During the weekend of June 18th through the 20th discover chalk AddamsFest characters, created by local artists, hidden throughout downtown.
Feeling inspired? Create your own street art chalk designs using free chalk available from downtown Westfield merchants for a limited time and while supplies last. Sponsored by Westfield Public Arts Commission & Nettl Metro.
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3 live music weekends & daily alfresco dining
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Open Quimby has been enhanced with beautiful new tents for outdoor dining and activities, state-of-the-art bistro lighting that illuminates the plaza, bistro tables & chairs, and aesthetic features.
Live music
Will be performed every Friday and Saturday night, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Quimby Street, weather permitting.
Alfresco dining under the tents
Enjoy your meal outdoors with expanded dining under the tents. There are dedicated tents for "take out" where you can sit outdoors with your meal from any of downtown Westfield's restaurants.
Restaurants on or adjacent to Quimby have covered dining under the Quimby tents. Reservations are recommended.
NEW coming early summer
Spice Bazaar - Modern Indian Dining will be opening a second VEGAN 🍃version of their acclaimed restaurant — called Spice Bazaar V — with dining under the tents on Quimby Street.
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4 sweet sounds downtown music series
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Live Music Every Tuesday Night
in July & August, 7 PM to 9 PM
Residents, visitors, shoppers, and diners are invited to enjoy the free music at the 24th Annual Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival while strolling, dining, and relaxing at the various outdoor venues around town featuring live musicians.
Sponsored by the Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC), the festival takes place every Tuesday evening during July and August, from 7 PM to 9 PM. Raindates are the following evening, Wednesday, each week. While listening to “Sweet Sounds Downtown” musical performances, enjoy dining at one of Westfield’s fine restaurants or stroll and shop along the charming downtown streets. Click here for the full lineup of bands (coming soon).
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5 a moveable feast foodie stroll
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Save the date: July 11, 1 to 4 PM
A Movable Feast, a portable picnic throughout downtown Westfield will feature fit-for-foodies sample-sized food & cold cocktails and drinks.
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Your guide to downtown Westfield summer camps
You're sure to have happy campers when you choose from among the many offerings in downtown Westfield. From arts & crafts to makeup artist camp, music, acting, dance, fitness — and NEW this summer, check out Selfie Station's weekly offerings at Camp Funshine.
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7 buy greens for good on wednesdays
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Pick up the best greens around on Wednesdays at Chez Catherine
Christine Migton, the executive chef of Chez Catherine, announces a new microgreen pick-up program benefiting adults with autism.
Christine is excited to partner with Greens Do Good, an organic, hydroponic, Kosher, and vegan vertical farm right here in New Jersey that employs adults with autism. As the sister to a young woman with autism, the cause is close to her heart. As the chef of one of New Jersey's best restaurants, the microgreens are some of the best she has ever had — and the baby kale is featured on the Chez Catherine spring menu.
How to order
Chez Catherine is offering free order pick up in the parking lot at Chez Catherine on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4;30 PM.
Orders can be placed via GreensDoGood.com, click "pick up" instead of "delivery."
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Yoga & Fitness Classes
Register online and bring a mat, mask, and water.
SATURDAYS
SUNDAYS
Westfield Fitness Studio Kettlebell Swing Workshop
7 PM to 8:15 PM Wednesday, June 30th on Quimby Street, under the tents
Come learn the quintessential kettlebell exercise — the swing — from RKC and Art of Strength trained instructors. All are welcome, whether you're new to kettlebells or you're a seasoned vet.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required
B.Y.O.B.'s (bring your own bells) $10/person
Need to use Westfield Fitness bells? $20/person
Every dollar collected will be donated to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Big thank you to the Stop & Shop of Westfield which will provide water and bananas for workshop participants!
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9 happy retirement wishes to golden age
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John Reynolds of Golden Age Fretted Instruments is retiring July 13, 2021, after 31 years in the guitar business. The store at 266 E Broad St will be closing on July 13, 2021.
John was the Vintage Sales manager at Mandolin Brothers for many years before branching out on his own in 2000. He established his first store in Westfield on the South Side. The current building was the original Westfield library, built and donated by Andrew Carnegie in 1903.
John is thankful for the great clients he has met over the years. They have made the job a pleasure. Westfield has been a wonderful place to conduct business and build friendships.
Guitars, banjos, ukuleles, mandolins, and amps prices are now substantially reduced (with the exclusion of consignment items); all accessories (i.e., straps, strings, guitar stands, capos, etc.) are at half price.
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James Ward walks the walk for LGBTQ+ |
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James Ward and his son, Ethan, walk the permanent rainbow crosswalk he sponsored in downtown Westfield. |
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ARTICLE BY JORDYN IVES, DOWNTOWN WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL INTERN & JOURNALIST
James Ward, real estate developer and owner of the James Ward Mansion, has sponsored the permanent addition of the Rainbow Crosswalk to downtown Westfield. Originally commissioned to celebrate Pride Month last June 2020, the crosswalk was not meant to be a long-term project, but when Ward heard that the town
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wanted to keep it up, he jumped right in to ensure the longevity of a cause close to him. Ward has been aware of the struggles of the LGTBQ+ community for decades and uses his banquet hall and resources to give back.
His care for LGBTQ+ issues started when he was working in Key West during the 1980s. For people who were not accepted in their hometowns, Key West was an oasis. “I would interact with LGBTQ+ people there every day and it was eye-opening. They would talk about the towns that they came from and how they were not accepted, and a lot of them felt like they couldn't really be who they were. I found that to be awful and it really stuck with me over the years.”
After gay marriage became legalized during the 2010s, Ward and his business partner and brother, John Ward, wanted to make it clear that they would provide a venue for all couples to get married in. As owners of one of the most popular venues in the area, they wanted to make it a point to welcome LGBTQ+ couples and provide a lovely space for them to get married. “We made it very clear that we were supportive of this movement and we wanted people to know that we embrace LGBTQ+ marriage,” Ward said. “ At the same time, we were reading in the papers that many vendors throughout the country were saying they wouldn't participate, so we wanted to get out in front of it. We reached out to people in the community and publications to make it clear that we would love to have their business.”
Ward’s support for the LGBTQ community ties in with his love for weddings. “I think that a wedding is a commitment between two people when they are stating how much they love each other and that they are spending the rest of their lives together. That's what a wedding represents to me.” So during the beginning of COVID, when a gay couple lost their venue for their upcoming wedding, Ward reached out to them and offered the mansion for free. “They had a wonderful wedding, they were extremely thankful, and it worked out wonderfully. That is something that made me feel very good,” he said.
Earlier this year, when Ward found out that the town government would allow the Rainbow Crosswalk to be permanent, he jumped right in and knew he would love to get involved. Ward admires the crosswalk not just for its looks, but more for what it represents and reveals about Westfield. “I think it looks beautiful, but more than that I think it means that we are an open-minded town, are all-inclusive and it lets people know a lot about Westfield. I am very proud that I live here and that my 10-year-old son attends school here,” he said.
Tying all aspects of Ward’s story together is the quote that he lives by, “You have enemies. Good. That means you've stood up for something in your life.” (Winston Churchill). “I admire Churchill very much. He was a very strong person and when he had to, he would use force to accomplish what he had to get done. And I fully believe in that. I grew up in Northern Ireland and joined the Troubles, which is a war. I would see the Irish fighting for their rights against the English — and even though Churchill was English, I happen to agree with a lot that he said. What you need to stand for, you must do,” he said.
Additionally, Ward owns Selfie Stations NJ and plans to promote Pride month there as well. “I built Selfie Stations NJ and we are designing some of the booths for Pride month. We are adding the colors of the LGBTQ+ flag and on the window, we have a sticker that says proud sponsor of the crosswalk. It's something that's very near and dear to our hearts, and it's something that my brother and I both stood up for. We are raising my 10-year-old boy so he understands acceptances and that all of us are equal, regardless of whom we love.”
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