Hey Weekenders —

Happy New Year! 🎉 The holidays are officially behind us, the decorations are (mostly) packed away, and we’re easing into a fresh start together. Whether you’re back to work today or still living in that cozy “holiday-limbo” energy, this first issue of the year is all about simple joys, local adventures, and feeling good right here at home in South Jersey. From winter ice skating and cozy winery days to indoor family fun and wellness resets, we’re kicking off 2026 with things that make life lighter, happier, and more connected to our community. Here’s to a new year of weekends well spent ❤️

⛸ Winter Ice Skating & Cozy Outdoor Vibes

Bundle up, grab a hot cocoa, and lean into winter — South Jersey style.

WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River Park — Pennsauken
A South Jersey winter favorite. The outdoor rink sits along the Cooper River with twinkle lights, music, and hot chocolate nearby. It’s big enough for confident skaters but still friendly for beginners. A perfect winter date night or post-holiday family outing — and the views at sunset are gorgeous.

Harbaugh Village — Mullica Hill
Think charming winter village meets holiday carnival. Skating rink, walk-through lights, igloos, food, games, fire pits — the works. Kids love it. Adults love the cozy vibe. And your camera roll will definitely thank you.

Vintner Wonderland at Renault Winery — Egg Harbor City
Skating + live music + wine = yes, please. Renault transforms into a festival-style winter village with food stands, fire pits, heaters, and a romantic, European-market feel. You can make a whole evening out of it — skating first, then wine by the fire.

⛸ Other Skating Rinks to Know About

  • Flyers Training Center — Voorhees

  • Virtua Flyers Skate Zone — Pennsauken

  • Hollydell Ice Arena — Sewell

(Pro tip: many winter attractions switch to weekend-only in January — check hours before heading out.)

👆 Click Logo above for more Info 👆

🍷 Wine Winter Warm-Up 🍷

Winter might secretly be the best season for winery hopping. Fewer crowds, cozy fireplaces, acoustic music… and sometimes mulled wine. Here are some tasting rooms perfect for sweater-weather sipping:

🔥 Autumn Lake Winery — Williamstown
Fire pits. Blankets. Acoustic music. Vineyard and lake views. Autumn Lake feels peaceful and unplugged — the kind of place you go to exhale. Great for friends’ nights or winter date evenings.

🎶 Sharrott Winery — Hammonton
One of the most lively winter winery stops. A beautiful tasting room, covered outdoor areas, and live music most weekends. Their food menu + wine flights = instant cold-weather comfort.

🍇 White Horse Winery — Hammonton
Relaxed, warm, and intimate — with frequent live music and a very “sit-with-friends-and-talk” vibe. If you’re looking for calm, this is your spot.

🏰 Renault Winery — Egg Harbor City
Part historic landmark, part winter village experience. Pair a tasting with fire pits, food stands, and live music — or skate first, wine later 😌

🥂 Willow Creek Winery — Cape May
A gorgeous Cape May estate with fireplaces, big cozy seating, and a refined tasting room. Winter Cape May feels quiet and magical — and this winery matches that energy.

🌿 Saddlehill Winery — Cherry Hill/Voorhees
One of the area’s newest and prettiest winery experiences — with a stylish tasting room, beautiful grounds, and a polished but welcoming vibe. A great pick if you want something that feels a little “destination-y” without traveling far.

Bookmark this list for when you’re itching to get out of the house — but don’t want city traffic.

Family Winter Fun - Indoor Play

It’s January. It’s cold. And somehow the kids still have endless energy. Here are indoor lifesavers across South Jersey:

🤸 Trampoline & Adventure Parks

NOVA Trampoline Park — Somerdale
Brand-new and shiny — with wall-to-wall trampolines, obstacle courses, foam pits, and adventure features. Perfect for rainy days, birthday parties, or “we MUST burn energy” afternoons.

FunCity Adventure Park — Blackwood
Trampolines + ninja courses + climbing elements + arcade games = kid heaven. There’s something for every age — even little ones.

Sky Zone — Maple Shade & Mt. Laurel
Classic Sky Zone layout with trampolines for days, dodgeball courts, foam pits, and special glow-style events.

Launch Trampoline Park — Deptford
Trampolines, arcade games, ninja obstacles and a parent-friendly café area. A win-win.

Urban Air Adventure Park — Sicklerville
Think: climbing walls, ropes course, trampoline zones, tumbling tracks, and more. Big adventure energy — indoors.

🌊 Indoor Water Parks

Sahara Sam’s — West Berlin
Another winter-water-park classic. Bring towels. Bring snacks. Bring tired kids home afterward.

🎡 Indoor Fun Parks

The Funplex — Mt. Laurel
A massive indoor entertainment complex packed with arcade games, go-karts, laser tag, bowling, carnival-style rides, and more. It’s one of the biggest all-ages activity spots in the region — and perfect when you want everything under one roof.

🧠 Creative & Chill Options

  • kids’ art & pottery studios

  • library craft days & reading programs

  • board-game cafés & hobby shops

Save this list for the next “we can’t do another movie day” afternoon.

🧘 Wellness Reset — South Jersey Style

Instead of “new year, new you,” think new year, be kind to yourself.
Here are real local spots to rest, stretch, float, breathe, and reset:

🧘 Yoga & Movement

Anjali Power Yoga — Westmont (Haddon Ave)
Hot yoga & power flow classes in a bright, modern studio with a strong community feel. Great instructors, approachable energy, and lots of January momentum if you’re looking for a restart.

Yoga for Living Wellness Center — Cherry Hill (Greentree Rd)
Gentle yoga, meditation, mindfulness practices, and a calming environment. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a quieter practice.

Still Point Yoga Center — Laurel Springs / Blackwood area
Warm, welcoming, smaller-studio feel with beginner-friendly classes and massage bodywork available.

🌊 Float, Salt & Deep Relaxation

Float SNJ — Marlton (N. Maple Ave)
Open float pools (not tiny pods), infrared sauna, and cold plunge. Designed for nervous-system calm, deep rest, and stress relief. Many people say an hour of floating = days of mental reset.

Float Haven Health Spa — Pitman
Float therapy + Himalayan salt room + sauna packages. Quiet, peaceful, and perfect for serious relaxation time.

The Salt Suite — Voorhees
Soothing halotherapy (salt room) sessions — cozy recliners, dim lights, and spa-level calm.

🧠 Mindfulness & Meditation

Look for guided meditations, sound baths, and breathwork circles at many of the yoga studios above — especially in January.

This is your reminder: REST counts as productivity 💛

🌟 Local Spotlight 🌟

Royal Fitness — A True Community Gym

If part of your New Year reset includes moving your body a little more, Royal Fitness in Barrington is one of those rare local gyms that truly feels welcoming — whether you’re brand-new to fitness or already in a routine. They’ve been part of the community for decades, with a supportive, down-to-earth vibe and members of all ages and fitness levels.

You’ll find everything from strength training and cardio equipment to group classes, aquatics, and personal training — plus staff who actually know your name. It’s not about ego or intimidation here… just real people working toward feeling stronger, healthier, and more energized in everyday life.

If you’ve been thinking about joining a gym but want one that still feels local and personal, Royal Fitness is a great place to start your 2026 wellness journey 💙

Click below to sign up for a FREE 7 day trial!

🔮 2026 Preview 🔮

What’s Coming This Year

We’re making 2026 the best year yet for South Jersey locals. Here’s what you can expect:

Bigger seasonal festival & weekend guides
🍷 More South Jersey wine adventures & itineraries
🚗 Local day-trip & getaway inspiration
🛍 Small-business love & neighborhood spotlights
🎄 Massive holiday guides (because you loved them)
📸 Reader fun — contests, bucket lists & giveaways

And the best part?
You’re part of it.
Reply anytime with events, businesses, or ideas we should know about 💛

New Years Cleanse

Wild & Co

Fresh Pressed Juice to Kick Off the New Year

If you’re looking for a gentle way to reset after the holidays, Wild & Co Fresh Pressed Juices offers a New Year cleanse that’s all about flooding your body with real, nutrient-dense goodness — nothing extreme, nothing gimmicky. Their juices are cold-pressed (so all the vitamins & enzymes stick around) and packed with veggies, fruits, and anti-inflammatory ingredients designed to help reduce bloat, support digestion, calm cravings, and give your system a little breathing room after a very cookie-heavy December 😅

People love starting the year this way because it feels like pressing the reset button — clearer mind, lighter body, better hydration, and a little extra energy to roll into January with intention. And the best part? You’re supporting a local South Jersey business while taking care of yourself 💚

Thanks for starting 2026 with us — it means the world. As we head into a brand-new year, we’re excited to keep finding the best local happenings, hidden gems, and weekend adventures across South Jersey so you don’t have to go searching. If you discover something fun, have an event coming up, or just want to share a great local spot, hit reply anytime — this is truly a community project, and you’re part of it. Cheers to a year filled with laughter, good food, cozy plans, and LOTS of great weekends ahead 🥂

If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who’s always asking, “What’s going on this weekend?” — and let’s keep building a community that knows how to have a good time.

Let’s Make 2026 A Great Year!
– Tyler and the SJW Crew

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