The warm weather is supposed to be coming soon — at least that's what the calendar indicates. Spring recess is coming (officially starting April 11) and the kids are going to be home. The economy still isn't what it used to be, and gas prices are continuing to rise, so maybe you can't fly or drive for a great getaway trip. Still, you can relax and enjoy yourself on a family "staycation." This week, Patch Picks gives you some options nearby if you are taking some time off, but not planning to go for a long distance. As always, we encourage those with other ideas they'd like to share with their…

There's probably a good chance you need to relax right about now. It's late March and we had to deal with yet another snow storm, despite this being the first week of spring. Maybe the first full week of the season will be better. Either way, you probably need a break from that shoveling. So, Patch Picks put together a list of some great spas you can head to for relaxation and pampering. And remember, if you know of a fantastic spot that you don't see on this list but think your neighbors may want to know about it, make sure to tell them in the comments section at the bottom of the article. …

You didn't think we could ignore St. Patrick's Day when it comes to Patch Picks this week, did you? Of course we couldn't! So, in honor of Thursday's festivities–and the ones that are sure to follow this weekend–we bring you a list of great places to celebrate. We know that a list like this is sure to spark debate about why something wasn't included. That's why we think, the more, the merrier! So, if you have a place you think people should know about, be sure to put them in the comments below so other readers can see your thoughts. Patch Picks—Great Places to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and…

Yes, we know–it's not even spring. But in some cases, if summer camp is on the list of things you know your children are going to want to do after school gets out, you'll need to start thinking about it now so you can make the sign-up cutoffs. So, to get your brain thinking about what options you may want to pursue for your family, Patch Picks put together this list. And don't worry: as always, if you don't see something you believe your neighbors would be interested in, you can make sure they can see it by letting us know in the comments box at the bottom of the article. Patch Picks—Great …

In honor of National Read Across America Day, which was Wednesday and also doubles as the great Dr. Seuss' birthday, we tweaked our usual search for Patch Picks. This week, we wanted to know, what are some of the best books out there? So, we asked Bernards Township Library Director Anne Meany for her top five books. So, without further adieu, here they are. However, please note that there are actually six listed. Meany loved the final two books so much, there is a tie for the fifth and final spot. Patch Picks—Bernards Township Library Director Anne Meany's top reads. "Dubliners" by James …

This week, we put together a list that the truly fashionable are sure to love. As the weather (we hope) begins to warm up a bit and heavy coats and boots become a thing of the past, you'll probably be looking for that new item to make your wardrobe standout. So, here are some great boutiques you should check out if you're planning your look for the upcoming spring and summer months. There aren't that many boutiques in Basking Ridge, or Bernards Township, but many people travel to Bernardsville for such shopping. A few made our list. Patch Picks—Great boutiques to help your look sparkle. …

At Patch, we take giving back to the community very seriously. At least five times a year, we take part in helping our towns during our Give5 days. Sometimes we take part in special events, sometimes it's just helping groups in their everyday effort to make the world a better place. This week, we take a look at some great non-profits that make a difference in our community. Patch Picks—Non-profits: Great non-profits making a difference. Bernards Parents of Exceptional Children, Bernards Township (read more here about the group's recent donation to township schools.) Bernards Township …

We hope you used our first installment of Patch Picks last week to find a great place to watch the Super Bowl, whatever team you were backing. This week, we go from giants of the gridiron running into each other to a more romantic topic: Valentine's Day. Please note that some of restaurants and inns listed below have scheduled Valentine's menus and themed-events starting this weekend. For example, The Olde Mill Inn and Grain House Restaurant is hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner, with "Deadly Dancing" from 7 to 10 p.m. this Saturday.The Bernards Inn, a classic destination for special occasions, …

Starting today, Patch will run a new weekly feature called Patch Picks, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more. You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more. Stay tuned for our first list each Thursday. Want to suggest a list? Submit your idea in the comment box. Patch…