Drink Suggestions for Your New Year's Eve

We asked some local wine shops about some options for whatever your taste.

The new year is fast approaching, and folks all over the globe will be celebrating. Here in Somerset County, we want to help you find the right drinks for your New Year’s Eve celebration. Mike DiFabrizio, owner of The Wine Rack in The Hills, said that flavored vodkas are very popular this year — including Smirnoff's Fluff, which is marshmallow flavored. Jalapeno-flavored vodka and any drinks flavored with pomegranate also have been requested by customers, he said. Of course champagnes always are in demand, he said. Veuve Clicquot is a time-honored favorite at $42.99, DiFabrizio said. The reasonably priced Italian sparkling wine, Prosecco, is a big seller at $9.99. he said. Gary’s Wine and Marketplace, which boasts a location in …

• Photos (2)

Great Escape

Celebrate New Year's With Food, Music, Drinks

Some good meals, good shows and fun this weekend.

  Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot more enjoyable. But this weekend is New Year’s, the start of a whole new year, and, honestly, a night to have a little bit of fun and celebrate the year that was. So we’ve got for you a list of things to do this weekend to celebrate 2011 and usher in 2012 with a fun, albeit safe, bang. Did we leave out any amazing New Year's parties this weekend? Let us know in the comments!

•  2 Comments
• Photos (2)

Bville and Bernards Police Remind of Risks of Drinking and Driving

Updated: Bernards and Bernardsville police to conduct extra DWI patrols this weekend.

During the upcoming week — heading through New Year's Day — potential drivers will likely be attending more events than usual where alcohol is served. Township police responded to a request for reminders regarding drinking and driving that are outlined below. As a note, Bernards Township officers will be assigned to conduct DWI (driving while intoxicated) patrols on New Year's Eve, Saturday, according to the police department. The special patrols will be funded through a DWI enforcement grant, police said. Bernardsville will have DWI patrols, too The Bernardsville police department also will be posting extra DWI patrols this holiday weekend on Friday and Saturday night, said Bernardsville Borough Police Chief Kevin Valentine. The …

• Photos (1)

VIDEO: Caroling Tradition Brings Holiday Cheer

For nearly 90 years, songs fill downtown Basking Ridge on Christmas Eve.

A Christmas Eve tradition for nearly 90 years continued Saturday night with the singing of holiday songs in downtown Basking Ridge. The annual event, which had been held at the steps of the The Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge, drew more than 1,200 people this year at its new location on the island in the center of town next to the Christmas tree.

•  1 Comment
• Photos (11)
• Videos (1)

Open to All, A Christmas Service at Harry Dunham Park in Basking Ridge

St. Mark's Episcopal Church invites public to a Christmas Eve afternoon celebration at the pavilion in Harry Dunham Park off Somerville Road.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church presented its first public, informal Christmas service on Saturday afternoon at the indoor pavilion at Harry Dunham township park off Somerville Road. The service, Christmas Eve in The Hills, invited all to sing carols, retell the story of the birth of Jesus, and pray for peace and goodwill, according to the church. The service was follow with Christmas cookies, hot cocoa, and Christmas cheer, the announcement said. The service was designed to "cozy and informal, and...perfect for most anyone, but especially for those with children."

• Photos (4)

Get Out

EVENTS: Christmas Eve Service at Harry Dunham, Downtown Caroling

Some longtime traditions, a new tradition, among this week's upcoming special events.

For some people, this is the most wonderful time of the year. But whether you are celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah or neither, you can assume that this may be a somewhat quiet next few days coming up as far as public activities. Not quite, though! There are holiday-related celebrations open to the public, as well as a few other events to keep you busy if you have some spare time. Weight Watchers at the Olde Mill Inn When/Where: Either 9 a.m. or second 6 p.m. session on Thursday at the Olde Mill Inn, 225 Route 202 in Basking Ridge. Why go: You have to ask? Even if you don't put the calorie-counting in effect this week, you can plan your Jan. 1 resolution. Cost: Free introductory Christmas Eve in The Hills When/Where: Christmas Eve Day, …

• Photos (3)
• Videos (1)

Great Escape

Escape to the U.S. Golf Museum For Serenity and Elegance

The U.S.G.A. Museum and Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History on Liberty Corner Road in Bernards Township is decorated for the holidays.

  Each week, Patch tells you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, and maybe a whole lot more fun. Don't tell us you're a golfer and haven't been the the United States Golf Association Museum and Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History, at 77 Liberty Corner Road in Bernards Township. But even if you're not an avid golfer, you can hardly find a better place to which to escape during the craziest days around the holidays. The museum itself is set in the midst of landscaped grounds that include its Pynes putting green modeled after a famous putting green in Scotland. The museum and changing exhibits are housed elegant mansion, built in 1919 by Tom Frothingham, and later acquired by the USGA …

• Photos (6)