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We may still be in the middle of August, but fall is quickly approaching, and what better to kick it off than the opening of every autumn enthusiast's favorite pop-up store, Spirit Halloween.

The seasonal retailer, which is owned by Spencer Gifts, announced in June that it was hiring for 50,000 positions to support the more than 1,500 locations expected to open in 2025.

"Since 1983 Spirit Halloween has offered a one-of-a-kind experience that remains unmatched in the industry," reads the company's website. "Stores begin to open at the end of the summer, marking the highly anticipated start of the Halloween season."

While the physical locations are only available in-season, Halloween lovers can shop Spirit's online store year-round.

As the spooky season quickly approaches, let's take a look at when and where Spirit Halloween stores are popping up this year in North Jersey.

When do Spirit Halloween stores open for the season?

In a post on Instagram Aug. 9, the company revealed that it has started opening stores.

Customers are advised to check the store locator to see when their nearest location will open for the season.

While Spirit Halloween stores typically start opening around the country in August, some locations will not open until September, according to the company's website.

Either way, it is right on time as 47% of U.S. consumers begin their Halloween shopping before October, according to the National Retail Federation,.

Spirit Halloween locations in North Jersey

Spirit Halloween's 2025 locations in North Jersey include:

For a full list of locations, including opening dates and hours, visit https://stores.spirithalloween.com/nj/.

While summer isn't technically over until the end of September, the season just isn't the same once school starts and summer Fridays end. And if you're looking to make the most of your days before this shift arrives, we're here to help.

From unique water excursions and natural swimming pools to a lakeside mini golf course and tasty ice cream from a beloved local spot, North Jersey has plenty of options for you to make every moment count. We've curated a list to help guide the rest of your time, with 10 hot summer attractions that we think you should visit — if you haven't already, of course.

Enjoy a sweet treat at Denville Dairy

Take a trip to no place other than Denville Dairy, which was named North Jersey's best spot in our Ice Cream Madness showdown earlier this year. This beloved family-run shop in downtown Denville, which first opened its doors in the 1960s, offers about 28 decadent ice cream falvors. There's also sugar and fat-free varieties available, as well as sherbert, Italian ices and vegan options. And don't forget to finish your selection off with one of their premium toppings.

Go: 34 A Broadway, Denville; 973-627-4214, denvilledairy.com.

Take a dip in the Highlands Natural Pool

Located next to the 5,400-acre Norvin Green State Forest, the Highlands Natural Pool in Ringwood is an Olympic-sized, stream-fed freshwater pool that's set in a luscious wooded landscape. Splash around in this all-natural swimming hole to escape the heat, pick up a midday treat at the snack bar or engage in some friendly competition on the nearby volleyball court.

Go: 180 Snake Den Road, Ringwood; 973-835-4299, highlandsnaturalpool.org.

Soar through the sky at the TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park

Curb your need for adventure by soaring through the sky at the TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park in Vernon. Featuring 10 adrenaline-inducing courses for all skills levels, you'll navigate through obstacles, climbing elements, zip lines and more high in the trees. There's also the Black Creek Flyer, a self-guided zip-line course; a Kids Park for younger climbers, as well as night climbs where you can test your skills amongst the stars.

As a bonus, visitors can celebrate Feel-Good Fridays at TreEscape with 10% off their climb every Friday in August in honor of National Wellness Month.

Go: 414 County Route 517, Vernon Township; 862-801-7028, trescapeadventurepark.com.

Watch a double feature at the Warwick Drive-In

Situated just over the New York border is one of our area's most underrated summer venues: the Warwick Drive-In theater. This local staple, which originally opened in 1950, has three separate viewing screens that offer double features each night. All you have to do is gather your blankets and snacks, or bring cash for the concession stand, and find a spot in front of your designated movie screen. From there, you can turn your car or portable radio — you can bring your own or rent one for $5 — to the appropriate station, and watch the movie from the comfort of your own vehicle.

Go: 5 Warwick Turnpike, Warwick; 845-986-4440, warwickdrivein.com.

Putt a hole-in-one at the Lake Hopatcong Golf Club

Battle it out at the Lake Hopatcong Golf Club, where you'll test your skills on an 18-hole mini golf course that overlooks Lake Hopatcong from Nolan's Point. In addition to the views, you'll find pieces of Lake Hopatcong's history throughout the course, including replicas of the Hopatcong Steamboat, the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club and the Wildcat roller coaster. You can also stop at the course's Snack Kiosk to refuel between holes, or make the loser pay for a post-game meal at nearby eateries like The Windlass, Alice's Restaurant and the Big Fish Lounge.

Go: 37 Nolans Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong; 973-663-0451, lhgolfclub.com.

Enjoy a late night at the Bergen County Zoo

Bergen County Zoo, located within Van Saun County Park in Paramus, is offering extended evening hours every Wednesday in August to give visitors the chance to see the animals during their most active periods. The zoo will be open until 7 p.m. on these days and will feature a late-night schedule of unique activities. The schedule, which is posted on the Bergen County Zoo social media accounts each week, includes things like animal feedings, trainings and special amphitheater shows.

Go: 216 Forest Ave., Paramus; 201-634-3100, bergencountynj.gov/bergen-county-department-of-parks/bergen-county-zoo.

Kayak with Hackensack Riverkeeper

Hackensack Riverkeeper is a non-profit that aims to protect, preserve and restore the Hackensack River. The organization offers unique paddling excursions through three local waterways — Laurel Hill County Park in Secaucus, Overpeck County Park in Leonia and Van Buskirk Island Park in Oradell — using kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards. You can bring a friend, or a whole group, to explore with, or paddle alongside a Hackensack Riverkeeper guide.

Go: Various locations; 201-968-0808, hackensackriverkeeper.org/paddling-2025.

Pick fresh seasonal produce at Alstede Farms

As the Garden State, we think it's fair to say that New Jersey has among the most superior selection of fruits and vegetables. So why not finish out the summer by picking up some delicious summer produce before they go out of season? Alstede Farms is one of the state's most extensive pick-your-own farms, where you can stroll through their fields and collect fresh peaches, raspberries, sweet corn, blackberries, tomatoes, peppers and more.

Check the farm's website for current picking conditions and purchase a ticket online before heading over. Each ticket includes one container to fill with produce, but you can purchase additional containers when you visit.

Go: 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester; 908-879-7189, alstedefarms.com/can-pick-today.

Frolic through the Sussex County Sunflower Maze

The Sussex County Sunflower Maze will officially be open to the public starting on Aug. 21, when visitors are invited to experience more than one million sunflowers across 50 acres of land. The farm, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary as New Jersey's first ever sunflower maze, is home to 50 different sunflower species. While you are not permitted to pick your own sunflowers from the fields, you can purchase pre-cut sunflowers from the farm's market on your way out.

Go: 101 County Route 645, Sandyston; 833-786-6293, sussexcountysunflowermaze.com.

Ride a paddle boat around the Orange Reservoir

Rent a swan-shaped paddle boat and enjoy a scenic 30-minute ride around the Orange Reservoir, located just next to Turtle Back Zoo. This seasonal attraction has both two and four-person paddle boats available on a first-come, first-serve basis. After, you can take a stroll along the 1.7-mile reservoir walking path, take the family to the Regatta Playground or visit the animals at Turtle Back Zoo.

Go: Oakdale Lot, Cherry Lane, West Orange; 973-731-5800 ext. 0, turtlebackzoo.com/explores/boats.

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.com.

La Festa Italiana returns to Jersey City Aug. 13-18, but there are a handful of other festivals in New Jersey to get your zeppole, arancini and other Italian favorites.

Maybe it's because I've got Italian heritage, maybe it's because I love eating zeppole and maybe it's because I like drinking wine with thousands of my neighbors on summer evenings, but I love an Italian festival. And few places in the U.S. do them with as much pomp and regularity as North Jersey.

If you missed Hoboken's beloved St. Ann's Festival in July, take heart: La Festa Italiana returns to downtown Jersey City Aug. 13-18, and there are a handful of festivals into September throughout New Jersey and New York City, including Little Italy's famed Feast of San Gennaro (Sept. 11-21).

Use this as your Italian festival guide and start making room in your belly for arancini, sambuca and cannoli. I'll see you out there.

La Festa Italiana, Jersey City, Aug. 13-18

La Festa, a five-day street festival, is one of Jersey City's most popular summer get-togethers — and has been for a while. It started as a religious festival in 1903 and has since become a welcoming celebration of Italian-American culture, anchored around the Holy Rosary Church on Sixth Street.

Live music starts at 7 p.m. every night of the festival, but peruse the vendors along historic Sixth Street and the Harsimus Cove Railroad Embankment and bring the family for the many games, rides, raffles and more.

For food and beverages, expect craft beer, wine and cocktails from multiple bars in the festival (and be sure to grab some limoncello). There will be plenty of food, of course, including Italian-American classics like sausage and peppers, pizza, meatballs, arancini, Italian pastries as well as standard fair foods, vegan options and homemade additions like the zeppole crafted by Holy Rosary members.

Bring cash as many vendors don't accept a card. And you're welcome to attend Sunday morning's Feast Day mass at 11:30 a.m., which precedes a parade and live music.

Go: 344 Sixth St., Jersey City. lafestajc.com.

Other upcoming Italian festivals in New Jersey

Matt Cortina is a food reporter for NorthJersey.com/The Record. Reach him at mcortina@gannett.com.

After seltzer boomed and (somewhat) fizzled, craft brewers and local liquor stores are turning to spiked tea, THC, sports drink and other non-beer options.

The folks at Diamond Spring Brewing Company in Denville were experimenting with seltzer varieties before the summer of 2024 when, co-owner Chrissy Doremus recalled, the question arose: "What if we made an alcoholic Prime?"

Doremus and her co-owner husband, Craig Doremus, tried out flavors with which to imbue their nascent alcoholic sports drink — grape, which was "unusual," and a riff on whatever Gatorade's "blue" flavor is, which was "weird and disgusting." They tried adding levels of electrolytes until they hit too much: "That was gross," Doremus said.

But they had faith they could make an alcoholic sports drink work, and homed in on flavor — a classic lemon-lime — and a suitable amount of electrolytes. They named it Thirst Mutilator, a nod to a drink in the film 'Idiocracy.' And wouldn't you know it, the spiked sports drink took off.

"That was the drink that everyone was like, 'What is this? This is crazy,'" she said. "We have a run club that comes here and they were like, 'Is this hydration?' and we're like, '...maybe a tiny bit,' but they loved the flavor of it. They were really into it."

Thirst Mutilator's success is a sign of the times. Seltzer's boom in the early stages of the pandemic opened the door for brewers to create non-beer alcoholic drinks and today, there's a slew of spiked teas, sports drinks, canned cocktails, THC infusions and other beer-adjacent beverages on tap at your local brewery and in your neighborhood liquor store.

A market for crushable alcohol that isn't beer

Do you remember the year of seltzer, 2021? Maybe not, given the pandemic, but rarely has a beverage category so quickly entered and dominated a space as seltzer. Almost 300 new hard seltzer brands launched around 2021 in the U.S. alone.

Craft brewers were missing out on the opportunity to bring in non-beer-drinking customers if they didn't offer one, so many joined the fray, adapting their equipment to produce the fermented sugar-based drinks.

While the overall demand for seltzer plateaued that year, High Noon captured the market and grew into 2024, becoming the top spirit producer in the U.S. that year with its lineup of canned spirit and juice seltzers. And today, the market is expanding to include high-alcohol seltzers, more flavors and more add-ins.

That High Noon came to dominate seltzer and that, similarly, Surfside came to dominate canned spiked tea isn't a surprise, said Daniel Dinelli, CEO of Cambridge Wines, a great liquor store chain with locations in Morristown, Summit and Woodcliff Lake.

"When you're at the bullrush in the beginning, you have a lot of brands that come on, and you see what sticks, and you see what falls off and see what staples stay through," he said. "Right now it's not close with Surfside and High Noon, and then we bring on other ones; Casamigos just came on with canned cocktail. Six to 12 months from now, ask me if those have legs."

As consumers get accustomed to having seltzer, spiked tea and other non-beer options, craft brewers follow suit, Doremus said. Diamond Spring has a lineup of spiked teas that fit the vibe of their inclusive, outdoor, convivial Denville taproom and outdoor area.

"I think Surfside kind of reinfuse that [desire for spiked tea], and we're hoping on that wave I suppose," she said. "Tea is something our head brewer, my husband, is very into: coffee and tea and beer, like anything you can brew and extract flavor from is really up his alley. So if you’ve been brewing beer a long time, here’s something else to brew."

What non-beer alcohol will be the next big thing?

I'm inclined to say THC-infused alcoholic beverages are the final frontier because they really haven't existed commercially prior to the last few years. Sales in the U.S. are expected to top $4 billion by 2028, according to market research firm Euromonitor. It's important to note that THC-infused beverages are in the midst of evolving regulation here in New Jersey, but you can find them at plenty of liquor stores.

Dinelli sees it happening already, but predicts (as with other non-beer canned drinks) that only a few major brands will likely come to dominate the market like Surfside and High Noon.

"It's bananas. Its wild. We'll see if it lasts," Dinelli said of the THC-infused drink market. "But it is the hottest category, no questions. This is what happened with craft beer, this is what happened with seltzers. Again it'll happen [with THC drinks] with two to five brands that will last."

On the craft brewing level, Doremus said Diamond Spring is taking cues from what's moving in their brewery and beyond when it comes to decided what non-beer options to put on their taps.

"I really think a lot of things in the industry are moving toward cocktail-style, so people are looking for cocktail-based things that are either mocktails or are seltzer-based instead of liquor-based, so you might some stuff there," she said.

She added that adding fruit to beer, or a shandy-style beer, may become more common (and anecdotally, I've seen more of these on NJ taprooms this summer), and now that the state has loosened its restrictions on food pairings in breweries, we may see some unique combinations. And this year, Diamond Spring put Thirst Mutilator into a slushie machine, so that's now an option too.

Ultimately, though, no one knows what's coming next for sure. I didn't understand the seltzers, necessarily, when they boomed in 2021 and I've never really liked the spiked teas, now or when they showed up the first time about a decade ago (remember when Twisted Tea was brand new?). But I also remember the days where the only beer alternatives were Olde English malt liquor and, later, Four Loko, so I'm here for the evolution.

"I would say the non-beer option is always the one that's in flux, and staying ahead of innovation is what a brewery has to do to come up with what that next best thing is," Doremus said. "We'll continue developing because probably next year, it'll be something different."

Matt Cortina is a food reporter for NorthJersey.com/The Record. Reach him at mcortina@gannett.com.

A state board has suspended the license of a Bergen County doctor after he was charged last month with allegedly supplying powerful and addictive painkillers in exchange for sexual favors, the state Attorney General's Office announced on Aug. 12.

Dr. Ritesh Kalra, an internist who practiced in Fair Lawn, agreed to the temporary suspension pending the outcome of his case, documents show.

Kalra was arrested in July by the FBI for allegedly providing oxycodone and promethazine with codeine topatients without a legitimate medical purpose in what the U.S. Attorney's Office described as a "a pill mill operated out of his medical office."

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Kalra issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone between January 2019 and February 2025, including days when he wrote upwards of 50 prescriptions, according to the AG's office.

Like much of the nation, New Jersey has seen a surge in drug overdoses fueled by opioids over the past decade with a high of 3,171 deaths in 2022 compared to 1,096 in 2012.

Former employees said female patients complained that Kalra touched them sexually and demanded sexual favors of them in order to obtain their prescriptions, according to the U.S. Attorney. One patient described being sexually assaulted by Kalra on multiple occasions in an exam room.

Maintains his innocence

Michael Baldassare, Kalra's attorney, emphasized that his client agreed to give up his license in a consent order with the State Board of Medical Examiners.

"Among other things, Dr. Kalra wants to ensure that his patients receive medical care without any distractions from this sideshow," Baldassare said in a statement. "Thus, the Attorney General’s quest for headlines is a non-event and deserves no attention whatsoever. Dr. Kalra maintains his innocence. Period."

Kalra was also charged with defrauding Medicaid by billed for in-person visits and counseling sessions that authorities said never occurred.