Colts Neck Hot Yoga
When former professional dancer Ann Yocum hung up her dancing shoes for the final time, she set out to find a new way to stay fit and healthy. Dancing had taken its toll on the retired Radio City Music Hall Rockette, and hip replacement was required to keep Ann on her feet.
She started attending yoga classes after her surgery and found that it sped up her healing.
“It was amazing,” she said. “I got all my mobility and all my strength back.”
Ann got her start as a student at Colts Neck Hot Yoga, and when the opportunity arose, she became the owner.
“Warm, friendly and open,” is how she describes her studio. The certified instructors take the time to go through every pose in detail, so that all students – from the first-timer to the experienced yogi can get the most out of the instruction and achieve optimal results.
Hot yoga classes are held in a room heated to approximately 100 degrees. Ann says that hot yoga is good for all levels, since the heat helps to detoxify the body and improve flexibility. For those who choose a cooler workout, some classes are offered in a non-heated room as well.
Colts Neck Hot Yoga has been certified by the Yoga Alliance as a training studio for Hot Yoga/Flow. Ann, an E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) 500-level instructor, will hold six-month training sessions for teachers interested in achieving the 200-hour RYT level.
Classes are held mornings and evenings, seven days a week. First-time students are always welcome. There is no need to call ahead; just show up and the teachers at Colts Neck Hot Yoga will be happy to get you started on a journey to becoming stronger, healthier and more balanced.
340 State Highway 34, Colts Neck
(732) 866-9999
www.coltsneckhotyoga.com
Cruise One
Denise Young has been helping customers find the perfect vacation destination for nearly a decade.
She turned a passion for travel into a business opportunity when she started as a Cruise One associate more than nine years ago. Two years later, she bought the franchise and last fall she opened a store on Route 34, across from Brock Farms.
“We’re here to answer your questions and give you the information you need,” Denise says. Customers can stop in and look at brochures or sit down with a Cruise One travel expert to start planning the vacation of their dreams.
As a full-service travel agency, Denise and her staff also help people plan vacations on land. Using a travel agent has many advantages, even in the Internet age. “We know more than the average traveler,” she says. “And we provide an added value by finding benefits and rates that people may not find otherwise.”
Cruising has shed its image as a travel choice designed for retirees and is now a popular vacation for all ages and lifestyles.
“There are a lot of ships that come into New York, New Jersey and Baltimore, so customers can avoid the hassles of flying,” she says. There are activities for everyone – babies, kids, teens and tweens.
“Cruises also provide a lot of family bonding time. Families can sit down and have dinner together,” Denise says.
One of the hottest vacation trends is multi-generational cruising, she says. With age-appropriate fun for everyone, cruises are a perfect way for grandparents to travel with the grandkids, even great-grandkids, and share an unforgettable experience with memories to last a lifetime.
But all ships are not for everyone, and selecting the right cruise can make or break a trip.
With their first-hand knowledge and industry-insider expertise, the Cruise One staff can help you plan the perfect vacation.
“We’ll put you on the right ship to the right location,” says Denise. “We’ll find the perfect trip to suit your needs.”
4 Merchants Way, Colts Neck
(732) 845-9239
www.dyoung.cruiseone.com
Folio Art Glass
From framed wedding invitations to custom-designed stained glass, Folio Art Glass, Inc. takes pride in providing a shopping experience that simply can’t be found anywhere else.
“We are a true ‘Mom and Pop’ shop,” says Kim Florio, who operates the third-generation gift gallery and studio with her husband, glass artist Tim Dorland.
It’s a friendly, family environment, says Kim, noting that her four-year-old son and her parents, who founded the business in 1976, are often on hand here – not to mention the family dog.
Custom designs are a specialty, and “people can watch us work,” says Kim.
The studio uses nontoxic paints and their creations are kiln-fired, including hand-painted, dishwasher-safe dinnerware that can be used every day, hand-painted glassware, individual service pieces, utensils, measuring cups and cheese spreaders.
There are one-of-a-kind mosaics, mirrors and art pieces as well as suncatchers and candleholders featuring a wide variety of motifs.
Whether you are in need of an Irish-themed present for a St. Patrick’s Day birthday or a special mosaic that celebrates the seashore, Folio can provide it – and they are always happy to assist in helping their customers make the perfect choice.
Located just down the road from Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck, the gift shop and studio is a popular stop for folks from all over.
“We get most of our business from word-of-mouth, says Kim. “Our customers are sick of the mall, they’re sick of the same old-same old. We gift wrap. We ship.”
And if clients aren’t sure exactly what they want, she is happy to help them choose the perfect thing.
They also offer instruction for children and adults in enameling on glass and jewelry-making. “We specialize in classes for Girl Scouts!” she says.
273 Hwy. 34, Colts Neck
(732) 431-0044
www.artglassgifts.com
Huddy’s Inn
Huddy’s Inn has been serving hearty fare in a casual atmosphere at its location on Route 34 for more than a quarter of a century. A popular destination for locals, visitors and golfers, Huddy’s has outgrown its current location.
“The restaurant has gotten too small for the community,” says Sal Asaro, who along with Ray Longobardi has owned Huddy’s for more than three years.
To accommodate the growing demand, Sal and Ray have big plans for a new Huddy’s, expected to open before the year’s end near the intersection of Highway 34 and Route 537.
The former Meridian School was torn down to make way for what Sal hopes to be a town center for Colts Neck, with retail stores, banking and a new, expanded Huddy’s Inn.
Food will remain the focus at the new inn, Sal says, and loyal customers will still get to enjoy the burgers, steaks and chops that Huddy’s is known for. But the expansion will also allow Huddy’s to accommodate parties of up to 125 people. Outdoor seating, a tiki bar and a recreation area for basketball, bocce, volleyball and horseshoes, will make Huddy’s the ideal location for a large family gathering or corporate event.
This will coincide with a $20 million road project that will improve traffic flow at the busy intersection, Sal says. Construction, which will begin next year, will add turning lanes and jughandles to alleviate congestion that has plagued the intersection for years.
As the owners await the opening of the new and improved Huddy’s, the inn continues to feed hungry patrons seven days a week at its current location. There’s music on Friday nights and, this Saturday Huddy’s will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with entertainment all day, bagpipers, drummers, facepainting and giveaways.
420 Route 34, Colts Neck
(732) 431-0194
www.huddysinn.com
