Hey Mountainside 👋

I'm Brian, and I'm starting something I've wanted to do for a long time.

The Mountainside Scoop is a weekly newsletter about the stuff that actually matters when you live here — what to do this weekend, which local business just opened (or closed), where to find the best burger, and all those little "did you hear about...?" moments that make a town feel like home.

Not hard news. Not crime reports. Not politics.

Just the good stuff.

What You'll Get Every Week

🗓 The Weekend Scoop — 3-5 things to do this weekend, from free community events to date-night spots worth the reservation

🍔 Where to Eat Now — One local restaurant, bar, or hidden gem you need to know about

🥾 Watchung Reservation Report — Trail conditions, seasonal highlights, and outdoor activities for families, dog owners, and solo hikers

📣 Neighbor Shoutouts — The good stuff people are doing around town (have someone to shout out? Hit reply)

💡 The Short Scoop — Quick hits: new openings, local deals, community reminders

Why Mountainside?

I've lived in this area long enough to know that Mountainside isn't just a zip code — it's a community where people actually know their neighbors, where the Trailside Nature & Science Center is a legitimate weekend destination, and where you can grab a great meal without driving to Summit or Westfield.

But here's the thing: most of what gets written about Mountainside is either too broad (Patch covering all of Union County) or too narrow (school board minutes). There's no "insider's guide" written by someone who actually lives here, shops here, and hikes here.

That's what The Scoop is.

Help Me Make This Useful

This newsletter works best when it's a two-way street.

Got a tip? Hit reply — I read every email.

Know a business that deserves a spotlight? Tell me.

Want to shout out a neighbor? Send it over.

New to Mountainside? Welcome — this is your cheat sheet.

What's Coming Next Week

Issue #2 drops Tuesday with:

• The first official Weekend Scoop — what's happening May 8-10

• A deep dive into Watchung Reservation's Sierra Trail (perfect for Mother's Day weekend)

• Our first Business Spotlight: the story behind one of Mountainside's most loved restaurants

One Last Thing

If you know someone who lives in Mountainside — especially someone new to town — forward them this email. The more neighbors we have on this list, the better the Scoop gets.

See you next Tuesday.

— Brian