Page 2
We Tell You Whats Going On - Now Get Out And Have Fun
SocietyPageMag.com
SPMag.co
Get Even More in Our Digital Copy at SocietyPageMag.com
Page 3
Page 4
We Tell You Whats Going On - Now Get Out And Have Fun
SocietyPageMag.com
SPMag.co
Get Even More in Our Digital Copy at SocietyPageMag.com
Page 5
Page 6
We Tell You Whats Going On - Now Get Out And Have Fun
SocietyPageMag.com
SPMag.co
Get Even More in Our Digital Copy at SocietyPageMag.com
Page 7
THE BEACH HOUSE IS BACK For those of you that don’t remember, The Beach House was the biggest most fun club at the South Jersey Beaches for years. Like many legendary locations, operating costs ultimately forced the original Beach House nightclub to make way for condos and all that was left were the memories. What memories they are….. The Beach House was a huge club with enormous crowds that had a great time listening to the best live bands. The bathrooms in the Beach House were almost as big as some of today’s bars. I remember the ice machines being so big, a casino would be happy to have them. All the bands loved The Beach House. It had an oversized stage, a private dressing room with bath, and quite possibly the loudest, most powerful sound system in any club. Every weekend throughout the summer The Beach House was packed with people. At the time, I ran the most popular modern rock station at the shore and we were there almost all the time. We did some of the most fun contests and promotions I can remember. Some were so much fun that the “E” channel came and filmed them. I could go on about all the great memories but luckily it’s time to make new ones. The Beach House is back! The new Beach House will be called The Beach House Somers Point. It will open Memorial Day Weekend and of course have great live bands all summer long. The new location at 939 Bay Ave. in Somers Point, has been the location of a few memorable nightclubs already. The building is big with a great stage and a second floor with amazing views of the water. There is a substantial amount of free parking and free cover before 9:30. The Beach House is even bringing back $1 bottles every Thursday night. Who does that anymore? A lot of the memorabilia from the old Beach House will be at the new location. The original Beach House’s owner, Rick Ranalli, will be running this new club so expect it to be the same great fun time. As soon as Rick told a few people about the new club, word spread like wildfire. There is so much excitement over The Beach House reopening that we expect a great grand opening weekend. You can expect to see The Society Page at The Beach House quite a bit this summer. Rick was my best man when I got married to Jaime. The Society Page will be bringing great contests and promotions to the new club so don’t miss any of it. The new club can even accommodate party buses or motor-homes full of people. The good times are back. The Beach House is back. We will see you there this Memorial Day weekend. The bands scheduled for the first weekend are Karma, Modern Bliss, and The Loop. Resident house DJ Sepper will keep you on the dance floor all night. The Beach House Somers Point – 939 Bay Ave Somers Point.
Page 8
We Tell You Whats Going On - Now Get Out And Have Fun
SocietyPageMag.com
SPMag.co
Get Even More in Our Digital Copy at SocietyPageMag.com
Page 9
Page 10
We Tell You Whats Going On - Now Get Out And Have Fun
SocietyPageMag.com
SPMag.co
Get Even More in Our Digital Copy at SocietyPageMag.com
Page 11
Page 12
We Tell You Whats Going On - Now Get Out And Have Fun
SocietyPageMag.com
SPMag.co
Get Even More in Our Digital Copy at SocietyPageMag.com
Page 13
Page 14
We Tell You Whats Going On - Now Get Out And Have Fun
SocietyPageMag.com
AREA EVENTS
BALLYS
RESORTS
JUNE 9 ULTIMATE ELVIS CONTEST
MAY 19 Boys to Men JUNE 9 Caught up in the Swing
BOARDWALK HALL
REVEL
MAY 27 New Edition JUNE 2 Rahat Fateh Ali Kahn
Memorial Day Weekend for 3 Shows BEYONCE JUNE 2 Kid Rock JUNE 15 Sugarland JUNE 22 UFC on FX JULY 13 Nickelback
BORGATA MAY 25 Pitbull MAY 25 Steve Winwood MAY 26 John Pinette JUNE1 Weezer JUNE 8 Frankie Valli JUNE 9 Sting CAESARS JUNE 23 Ringo Starr & His All Star Band
TROPICANA MAY 26 Southside Johnny MAY 26 Laff Mobb MAY 27 Montgomery Gentry JUNE 1 Shorty Long & The Jersey Horns JUNE 22 The Romantics TRUMP TAJ MAHAL
GOLDEN NUGGET JUNE 16 The Smithereens JUNE 27 Gordie Brown
MAY 25 Kevin Hart MAY 26 ZZ Top, 3 Doors Down and Special Guest Gretchen Wilson
HARRAHS MAY 26 Paul Anka MAY 27 Collective Soul HOUSE OF BLUES SHOWBOAT MAY 25 Garbage MAY 26 Big & Rich MAY 27 Alien Ant Farm JULY 27 Meatloaf Phish at Bader Field in AC Type: ConcertsDates: Jun 15 - 17, 2012Location: Atlantic CityAddress: Bader Field, Atlantic City Phone: 1-800594-8499Admission: Tickets are $60.00 per day or $150.00 for a 3 day ticket. Children of all ages are welcome. Children 6 and under do not need a ticket. Hours: Doors open 4:00pm Description: Phish is back in Atlantic City to perform three consecutive shows at AC's 142-acre Bader Field. Atlantic City offers a wide range of attractions and amenities, including gaming, fine dining, spas, pristine beaches and the city's historic boardwalk. Three-day tickets, single day tickets and travel packages are available. Fans can walk to Bader Field from all the major downtown Atlantic City hotels and special room rates have been secured for fans.
SPMag.co
AC Phone Numbers Bally's: (609) 340-2709 Borgata: (609) 677-1000 Caesars: (800) 677-SHOW Harrah's: (800) 2-HARRAH Hilton: (609) 340-7160 Ocean City Music Pier: (609) 525-9248 Resorts: (800) 322-SHOW Sands: (609) 441-4137 Showboat: (800) 736-1420 Tropicana: (609) 340-4020 Trump Plaza: (609) 441-6000 Trump Taj Mahal: (609) 4495150
ShopRite LPGA Classic Type: Sports Events Dates: May 28 - Jun 3, 2012 Location: Regional Events Address: Seaview Resort Admission: Good-Any-Day Grounds Ticket for $15; Weekly Grounds Pass for $30; Weekly Clubhouse Pass for $60 (provides access inside Seaview Resort) Description: 54 holes. $1.5 million. 144 of the best women golfers in the world. The 2012 ShopRite LPGA Classic returns to Seaview Resort’s historic Bay Course. Additionally, the Tournament announced the following free ticket promotions: Free admission for all spectators Monday, May 28 through Thursday, June 2 Children age 17 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult ShopRite Price Plus Members will receive two grounds tickets per day by showing a valid membership card at the Admissions Gate All service personnel (military, fire and police) will be admitted free of charge throughout the Tournament with proper ID. Atlantic City Summer Concert Series 2012 Type: Concerts, Family Dates: Jun 2, 2012 Location: Atlantic City Address: Gardner’s Basin; New Hampshire Avenue & The Bay Phone: 609-343-6326 Admission: Free Hours: Sat 1:00pm - Dusk Description: Third World, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Sensa Motion Band, Bob Sterling and Jackie Greggs
2012 Ultimate Elvis Contest Type: ShowsDates: Jun 9, 2012Location: Atlantic CityAddress: Bally's Atlantic City Phone: 800-745-3000Admission: $32.50 Adult - $16.25 ChildHours: Sat Show time 7:00PM Description: Legends in Concert," Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) and Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino are joining together to bring the 5th Annual preliminaries of the "Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™" once again to the Jersey shore. Approximately 21 world-class Elvis tribute artists competing for the legendary title of "Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year!" All contestants will perform one song with our live band. Finalists will perform a second song and a winner will be crowned.
Caught Up In The Swing Type: Theater/PerformancesDates: Jun 9, 2012Location: Atlantic CityAddress: Resorts Casino Hotel Phone: 609-340-6300Admission: $75 (performance and pre-show party) and $125 (performance, pre-show party & post-show reception)Hours: Sat Pre-Show Party 8:00pm Description: Caught Up in the Swing With music by Johann Strauss, Scott Joplin and Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks, Caught Up in the Swing is a comedy ballet, created and choreographed by Phyllis Papa, to celebrate Atlantic City Ballet's 30th Anniversary. Set in a hotel during the glamorous heyday of 1920's Atlantic City, the ballet offers a refreshing blend of Broadway style dance, tap, and ballet movement. A fun and comical story told through dance that will have you laughing and tapping your feet in the aisles! As part of the 30th Anniversary celebration, Resorts Casino Hotel, along with the Atlantic City Ballet, will host a pre-show party featuring champagne and appetizers and a post-show Meet & Greet reception with the cast of Caught Up in the Swing. Atlantic City World Amateur Open Type: Sports EventsDates: June 10 - 13, 2012Location: Atlantic City; Regional EventsAddress: Atlantic City Area Golf CoursesPhone: 800-465-3222Admission: $450 per playerHours: 8:00am Description: Compete in the Atlantic City World Amateur Open as an individual or as a 2 player team in a 54 hole tournament of stroke play competition, an 18-hole championship playoff, nightly parties and entertainment. The tournament, which is handicapped in order to level the playing field, is open to all golfers: men, women, young and old. The tournament will be played on a minimum of 4 and up to 10 Atlantic City area golf courses. Visit www.acgolfopen.com for details and to register for this spectacular event. The event will be held from June 10th - June 13th, 2012 and the cost is $450.00 per player.
Exotic Car Rally & Show - The Vigneto Rally VignetoRally.com Get you event listed here for FREE. Call 609-780-7432 or E-mail Chuck@SocietyPageMag.com
Get Even More in Our Digital Copy at SocietyPageMag.com
Page 15
Page 16
We Tell You Whats Going On - Now Get Out And Have Fun
SocietyPageMag.com
LPGA IN GALLOWAY 54 Holes. $1.5 million. 144 of the best female golfers in the world. All will converge at Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club in Galloway, NJ for the ShopRite LPGA Classic held May 28-June 3, 2012. The LPGA Classic is one of Southern New Jersey's best events. The event is ladies professional golf at its best with the biggest names in the sport attending. A more beautiful facility could not be chosen. Although the "Seaview" has changes ownership a few times in the last decade, the facilty could not be better. Now owned by Stockton State College, the Seaview is a grand hotel, banquet, and restaurant with two very popular 18 hole golf courses. The fact that a televised LPGA event takes place at the Seaview speaks volumes about the quality of the courses. The Seaview has beautiful views of the water and the Atlantic City Skyline. The entire property is landscaped like a park. Many of the events are free to attend this weekend, enjoy. Here is some of what's happening this weekend. Free Wine Tasting Chateau Ste. Michelle will be hosting a wine tasting that is free to the public. Click here for more info. Michelle Wie Autograph Signing Kia will host an autograph signing session for the public with LPGA Tour star Michelle Wie. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield Junior Golf Show Presented by South Jersey Industries Saturday, June 2 from 2-3 p.m. at Seaview’s driving range. Phillies Phanatic Appearance The Phillies Phanatic is coming to the ShopRite LPGA Classic! THE TOURNAMENT Format: Three days, 54-hole stroke play Field: 144 players Purse: $1.5 million, $225,000 winner's check Course: Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, Bay Course Monday, May 28 •All Day - Professional practice rounds (open to the public, free admission) • 8:00 a.m. - LPGA Qualifier (open to the public) Tuesday, May 29 •All Day - Professional practice rounds (open to the public, free admission) •3 p.m. - Million Dollar Shootout at Seaview's Bay Course, 18th hole Wednesday, May 30 •Official Pro-Am, Day One (open to the public, free admission) •Pro-Am Celebration (invitation only) Thursday, May 31 •Official Pro-Am, Day Two (open to the public, free admission) Friday, June 1 •Round one •Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Tasting 12:00-2:00 p.m. (behind 1st tee) •Autograph signing session with Brittany Lincicome courtesy of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (afternoon, final time TBD) •Golf Channel live coverage 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 2 •Round two •Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Tasting 12:00-2:00 p.m. (behind 1st tee) •Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield Junior Golf Show Presented by South Jersey Industries 2:00 p.m. (driving range at Seaview) •Autograph signing session with Michelle Wie courtesy of Kia (afternoon, final time TBD) •Golf Channel live coverage 4:00-6:00 p.m. • Cut to low 70 plus ties Sunday, June 3 •Final round •Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Tasting 12:00-2:00 p.m. (behind 1st tee) •Golf Channel live coverage 4:00-6:00 p.m. • Awards ceremony immediately following play (All times subject to change)
SPMag.co
Get Even More in Our Digital Copy at SocietyPageMag.com
Page 17
Page 18
We Tell You Whats Going On - Now Get Out And Have Fun
SocietyPageMag.com
THE WEEK IN MUSIC
Active Rock 1 SOUNDGARDEN Live To Rise 2 CHEVELLE Hats Off To The Bull 3 LINKIN PARK Burn It Down 4 THEORY OF A DEADMAN Hurricane 5 HALESTORM Love Bites (So Do I) 6 SLASH You’re A Lie
Top 40
7 GODSMACK Rocky Mountain Way 8 POP EVIL Boss’s Daughter 9 SHINEDOWN Bully
1 GOTYE Somebody That I Used... 10 VOLBEAT Still Counting 2 FUN. We Are Young f/Janel... 11 NICKELBACK This Means War 3 FLO RIDA Wild Ones f/Sia 12 OFFSPRING Days Go By 4 NICKI MINAJ Starships 13 BLACK KEYS Gold On The Ceiling 5 ONE DIRECTION What Makes You Beaut... 14 SEETHER No Resolution 6 THE WANTED Glad You Came 15 FOO FIGHTERS Bridge Burning 7 CARLY RAE JEPSEN Call Me Maybe 16 ADELITAS WAY Criticize 8 MAROON 5 Payphone f/Wiz Khali... 17 RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS Look Around 9 ADELE Rumour Has It 18 ART OF DYING Sorry 10 KATY PERRY Part Of Me 19 DEUCE America 11 JUSTIN BIEBER Boyfriend 20 P.O.D. Lost In Forever 12 KARMIN Broken Hearted 21 SHINEDOWN Unity 13 KELLY CLARKSON Stronger (What Doesn... 22 FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH Coming Down 14 USHER Scream 23 CHARM CITY DEVILS Man Of Constant Sorr... 15 TRAIN Drive By 24 PANTERA Piss 16 RIHANNA Where Have You Been 25 MARILYN MANSON No Reflection 17 CALVIN HARRIS Feel So Close 26 STAIND Now 18 PITBULL Back In Time 27 ARANDA Satisfied 19 ELLIE GOULDING Lights 28 DEAD SARA Weatherman 20 DRAKE Take Care f/Rihanna 29 SERJ TANKIAN Figure It Out 21 DEMI LOVATO Give Your Heart A Br... 30 OTHERWISE Soldiers 22 DAVID GUETTA Titanium f/Sia 31 RUSH Headlong Flight 23 JENNIFER LOPEZ Dance Again f/Pitbul... 32 STELLAR REVIVAL The Crazy Ones 24 GYM CLASS HEROES The Fighter f/Ryan T... 33 FOXY SHAZAM I Like It 25 HAVANA BROWN We Run The Night f/P... 34 HURT How We End Up Alone 26 CHRIS RENE Young Homie 35 CALL ME NO ONE Biggest Fan 27 RITA ORA How We Do (Party) 36 SIXX A.M. Are You With Me Now 28 TAYLOR SWIFT Eyes Open 37 RED LINE CHEMISTRY Unspoken 29 DRAKE The Motto f/Lil Wayn... 38 THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH Let The Sparks Fly 30 CALVIN HARRIS Let’s Go f/Ne-Yo 39 MY DARKEST DAYS Sick And Twisted Aff... 31 HOT CHELLE RAE Honestly 40 FINDING CLYDE Get Higher 32 B.O.B So Good 41 EVANS BLUE This Time It’s Diffe... 33 NEON HITCH F U Betta 42 MASTODON Dry Bone Valley 34 KIRKO BANGZ Drank In My Cup 43 TAPROOT No Surrender 35 ONE DIRECTION One Thing 44 WAYLAND Welcome To My Head 36 NEON TREES Everybody Talks 45 HELLYEAH Band Of Brothers 37 GROUPLOVE Tongue Tied 46 EMPHATIC Put Down The Drink 38 COLDPLAY Paradise 47 12 STONES Infected 39 JASON MRAZ I Won’t Give Up 48 JACK WHITE Sixteen Saltines 40 THE WANTED Chasing The Sun
49 MARK TREMONTI You Waste Your Time
50 SAVING ABEL Bringing Down The Gi...
SPMag.co
Get Even More in Our Digital Copy at SocietyPageMag.com
Page 19
APPLEBEES MON-FRI 3-6PM $1 OFF ALL BAR DRINKS $3.99 APP MENUMOZZARELLA STICKS BUFFALO WINGS BONELESS WINGS CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS CURRAN'S IRISH INN MON-FRI 4-6PM $3 THREE OLIVES DRINKS AND SHOTS $2 DOMESTIC PINTS $4 IMPORTED PINTS $2.50 DOMESTIC BOTTLES $3.50 IMPORTED BOTTLES PALMYRA FRED & ETHELS LANTERN LIGHT TAVERN MON-FRI 4-6PM COMPLIMENTARY MUNCHIES 75 CENTS OFF BEER, WINE & MIXED DRINKS SMITHVILLE GOODFELLOWS MON-FRI 4-8PM ALL HOUSE DRINKS IMPORTED & DOMESTIC BEERS & MOST APPETIZERS 1/2 PRICE GALLOWAY JUGHANDLE INN MON-THUR 3-6PM 1/2 PRICE WINGS $2 PINTS OF COORS LIGHT & MILLER LITE CINNAMINSON OTTS RESTAURANTS MON-FRI 4-6PM HAPPIER HOUR 10-MIDNIGHT $2.50 COORS LIGHT BOTTLES $2.50 YUENGLING BOTTLES $2 COORS LIGHT & YUENGLING DRAFTS
RICHEEZ MON-FRI 3-6PM $1.50 DOMESTIC DRAFT $2 HOUSE DRINKS FREE BAR BUFFET FRIDAY 4-6PM HI-NELLA STARKY'S POUR HOUSE 11AM-7PM ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR $2 DOMESTIC 12 OZ. BOTTLES $2.50 CORONA BOTTLES $2.75 12 OZ. IMPORT BOTTLES WATERFORD WORKS SKEETERS PUB SUN-THUR 3-6PM 1/2 OFF SELECTED FOOD $2 WELL DRINKS $3 WINE BLENHEIM STONE GRILLE EVERYDAY 3-7PM $2 DOMESTIC DRAFTS $2.75 23 OZ. DOMESTIC DRAFTS $2.50 DOMESTIC BOTTLES $4 HOUSE WINE $4.50 WELL DRINKS $5 PIZZAS $5 LOADED NACHOS $5 ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES W/FRIES
South Jersey Car Shows & Cruises Beer CraZy by Contributing Writer, Nick Gaudio This week’s beer is Smoked and Oaked Belgian Ale by Epic Brewing Company, Salt Lake City, Utah. This beer pours a cloudy, dark amber color and has a slightly smoky aroma. Its flavor, however, is the smokiest of any beer I’ve ever tasted, mixed with the full flavor of an oak barrel aged dry whiskey. Paired perfectly with some smoked ribs, the hint of vanilla and caramel sweeten this out just enough to hold the Belgian style to its name. Surprisingly, its ABV is 10.5%, so if you’re kicking some back while barbequing, having more than one or two might result in a dangerous situation. Stick with something lighter as a warm up and enjoy this when your ribs are ready for eating. It will be a pleasant deviation from a normal lager or pilsner on a warm summer night.
The Society Page Best Dressed Every Week We Pick A Best Dressed. IF THIS IS YOU YOU JUST WON A $25 GIFT CARD FROM FRED & ETHELS IN SMITHVILLE VILLAGE TO CLAIM YOUR GIFT CARD GO TO FRED & ETHELS BRING THIS AND ASK FOR TOM. BRING ID
May 25 CRUISE 5:30 PM Fourth Friday Cruise Night New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ Cruise On The Track, Then Come Inside The Finish Line Pub For Happy Hour Specials. DJ, Dancing, Prizes Info: 856-327-7202 or www.njmp.com May 26 5 - 9 PM No Rain Date South Jersey Camaro Club Cruise-In Black Horse Pike Auto Body, 6324 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ Open To All Makes, Years & Models Trophies To Top 25; Vendors, Door Prizes, 50/50, Music T-Shirts To 1st 50 Registered Vehicles Proceeds Benefit "Oceans Of Love For Children With Cancer" Registration: $15.00 E-Mail: info@southjerseycamaro.com May 26 10 AM - 4 PM Rain Date: May 27 (Noon - 5 PM) 33rd Collingswood May Fair Antique & Classic Car Show Haddon Ave. West Of Collings Ave., Collingswood, NJ Hosted By Delaware Valley Old Goat Club 17 Classes For Vehicles 1987 & Older Only Live Bands, Crafters Registration: $15.00 (D.O.S. Only) Info: Tom 856-524-2588 Vendor Info: Terry 856-8589275 May 27 10 AM - 4 PM Rain or Shine 1st Annual Spring Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show The Stone Grill & Restaurant, 1300 BlackwoodClementon Rd., Clementon, NJ Presented By P.B.A. 105 & The PA Owners Of Super Sport Impalas All Makes, Years & Models Of Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles Welcome Top 20 Trophies, Dash Plaques & Goodie Bags To 1st 75 Registered 50/50, Door Prizes, Silent Auction, DJ, Buffet Lunch Available For $11.95(5% Discount To Show Entrants) Pre-Reg(by May 20) $15.00; D.O.S. $20.00(Open 9 AM - NOT BEFORE) Proceeds Benefit The Military Support Group of New Jersey, Inc. Info: Jesse 856-986-6777 or E-Mail: sirjay9@hotmail.com May 27 8 AM Rain or Shine 8th Annual Spring Into Summer Car Show Sonic Drive-In, 1101 Rt. 130 South, Cinnaminson, NJ Hosted By Classic Corvette Club Registration (D.O.S. Only 8 - 10 AM) $15.00 Info: Chris 609-828-9187 May 27 CRUISE 4:30 - 8 PM American Pride Classic Car Club Trophy Cruise Night Danny's Pizza, 1288 Delsea Drive, Franklinville, NJ Free Pizza Slice Or Ice Cream Cone To Each Cruise Car American Made Cars, Trucks & Cycles (ONLY) Info: Danny's Pizza 856-694-4422
JUNE 24 THE VIGNETO RALLY The Southern New Jersey Winery Road Rally. Open to 1975 or earlier Europeon sports, racing or GT cars (gran turismo – turismo); and any exotic sports car of any year. American supercars such as the corvette, viper, or GT40 are also eligible. Automobile eligibility is subject to the discretion of the event selection committee. More information at VignetoRally.com
South Jersey Wineries Get More Info at SouthJerseyWine.com Amalthea Cellars Atco
Tomasello Winery Hammonton
Auburn Road Vineyards Pilesgrove
Turdo Vineyards & Winery N Cape May
Bellview Winery Landisville
Valenzano Winery Shamong
Brook Hollow Winery Columbia
Wagonhouse Winery Swedesboro
Cape May Winery & Vineyard Cape May Cedarvale Vineyard/ Cedarvale Winery Logan Twp Chestnut Run Farm Pilesgrove Coda Rossa Franklinville
SouthJerseyWine.com is the new site that will list all the wineries in South Jersey with maps, information and more. Watch us grow.
Cream Ridge Winery Cream Ridge DiBella Winery Woolwich DiMatteo Vineyards Hammonton Hawk Haven Vineyards Rio Grande Heritage Vineyards Mullica Hopewell Valley Vineyards Pennington Natali Vineyards, LLC Cape May Court House Plagido's Winery Hammonton Renault Winery Galloway (America's longest operating vineyard) Sharrott Winery Blue Anchor Silver Decoy Winery East Windsor Swansea Vineyards Shiloh Sylvin Farms Germania Terhune Orchards Vineyard & Winery Princeton
The Vigneto Rally is a great way to tour South Jersey’s Vineyards in your sports car. Find out more at VignetoRally.com
A Date with Elegance, the Aston Martin Vantage By Contributing Exotic Car Columnist George Chopek Ellegance ( noun) \'e-li-g?n(t)s\: a refined grace or dignified propriety, tasteful richness of design or ornamentation , dignified gracefulness or restrained beauty of style, scientific precision, neatness, and simplicity. As an ECR staffer, I am blessed with the opportunity to spend a fair amount of my time with some pretty high end exotic cars. All of them have a character of their own and are special in their own right. On one recent (and perfect) Saturday afternoon, I got to spend time with the automotive definition of elegance; the 2007 Aston Martin Vantage. ECR likes to look at car reviews as a way to evaluate the car in question from a real world perspective. How does it drive on back roads and highways? Is it able to idle in traffic without stalling? How does it feel in the seat of the pants; regardless of what the numbers say? Speed is great but in the real world, the everyday things are what matter the most. This day was no different. The plan was straightforward; drive, pick over and critique another exotic car. But, there is a problem with the Aston Martin Vantage. How do you review a car when you are so struck by its beauty? It is like holding job interviews and a super model walks in. You have to work so hard to get passed the shear image that you forget what you were there to do in the first place. The Aston Martin Vantage is one of the sexiest cars on the planet. The long sweeping front end blends into sensual hips that are tied directly to a perfectly shaped rear view. The Vantage is beauty and grace all in one. When you see pictures of the Vantage you envision a much larger car. In person, the Vantage sits low to the ground and looks exactly like what an exotic car should look like. Simply put, the Vantage takes time to “take in”. It’s like looking at a Picasso, it is hard to believe how captivating it can be. The interior of the Vantage is like sitting in an executive office. Leather and Alcantara are everywhere and held together with the finest of stitching. All Aston Martins are partially handmade and it shows. The craftsmanship is second to none and further identifies elegance and class. The phrase “Gentleman’s Sports Car” sure seems appropriate. So, I was sold on the looks. The Vantage is everything I expected and more; beautiful, well designed and elegant. But, can it back up its James Bond reputation? Does all the grace and visual beauty fall apart when the engine comes to life? It was time to find out. Pushing the center mounted starter button brings the 4.3 liter V8 to life. The factory tuned exhaust is throaty and growls like a predator warming up for a hunt. When you hear the sound of the Vantage, and combine it with the design, you start to realize you are experiencing something special; a machine that was built to tickle all the important senses. Aston Martin must have done a fair amount of research to know just how to push all the right “human” buttons. The six speed manual shifter (yes…manual, remember those?) sits high in the center console. Rich history is apparent during your journey, enhanced by the analog center dash clock that you see every time you reach for the shifter. The seating position, set low into the cabin, fits perfect with the high set shift lever, making shifts easy and purposeful and giving you the feeling you are driving a race car on the street. Getting the Vantage moving is no problem at all. Release the clutch and hit the gas…..it is that simple. Looking over the leather dash through the laid back windshield gives you a perfect view of the road that is about to get swallowed. Driving in normal traffic, the car is well mannered and behaves like a luxury car should. The ride is smooth, forgiving on the bumps and, other than the wonderfully welcome hum of the exhaust, quite. The entry onto the interstate is when things get interesting. The Vantage treats onramps like a launching pad at Cape Canaveral. Getting up to highway speed is nothing at all and speeds in the triple digits will find the speedo before you realize it; which is no surprise for a car capable of speeds in excess of 175mph. Once up to cruising speed, the Vantage seems right at home, treating the driver and passenger to a luxurious ride that is worth taking as often as possible. Changing lanes in a hurry is like kids play and requires little effort. Getting off the highway and into heavy city traffic is when the Vantage begins to have trouble. What trouble you ask? Well, the problem the Vantage has is that every stop light becomes a car show and the strip mall turns into a paparazzi session. That’s right; the Vantage has trouble on crowded streets and in crowded parking lots because it is so stunning. For example, when Angelina Jolie walks down the street in a one piece leather suit, cars slam on the brakes and accidents happen. When the Vantage drives by, the same takes place. People treat it like royalty; and rightfully so. The driving experience was completely satisfying and left me sure that the Aston Martin Vantage could very well be the most overall practical (two seat) sports car I have driven other than Porsche. There is no doubt that the Vantage could be driven all day long if you could put up with the attention. In comparison to other exotic cars, the Aston Martin Vantage is hard to place. Is is fast? Yes. Does it feel like a race car when it wants to? Yes. Does it have all the bells and whistles a modern super car has? Yes. So, where does it fit? Well, it is simple. It fits right where it is…..in a class of its own. Once again, the phrase gentleman’s sports car comes to mind. To put it plainly, imagine Rolls Royce married Maserati and had one stunningly handsome looking kid. The day ended with the typical photo session and review of the overall experience. This was probably the hardest part because you know your time is coming to an end and the keys are not yours to keep. Leaving the Aston Martin Vantage is much like that first date with the love of your life. It has to end and you have to walk away only hoping to have another meeting. As you depart, you try so hard not to look back because you don’t want to look desperate for love. But, as hard as you try, you cannot help it. You turn one last time to get one more look. With the Vantage, it is one last look at pure Elegance. Author/Photography: George Chopek, ECR Staff Writer/Editor See Much More at - ExoticCarResource.com Special Thanks to Chuck Knutson, owner of the Aston Martin Review Vehicle
Page 22
We Tell You Whats Going On - Now Get Out And Have Fun
SocietyPageMag.com
SPMag.co
Get Even More in Our Digital Copy at SocietyPageMag.com
Page 23
Page 24
We Tell You Whats Going On - Now Get Out And Have Fun
SocietyPageMag.com