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☀️ Happy Monday, Union County!

If you found us through a local Facebook group, welcome—I’m glad you’re here. I started The UC Scoop in January 2025 to help neighbors discover restaurants, events, small businesses, and community organizations across our 21 towns. Our first note ended with, “Here’s to discovering Union County together,” and that still guides every issue. Know a place or event we should cover? Hit reply and send it our way.

This week shows why we started: National Night Out celebrations are happening countywide, a Garwood favorite landed on a major statewide restaurant list, and more local eateries earned honors. The weekend brings farmers markets, garden tours, goat yoga, and forest bathing. Whether you’re new or have been here from the beginning, thanks for exploring Union County with us. Let’s get into it!

Restaurant News & UC Honors

A Garwood restaurant made NJ Monthly’s best-of list, while favorites across five Union County towns earned regional and critics’ honors.

Black Sheep Named One of New Jersey’s 50 Best Restaurants
514 North Ave., Garwood

Black Sheep Bar & Provisions made New Jersey Monthly’s list of the state’s 50 best restaurants. The magazine highlighted its neighborhood feel, changing menu, locally sourced steaks, seafood stew, mussels, and brown-sugar budino.

Union County Restaurants Rack Up Statewide Honors

New Jersey Monthly’s 2026 Readers’ Choice package recognized ten restaurants across five Union County towns:

Last Week’s Poll

Last week we asked: What would you like to see more of in The UC Scoop? Events led with 42%, followed by local deals at 35%, restaurant openings at 13%, and volunteer and community spotlights at 10%. Thanks for voting—we’re taking it to heart!

This Week’s Poll

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Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Samantha is always open to a conversation.

Got a local tip?

Discovered a hidden gem, new restaurant, or cool event? We’d love to feature it in The UC Scoop!

📩 Send your scoop to [email protected] or message us on Instagram @ucscoop.

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Things To Do This Week

Monday, August 3

  • Downtown Cranford Summer Restaurant Week — Aug 2 to 6
    Downtown Cranford

    Prix fixe menus and specials at 30+ Cranford restaurants continue through Thursday. No tickets, just show up.

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Tuesday, August 4

  • National Night Out Around Union County — Tuesday, August 4

    Meet local police officers and first responders at these free community celebrations:

  • Summer Sounds: KG Music Studio — 6:00–8:00 PM
    Eastman Clock Plaza, Cranford

    Downtown Cranford's free live music series continues.

  • Linden Summer Entertainment Series: Tony Favor Band — 7:00–8:30 PM
    Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, 400 N. Wood Ave., Linden

    Smooth jazz and soulful melodies at the Promenade.

  • Sweet Sounds Downtown
    Quimby Street & Foundation Park, Westfield

    Westfield's free outdoor concert series returns to both ends of town. Check the schedule for this week's acts.

Wednesday, August 5

  • Roselle Park Farmers Market — 1:00–6:00 PM
    Michael J. Mauri Park, E. Grant Ave., Roselle Park

    Fresh produce and baked goods, every Wednesday through October.

  • Union County K-9 Unit Demonstration — 2:00 PM
    Fanwood Memorial Library, 5 Forest Road, Fanwood

    See a live demonstration by the Union County K-9 Unit at this special library program.

Thursday, August 6

  • Storytime with Fire and Police — 10:00–10:30 AM
    Gazebo, Springfield & N. Union Ave., Cranford

    A story time for kids with a visit from Cranford's fire and police departments.

  • Rahway Farmers Market — 12:00–7:00 PM
    Train Station Plaza, Rahway

    Fresh produce and local goods every Thursday through November, rain or shine.

  • The Market at Union — 5:00–8:30 PM
    1980 Morris Avenue, Union

    Weekly vendors, food trucks, and local businesses at the Union Arts Center lot.

  • Summer Sounds: Jersey Swamp Cats — 6:00–8:00 PM
    Eastman Clock Plaza, Cranford

    Free live music to close out Restaurant Week in downtown Cranford.

  • Sweet Sounds Downtown
    Quimby Street, Westfield

    Westfield's free summer concert series continues on Quimby Street.

  • Board Games at the Brewery — 7:30–9:30 PM
    Untied Brewing, 140 Spring St., New Providence

    Learn a quick-to-play board game or bring your own to share in the brewery's back room. Ages 21+; beer and soda are available for purchase.

Friday, August 7

  • Girls’ Night Out: Wild & Free — 6:00–10:00 PM
    Union Arts Center Plaza, 1980 Morris Ave., Union

    Dust off your cowboy boots for a free country-themed night with live music, line dancing, karaoke, a mechanical bull, photo ops, a beer garden, and specials at more than 30 Union Center businesses. Registration opens at 5:00 PM for Union residents and 5:30 PM for non-residents; swag bags and ticketed workshops are limited.

Saturday, August 8

  • Scotch Plains Farmers Market — 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Municipal Parking Lot, 430 Park Ave., Scotch Plains

    Fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, and flowers, every Saturday morning.

  • Summit Free Market — 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
    Municipal Transfer Station, 40 New Providence Ave., Summit

    Give gently used items a second life—or take home something useful—at this free, volunteer-run community exchange. A Summit resident parking/Transfer Station permit is required, and visits are limited to 60 minutes.

  • Goat Yoga in the Garden — 9:30–10:30 AM
    Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Ave., Summit

    Start the weekend with an outdoor yoga class and playful goats in the Azalea Garden. For adults and teens 14+; bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Registration required; $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers.

  • Free Saturday Garden Tours — 10:30 AM & 1:30 PM
    Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Ave., Summit

    Take a free 30–45-minute guided walk highlighting what’s in season. No reservation required; tours are first come, first served and limited to seven people. Children under 12 must attend with an adult.

Sunday, August 9

  • Summit Farmers Market — 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
    Park & Shop Lot #1, Summit

    Fresh, local produce, Sundays through Dec. 20, rain or shine.

  • Forest Bathing Mini-Retreat — 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
    Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Ave., Summit

    Slow down with a guided, meditative walk designed to engage the senses and deepen your connection with nature. For adults; advance registration required.

This Week's Volunteer Spotlight: Community FoodBank of New Jersey

At CFBNJ’s Hillside warehouse, volunteers sort and repack food, assemble senior and emergency boxes, package bulk items, or help in the kitchen. Individuals, families, and groups are welcome; advance registration is required.

🤝 Learn more & sign up: cfbnj.org/volunteer

📌 The UC Scoop Bulletin Board

  • Nature Behind Glass - Discover handcrafted miniature terrariums or join a guided workshop to create your own.

  • Wear The Whimsy - Shop sustainable fashion and give pre-loved clothing a fresh place in your wardrobe.

Have a local opening, workshop, fundraiser, or community announcement? Send it to [email protected]

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