Nothing says "play ball" like a game-time temp of 37 degrees (not to mention windchill)! As the Yankees start the baseball season in frigid conditions, here are some New Jersey spots to get toasty while waiting out the 'return' of spring.

(Side note: I will be following my own advice, as my husband dodges frostbite at Yankee Stadium for the opener against the Astros.)


1. Take B.P. (batting practice) indoors

The Ballpark NJ in Monmouth County offers batting cage rentals, plus private lessons and rookie camp. That's not to be confused with The Ballpark in Springfield, which offers 6 indoor batting cages, available without reservations.

D-BAT in Union County is among some top-notch indoor facilities with batting cages in NJ. The Mountainside business is open weekdays from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. and on weekends 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

There's also Branchburg Sports Complex, which has four batting cages- plus four indoor turf fields, laser tag and a PlayMaze.


2. Raise a pint to America's past-time

Triumph Brewing Company in Princeton is running 'Baseball Specials' during all daytime Yankees, Phillies and Mets games this season.

You can also try out Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar, which is open on weekdays for retail sales and tours.

Brix City Brewing in Little Ferry also has tasting room hours starting at 4 p.m, from Monday through Friday.

More than ever, there's a wealth of Jersey beers to choose from, but not all breweries are open everyday. Many are gearing up for this weekend's Atlantic City Beer and Music Fest!


3. Or, play 'Designated Hitter' with a hot chocolate

The Bent Spoon in Princeton is in serious hot chocolate mode all the time! It's just as known for its custom cocoa creations as it is for amazing ice cream- which we hope to soon be back to craving...

Turning Point offers breakfast and lunch at nearly a dozen restaurants across New Jersey. It started out in Monmouth County and has grown to include spots in Brick, Hoboken, Princeton and Westfield. It offers some serious hot chocolate- like Skinny Hot Cocoa and a Smore's seasonal offering.


4. Cry 'Foul' with some wings

Get it- like 'Fowl'...? Anyway, Pic-A-Lilli Inn in Shamong is a tried and true NJ wing favorite. The family-friendly bar and restaurant is even billed as "South Jersey's Best Wings"! It's open for business 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m.

Jack's Goal Line Stand in Monmouth County is a definite go-to for game time favorite foods.  It's also a great place to catch any pro sports event, on their many, many flat screen TVs.

The baseball-loving Jimmy Geez is a sports bar and grill with two spots in Passaic County. Both the Haledon & Oak Ridge locations offer weekday lunch specials and a Happy Hour menu. Plus, there's the snazzy 'Dug Out' bar- with heaters!

Another Jersey hot-spot for wings is Dinosaur BBQ in Newark. It's the first NJ location for the  New York-born chain, that has a real rep for its bar-b-que.


5. Hunker down for a 'Baseball Binge' at home

So you want to reignite your "Love of the Game," from the comfort of your cozy living room? Thanks to Netflix, Amazon Prime and all those other streaming options- watching a few baseball classics has never been easier.

So if your DVD copy of 'Bull Durham' went missing, fear not. We've even taken the liberty of compiling a Top Ten watch list for Opening Day.


Erin Vogt is a lifelong Jersey Girl, whose first reporting gig involved her Fisher Price tape recorder. As a wife and momma of two kiddies, she firmly believes that life’s too short to drink bad coffee.  A fan of the beach, Dave Grohl and karma, in no particular order.

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