The Local Edit

Millburn’s bustling downtown is often full of visitors, but some people don’t realize the hidden gems that line Upper Millburn Avenue. Millburn & Short Hills magazine decided to ask three locals what their favorite businesses are in this Short Hills neighborhood.

Here’s what they had to say:

ARLENE GONNELLA

Arlene Gonnella is a premier agent with Weichert Realtors in Short Hills and lives in town. Her five children attended Millburn Township schools, and her son and his family also live in town.

To help capture and display all the happy moments with her large family, she relies on Millburn Camera (506 Millburn Ave.). “I think the world of Carl [Mink] at Millburn Camera Shop,” she says. “I have trusted him forever. He is a true pro, gives the best advice and has a great selection of frames. He even makes real-estate posters for me.”

Whether for work or pleasure, Gonnella’s go-to shop for fashion on Upper Millburn Avenue is Uffizi (529 Millburn Ave.). “Susan [Chayon] at Uffizi is an icon,” Gonnella says. “She always has the most beautiful dresses for special occasions and trips that you want to go all out for.”

To polish off her look, Gonnella regularly heads to Klee Nail (506 Millburn Ave.), where she feels pampered by the spa atmosphere. She also loves to indulge in beauty treatments at Salon Society (525 Millburn Ave.), where the staff is both talented and welcoming.

When she’s on the go, Gonnella often visits Taste Buddy (515 A Millburn Ave.) for a gluten-free and guilt-free vegan muffin. When she has more time to eat, she enjoys the seafood and laid-back vibe at Jack’s Surf & Turf (504 Millburn Ave.). “Tiger Schulmann’s is on my to-do list for 2025,” she says.

ALLISON DI STAULO

Allison Di Staulo is the co-owner of Charmed, the jewelry store located inside Footnotes. She also is a new neighborhood resident. Her go-to nail shop is Short Hills Nail Plaza (545 Millburn Ave., # 1) due to its location next to The Metropolitan, where she lives. “They are all so sweet and methodical there,” she says. “The salon rivals the ones I have formerly patronized, and it could not be more convenient.” After spending a day on her feet at her store, Di Staulo looks forward to a soothing treatment at KC Foot Spa (518 Millburn Ave., # 5). “Again, convenience is paramount,” she says. “Not all towns have their very own dedicated foot spa.”

When it comes to dining out, Di Staulo is thankful for the array of tempting food options along Millburn Avenue. “You can’t go wrong with a lobster roll from Jack’s Surf & Turf,” she says. “I know I will be back when the weather gets a little warmer. I would love to see more eateries come onto the strip.” Di Staulo also enjoys the bowls at Taste Buddy, which she finds fresh and interesting. When she’s looking for something more indulgent, she has a sweet spot for the restaurant’s gluten-free brownie.

To keep herself looking sharp, Di Staulo heads to Monterey Cleaners (569 Millburn Ave.) for her dry-cleaning needs. “The small businesses in the neighborhood are so convenient and just make life a little easier,” she says.

CHRISTINE LASSITER

Christine Lassiter is a sales associate with the Debbie Rybka Howard Team at Coldwell Banker Realty in Short Hills. When her clients ask for home design recommendations, the Millburn resident often suggests Stone and Tile Design (519 Millburn Ave.), not just for the quality of the tile, but for the owner’s design talent and welcome customer service.

Whether to relax after a long day of showing homes or to get her energy flowing, Lassiter looks forward to treatments at KC Foot Spa, especially a rejuvenating 30-minute foot massage. The relaxing experience combined with the staff’s top customer service keeps her going back. She also looks forward to a little pampering at Klee Nail. “I frequent the friendly group at Klee Nail for a calming session that includes a manicure and pedicure,” she says. “Their chair massage is the icing on the cake.”

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

SWTHZ

Experience the ultimate rejuvenation and wellness with SWTHZ, a cutting-edge contrast therapy studio focused on intentional exposure to heat and cold. Clients can indulge in up to 60 minutes of relaxation in a luxurious private suite, complete with an infrared sauna, cold plunge and vitamin C shower. (92 Millburn Ave.)

Bridge Showroom

Bridge Showroom brings its curated selection of European designers to Short Hills with the opening of its first retail location. The womenswear boutique features established and emerging brands like Maison Hotel (Spain) and Bruuns Bazaar (Denmark), offering a unique perspective on contemporary style. (507 Millburn Ave.)