Fair Lawn Travel Guide

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Founded in the 1920’s in the midst of a residential neighborhood in Ridgewood, New Jersey, St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church has grown to be a congregation characterized by worship according to The Book of Common Prayer, a vibrant Church School for young people, a love of music represented by three parish choirs for people of all ages, an extensive outreach ministry to people in need, and lively fellowship events throughout the year.

Many of the members are families with school age children; many are adults without children at home. Political views range from conservative to liberal, and the majority of the members grew up in other religious traditions. Normal Sunday attendance is about 20 at 8:00 am, about 150 to 200 at 10:00 am, and about 50 to 90 at the 10:00 am chapel service for children from pre-K to second grade.

I attended the first time because an old high school friend sings in the choir, but I found the congregation so welcoming that I've been back numerous times since then -- and hope my young granddaughter will ultimately play a role in the St. Elizabeth's Christmas Pageant!

This is without a doubt the best bagel shop I've ever visited. Don't expect atmosphere; there is a big bagel oven, a simple counter with hoppers holding the fresh, hot bagels, and a cooler where you can grab some cream cheese or juice. They sell coffee, too, but that's it. They open at 6:00 AM and by that time the whole place is redolent of baking.

I like them so much that I buy them in dozens and bring them back to Rhode Island to freeze. They are huge -- about 5 ounces each -- so a half more than suffices for breakfast. I'm partial to the cinnamon-raisin but my sons prefer the savories, onion, garlic, pumpernickle, salt, sesame, and "everything."

What to buy: Bagels!!

What to pay: Individual bagels are 75 cents. If you buy a dozen, they throw in an extra, free of charge.