Just a couple of months ago Lavallette was named the third best town to live in by New Jersey Monthly Magazine which was likely not a surprise to the 1,900 people who reside in the mile-long borough.

Two years ago Lavallette did not even make it into the magazine’s top 100 but thanks to one of the state’s lowest tax rates along with strong test performances by elementary school students and other lifestyle factors it’s worked its way near the top of the list.

While Lavallette bustles in the summer like many other shore towns it quiets down once vacationers and summer residents have gone for the season. Local businesses have to work a bit harder to attract non-residents to town and tomorrow night several will join forces in what is called Ladies Night in Lavallette, organized by the Lavallette Business Organization.

The hope is women will get together to shop, dine and enjoy so leave the men home. Stores and services like My Sisters Jewelry Box and My Sister’s Favorite Things, B&B Department Store, Shaded Vision, Shaded Kids, House of Lucky and Polished & Things will offer discounts and special promotions for the night.The Crab’s Claw Inn has a special Happy Hour from 4 p.m. - 7p.m.  complimentary spiked cider and a drawing for a gift basket while the Ohana Grill and Lenny’s have special menus if you mention Ladies Night.

Lavallette Liquors will start your evening with a free glass of champagne and all the participating businesses will hand out free reusable wine bags or totes between 5-9pm. Whether or live in or nearby Lavallette it’s a nice way for women to spend a Friday night and help support local businesses.

Speaking of which. The holiday shopping season is here and I guess officially begins for many Thanksgiving Day which is a subject I’ll address next week.

You have the annual horror show known as Black Friday followed by Small Business Saturday which was created by American Express in 2010 as a way to encourage holiday shoppers to patronize small and local businesses which often struggle against the big box stores, malls and nationwide chains.

I know more and more people like the convenience of malls or even shopping on the internet but when you support a local business you’re also supporting your neighbors. Sure it may take a few extra minutes and maybe cost you a couple of bucks more but I’ll gladly take the site of a thriving local business then one closed down.

More From 92.7 WOBM