Jersey Shore Archives | New Jersey Monthly: Recent Episodes
Jersey Shore Archives | New Jersey Monthly
One of the East Coast’s most accomplished surfers, 35-year-old Ocean City resident Rob Kelly, has been a hero of the New Jersey surfing community for nearly two decades. He went pro as a senior at Ocean City High School, putting the Garden State on the surfing map with big wins and endorsements while leading the surf team to multiple state championships. His pro career has included winning the Monster Belmar Pro, Sweetwater Pro, Water Brothers Pro, Surfline’s Northeast Wave of the Winter and the Garden State Grudge Match. Recently, he ended his 16-year affiliation with international surfwear maker Billabong to be an ambassador for Jetty, the Manahawkin-based company making big waves on the surf-apparel scene.You’re really committed to Garden State surfing. Why?The culture here is unique. You have to be able to surf in whatever is thrown at you, weather-wise, and that’s not easy. I think New Jersey surfers are among the most dedicated and passionate in the world. Being based here has definitely helped my career. Local surfers support me at contests and by sharing social media content. Plus, the state got so much attention from all the swells after Hurricane Sandy. It was terrible because some beaches were destroyed, but it also put New Jersey surfing on the map for a wider population.Now you’re with Jetty after years with Billabong.Yes, leaving one of the biggest surf brands in the world was a tough decision. And it may seem crazy to leave a sponsor like Billabong for a local. But it’s a New Jersey thing. The people at Jetty get it. They really have my back.You’re from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. How did you end up in Jersey?My mom’s from Hawaii. When I was 10, I took a surf lesson there and fell in love instantly. We drove to Ocean City every weekend. The summer before my freshman year of high school, my parents decided to make it permanent and bought a beach house.Your junior career must have started soon after that.Yes, I was 14. From then until the last five years, I competed regularly. It’s given me the ability to travel the world and see new places and surf.Do you still compete?About five years ago, I shifted my focus from competing to social media content creation. But I still compete in some events and try to surf recreationally every day.Are your kids into surfing yet?My 3-year-old has tagged along when I do work trips and surfed a wave pool. The little one was on a board at seven months old.What does the future of Jersey surfing look like?The technology has improved enormously. Wetsuits are less bulky and warmer, so you can surf in winter much more easily. So more people are coming because they’re not limited by the seasons, and seeing we’ve got amazing waves—maybe not consistently, but some are world class. And we can train all year round and compete with these surfers from Florida and Hawaii.The post Surf Legend Rob Kelly Reflects on the Joys of Jersey Shore Waves appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
The Atlantic City Boardwalk of the 1970s hummed with summer excitement: the Steel Pier roller coaster, saltwater taffy, the Miss America Pageant. A young Stephen Starr, who would later become a well-known restaurant mogul, was working his first job on the Boardwalk, taking it all in. Starr grew up in Philly but spent a lot of time at the Jersey Shore—specifically, Atlantic City.“When I was 15 years old, my friend got us a job working at a variety store on the Boardwalk. I held that job for three summers and learned everything I know about human nature working there,” he remembers fondly.His Philadelphia-based STARR Restaurants organization has just opened two new eateries on Atlantic City’s Boardwalk, both at Ocean Casino Resort.[caption id="attachment_829954" align="alignnone" width="778"] Chez Frites Photo: Courtesy of Ocean Casino Resort[/caption]“It feels like a full circle moment for me to work on restaurant projects in Atlantic City, a place where I formed some of my finest childhood memories,” says Starr, who is in his 60s, says.Chez Frites is a French-inspired steak frites concept that seats 150, with a bar. It offers a prix-fixe menu featuring steak, salmon or lobster accompanied by fresh salad and, in a nod to the casino crowd, unlimited fries.[caption id="attachment_829953" align="alignnone" width="778"] French-influenced offerings at Chez Frites Photo: Courtesy of Ocean Casino Resort[/caption]“With Chez Frites, I wanted to create a concept that was simple—you don’t have to think too much, Starr says.” We have a great arsenal of recipes from our other French bistro concepts, like Pastis, Parc and Le Diplomate, so we decided to bring some of these classic dishes to Atlantic City.”Sunny’s, meanwhile, focuses on comfort food—pigs in a blanket, Nutella French toast, lobster rolls and classic meatloaf—and the breakfast/lunch crowd, with an epic ocean view from the 11th floor.[caption id="attachment_829956" align="alignnone" width="778"] Sunny's Photo: Courtesy of Ocean Casino Resort[/caption]This is not the first foray into Atlantic City for Starr, well known for his 19 Philly eateries as well as venues in New York City, Washington, D.C., Nashville and Florida. In the mid-2000s, he unveiled the Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar, as well as the pan-Asian Buddakan, in what was then the Pier Shops at Caesars.The Continental was an extension of the original Continental, the first restaurant he opened in 1995, credited with sparking a positive change in Philadelphia's Old City. His restaurants provided a breath of fresh air to Atlantic City diners, as the city was better known at the time for high-volume buffets than for creative fare. Both the Continental and Buddakan AC closed in 2020.“Closing The Continental during the pandemic was hard,” Starr says. “It was a blow to me because Atlantic City is part of my childhood history and very nostalgic. That’s a big part of the reason that we jumped at the opportunity to team up with Ocean Casino Resort to open these restaurants. A piece of my heart will always be in New Jersey.”[caption id="attachment_829949" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Courtesy of Ocean Casino Resort[/caption]Ocean Casino, a beachfront resort with 1,860 rooms and suites, has been working to offer guests more than just gambling. The addition of Starr's Chez Frites and Sunny's is the most recent example, alongside various other dining experiences, more outdoor spaces, Exhale Spa and Bathhouse, music venues, TopGolf and various dining experiences.The STARR Restaurant Group has also faced some controversy involving three of Starr's six restaurants in Washington, D.C.—Le Diplomate, Osteria Mozza and The Occidental. Local 25, a D.C.-based hospitality union, has been organizing restaurant workers, claiming that Starr's restaurants, among others, have not recognized the union. In response, several Democratic representatives have boycotted the restaurants. Starr's organization countered that such boycotts are likely to harm the very workers they aim to protect.The post Restaurateur Stephen Starr Returns to AC Boardwalk Roots After 50 Years appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
In May, partners Dr. Avi Boodram and Andrei Gurnham opened the first beachfront iteration of Hammer & Nails on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The franchised concept, introduced on Shark Tank by founder Michael Elliot, features male-centered, spa-inspired services, including haircuts, manicures, pedicures and shaves in a private-club-like atmosphere with cushy seating and adult beverages.How does Hammer & Nails differ from other wellness establishments?Boodram: We focus on the experience more so than increasing our store traffic. Each service is carefully thought out by our corporate partners, and products and processes are then added to truly create an experience.What specialized experiences are offered?Boodram: We have many unique services—for example, the Luxe 24k Haircut Experience. Get sharp with a razor outline, after shave neck massage, lavender steam towels, a cooling CBD scalp massage, and a 24k gold mask for glowing skin. Total reset!Gurnham: Another is the Jack Hammer Foot Treatment, best described as liquid gold from fingers to toes. It’s the ultimate premium manicure and pedicure combo for whiskey fanatics. The Jack Daniels whiskey-infused service includes a warm soak, callus resurfacing, sugar scrub, massage, nail care (clip, file, nip and buff), warm paraffin and our hot-towel wrap.Hammer & Nails offers memberships. How does that work?Boodram: We offer membership-based services with three grooming clubs. Our monthly memberships include a customizable set of services. While not required, members enjoy the most savings on services and products, priority booking, and the ability to share services with friends and family. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend calling ahead or scheduling online or via our app.Can members visit any location?Gurnham: That’s right! Once you become a member, you receive the same benefits and privileges across our many locations.What led you to open Hammer & Nails?Boodram: When I was exiting my previous business venture, we brainstormed various ideas before landing on this one. We often admit it was for selfish reasons: We both have a lot of hair, and it’s difficult for us to find a good, reputable salon that works for us—so we figured, why not build our own? During the pandemic, we cut each other’s hair. I think everyone was doing it, but we never stopped. Sometimes you go to a salon for a trim, and they end up cutting too much. We wanted services in peace, and preferably in low lighting, where no one can see us through the front window. Here, the whole idea is to escape and be pampered in a quiet atmosphere with an oversized leather sofa, a stiff drink in hand, noise-cancelling headphones and a big-screen TV—just because we can!Hammer & Nails: 3105 Boardwalk; 609-363-3420.The post AC’s Swankiest Barber Shop Serves Up Booze, Big Screens and VIP Vibes appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
Despite Philadelphia being home to Benjamin Franklin—who discovered electricity and invented bifocals—one could argue that the most beloved creation to ever come out of the City of Brotherly Love is the cheesesteak.But in the last few years, the Jersey Shore has seen several brand-new, destination-worthy cheesesteak spots open up to rave reviews. In fact, we’re now at the point where one could soundly argue that, for cheesesteak aficionados, a trip across the Ben Franklin Bridge is no longer necessary.So where does one find these incredible specimens of steak, cheese and oniony glory? Right here.CheeseSteak Louie’s, Seaside Heights[caption id="attachment_829439" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Courtesy of CheeseSteak Louie’s[/caption]In a town dominated by underwhelming boardwalk steaks, CheeseSteak Louie’s suddenly appeared like a vision to weary cheesesteak fans upon opening in 2021, with guests gushing over the sliced ribeye and perfect soft rolls (both seeded and unseeded) used within their lineup of steaks. The pick of the litter here is the King Louie—a marvelously messy mix of shredded steak, bell peppers, cherry peppers, sautéed onions, mushrooms, a double dose of your cheese of choice, and a swipe of chipotle mayo for the win.22 BoulevardThe Galley, Asbury Park[caption id="attachment_829101" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Photo: Ryan Loughlin[/caption]Nearly everything that comes out of the kitchen at the Galley is superb, but within the lineup of sandwiches, the star is the Cooper Philly, which breaks with etiquette in the best way by toasting a Calandra’s Bakery roll on the grill before piling on heaps of shaved Pat LaFrieda ribeye, grilled onions and Cooper Sharp American, and serving it with a side of the best fries around.1313 Memorial DriveCheessteaks, BelmarThe newest of kids on the block, Cheessteaks (yes, that’s how they spell it) just opened its Belmar location in June, but the buzz at the beach has been big—and rightfully so. They put out some of the largest and tastiest cheesesteaks around, and the best of the bunch is the OG, which keeps things traditional Philly-style by smothering thin-sliced ribeye and grilled onions with warm Cheez Whiz. Get it on a fresh baked unseeded roll and head to the sand.821 Belmar BoulevardPalmer’s Quality Meats, Neptune City[caption id="attachment_829100" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Photo: Courtesy of Palmer's Quality Meats[/caption]A whole animal butcher shop, Palmer’s Quality Meats only has sandwiches available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, so you need to plan your lunch accordingly to get your hands on their fabulous cheesesteak. Made from fresh, house-butchered ribeye melded into a gorgeous sludge of American cheese, and caramelized onions, the secret weapon here is a touch of heat from a fab cherry pepper relish.40 Steiner AvenueThe post Who Needs Philly? The Jersey Shore Has Its Own Cheesesteak Scene appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
When Alex Faherty and his brother, Mike, were kids, they spent much of their free time surfing at the Jersey Shore. Their idyllic childhood in Spring Lake and Manasquan, highlighted by all-day surf sessions and bonfires on the beach, inspired the clothes that they wore—loose, comfortable attire that was also stylish—very much like the Faherty clothing brand that they would eventually launch years later.But while they are identical twins, their other interests were quite different. Alex was into sports and saving money, while Mike was into clothes. Mike even began to advise his brother on what to wear to school every day.In high school, Mike wrote his college essay about starting a clothing line and went on to major in fashion design at Washington University in St. Louis before spending years in New York’s fashion industry. Alex attended Yale University, where he played football and majored in political science.By their twenties, the brothers had decided they wanted to start a clothing brand together. But first, they needed experience. Alex spent years working in investment banking and private equity, while Mike designed clothing for Ralph Lauren and traveled the world, building relationships with factories.When they turned 30, the pair knew the time was right to launch their first collection. “Mike called me while he was on a road trip and said, ‘I’m ready to start the brand,’” remembers Alex. That was in 2012.The following year, Faherty was born. The brand first launched online and, in 2016, they opened their first flagship store in Malibu, California. They also launched a catalog.[caption id="attachment_828438" align="alignnone" width="778"] Alex Faherty Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Catalano[/caption]Now, a decade-plus later, the brothers’ drive and savvy have made Faherty one of the fastest growing clothing companies in the country. This is especially notable at a time when many other brands are shrinking or shutting down. The company has 79 stores nationwide, including five in New Jersey, and five more slated to open in the United States this year. The brand can also be found in stores such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s. With 500 employees and an ever-growing business, Faherty is a Garden State success story.The business is a family affair. The pair started the company with Alex’s wife, Kerry Docherty, a lawyer with a background in human rights and mindfulness, who leads their impact and Native initiatives (she is also the chief impact officer). Their mother, Ninie Norris, an interior decorator, is their store designer.While Alex and Mike, now 42, both moved to Brooklyn after starting their business, the pull of the Jersey Shore was strong enough for Alex that he and Kerry decided to move their family, including their two young children, back to Spring Lake last year. As well as running the business, Alex coaches his kids’ sports teams, and surfs with his children whenever he gets a chance.In 2024, the twins opened Sun and Waves, their first restaurant and café, in Spring Lake. With its surfboards and laid-back vibes (their mother designed the café, too), it fits right in with the unique Faherty aesthetic. And a Faherty clothing shop is just down the street.The story of the company’s origin goes back to the twins’ childhood. “Since my brother, Mike, was a little kid, he always loved clothes. He loved shopping for clothes, and he loved telling me what to wear,” remembers Alex, who is CEO of the company. “I mean, every single morning, he was making sure I had the right outfit on. He just had this incredible style since we were little kids.”[caption id="attachment_828433" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Courtesy of Faherty[/caption]They bought most of their clothes at surf shops in Spring Lake. But when they were 13, their parents moved the family to New York City.All of a sudden, these Jersey Shore kids found themselves living in the big city—and there weren’t any surf stores around where they could shop. Mike would wander through department stores, checking out the designer clothing and beautiful materials. He appreciated the quality of the products, although he knew they weren’t his style. But those early years in New York City fueled his passion for high-quality fabrics, which he still applies to the clothes he designs today for Faherty.“We grew up in Spring Lake for the first half of our young lives, so I definitely had the identity of an outdoorsy, surfer kid,” says Mike, the creative director for the company. “But seeing the clothes at places like Bloomingdale’s, and all the contemporary clothing in New York—I had never really experienced that before. And I realized there were clothes out there that felt way better than my clothes. They didn’t necessarily look like the clothes I wanted to wear, though.”At heart, they were both surfer kids from the Jersey Shore.“Our style is a combination of the life we grew up with in Spring Lake and the beautiful, soft fabrics he discovered,” says Alex.Faherty sells clothing for men, women and children, including swimwear, using fabrics that are soft and comfortable. Many of the designs are a nod to the surfing culture of the brothers’ youth.Fortunately, while living in New York they were able to continue spending their summers and weekends in Spring Lake, since their parents kept their house there.From a young age, the pair always knew that one day, they were going to start their own company.“Mike was always going to be the designer, and I was going to be the business brother since we were really little kids. I was always the one that saved money; I was very fiscally responsible. I loved making money and always had little jobs. I was kind of like the big brother, even though we’re twins,” says Alex.It’s the twin power that makes their clothing brand so successful, says Jim Scully, a Faherty board member who has been a mentor to Alex over the years and is an investor in the company. He was formerly chief operating officer at J. Crew and interim chief executive officer at J. Jill.“They are both smart, grounded and very genuine. I was taken by how much the brand reflected their lifestyle and how sincere and real that was. Some companies don’t have that level of genuineness, and I thought that was impressive,” he says.Scully says there are few current retail companies that have achieved the scale of success that Faherty has, with the same level of profitability.“What’s hard for people to wrap their head around is that in the world of retail, you have the commercial side of the business and the creative side, and there’s typically a lot of tension there,” he says. “What creates the magic for the Faherty brand is that they’re twins. And with the symbiotic relationship they have—with Alex’s wife, Kerry, being the third wheel—that’s what really differentiates them and is probably one of the biggest reasons they were able to grow so quickly.”Much of the inspiration for the brand comes from the brothers’ childhood memories of summers at the Jersey Shore, with barbecues and big family gatherings in the backyard of the Fahertys’ rambling old Spring Lake Victorian house. They grew up with a blended family (their mother remarried), comprising three girls and four boys.“I have these visceral memories of summer in Spring Lake. We’d have these barbecues with 40 people on Saturdays at our house, and I just remember the happiness and the joy,” remembers Mike.In fact, when he’s designing for their clothing line, he sometimes visualizes what people were wearing at certain moments in his formative years. “I’ll think, What were we wearing at that barbecue? What were we wearing at the beach? And when it’s Monday, and you’re getting on the ferry from Rumson to get to work in the city, and you have your Faherty shirt on, you might think—this isn’t so bad, because this shirt reminds me of the weekend.”“We use the saying, capturing life’s great moments, with the brand, and I think summer at the Jersey Shore is so essential to that,” he says.What does the future hold for the business? “We named it Faherty because I want to do this forever as a family name brand,” says Mike. “I hope it will be something that we can pass down to the next generation. I just want to create something that I love for as long as I can.”The post How Surfer Twins Built Faherty, a Clothing Brand With Jersey Shore Soul appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
Food is essential to any culture, and some Cape May locals hope that an upcoming recipe book will shine a light on centuries of local heritage.Co-developed by Stockton University student Donna D’Arrigo and anthropology professor Bobbi Hornbeck, the book is set to feature 55 dishes from a variety of Cape May sources, including museum documents and generations-old family recipes, offering a glimpse into how people lived from the 1700s to today.Through these papers and ledgers, a bigger picture of the town’s agricultural past begins to develop. D’Arrigo says most residents had dairy farms or concentrated on hunting, probably for duck, adding that fishing and clamming were also popular.Hornbeck notes that her students have discovered evidence on various coastal digs showing that clams and oysters were frequently used in cooking.Other discoveries reveal how different Cape May appeared centuries ago, as its barrier islands were once populated by fields and forests. Known crops from those eras include barley, wheat and corn. Some historic recipes reveal the process of pickling in the pre-American Revolution 1700s, while others highlight desserts of the vintage 1800s and 1900s.If D’Arrigo and Hornbeck hope readers take one thing away from their book, it’s a greater appreciation of South Jersey history that these recipes invoke.There’s no release date yet for the cookbook; contact cmshgsmuseum@gmail.com for more info.The post Upcoming Cape May Cookbook Preserves Generations-Old Family Recipes appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
Having spent his twenties in the Oval Office writing speeches for President Barack Obama, David Litt is now spending his thirties getting wiped out by the Jersey Shore’s best waves.In his third book, Its Only Drowning, the speechwriter and comedian documents his journey trying to find common ground with his brother-in-law—a heavy-metal-loving, hardcore Joe Rogan fan—through surfing.Reaching far beyond the subjects of high tides, surfboards and wetsuits, the book delves into themes of personal growth, facing fears, and what it means to try and foster a seemingly oppositional relationship in an age of heated politics. “I would love it if this book gets people taking surf lessons,” Litt says. “But I would also love it if this book sparks a wave of unlikely friendships.”The genesis of the book—which Litt calls the most personal he’s ever written—can be traced back to 2019, when he and his wife purchased their home in Asbury Park. “I definitely grew up, to put it mildly, a Jersey skeptic,” says Litt, who was born and raised in Manhattan. “I’m now a hardcore Jersey convert.”Since the move, he's immersed himself in Jersey Shore culture; Federico's in Belmar and Cookman Creamery in Asbury Park are a few favorite spots. He says there's a sense of pride that comes from learning to surf in the Garden State. "It means that when you go anywhere else, you have this sort of quiet swagger of, Nah, I got this. I'm coming from Jersey," Litt adds.Also a Jersey Shore resident is Litt’s brother-in-law, Matt, an electrician, an avid surfer and part-time adrenaline junkie. Most importantly, he’s someone whose lifestyle Litt saw as completely incompatible with his own, made worse by hot topics like mask-wearing and vaccines.Fueled by quarantine-induced mental health struggles, the former presidential speechwriter entered a surf shop on a fateful day in 2022, having never touched a surfboard in his life. Whether it was to prove he had the guts to surf or to try to form a bond with Matt—or both—remains up to interpretation. Nevertheless, the book documents the unlikely pair turning into a surfing duo.“I've always been interested in odd-couple comedies,” says Litt. “As Matt and I started surfing together more, I realized that I found myself in the middle of a nonfiction book.”Over the course of a year and half, Litt attempts to go from wiping out at Asbury Park’s dog beach to conquering Hawaii’s North Shore—one of the world’s most coveted surfing spots. In each chapter, he gives the reader unrestrained insight into his innermost thoughts, fears and vulnerabilities. Though Litt says many of the book’s details, such as his depression, took some courage to write, he affirms that it’s a necessary fear.“It's more frightening, but it's also more liberating for the same reason. In some ways, it's a little bit like surfing bigger waves, where it's the sense that the same thing that is so scary is also what makes it so transcendent,” he says.Through humor and self-deprecation, Litt tells an engaging story of attempting to form a partnership despite stark differences in lifestyles and politics. He now hopes the book can perhaps serve as a blueprint for others also trying to find neutral ground and shared interests.“It’s given me hope that maybe what Matt and I did is something that millions of people can do,” he says. “Which is transcend the idea that we have to be fighting this culture war all the time and just start to relate to each other as people.”The post Former Obama Speechwriter Says Surfing at the Jersey Shore Changed His Life appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
The salt-laced winds carried whispers of change in 2019 along the pristine sands of Stone Harbor on the southern edge of Seven Mile Island. For decades, a quiet corner of the shoreline, affectionately known as Nuns’ Beach, had been synonymous with the gentle presence of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a Roman Catholic congregation of sisters. Their 1930s retreat house, known as Villa Maria by the Sea, had closed, and part of the land had been sold to develop million-dollar homes. An era was ending, another longtime Shore landmark seemingly set to ebb with the tides.Yet something remarkable took shape: a rebirth. The demolition of the old building paved the way for a new, modern retreat center on 111th Street and Second Avenue that opened in April 2023 as a testament to the sisters’ enduring commitment to their mission. They had always welcomed Stone Harbor’s visitors to pray at the Stations of the Cross on their lawn or to swim and surf on their beach—plus cheer at the yearly Nuns’ Beach Surf Contest. But the advent of a new, year-round structure has opened their doors wider for laypeople to enter the building for the first time for retreats and days of prayer from October through April.[caption id="attachment_826972" align="alignnone" width="778"] Image: Courtesy of getarchive.net[/caption]Although headquartered outside of Philadelphia, the presence of the sisters at the Jersey Shore dates back to the early 20th century, when they purchased the Hotel Carlton in Cape May in 1913. It was used as a summer retreat until 1936, when Mother Nature came calling. “When the ocean claimed the building, our general administration, knowing the value of our sisters coming to the seashore area for days of retreat and renewal, wanted to look for another space that we could have as a retreat center, because those days were important,” says Sister Jane Mary, one of five sisters who live at the retreat year-round now.In 1937, the General Superior and Council “found this special space here in Stone Harbor,” says Sister Jane. For $2,000, the sisters purchased about 4 1/2 acres of land and later bought more property. The groundbreaking took place on February 2, 1937. In a remarkable 118 days, a three-story retreat was built to accommodate 250 sisters each week for the summer season from May to September.“Now, the rooms were teeny-tiny,” says Sister Jane. “The bedrooms had the bare necessities. You didn’t have a closet. You had a hook. But you didn’t care. You were at the seashore. Life was very simple. We had a beautiful, spacious chapel that accommodated all of the sisters, a beautiful dining area, and porches and solariums where the sisters could gather.”[caption id="attachment_827030" align="alignnone" width="778"] Sister Emily Vincent Photo: Dave Moser[/caption]Over time, Stone Harbor itself expanded, bringing new residents and vacationers. Houses sprung up all around them. The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary was created on the other side of Second Avenue across from the retreat. In the 1970s, surfers pushed aside by those who frowned on the dangers of surfing approached Sister James Dolores, who was in charge of the building at the time. She allowed them to use what is still a private beach in front of the property. The legend of Nuns’ Beach began. As a way to involve the community and raise funds, Sister James came up with the idea of a surfing contest that continued for 20 years.Sister James, along with Sister Andrew Marie, leaned into branding over the past quarter of a century. At the retreat’s garage on 112th Street, on weekends in the off season and daily in the summer, they sell hats, car magnets, hoodies and, each year, a new commemorative Nuns’ Beach T-shirt.Over the course of 80 years, says Sister Margaret McCullough, the retreat’s executive director, “Our numbers of sisters decreased from where we were having 200 to 250 sisters coming down. We would have 40 sisters coming for retreat, and we’d have 40 sisters here doing the cooking and the cleaning. So sometimes we had more service people than we had retreatants. We didn’t need the whole space.”Rather than sell the entire property, the General Superior and Council, along with input from the Borough of Stone Harbor, decided to divide it, selling lots for 13 single-family homes and rebuilding a smaller, more energy-efficient space that could be open year-round. The new, modern Villa Maria by the Sea can accommodate 45 people with a mix of single rooms and small apartments for four, whether it’s sisters of the order using the building exclusively from May to September, or retreatants during other times of the year. Everyone has full use of a dining area, two solariums with incredible ocean views, a chapel that uses much of the material from the old chapel, and even a pool that was built at the behest of older sisters who wanted to swim but had difficulty going to the beach.[caption id="attachment_826971" align="alignnone" width="778"] During the construction of the new retreat center, a surprising discovery was made. When the excavators were digging, they pulled out a life-size statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, says Sister Emily Vincent. Photo: Dave Moser[/caption]When laypeople visit from October through April, they can choose a single day of organized prayer, a silent retreat, or other spiritual programs that include guided or directed retreats. Weekend retreats are usually themed around programs with speakers, such as women of the Gospel or guided retreats centered on topics such as bereavement.With careful consideration by the five sisters who run the retreat year-round, religious groups and groups with a spiritual focus can book the retreat whether or not they are Roman Catholic. Sister Jane says they’ve had parish groups, young adults from Immaculata University and Stockton University, seminarians from Saint Charles Seminary in Philadelphia, and a group called Serenity by the Sea. However, she emphasizes that the primary focus remains spiritual: “This is not a hotel. It is for spiritual purposes only.” The accommodations are simple, yet nice. “I had this image of staying in a bare cell with nothing but the essentials—a sacrificial weekend,” says Kathleen Schindler, of Wyncote, Pennsylvania, who has visited more than a dozen times. “I thought it would be challenging, but spiritually rewarding. It was the opposite of what I imagined. The place was stunning—like a resort. I had my own room, shower and bathroom, and from my side window, I could even see the beach. It was so nice that I joked it might be tough to focus on praying!”The cost to spend a day or weekend at one of the top two or three most affluent communities at the Jersey Shore left Schindler “absolutely shocked.”A typical weekend retreat with two nights of lodging costs around $200-$250, plus meals. Compare that to the thousands of dollars one spends for a weekend in Avalon or Stone Harbor, even off-season. For a private day of prayer, there is a $25 stipend.Schindler says that, comfortingly, her childhood memories of Avalon and Stone Harbor have surfaced during her retreats. She recalls “spying on the nuns” at Nuns’ Beach as a kid—a playful reminder of her early connection to religious life. “You can tell it’s been a religious space forever. There’s something about it that immediately puts your soul at ease,” she says. “The chapel is open 24 hours for prayer, which is incredible for those seeking solitude. And every floor has a big bowl of saltwater taffy—it’s such a sweet little detail that makes you feel cared for.”During the construction of the new retreat center, a surprising discovery was made. When the excavators were digging, they pulled out a life-size statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, says Sister Emily Vincent. The statue is now the centerpiece of the new Stations of the Cross outside garden, open to the public. “It’s dated 1909, which predates the former building by 28 years and predates the establishment of Stone Harbor by five years,” says Sister Emily. “So we believe it’s a sign that God wants us here, and that he’s here with us.”R.C. Staab is a travel writer, book author, playwright, and wildlife and Jersey Shore enthusiast.The post Nuns’ Beach May Be the Chillest Holy Spot at the Jersey Shore appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
From the Rocky Mountains in Denver to the palm-strewn streets of Miami, Playa Bowls has established itself as an acai empire, with hundreds of locations nationwide. But baked into the DNA of the business is an unmistakable Jersey Shore ethos that has been present since the company’s founding in 2014.Cofounder Abby Taylor now boasts a nationwide chain, but her life in her hometown of Bradley Beach looked very different 11 years ago. The surfer and recent college graduate was bartending at D’Jais in Belmar, hoping to put her creative energy to use. “My life was kind of in the air at that point. I knew I didn’t want to have a 9-to-5 job,” she says.When Taylor and surfing partner Rob Giuliani wanted to eat something healthier than the typical pizza and sub options at the Shore, they formed a business idea out of the bowls they’d had on surfing trips around the world. The pair set up a makeshift stand outside of a beachside pizza shop after making a deal with the owner.Taylor says the business is still full of those fake-it-till-you-make-it moments. “When you’re just out there doing it, you learn as you go and make mistakes,” she says. “You’re not looking at the big picture. You’re just in the moment.”[caption id="attachment_826852" align="aligncenter" width="778"] The Nutella Bowl, topped with blueberry flax granola, strawberry, banana, coconut flakes and Nutella. Photo: Courtesy of Playa Bowls[/caption]It didn’t take long for the business to take off, prompting the duo to open brick-and-mortar shops in Belmar and Manasquan in 2015. Ten years later, their business has more than 300 locations in nearly 30 states—far beyond the scope of New Jersey.That’s why the company recently gave the Belmar shop—the first-ever storefront—a grand reopening. “I just wanted to give back to the community, bring them along on this journey and have them be excited about it again,” Taylor says. The full-scale renovation of the store features a new design and layout that stays true to the original shop while also featuring more modern elements.[caption id="attachment_826832" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Playa Bowls originated as an acai stand in Belmar with just a couple of blenders, a table and a fridge. Photo: Courtesy of Playa Bowls[/caption]With the wide reach of the chain, a slice of the Garden State can be found in stores even 2,000 miles away. Photos of Jersey beaches hang on the walls, and other artwork is designed with a Shore vibe in mind. Even in more subtle ways, a Shore attitude has crept in. “We make pretty big bowls, and I feel like that’s such a Jersey thing,” Taylor says. “We go over the top a little bit with everything. In Jersey, you’re all in. That’s how Playa Bowls was built.”That go-getter mindset has only become more necessary for Taylor, 35, who serves as chief marketing officer. Last year, the company was acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners, and dozens of new shops are on the way.[caption id="attachment_826830" align="aligncenter" width="778"] "In Jersey, you’re all in," says Taylor. "That’s how Playa Bowls was built." Photo: Courtesy of Playa Bowls[/caption]As Playa Bowls has grown into a household name, it’s helped spawn a wave of acai-bowl shops. One of the company's core goals remains true: Bring the beach to as many people as possible, even when it’s far away. “I’m two blocks from the beach,” says Taylor, who still lives in Bradley Beach. “I love it so much. That part’s easy because it’s literally my life.”The post How Playa Bowls Grew Into a True New Jersey Success Story appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
Thaddeus Cooper still remembers his first time playing Skee-Ball in the early 1970s on the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk. “I was hooked from the start,” says Cooper, who grew up in Union Township. “It was different than any game I’d ever played.”His fascination with the game, invented in Vineland by Joseph Fourestier Simpson and patented in 1908, led Cooper, now 63, and his wife, Kevin Kreitman, to direct And the Balls Roll On…: The Real Story of the Beautiful Game of Skee-Ball.Available on Amazon, Apple TV and Google Play, the documentary blends archival with contemporary footage shot in Atlantic City, Lavallette, Seaside Heights, Wildwood and Vineland.Simpson incorporated elements of bowling and skiing into the game, in which players roll a grapefruit-size wooden ball. Kreitman, who wrote the screenplay, says that the keys to its success are “the game’s simplicity, the ball hop, the elevated target.”Simpson, who sold his rights to Skee-Ball in 1914 and died at 77 in 1930, wouldn’t live to see the game become an international success story.Innovations over the years have added to the game’s popularity. They include shortening the alleys from between 32 and 36 feet to about 10 feet, adding 100-point targets, and the automatic dispensing of prize tickets. One thing remains the same, however.“Skee-Ball is easy to play, but hard to master,” Cooper says.The post New Skee-Ball Documentary Chronicles the Classic Jersey Shore Arcade Game appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
From an American Revolutionary-era massacre to the shark attacks that inspired Jaws to the fallout of Hurricane Sandy, Long Beach Island has a storied past—so much so that author Joseph John Mezlo wrote a two-part historical fiction series about it. In Long Beach Island: Those Who Dare and Those Who Strive, he charts LBI's evolution through the lens of a family dynasty who put down roots there centuries ago. He blends history and romantic drama as each generation falls in love, raises families and helps shape the island's future.Mezlo recently spoke with us about his personal connections to the island and the research that surprised him.Tell me about your relationship with Long Beach Island. What drove you to write about the island’s history?My wife and I have been vacationing on Long Beach Island for 55 years now. So our kids have grown up on the island, and we've loved it ever since we first got there. It's changed a lot over the years.The stimulus was a friend of mine by the name of David Bohan, who is a lifelong resident of Long Beach Island and shared with me an article [from] Bay magazine about his family from the early 1900s. He was very proud of the heritage of LBI, and he started telling me stories, and it kind of got me intrigued. I started to do some research about the island, and it just started to smoke, so to speak.What was the most surprising thing you learned about LBI during your research?The first was the extent of the cedar forest that existed at Harvey Cedars, along with the freshwater pond. I think that must have really been beautiful and lent itself to somewhat of a paradise-like kind of setting. I didn't really realize that it was as big and as extensive as it was. And I realized that....when people [dig] up foundations and things, they still come across some of the stumps from the old cedar trees.And the other one was the wreck on the Surf City side of the island, where more than 400 people perished in a single night. If you go to Surf City Hotel, they have the monument to those people outside the hotel. That must have really been a horrendous experience. So those things, particularly, stuck with me. I realized that there were a lot of shipwrecks off the island, but I never realized it was a shipwreck to that extent where everybody on board, or at least a [majority] of people, perished in the span of a night.What did you learn about LBI that distinguished it from other parts of the Jersey Shore?After all these years coming to LBI, my wife and I still say, "You cross that causeway; it's like your troubles go away." You're so much more relaxed being on LBI. But the history in and of itself is very fascinating. And I think the thing that maybe makes it different than the mainland in Jersey are the storms that have reshaped the island and reshaped the lives of people who live on the island. Historic [storms]—most recently, [Hurricane] Sandy—have really reshaped the island dramatically and had devastating effects, but also created opportunities for people.The post Long Beach Island’s Storied Past Comes Alive in Historical-Fiction Series appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
If boho chic is your summer vibe, step inside Lola’s Boutique in downtown Point Pleasant Beach to discover a curated mix of favorite labels like Free People, Dear John Denim, ASTR The Label and Latico Leathers.Think nontraditional beachwear all under one roof, but with three distinct storefronts. One room offers fresh retail looks, while the other two spaces are dedicated exclusively to one-of-a-kind sample treasures that typically sell fast.Owner Marla Morris says, “This summer’s go-to beach looks are fun, flirty, floral dresses and coordinated shorts and pants sets. We love colorful patterns, layering and over-accessorizing. In fact, sometimes the accessories are the outfit!”Lola’s personal stylists are on hand to help shoppers discover their beach-babe style in clothing, shoes and accessories.The boutique actively participates in fun community events like ladies’ nights and Festival of the Sea.Lola’s Boutique, 635 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach; 732-899-7884.The post Point Pleasant Beach Shop Features Boho-Chic Style appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
[caption id="attachment_825872" align="alignnone" width="778"] Illustration: Tatjana Junker[/caption]When I was young, my cousins went crabbing almost every day during the summer. My mother and godmother, who rented a Shore house together, would freeze the cleaned catch and turn that treasure into crab sauce each Sunday. Now, I do it once a year, usually on Labor Day weekend, but on a much grander scale; at one party, 22 of us devoured 58 blue crabs and 6 pounds of spaghetti.For me, making that crab sauce is about more than cooking; it’s a way to honor my parents, who gave me the priceless gift of Lavallette, the Shore town where I’ve spent practically all of my summers.Crab sauce (or gravy) is a variation of the Italian classic sugo di granchio, which has been adapted to incorporate the blue crabs found off the coast of the mid-Atlantic states. These beauties infuse the sauce with a deep, sweet, briny flavor that no other ingredient can replicate.Since I’m not the crabbing type, I buy the stars of the meal (unless friends catch some) and then kill, clean and freeze them. Unlike Maryland-style steamed blue crabs, these crustaceans are prepped before they’re cooked.Oddly, I enjoy the process of crab-icide, and the knack for it runs in the family; my teenage niece and nephew have become experts under my tutelage. But the cleaning? That’s still my job—at least for now.On the big day, I send my family to the beach so that I can have the kitchen to myself. Louis Prima (my dad’s favorite) sings as I chop onions and garlic. I sauté them in olive oil in a huge pot, then stir in the crushed tomatoes, wine, basil, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes and salt. When the sauce comes to a boil, in go the thawed crabs.Soon, that unmistakable aroma fills the air while the sauce simmers on the stove for hours.The feast’s setup is as familiar as the food each year: folding tables draped with disposable tablecloths in my condo’s parking lot. (I have neither the space nor the desire to host this shindig indoors.) Foil pans with the crabs, bowls of extra sauce and Romano cheese, baskets of crusty bread for dipping, and cracking tools crowd the dining table. Numerous bottles of wine and the huge pot now filled with the cooked spaghetti tossed in the sauce sit on a snack table nearby.We use paper bowls and plastic utensils for easy cleanup and go through lots of napkins and paper towels; eating blue crabs is gloriously messy. (Don’t wear white!)Not everyone loves the work involved in extracting crabmeat from the shell, though. My father never had the patience; my godmother would fry meatballs on the side for him. One of my usual guests brings lump crabmeat, which I toss with sauce for her and other like-minded diners. But for me, the effort is part of the joy.And so, as summer fades, I gather my people, roll up my sleeves and get cracking on a spread that ties me to my past, my family and my roots.As long as there are blue crabs in Barnegat Bay, there will be crab sauce on my table. And as long as there is crab sauce, there will be laughter, stories and tradition—messy, delicious and utterly perfect.Jo Ann Liguori is a writer and editor who spends the summer in Lavallette, lives in Brooklyn the rest of the year, and can be found all the time on Instagram @AuntJoCooks.The post An Ode to My Family’s Messy, Delicious Crab Feasts appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
It’s a hot summer weekend. Even though it’s 9 am, rush hour is in full force on the southbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway. SUVs are packed with beach chairs, coolers and umbrellas.North Jersey beachgoers in the know are rushing to exit at Keyport/Hazlet and race 11 miles to the Sandy Hook Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area. By 10 or 11 am, car number 4,001 will have passed through the gate and the park will be full. No cars will be allowed to enter until some leave. Turn back? Wait? Ugh.But, those beachgoers in their idling cars could have easily turned off Route 36 to relax at quiet beaches with calm, warm waters. They could have grabbed a fishing pole, rented a crabbing net, rushed down a waterslide, rented a Jet Ski, biked for miles on a paved path, or waded hundreds of feet into shallow water. And they would have avoided the $20-per-day vehicle fee at Sandy Hook.Welcome to the Bayshore, or as we like to call it, the other Jersey Shore. It’s the southern section of the Raritan and Sandy Hook bays. Here’s how to enjoy the sand, sun and water here, from Keyport to Highlands.Cheesequake State Park: Dividing North and South JerseyBefore heading to the water, start at one of the most recognizable, yet least understood, state parks: Cheesequake. Seeing the signs along the Parkway, who hasn’t remarked on the unusual name (which is derived from a Lenape term meaning “upland”)? The park sits at a transition point between ecosystems in North and South Jersey and almost touches the bay. Nine miles of hiking trails cover hilly forests, open fields, and saltwater and freshwater marshes, with chances to see wildlife. Bring a swimsuit and dip into the guarded beach at Hooks Creek Lake.Keyport: The Pearl of the BayshoreThe first stop on the Bayshore is Keyport, at the crossroads of the Garden State Parkway, Route 35 and Route 36. Key-port’s bay and harbor are among the most beautiful in the state. There’s also a bustling business district sloping downhill to the water’s edge. Boats from the Keyport Yacht Club are anchored in the harbor, and there are views of houses along nearby Cliffwood Beach, with Staten Island and Manhattan in the distance.Rather than being a tourist slogan, the town’s moniker, the Pearl of the Bayshore, harkens back to an era when the oyster industry was a central part of the economy. The industrial waterfront has largely been replaced by recreational opportunities like crabbing, says fourth-generation Keyport resident and mayor Rose Araneo. Unlike other waterfront towns, visitors can rent crabbing and fishing gear near the water at the Fishing FleaMarket Bait & Tackle or Up Front Bait and Tackle.To go out on the water, there are canoe and kayak rentals at Beach Park. Jump on the Keyport Princess for a fishing charter, cruise or whale-watching trip. Unusual for the Shore, Jersey Jet Ski offers solo or tandem rentals in a mile-long supervised zone, plus a 75-minute guided tour of the Raritan River or the Arthur Kill estuary, and a two-hour Statue of Liberty tour.Araneo touts a variety of diverse sit-down restaurants on Front Street. For a more casual meal, she suggests Keyport Fishery market for take-out scallops or shrimp, then sitting across the street at the bay with locals. “It’s a cool little town,” she says.Union Beach: Three Times the BeachAs the only town on Route 36 with beach in its name, Union Beach gets a rush of beachgoers when Sandy Hook is at capacity. After two decades of planning by the town and the Army Corps of Engineers, the beach is triple the size it was two years ago. Mayor Charlie Cocuzza says, “It’s a better alternative to the big waves and large crowds. The water is calmer. It’s more relaxed.” Metered parking is $3 an hour.Truly off the beaten path, there’s a remarkable wildlife area and beach on the western shore of town. To get there requires a hike from Edmunds Avenue through a marshy area to one of the most pristine spots on the bay. Bring bug spray!Jakeabobs’s Bay, a seasonal restaurant and bar, is the only eatery within miles for beachfront dining. Seasonal food trucks are parked along the beach. Out along Route 36, discover the GOAT by David Burke, an Italian-American restaurant opened in 2022 by one of New Jersey’s premier restaurateurs who is a Hazlet native.Keansburg: Water Park, Fishing Pier & Amusements[caption id="attachment_825682" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Keansburg Amusement Park Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]Whether the Keansburg Amusement Park is just old-fashioned or needs TLC is debatable. Nevertheless, ride a carousel or high-flying swings—if they are open and working on any given day. In contrast, across the street on warm summer days, the Runaway Rapids Water Park is packed with families braving the tall water-flume rides or splashing in a big wading pool under the watchful eye of lifeguards. Climb to the top of the waterslides for a panoramic view of the bay and New York City in the distance. Just as popular as the water park is the 2,000-foot-long Fishing Pier. There is a charge to access the pier.[caption id="attachment_825687" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]On either side of the amusement park, there are wide stretches of public beaches, with plenty of parking at the municipal lot next to the amusement park’s go-karts track.Looking for a quick treat? Stop for the popular black-and-white cookies at David Burke’s Dixie Lee Bakery on Main Street.Ideal Beach: Almost IdealNext to Keansburg is Ideal Beach—the first of four distinct neighborhoods that are part of Middletown Township. Set in a residential neighborhood, the uncrowded shores are perfect for those seeking relaxation without noisy traffic. Beachside parking is $2 an hour, or park at the free overflow lot at the Tonya Keller Community Center a few blocks off the beach.Port Monmouth Beach: Ideal? Yes—Depending on Parking[caption id="attachment_825680" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Bayshore Waterfront Park Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]Crossing Pews Creek by the Monmouth Cove Marina, the Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth is what you might really think of as “the ideal beach.” It boasts a free fishing pier, free parking, picnic tables and restrooms. The only caveat is that parking is limited. Get there early or arrive later in the day.[caption id="attachment_825681" align="aligncenter" width="778"] The free fishing Pier at Bayshore Waterfront Park Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]Belford: Fresh SeafoodSeparated from Port Monmouth at the mouth of the Bay by a marina and Compton Creek, Belford features a handsome passenger ferry terminal offering weekday trips to Jersey City and New York City via Seastreak Ferries. Ambitious plans by the township are under consideration to turn the terminal’s parking lot into a mixed-use seaside village. In the meantime, Belford Seafood Co-Op Fish Market, on the west side of the marina, is the place to go for fresh fish.Leonardo: A Quick StopSeparating Belford from Leonardo is one of the longest piers in the world at 2.9 miles. The U.S. Navy operates the pier, loading ammunition on transport ships to supply the Atlantic Fleet. It’s not open to the public.Leonardo may best be known for its Quick Stop food market as the setting of filmmaker Kevin Smith’s 1994 movie, Clerks. It’s still open today looking as it did when Smith worked there as a teenager.Head to the beach to see the restored Conover Beacon that once served as a channel marker in the bay. Today its green light shines over the bay at night. The four-block-long beach was replenished this decade with tons of sand that was dredged from the Sandy Hook shipping channel by the Army Corps of Engineers.Atlantic Highlands: Movie Town and Marina[caption id="attachment_825684" align="aligncenter" width="778"] On the Deck is a local favorite for food and drinks. Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]Along the southern section of the bay, Atlantic Highlands has the busiest marina. Most days, lined up along the docks are charter or party boats that can be booked on the spot. Shop for the best deal, whether it’s for a half-day or full-day trip to land fluke, sea bass or ling. Bring your own equipment and bait, or rent it from the boat owner.At the marina, Seastreak offers weekday ferry service to and from Manhattan. You can also ride out to Sandy Hook Bay or cruise the Shrewsbury River with Captain Dan aboard the Navesink Queen paddle wheeler or his newest boat, the Mariner.First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands has shopping, Smodcastle Cinemas—owned and programmed in partnership with filmmaker Kevin Smith—and restaurants including On the Deck with excellent waterfront views.Highlands: Beach Party!Like neighboring Atlantic Highlands, the main commercial section of Highlands was deluged by water from Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Now, with most of the damaged buildings lifted or rebuilt, Highlands has come roaring back.In the main part of town, the free Snug Harbor Beach and the beach by Miller Street have lifeguards on duty through Labor Day. There’s free parking on the street. At a secluded spot on the border of Atlantic Highlands, Popamora Point Beach has a half-moon beach that’s free and rarely visited by more than a dozen sunbathers at any one time.Next to Conner’s Ferry Landing is the Sandbox, a rocking live music venue and bar. During the day, there are cabana rentals and food trucks. Except during live music events, it’s typically free to visit the beach.Along the water near the Highlands-Sea Bright bridge, Bahrs Landing is the most famous restaurant in the area. (It was featured in a 2022 Super Bowl ad that mimics the opening of The Sopranos.) The restaurant serves a hearty menu of fresh seafood, including its famous 1917 Manhattan clam chowder (red), as well as German specialties. Other restaurants on the water include the Proving Ground and seasonal favorite the Seafarer.Henry Hudson Trail: Connecting the BayshoreAdventurers seeking a day-long excursion can hike the 12-mile northern section of the Henry Hudson Trail, starting at Popamora Point. An alternative is a one-day bike ride; Kranky Cycles in Highlands offers bike rentals. On a hard-packed dirt surface, the first few miles through Highlands and Atlantic Highlands are a respite from the summer heat as the path hugs the bay amid towering trees on the hillside. Farther, the path is paved, heading west through all the beach towns to Keyport and beyond.R.C. Staab is a travel writer, book author, playwright and wildlife and Jersey Shore enthusiast.The post A Complete Guide to Exploring the Bayshore, aka the ‘Other Jersey Shore’ appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
Just a few years ago, Marilyn Schlossbach was sitting at the top of the Jersey Shore food chain. Her wildly popular restaurant Langosta Lounge, which she’d opened in 2008, had elevated Asbury Park’s red-sauce food scene practically overnight and been a driving force in the town’s renaissance. Her other ventures there included the Salt Water Market, Asbury Park Yacht Club, Pop’s Garage, the Berkeley Hotel, and Market in the Middle. Labrador Lounge, which she’d opened in Normandy in 2005, was always packed, too. She seemed to have the Midas touch.But things were not as they seemed. She was deep in debt. The borrowing had started with a million-dollar loan to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy. With high rents, low margins and the seasonality of the restaurant business, she couldn’t get ahead. The profits were so slim that it seemed like a choice between dumbing down the food or making money. “To create the kind of food we wanted, with quality service and labor, we were borrowing money all the time,” she says.She and her husband, Scott Szegeski, an artist, had no college fund for their middle school age twins, and no time with them in the summer. In 2023, she sold Labrador Lounge, Langosta Lounge and the rest of her Asbury properties.But Schlossbach, born and raised in Belmar, didn’t give up on the Shore. She’s set her sights on Long Branch, which she calls the “last undeveloped ocean-adjacent area around here.” She teamed up with Preston Casertano on the Whitechapel Projects, which she calls a “cultural, communal center for food, drink, arts and entertainment” in the Lower Broadway area. “I want to help shape what Long Branch can become,” she says.“Long Branch has a big identity crisis; people don’t realize all the good things that are happening and all the good things that could potentially happen here,” she says. “We’re reactivating the Arts Council and have been meeting with administrators, the mayor and the business leaders. I learned in Asbury that it takes a business village to create a community.”[caption id="attachment_825969" align="alignnone" width="778"] Schlossbach at Whitechapel Projects in Long Branch Photo: Krista Schlueter[/caption]The Whitechapel Projects, in a 120-year-old former warehouse complex, is a restaurant and venue for weddings and events, including those open to the community, such as White Lotus-themed dinners and comedy magic shows. Buzz is building, but it’s been harder than anticipated. “We have no foot traffic whatsoever,” she says. “We are literally 200 feet from Pier Village, but no one leaves there to come over here.”She has her fingers in many other pies, too. She runs a catering business, is a consultant for the Faherty clothing brand, and helps her husband with his business, Two River Gourmet Mushrooms. Two new restaurants are in the works, both with Bret Morgan of Asbury Fresh, which runs the local farm markets. One is in Avon-By-The-Sea, and the other in the former Wells Fargo bank building in Spring Lake.A venture all her own is her skincare brand, Oshin Love; its signature product, Oshin Oil, is made from the Moringa oleifera tree. The oil, which she discovered on a relief trip to Haiti, cured her daughter’s eczema, she says. Oshin Oil has been written up in Forbes, Cosmopolitan and People.Then there’s her humanitarian work. Since her early days in Asbury, she’s partnered with the nonprofit Interfaith Neighbors, giving out food every Tuesday from a van parked on a notoriously dangerous corner, and starting the Kula Café to train young people from the inner cities of Neptune and Asbury to work the front of the house in restaurants. She still provides most of the food given out at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter at Trinity Church in Asbury.But her real passion project is Whitechapel, which she hopes will help turn the Lower Broadway area into an arts district. “Our building is probably one of the most art-driven spaces at the Jersey Shore,” she says. “We have murals and music and history. We have the beams from Andy Warhol’s Factory. There are already art galleries on Broadway; we want to be an anchor for the art to spread up Broadway,” Schlossbach says.“It’s a major undertaking,” she admits, but she knows the drill. “We were pioneers on Cookman. We were scared we’d get looted. There was no police presence,” she says. Already things are changing; 400 condos are in the works across the street from Whitechapel.“We can be an impetus for change in this neighborhood and community,” she says. “We want to give, to share. My whole career, I have enjoyed collaboration rather than telling everyone how it will be. This model allows me to do that.”The post Marilyn Schlossbach’s Restaurants Helped Transform Asbury Park. Now She’s Set Her Sights on Long Branch appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
In 1995, when Asbury Park was riddled with drugs and crime, a ramshackle former boarding house on Fourth Street went on the market. The roof was caving in; inside, garbage cans caught rainwater that dripped from the ceilings. The price was $7,500, roughly the value of the land.Against the odds, the house, a brown-and-white Victorian with an expansive porch, escaped the wrecking ball that has remade Asbury Park. It still stands at 508 Fourth Street, now well maintained and bearing a gold sign: “Stephen Crane House, circa 1878.” Another marks the building as the headquarters of the Asbury Park Historical Society.It was a miracle that the house, thought to be the oldest in Asbury Park and the childhood home of the groundbreaking author of The Red Badge of Courage, survived, says Frank D’Alessandro, a member of the society and a key player in the effort to save the house.The saga began when Tom and Regina Hayes, who lived on Sixth Street and planned to buy the house as a teardown, were told by a neighbor that Crane had lived there. They confirmed through property records that the house was built in 1871, the same year that Asbury Park was founded, and that the Cranes moved there in 1878. (The family played a prominent role in New Jersey history as well; forebears founded Cranetown, later called Montclair, and in 1776, a Stephen Crane, for whom the author was named, was a member of the Continental Congress.)The author, who died at 28, packed in enough scandal, adventure and writing for several lifetimes, says Susan Rosenberg, a docent who gives tours of the house on Sundays and by appointment. At 18, he was a cub reporter covering the boardwalk for Crane’s New Jersey Coast News Bureau, which became the Asbury Park Press. He was a war correspondent during the Spanish-American and Greco-Turkish wars, survived a shipwreck, and died of tuberculosis in Europe, where he had hobnobbed with Joseph Conrad, Henry James, J.M. Barrie and H.G. Wells.In between, he wrote seven novels, two volumes of poetry, scores of short stories (several of which are set in New Jersey), and hundreds of newspaper articles. He influenced a generation of writers with his spare, journalistic-style writing, including Ernest Hemingway, who hailed him as “one of the best writers, along with Henry James and Mark Twain.”Recognizing the house’s historic value, the Hayeses bought it, but with a new goal of saving it rather than demolishing it. They tarred the roof and opened it up for community events.In 2001, preparing to move out of town, they put it up for sale, but asked their next-door neighbor, Frank D’Alessandro, to put in a bid. “They knew I wanted to keep it as a community resource and museum,” says D’Alessandro. They accepted his offer even though another was higher.Another stroke of luck hit later that year, when Bruce Springsteen donated proceeds from a benefit concert, which the historical society used to replace the roof. “From that moment on, the building stabilized and now is in pretty decent shape,” says D’Alessandro.In 2015, he sold the house for $1 to the historic society and helped get it named to the state and national historic registers. Funds for upkeep come from grants and fundraisers, as well as rent from a second-floor apartment. In addition to tours, the society hosts readings, talks and films. “It’s become a little literary mecca,” says D’Alessandro.[caption id="attachment_825665" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]Despite Crane’s huge influence on modern writing, most who visit the house know him only vaguely as the author of The Red Badge of Courage, which used to be required reading in schools. D’Alessandro himself was underwhelmed by the book in high school, but has since reread it and is “really quite impressed by a guy who did this in his twenties and died at the age of 28.”D’Alessandro has become a bit of an expert on Crane’s short, colorful life. From a young age, the author forged his own path, rejecting the Methodism of his minister father that brought his family to Asbury. Modeled on the adjacent Methodist community of Ocean Grove, Asbury was dry and quiet, quite a contrast to the town it has become. His mother was involved in women’s suffrage and the temperance movement.When he was 18, he began working in the summers for his brother Townley, who owned the news service. He briefly attended Syracuse University, where his maternal uncle was one of the founders. In 1892 he ignited a scandal while reporting on a parade on the Asbury Park boardwalk, contrasting the finery of the Gilded Age spectators with the grimier marchers, inadvertently insulting the working men. Driven from town by that and his affair with a married woman, he moved to Manhattan, where he wrote his first novel, Maggie of the Streets, about a girl whose poverty had forced her into prostitution.He and his common-law wife, Cora, who was reputed to have run a brothel, traveled the world together. Between stints as a war correspondent, Crane wrote The Red Badge of Courage, about the inner thoughts of a young soldier in the Civil War. It’s notable for having been written at age 24, completely from his imagination. Hemingway called it “one of the finest books in American literature.” Crane’s short story “The Open Boat,” based on his experience of being shipwrecked off the coast of Florida, is thought to have been the inspiration for Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea.Crane and Cora bought an estate in Surrey, England, where, despite their lack of money, they lived a fashionable life. He died of tuberculosis in a sanitorium in Germany’s Black Forest at 28.D’Alessandro, who moved to Milltown in 2021, hasn’t lost touch with Crane’s spirit, especially once he discovered that the author’s grave is in Evergreen Cemetery in nearby Hillside. “He was the last of 14 siblings, and the whole Crane family is buried there,” he says. “I stop every so often and put a little flower down.”Free tours of the Stephen Crane House are given every Sunday from noon to 2 pm, and by appointment.The post Author Stephen Crane’s Childhood Home Escaped the Wrecking Ball That Transformed Asbury Park appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
Every New Jerseyan has a favorite place to visit down the Shore. But only the people who live there have a true insider’s perspective on the region. That’s why, for this summer’s Shore Guide, we turned to the people who know the Shore best: the residents.Below, they let the rest of us in on their little secrets, sharing their picks for places to eat, shop, explore the outdoors, and spend time at their favorite place in the world.MONMOUTH COUNTYJustin SeillerWhere I live: Asbury Park and EnglewoodWhat I do: BMX rider and coffee baristaMy age: 27Place I love: The Stone Pony, Asbury Park[caption id="attachment_825456" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Dave Moser[/caption]This BMX rider and barista in Asbury Park loves riding his bike downtown and on the boardwalk in the off-season; he also performs street tricks at special events. Justin Seiller moved to Asbury Park in part because he loves to surf, and also because he likes the vibe there. His favorite spot in the city, he says, is the Stone Pony, where, he estimates, he saw 25 live shows last summer. “There’s something special and magical about seeing a show there, when the beach is right in front of you,” he says. He also loves the Sea Hear Now festival in Asbury Park each September. —Jacqueline Mroz[caption id="attachment_825477" align="alignright" width="350"] Buy our June 2025 issue here. Cover photo: Ann Coen[/caption]Eileen ChapmanWhere I live: Asbury ParkWhat I do: Director of Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music in West Long BranchMy age: 73Place I love: Food Truck Court, Asbury Park“As a year-round local who loves all Asbury Park has to offer, my secret summer spot takes me away from the masses. The food-truck park at the edge of the beach and boardwalk on Seventh Avenue is a hidden paradise, where the salty ocean breeze mixes with the mouthwatering scent of sizzling street food. Tucked away from the boardwalk, it’s the perfect place to escape; the hum of the waves, live music on Friday evenings, and laughter of a few locals create the ideal background music. Every bite tastes better with a cool breeze, sand between your toes, and the sun dipping on the horizon. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the sense of serenity and belonging in this tucked-away corner of the world that feels like yours alone.”North Beach at the corner of Seventh and Ocean avenuesSeiko Sato-MartiniWhere I live: HolmdelWhat I do: Owner/franchisee of Studio Pilates in Long BranchMy age: 55Place I love: Purpose Yoga, Long Branch[caption id="attachment_825458" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Dave Moser[/caption]Seiko Sato-Martini has gone through a lot of transformations in her life, all leading her to the Jersey Shore. Originally from Japan, she moved to the United States for college without speaking English. She found success in the finance industry in New York before moving with her family to Holmdel in the summer of 2000. Twenty years later, the pandemic brought on a pivotal change for Sato-Martini. “During the Covid shutdown, amidst my daily struggles, I experienced menopause and felt both exhausted and out of shape,” she says. “Nothing seemed to provide any real benefit or stick with me”—until she found Pilates and then decided to open a studio. Studio Pilates is located in vibrant Pier Village, just off the beach, so simply arriving there provides a breath of fresh air. “It makes you feel so good, like everything is going to be okay that day.” When not at the studio, favorite local spots include Purpose Yoga, also in Pier Village, for Vanessa Van Noy’s “amazing” hot stretch classes; Griffy’s Organics for smoothies and fresh-squeezed juices; and River Pointe Inn in Rumson for great eats. —Julie Gordon and James LaForgeDanny ClinchWhere I live: Toms RiverWhat I do: Music photographer, owner of Transparent Clinch Gallery in Asbury Park, and cofounder of Sea Hear Now festivalMy age: 61Place I love: The Art Spot, Asbury Park“The artist Porkchop just opened a gallery/store called the Art Spot. It has very cool one-of-a-kind clothing and art. You may have seen his murals all over town. We can never have too much art in Asbury!”1100 Ocean Avenue, Suite HAlex FahertyWhere I live: Spring LakeWhat I do: Cofounder and CEO of Faherty BrandMy age: 42Place I love: Washington Avenue beach, Spring Lake[caption id="attachment_825453" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Catalano[/caption]“My favorite activity to do in town is surfing with my kids at Washington Avenue beach. What’s better than being able to walk a couple of blocks to the ocean with your board in hand, finding a great sandbar, and seeing the look on your kid’s face when they catch a fun wave?”Lindsay McNamaraWhere I live: Long BranchWhat I do: CEO of Beachy Birder AdventuresMy age: 34Place I love: Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch“Everyone should experience finding a sand dollar fully intact, seeing a pod of dolphins swim across the current, and watching sandpipers scurry across the sand.”221 Ocean Avenue NorthPatty EspositoWhere I live: HowellWhat I do: PhotographerMy age: 67Place I love: Manasquan Reservoir[caption id="attachment_825499" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]“It has a 5-mile walking/bike trail, gorgeous sunsets by the boat launch, and a nature center with an eagle cam to follow the local eagle pair when you don’t see them flying nearby.”311 Windeler RoadKaitlin MahonyWhere I live: BrielleWhat I do: Owner of Sketchbook, a fashion-illustration companyMy age: 44Place I love: Batch, Manasquan“Since I work from home, I love being able to go there to get a great coffee and change of scenery to get some work done. They have a little seating area inside, or, on a nice day, you can sit outside at a table to relax, work and take in the amazing atmosphere of downtown Manasquan.”99 Main StreetBrian ThompsonWhere I live: Monmouth BeachWhat I do: Retired NBC4 New York reporterMy age: 74Place I love: The Whitechapel Projects, Long Branch“Although I love Asbury Park most of all and the year-round music scene at McLoone’s Supper Club, where I got married, I have to say the most offbeat place, IMHO, has to be the Whitechapel Projects a block from Pier Village in Long Branch. Homemade brew and food with twisted takes, and sometimes music way too loud. It’s a blast in an adaptive-reuse, century-plus brick warehouse.”15 Second AvenuePatty BarberWhere I live: Asbury ParkWhat I do: Senior vice president of Silverball Retro Arcade in Asbury ParkMy age: 58Place I love: Ocean Grove“I really, truly love taking a long walk to neighboring Ocean Grove, where I lived before moving to Asbury Park a few years ago, because it is like entering a different world. It feels like you are in a Hallmark movie with Victorian homes and lovely, quaint shops. It’s like taking a mini vacation from the hustle and bustle, and transporting to a different time.”Michelle PerezWhere I live: ManasquanWhat I do: Interior designerMy age: 56Place I love: BookTowne, Manasquan“Just, period, the best place in town! Peter, the owner, will host amazing authors for chats, and he always has the perfect recommendation when you are searching for your next read.”171 Main StreetElaine HaginWhere I live: BelmarWhat I do: College counselorMy age: 29Place I love: Beach Haus Brewery, Belmar“There are a lot of special events, but I really like trivia nights on Thursday, and Monday’s burger night. Every Friday, there’s this event called Test Department, where you get to try a new beer, including limited releases.”801 Main StreetOCEAN COUNTYJenna ParkerWhere I live: Harvey Cedars and BostonWhat I do: Health-tech executive, lifeguard and actressMy age: 41Place I love: Sunset Park, Harvey Cedars[caption id="attachment_825446" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Ann Coen[/caption]Though she lives in Boston now, Jenna Parker spends every summer lifeguarding with the beach patrol in Harvey Cedars. Her family has been going to LBI since her great-grandfather went there to fish before there were many—or any—homes on the island. Her family bought a house here in 1962, and she started lifeguarding at age 16. After college, Parker was a professional triathlete for 10 years, but in 2014 came back to LBI to lifeguard again. “I wanted to help Harvey Cedars win the island beach-patrol races; we hadn’t won in 42 years,” she says. “The next year, 2015, we won and haven’t lost since.” Parker loves the free concerts on Wednesday evenings at Sunset Park. “A lot of local bands play there,” she says. “The Danksters are a favorite. Some of them used to be on the beach patrol, too.” —Julia MartinJerry CafoneWhere I live: LavalletteWhat I do: Owner of Jerry’s Farm Market in Ortley BeachMy age: 70Place I love: Lizzie Rose Music Room, Tuckerton“It’s a little 80-seat theater in an old Victorian house that a nonprofit maintains. You come up the side driveway and park on the grass in the back, and it’s really just a unique, unique place. They have good acts that play there. It’s not just bar bands, it’s national acts—mainly blues and folky-type stuff.”217 East Main StreetDave WernerWhere I live: ManahawkinWhat I do: Marine biology teacherMy age: 45Place I love: The backwaters of Barnegat Bay[caption id="attachment_825450" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Ann Coen[/caption]This father, veteran surfer and fisherman is always in or on the water. He even teaches about the ocean at Stockton University and at Ocean County’s Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science. Dave Werner also spends a lot of time on his boat fishing the back bays, channels and Barnegat Inlet, and heads far offshore for pelagic fish. “I love targeting striped bass in the back bay in early spring,” he says. “There’s something about the beauty of the salt marsh as the sun is setting, to sneak up into 2 feet of water, try not to spook a great blue heron in the spartina grass, casting and watching a striped bass smash my popper.” —Jon CoenElizabeth McCabeWhere I live: Ocean CityWhat I do: Owner of Lola’s Cafe & Kitchen in AbseconMy age: 38Place I love: Sweat.oc Studio, Ocean City“It has upbeat fitness classes that are great for strength building, and they have an outdoor class on the weekends in the summer that is really fun.”225 West AvenueBonnie GilesWhere I live: Point Pleasant BeachWhat I do: Retired educatorMy age: 60Place I love: Red’s Lobster Pot, Point Pleasant Beach[caption id="attachment_825500" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Courtesy of Bonnie Giles[/caption]“They have amazing sunsets, and the fishing boats are parked nearby, so you can watch the sunset and the boats in the river at the same time. Red’s has great lobster rolls, too, and delicious, fresh whole lobsters.”57 Inlet DriveToniann SosaWhere I live: HowellWhat I do: Jenkinson’s Boardwalk arcade manager in Point Pleasant BeachMy age: 21Place I love: Burger 25, Toms River“I can guarantee, Burger 25 will be some of the best food you have ever had. This place is a summer staple for almost everyone I work with. I recommend getting the classic cheeseburger with half-and-half fries and onion rings, with extra of their signature garlic ranch. It may not be something right on the beach, but trust me, after a long day of swimming or running around on the boardwalk, there is nothing better than some Burger 25.”199 NJ-37 EastMargaret “Pooch” BuchholzWhere I live: Harvey CedarsWhat I do: Author and Shore historianMy age: 92Place I love: Harvey Cedars public dock[caption id="attachment_825502" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Jack Reynolds[/caption]“My favorite spot is sitting on the end of the Harvey Cedars public dock, which has been on 78th Street almost as long as the town itself, where I can overlook the bay to the west, beyond Sandy Island. From here, you can watch the most incredible and glorious sunsets that color the sky, or a gathering squall barreling across the bay as I run back before the wind and rain reach me.”Elvira PanizaWhere I live: BrickWhat I do: QiGong and yoga instructorMy age: 75Place I love: Spike’s Fish Market Restaurant, Point Pleasant Beach“Whenever we return from our travels abroad, a visit to Spike’s, a charming little café in Point Pleasant, has become an indispensable part of our homecoming ritual. The rich, creamy texture of their white and red clam chowders is simply divine. A taste of home that instantly washes away the jet lag and reconnects us to familiar comfort.”415 BroadwayATLANTIC COUNTYAlyse ScaffidiWhere I live: Ocean CityWhat I do: Co-owner of Coastal Chateau boutique hotel in Ocean CityMy age: 35Place I love: Longport Dog Beach, Egg Harbor Township[caption id="attachment_825512" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Courtesy of Alyse Scaffidi[/caption]“It’s a little slice of heaven where dogs can run free, splash in the water, and socialize off leash. Whether you have a pup or not, it’s such a feel-good, joy-filled place to start or end your day, any time of year.”Ocean DriveFarah BurnsWhere I live: MargateWhat I do: Owner of Sunset Outpost in MargateMy age: 48Place I love: Fishbein Beach Workout at Granville Avenue Beach in Margate“It’s run and led by local resident Rob Fishbein all summer long, and it’s completely free! It’s a guaranteed calorie burn and a huge feeling of accomplishment. You get nice and sandy, so bring a towel to brush off or wrap yourself in if you dip into the ocean.”Justin “Time” FigueroaWhere I live: Atlantic CityWhat I do: Professional boxerMy age: 26Place I love: Atlantic City Police Athletic League[caption id="attachment_825457" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Courtesy of Justin Figueroa[/caption]“I’m there every day; it is the most legendary boxing gym in New Jersey. My other favorite place to be is any Fight Night event in Atlantic City. Each one is even more packed and more electrifying than the last.”250 North New York Avenue, Atlantic CityAllegra OehmsenWhere I live: Little Egg Harbor TownshipWhat I do: Director of events and marketing at White Horse Wine & Spirits in AbseconMy age: 37Place I love: Lola’s Cafe, Absecon[caption id="attachment_825510" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Courtesy of Alyssa Mancini[/caption]“Open for less than a year, it’s quickly gaining popularity, but I don’t think the summer crowds have discovered it yet. If you’re a local and haven’t been, you’re in for a real treat! From the moment you walk in, you’ll be wowed by the bright, lively and effortlessly classy atmosphere. Lola’s specializes in daytime eats and offers homemade baked goods alongside a fresh coffee bar.”410 White Horse PikeJacqui CookeWhere I live: GallowayWhat I do: Executive producer for a nonprofit TV companyMy age: 39Place I love: The Bee’s Knees at Smithville Village shops, Galloway“My daughters and I love shopping there for earrings and fun hair accessories, including for local sports-inspired items celebrating the Eagles and Phillies. We recently bought little bunny earrings that the kids wore on Easter.”3 North New York RoadSalvatore SpenaWhere I live: Atlantic CityWhat I do: Owner/managing partner of Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Isabella’s Italian Pizza Kitchen and Paulie's Steak Italiano in Atlantic CityMy age: 55Places I love: Cafe 2825 and Chef Vola’s in Atlantic City“Everyone always asks me where I go to eat when I’m not dining at one of my places. For the best tableside Italian, I tell them to see my dear friend Joe at Cafe 2825—simply delicious from start to finish. Fantastic wine list as well. If you’re looking for that Sunday Italian feel with the whole family, head over and see my guy Louie at Chef Vola—best bone-in veal parm ever. OMG! Tell them both Sal sent you.”Cafe 2825, 2825 Atlantic Avenue; Chef Vola's: 111 South Albion PlaceCAPE MAY COUNTYCrystal HinesWhere I live: VillasWhat I do: TeacherMy age: 44Place I love: East Lynne Theater, Cape May[caption id="attachment_825460" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Dave Moser[/caption]Work and fun converge for Crystal Hines, a multitasker who, while at her part-time job giving a tour for the Harriet Tubman Museum, ended up with another part-time job she loves. In 2022, when the East Lynne Theater presented a play about Tubman, the troupe visited the museum. The show’s director was so charmed by Hines's tour delivery, he invited her to join his team. For guided tours at the museum, Hines adopts the persona of the freedom fighter—who had ties to the area. She uses an emotive, first-person discourse, speaking as Tubman. “I’m a kinesthetic learner," says Hines, who is a natural performer. “I know many people benefit from interactive engagement.” The theater, which produces shows year-round, is just one of the many draws to the Cape May/Wildwood area, Hines says. “It is the culture here. You meet people from all over the world when you grow up at the Shore." Hines’s family has been in Wildwood for four generations and in her teens, she worked on the boardwalk. “I learned to speak several languages conversationally,” she says, demonstrating an Irish brogue, a Jamaican patois, Turkish, and even consonant-heavy Serbian and Russian. —Deborah P. CarterCatherine DoniaWhere I live: North Cape MayWhat I do: Sales leader at lululemon and master’s student in educationMy age: 28Place I love: Howard Street Ramble, Cape May“From 6 to 9 pm every Thursday from Memorial Day to Halloween, you can find us (and most locals) on the front lawn/porch of the Chalfonte Hotel for some live music. Great vibes all around, especially with the sun setting over the Victorian houses. Bring a chair.”301 Howard StreetDaniel MagarielWhere I live: Cape MayWhat I do: Author, founder of Convent Arts, and art director of Cape May Point Arts and Science CenterMy age: 41Place I love: Cape May Point Arts and Science Center[caption id="attachment_825461" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Frank Scott[/caption]“I like to walk through the garden, visit the beach a stone’s throw away, or sit down for coffee with visiting artists.”101 Lehigh AvenueKristin LongWhere I live: Stone HarborWhat I do: Director of marketing, development and communications at Philadelphia Corporation for AgingMy age: 68Place I love: Stone Harbor Point“No parties or picnics, just birds and butterflies. This designated conservation area is a very special place.”120 Third StreetBrett SegalWhere I live: North Cape MayWhat I do: Software sales consultantMy age: 35Place I love: The Bagel Shop, North Cape May“The Bagel Shop is the brainchild of Aaron Wagner, fifth-generation bagel maker and previous owner of Philly Bagels. We needed great Philly bagels at a place where you can also get whitefish and lox, and Aaron delivers!”3845 Bayshore RoadJodi DuffyWhere I live: AvalonWhat I do: Educational consultantMy age: 53Place I love: Mandy’s Subs, Cape May Court House“You wouldn’t know it’s a hoagie shop. It’s tiny and attached to a gas station, with pickup at a little window. But it is the best hoagie in the area, worth coming off the island for.”518 Stone Harbor BoulevardTed GreenbergWhere I live: Atlantic CountyWhat I do: Jersey Shore reporter for NBC10 Philadelphia and NBC4 New YorkMy age: 51Place I love: Delaware Bayshore beaches“The picturesque Delaware Bayshore beaches in Cape May County all year long are particularly fascinating in the spring, when thousands of horseshoe crabs emerge from the water for their annual spawning ritual, just as their ancestors have done for hundreds of millions of years.”Pamela PfrommerWhere I live: Ocean ViewWhat I do: Retired hardware store sales associateMy age: 62Place I love: Blue Dolfin Sweets, Marmora“Stefan, the friendly, talented, creative, helpful owner and baker, is a former Marriott pastry chef. He uses the best chocolate, and that makes a huge difference. I get his pastries when company is coming. Among my favorites are the chocolate croissants and the chocolate-dipped macaroons.”228 South Shore RoadInterviews by Deborah P. Carter, Jon Coen, Jennifer Finn, Julie Gordon, James LaForge, Jacqueline Larcara, Barbara Leap, Julia Martin, Jacqueline Mroz and R.C. Staab.The post Where the Locals Love to Go at the Jersey Shore appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
Danielle Hickson trudges through the current in her waders as she hauls buckets of seawater from the Asbury Park shoreline. A beach-maintenance worker affectionately yells out, “Salt girl!”—now a recurring greeting—as Hickson lugs 40 gallons of water to her car.This arduous effort is the first step in a weeklong sea salt-making process that Hickson has been perfecting for more than a year and a half. She runs her small business, Asbury Park Sea Salt, out of her Tinton Falls home kitchen and has sold nearly 1,000 jars of sea salt since her first market in April 2024. From the very first taste she had of her product, Hickson had a series of life-changing realizations.“I said, number one, I’m never eating table salt again. Number two, I’m only getting my salt from the ocean. And number three,” she says, “this is definitely my business idea.”It only seemed natural that Hickson’s newfound seasoning discovery would translate into her own company. Having received her MBA from Rutgers in 2018, she’s always had an entrepreneur’s mindset. A music instructor and songwriter, Hickson has also attempted to build a brand for her music under the name Dano.The other obvious piece of the puzzle? She’s a bona fide Jersey Shore girl. “You can never pry me away. I’ll be here forever, I think,” she says of the Garden State’s coast.Hickson’s epiphany came in late 2023 after seeing a social media post describing how to make sea salt at home. Without skipping a beat, she sped to the ocean and collected the seawater in a bottle, despite the winter weather and lack of proper gear.After giving herself a crash course in sea salt making—including actually reading Chemistry for Dummies—she invested about $2,500 in equipment. Inspired by Maldon Salt and Jacobsen Salt Co., she aims to create a light, flaky product. This requires adjusting the water’s temperature and salinity level and modifying the dehydration process to get different textures.[caption id="attachment_825390" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]“I had to do some experimenting to get the perfect sea salt,” says Hickson. After straining the water through a filter to remove the sediment, she boils it for 12 to 15 hours before letting it evaporate in a pan for three to seven days. “I do feel like a chemist sometimes,” she adds.Hickson’s pursuit of the perfect recipe hasn’t come without its blunders, like the time salty brine spilled onto her kitchen floor during the evaporation process.“I have metal chairs, and salt eats metal,” Hickson says. “I have wooden floors, and I still can’t get the brine out from the little crevices. I feel sorry for the people who live here next.”State regulations and bureaucratic hurdles have also posed challenges. As of now, Asbury Park Sea Salt operates under the Cottage Food Operator Permit, a New Jersey license that allows proprietors to sell certain kinds of homemade foods directly to consumers. But there’s a catch—Hickson can only deliver to consumers by hand, limiting the scope of her business to Monmouth County. Customers can purchase her goods at asburyparkseasalt.com.[caption id="attachment_825391" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]Aside from taking on the role of delivery driver, Hickson sells her product at markets such as Bell Works Fresh and Asbury Fresh. By next year, she hopes to take her business to the commercial level with help from the Asbury Park Food Collective, an organization that offers a commercial kitchen and assists small food entrepreneurs like Hickson. This would allow her to expand production, make deals with retailers, and sell her product outside of Monmouth County. “I’d love to be one of the premier sea salt brands on the East Coast,” says Hickson.With big aspirations for the future, Hickson is focused on taking things one jar at a time and enjoying every step of the process, from sea to table. “I am the crazy salt lady, and I love it,” she says.No one knows New Jersey like we do. Sign up for one of our free newsletters here. Want a print magazine mailed to you? Purchase an issue from our online store.The post Meet Jersey’s ‘Salt Girl’ Who Harvests Her Product at the Shore appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
Everyone loves an old favorite, but there's also something exciting about trying a new restaurant or other business. This season at the Jersey Shore, there are several spots joining the scene. Here are some the editors at New Jersey Monthly are excited about this summer.Anderson Market, Red BankThis food hall and local gathering space is expected to open this summer with a gourmet grocery, diverse food vendors and immersive experiences. Among the vendors are Booskerdoo Coffee, Nick + Sons Bakery and Namkeen.[caption id="attachment_825897" align="alignright" width="389"] Aaron and Julie Wagner of the Bagel Shop [/caption]The Bagel Shop, North Cape MayRun by fifth-generation bagel maker Aaron Wagner and his wife, Julie Wagner, this full-service bagel shop doles out bagels that are deliciously crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, plus sandwiches, in-house cream cheeses and salads, smoked nova, and more goodies. Ingredients are fresh and organic, when possible, grown in the couple's home garden or from local farms. Aaron previously ran South Street Philly Bagels, which he expanded to six locations from his father's original store.Betty's BBQ and Fried Chicken, MargateEnjoy classics like St. Louis ribs, brisket, pulled pork, fried chicken and more, right on the Margate bayfront next to sister spot Betty’s Seafood Shack.Buttermee Pancakes, Long BranchThis mini pancake spot (which serves the breakfast treat with a variety of toppings) opened in Asbury Park last year, and has now expanded to Long Branch.Hey Peach Bakery, Bradley BeachOcean Grove baker/artist Erin Kilker is selling delightful breads, pastries, pretzels, coffees and teas out of this shop along Main Street.Judy & Harry's, Asbury ParkFormerly called Heirloom at the St. Laurent, this restaurant was rebranded and now serves Italian classics and Jewish food—everything from a variety of pastas to matzo ball soup—with chef David Viana (Lita, Heirloom Kitchen) at the helm.Jennifer’s Oyster Bar, Atlantic City Opening at the outdoor beer garden at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, this seafood-focused concept features locally sourced oysters from the Barnegat Oyster Conservatory, clams on the half shell, crab legs and more, paired with draft beers and wines on tap.Macau Kitchen, Atlantic City Expect a diverse menu of Asian cuisine, like wonton soup, Vietnamese pho with housemade broth, and pan-fried noodles. The dining space also features a modern gaming lounge.Mogo Korean Fusion Tacos, Long Branch This casual Korean fusion spot has expanded from Asbury Park to Pier Village in Long Branch, bringing its fresh tacos to a new crowd.Mutiny BBQ Company, Asbury Park This coastal craft smokehouse, already a fave in Asbury Park for its authentic barbecue, now has a second location at Convention Hall.Palmetto, Asbury ParkJersey’s BarCo Brands teamed up with Shore chef James Avery to bring South Carolina-inspired fare and cocktails to the former Langosta Lounge space.Paulie’s Steak Italiano, Atlantic CityThis classic steak house offers signature dishes that include osso bucco and lobster ravioli, plus a wide selection of curated wines. It’s open late; stop in for after-dinner craft cocktails and a great bar scene.The Reef Club, AllenhurstLocally sourced seafood, from fish and chips to lobster, is the main attraction at this beachfront newcomer.Rosie’s Pizza, Middletown Beloved pizzeria Rosie’s now has a second location serving up its artisan sourdough pies. The original is in Point Pleasant Beach.Steady Hand Cafe, Bradley BeachThis local pop-up known for creative coffee offerings now has a brick-and-mortar location. Founder Ashley Burk has spent years crafting playful, culinary-inspired drinks and building a loyal following.Stephen Starr Projects at Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City Famed Philly chef Stephen Starr is opening two restaurants at Ocean Casino Resort this summer. One will be open for breakfast and lunch, serving comfort foods like meatloaf and a year-round Thanksgiving dinner, while the other is a steak-frites concept.The post What’s New at the Jersey Shore For Summer 2025 appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
In 2009, bedridden with the flu and with her three young children “piled around me, poking me,” Michele Gannon found herself wondering how women undergoing cancer treatment managed without a peaceful place to rest and recover.An adjunct professor at Monmouth University, Gannon made it her mission to create one. She formed a nonprofit and rented rooms in an Ocean Grove bed and breakfast to host women with cancer on retreats. Outgrowing the B & B, she raised $3 million from local sponsors and loans, purchased two lots on Main Avenue, and built a three-story, 10-bedroom house.Mary’s Place by the Sea opened in 2009, and moved into its current house in 2016. It can accommodate up to eight guests in private bedrooms with en suite bathrooms; there’s an elevator for those with mobility issues. Therapeutic practices offered on the three-day retreats include meditation, guided imagery, yoga, reflexology, nutritional counseling and oncology massage. Plant-based breakfast and lunch are served daily.According to Gannon, who won the 2024 Humanitarian of the Year Award from the American Cancer Society’s Northeast Region, Mary’s Place By the Sea serves about 1,000 women annually through in-person retreats; another 4,000-5,000 participate virtually each year through an online program.The spa-like setting “is a very relaxed environment,” says Gannon. Guests bond, going to dinner together and having group chats. By the time they leave, they’ve built a supportive sisterhood, she says. One recent guest experienced that feeling the minute she walked in. “She looked around and asked if it would be okay to take her wig off,” Gannon recalls. “Everyone was like, ‘Yes, relax and let your head breathe.’”The post At Spa-Like Ocean Grove Nonprofit, Women With Cancer Find Healing Beyond Medicine appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
The first dish chef Hailee Catalano made that went viral and started her on the path to food influencer was one she didn’t even fully love or understand until she moved to New Jersey: pasta alla vodka.“That’s how I got a lot of my first followers,” says the Neptune-based Catalano, whose first book By Heart: Recipes to Hold Near and Dear (Penguin Random House) is out now. “Ever since moving to New Jersey, it’s like, Wow, people here really love...vodka pasta and chicken parm.”Catalano, who is originally from Chicago and has called Jersey home since 2020, says living here has helped her reconnect with her Sicilian roots and Italian-American classics.“The pizza here, of course, is much better,” she says, adding that one of her favorite spots is the beloved Bradley Beach establishment Vic’s. Her take on the bar-style pies served there—“thin but not extremely, very crisp bottom, the melty cheese and a thicker tomato sauce just sparsely put on”—can be found in her cookbook.Catalano and her partner, Chuck Cruz, who grew up in Piscataway and is also a chef, started making TikTok and Instagram content, like many, during the pandemic. They quickly achieved a following. Catalano has 1.9 million followers on her personal TikTok and 550,000 on Instagram. Her content is homey, cozy, achievable and fun. She and Cruz also run a popular shared venture on TikTok (@2peoplecooking) and Instagram (@twopplcooking).Catalano says she approached her cookbook the same way she approached social media.“It’s the foods I enjoy, that tell the story of my life in food,” she explains. “Comforting foods, and things that I learned in restaurants. The toppings that make them more special.”Toppings, condiments, dips and butters are a signature of Catalano cuisine, and By Heart features sections devoted to them. Don’t skip her Hot Cherry Pepper Jam, Roasted Garlic Sunflower Seed Dip, and Ranch Butter.Catalano and Cruz met at the Culinary Institute of America, and both cooked at (the now shuttered) Talde in Jersey City before moving to Chicago together, and then back to the Garden State, where they now focus much of their content. Some of Catalano's most popular videos see her preparing a huge sandwich to take to the beach for a picnic.“One thing I've learned is, it always comes back to New Jersey,” Catalano says. “Everyone lives here and everyone’s from here. People from New Jersey want you to love New Jersey so much.”[RELATED: Just Like on ‘The Bear’: NJ Chefs’ Real-Life Tales of Passion and Pain]No one knows New Jersey like we do. Sign up for one of our free newsletters here. Want a print magazine mailed to you? Purchase an issue from our online store.The post Jersey Shore Chef and TikTok Star Hailee Catalano Debuts Cookbook of Cozy Recipes appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
The bell will ring in championship boxing in Atlantic City this weekend with a card of local fighters, including local resident Justin Figueroa, for the main event at the Tropicana.Larry Goldberg, founder of the popular sports site boxinginsider.com, stepped out of the media ring and into another aspect of the boxing world when he became a promoter. Goldberg came out swinging in his new role, racking up more New York events in 2023 than any other promoter, all of them sellouts.[caption id="attachment_822276" align="alignnone" width="778"] Goldberg with fighter Andy Dominguez. Photo: Courtesy of Stephanie Trapp[/caption]After an absence of nearly a decade, boxing returned to the Jersey Shore in May 2024, when Goldberg—a 1997 Atlantic City High School grad—brought the sport he loves back to his hometown. He ushered AC's first professional matchup in seven years to the Tropicana.Atlantic City was no stranger to professional boxing; in the early-to-mid 1980s, it hosted more than 500 professional matches.Goldberg’s commitment to the sport extends beyond the ring, as he donates portions of event-ticket sales to the Atlantic City Police Athletic League (PAL), where many well-known boxers got their starts.Ticket's for Saturday's event can be found here.No one knows New Jersey like we do. Sign up for one of our free newsletters here. Want a print magazine mailed to you? Purchase an issue from our online store.The post Championship Boxing Returns to Atlantic City This Weekend appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
[caption id="attachment_822210" align="alignnone" width="778"] Wizard Weekend at La Mer Beachfront Resort in Cape May will offer Harry Potter-themed food and fun. Photo: Courtesy of La Mer Beachfront Resort[/caption]Bring your Hogwarts pride to a magical Harry Potter-themed getaway.Wizard Weekend at Cape May’s La Mer Beachfront Resort—happening Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 23—will pay homage to the much-loved imaginary world created by author J.K. Rowling almost 30 years ago.[caption id="attachment_822212" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Courtesy of La Mer Beachfront Resort[/caption]Reserve your spot for any or all three events. There's the TriWizard Bar Trivia Tournament on Friday, the Screen to Table: Wizarding Dinner on Saturday, and a future-predicting Divinations Tea Leaf Reading Class on Sunday.[caption id="attachment_822211" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Courtesy of La Mer Beachfront Resort[/caption]Saturday's dinner is the weekend's premier event. Guests can get started with Harry Potter’s signature butterbeer. The eight-course menu, playfully named, includes the Sorting salad (roasted beets, goat cheese crema and candied pistachios) and the Golden Snitch croquette (lobster croquette with leek, carrot, tarragon tartar and gold dust). And because every wizard needs a wand, patrons will be served a long pretzel wand (accompanied by cheese and mustard dill sauces).The dinner begins at 6 pm and costs $125, excluding tax and gratuity.No one knows New Jersey like we do. Sign up for one of our free newsletters here. Want a print magazine mailed to you? Purchase an issue from our online store.The post Butterbeer, Anyone? Jersey Shore Resort to Host Harry Potter-Themed Weekend appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
High season in Cape May has yet to begin, but on March 28 and 29, the streets of this Shore town will be abuzz with live music.More than 100 indie, folk, vocalists and experimental artists will converge for the Singer-Songwriter of Cape May Music Conference, returning after a five-year hiatus. The event will present artists with opportunities for professional development, networking and meeting with industry experts.After the panels, workshops and meet-and-greets, the music spreads out across town at the iconic Congress Hall and 15 other venues."It feels like Mardi Gras," says Patrick Logue, director of employee and guest management for Cape Resorts. "Everyone is in a great mood." The weekend will see 130 free live performances, which begin at 7 pm both evenings. Each set will be 40 minutes. "It's like a delicious buffet," says Logue. "If any performance isn't your flavor, you can sit tight for the next act, or you can go somewhere else—all the venues are in walking distance of each other."Logue launched the event with John Harris, a talent buyer at XL Live and a production manager for Harrisburg University Presents. They modeled it after the Texas-based conference/festival South by Southwest (SXSW). "It's a mini version, but in that style," Logue says, "with great headliners and lots of up-and-comers."[caption id="attachment_821684" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Laura Stevenson Photo: Courtesy of Cape Resorts[/caption]This year's headliners are Laura Stevenson and Low Cut Connie's Adam Weiner, who will each offer keynote remarks and then perform at 9 pm on March 28 and 29, respectively.Stevenson is a folk/indie rock singer-songwriter, with six studio albums, multiple Billboard chart makers and an NPR Tiny Desk Concert that earned her wide acclaim.[caption id="attachment_821685" align="alignnone" width="778"] Adam Weiner Photo: Courtesy of Cape Resorts[/caption]Weiner, frontman of the band Low Cut Connie, is a high-energy performer with a unique, boundary-pushing style of rock 'n' roll. He's a pianist and songwriter whose high-profile followers include former President Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen, Nick Hornby and Elton John.The conference had enjoyed a successful 12-year run before being sidelined by the pandemic. But—as is the case with music—a pause tends to summon heightened attention and anticipation. And then, to the listeners' delight, the song resumes.[RELATED: How to Spend a Winter Weekend in Cape May]No one knows New Jersey like we do. Sign up for one of our free newsletters here. Want a print magazine mailed to you? Purchase an issue from our online store.The post Two Jam-Packed Nights of Free Live Music Coming to Cape May appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
[caption id="attachment_820084" align="alignnone" width="778"] Meg and Mike Affa run Vine Garden & Gift in Toms River, where customers can peruse plants, flowers and gifts in addition to ordering coffee, tea and locally made baked goods. Photo: Courtesy of Deidre Holly[/caption]"My husband has always pushed me to open my own business. When I first told him my vision to sell coffee and plants, he said, ‘Who buys plants?’ I told him, ‘Lots of people!’” says owner Meg Affa. So the couple opened Vine Garden & Gift last fall, and Toms River locals “immediately embraced us,” adds the self-taught floral designer.Husband Mike Affa says, “Our retail venture is exciting, and I’m so proud of Meg. It’s really her show. I just lend moral support, go out for milk, and run to the bank when we need change.” Mike is also the owner of a digital marketing company.“He’s the business brain, and I’m the creative soul,” Meg adds. Vine Garden & Gift is loaded with houseplants, flowers, handpicked gifts and “good coffee.” The menu includes seasonal coffees, such as a cardamom rose latte for Valentine’s Day, as well as gourmet teas and locally made scones, tarts and muffins.[caption id="attachment_820092" align="alignnone" width="777"] Photo: Courtesy of Deidre Holly[/caption]Meg first envisioned her own shop in 2014, when her friend who owned Melinda’s flower shop in Lavallette needed help on Valentine’s Day. “When I worked for Melinda, I was setting up a wedding in Spring Lake when I saw and fell in love with a parking lot full of Atlock Farm topiary plants. Now, I sell Atlock’s myrtle, rosemary and lavender topiaries in my own shop,” she says. Vine also offers angel-vine plants, ferns, ivy, succulents, grab-n-go flower bouquets, luxury gardening tools and curated gift baskets.As Valentine’s Day approaches, Mike reminisces, “When I first saw Megan in seventh grade, I thought she was the prettiest girl ever.” But they didn’t actually meet until freshman year at Toms River East High School. They went to senior prom together, started dating in 1998, got engaged in 2013, and married in 2021.[caption id="attachment_819998" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Courtesy of Deidre Holly[/caption]When the couple launched their business, they hired Dana Dore and Lindsey Vogel of the Sandhill Co. to develop their brand and create an in-shop experience “where beauty, intention and community flourish,” Meg says.For Valentine’s Day, Vine is selling blooms, candles, chocolate, botanical-inspired jewelry and heart-shaped topiaries. In coming months, the couple will host fun activities such as a farmers market, floral workshops, and fairy gardens for kids.Vine Garden & Gift, 783 Fischer Boulevard, Toms River; 732-908-8463 • @shopvine.njFollow our home + style editor on Instagram (@susanbrierlybush).The post NJ High School Sweethearts Run a Charming Shop in Toms River appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
[caption id="attachment_817224" align="alignnone" width="778"] You're sure to have a memorable night at the Horse Dive Bar at Caesars, located in the lobby of The Hook. Photo: Courtesy of Visit Atlantic City[/caption]There are some towns that need no introduction, and Atlantic City is one of them. It is well known as the birthplace of the Boardwalk, the longtime venue of the Miss America competition, and was the street-name inspiration for the board game Monopoly. And, of course, don’t forget to enjoy its stretch of the Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic City was made for big rollers and big comebacks.[MORE: Weekend Getaways to Take Right Now]WHAT TO DOLet’s start with the obvious: gambling. If you’re into it, there are nine casinos, each offering its own personality, with more than half a million square feet of gaming space in all. Enough said. Each of these venues offers fine dining, top-notch accommodations, and a regular roster of live music and entertainment, from comedians to celebrity impersonators. At the Tropicana, there’s an IMAX theater for a fully immersive film experience, and at Caesars, there’s The Hook, a Vegas-style variety show with awe-inspiring aerial acts.Showboat has rolled the dice to bring family amusements, with an all-ages, year-round waterpark that is touted to be the world’s largest, as well as Lucky Snake arcade, with hundreds of games, mini-golf and an indoor racetrack.Venture beyond the Boardwalk to premier shopping at Tanger Outlets or Princeton Antiques, an afternoon-stealing antique bookshop with 250,000 titles in stock. History buffs will enjoy a trip through the city’s past at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, where you can tour the world’s largest organ, a circa 1929 instrument that is an unmatched feat of engineering.WHERE TO EAT[caption id="attachment_817019" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Angeline at the Borgata. Photo: Courtesy of Angeline[/caption]You can bet on a fabulous meal in this town. Japanese fusion? Nobu at Caesars. Latin flavors? Cuba Libre at Tropicana or tapas at Amad at Ocean Casino Resort.Feeling Italian? Head for Angeline in the Borgata, Capriccio’s at Resorts, or go for the over-the-top experience of Italian-inspired, funked up Superfrico at Caesars. Or go off-Boardwalk to Girasole’s or Chef Vola.For seafood, hit Dock’s Oyster Bar. Brunch? Oak Council at the Hard Rock, Harper’s at Ocean Casino Resort, or head to the Orange Loop area for the urban-chic Cardinal’s.Steakhouses are too plentiful to name, but B-Prime and Old Homestead (Borgata), the newly opened Park Place Prime (Bally’s) and the Knife and Fork Inn are favorites.For a burger, try Wahlburgers at Ocean Casino, or check out Limonada, a new all-day dining option at Showboat.Nightlife runs the gamut in this town. There’s plenty of bar hopping to be had. Consider Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall for a nightcap or Bar 32 for spirits and over-the-top desserts. Get your party on at Harrah’s Pool After Dark, or relive the disco era at Boogie Nights at the Tropicana.[RELATED: The Best Restaurants in Atlantic City]WHERE TO STAYAll nine casinos offer fancy digs, so feel free to select by your mood. Feeling like a high roller? Nobu Tower at Caesars or Borgata and its MGM Tower are sure to please. Need some rock for your soul? The Hard Rock, of course. Head to Tropicana’s Latin Quarter for an island-themed staycation. At Ocean Casino Resort, multilevel decks offer unmatched outdoor lounging space with fire pits and expansive views of the sea.No one knows New Jersey like we do. Sign up for one of our free newsletters here. Want a print magazine mailed to you? Purchase an issue from our online store.The post How to Spend a Winter Weekend in Atlantic City appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
[caption id="attachment_817263" align="alignnone" width="778"] Shoppers enjoy Winter Wonderland at Cape May's Congress Hall. Photo: Courtesy of Cape Resorts[/caption]This charming seaside resort town at the tip of southern New Jersey is known for its grand Victorian houses and beautiful beaches. In the off season, stroll along the pedestrian Washington Street Mall and peruse its shops and restaurants, or head to the Cape May Lighthouse for gorgeous views across the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Exit 0 feels like a different place and time when you arrive—people still get around on bicycles and spend afternoons whiling away the time on the porches of the picturesque and historic hotels and inns that dot this town.[MORE: Weekend Getaways to Take Right Now]WHAT TO DO[caption id="attachment_817238" align="alignnone" width="778"] Beach Plum Farm hosts exquisite farm-to-table dinners. Photo: Courtesy of Beach Plum Farm/Emily Repici[/caption]Cape May is all about its spectacular beaches, but there’s plenty to do in the off-season, too. South Cape May Meadows is a globally renowned, 200-acre nature preserve managed by the Nature Conservancy. This haven for native and migratory birds has walkable trails that cut through lush meadows, with the charming Cape May Lighthouse as a backdrop. Here you can find dunes, freshwater wetlands and a mile of undeveloped, protected beach—a rarity on the heavily developed Jersey shoreline.Cape Resorts, which owns seven hotels and inns in Cape May, offers various winter programs, including a wellness package at the Virginia Hotel in January. It features guided hikes that explore the hidden pockets of Cape May’s landscape, plus yoga sessions, private massages and specially crafted dinners. The Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall, with vendors, family-friendly activities and more, runs through the end of December. Beach Plum Farm is offering a reflection package for weekend retreats at its cottages in January and February. (It's a great trip come autumn, too!)If you're heading to Cape May during the holidays, you're in for a real treat, with a variety of great events and beautiful decorations.If the weather isn’t too cold, rent bikes and ride around the city. That gives you the best feel for the character of the place, and you don’t have to worry about finding parking, which can be challenging year-round.WHERE TO EAT[caption id="attachment_817266" align="alignnone" width="778"] Ebbit Room at the Virginia Hotel has a stylish bar and great cocktails. Photo: Courtesy of Cape Resorts[/caption]There are plenty of great places to eat here, making Cape May one of New Jersey Monthly’s favorite restaurant towns.Ebbitt Room, one of NJM’s Top 40 restaurants in the state, located in the Virginia Hotel, is a top spot for fine dining downtown. Dinners here are contemporary, with great seafood and steak. Every dish utilizes ingredients from Beach Plum Farm, just down the road. Overnight stays at the Farm give guests the opportunity to get hands-on with the food they eat. They serve breakfast and lunch, as well as very special farm-to-table dinners a few times each month.[caption id="attachment_817262" align="alignnone" width="778"] House-made cinnamon rolls from Blue Pig Tavern in Congress Hall. Photo: Courtesy of Cape Resorts[/caption]At Congress Hall, check out Blue Pig Tavern, which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch in a rustic dining room. It’s rare to find French food in Cape May, so Maison Bleue is a welcome addition to the dining scene here serving perfectly executed Gallic classics. Just down the street is the Exit Zero Filling Station, serving burgers and more.WHERE TO STAYCape Resorts offers many of the best accommodations in this historic beach town.The iconic Congress Hall, where several presidents have stayed, is the granddaddy of Cape May resorts. Established in 1816, it has a spa, pool, beachfront access, and beautiful rooms and suites.The gorgeous Victorian Virginia Hotel and Cottages, with its large wrap-around front porch and charming garden out back, is one of the most picturesque places to stay in a town full of picture-perfect locations. Beach Plum Farm, on 62 acres, has six quaint cottages for rent, and it was recently recognized as a prestigious One Key Hotel in the Michelin Guide’s first-ever Key Hotels awards. (Asbury Ocean Club Hotel was also recognized.)No one knows New Jersey like we do. Sign up for one of our free newsletters here. Want a print magazine mailed to you? Purchase an issue from our online store.The post How to Spend a Winter Weekend in Cape May appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
About a decade ago, Perry Thompson moved to Atlantic City, where he would soon begin spreading the gospel about the impact of Black music around the world.[caption id="attachment_348611" align="alignright" width="214"] Perry Thompson, founder of the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society in Atlantic City. Photo: Courtesy of Rhythm and Bues Preservation Society[/caption]He grew up musically gifted and legally blind in Queens, New York, and credits music with keeping him feeling empowered and fulfilled. He’s passionate about highlighting the significance of Black music, and in 2018 founded the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society.“Everyone is influenced by Black music,” says Thompson. “Everyone loves it, regardless of race.”Much of popular music is rooted in the work of Black musicians, he says, who created, inspired and fostered genres including blues, folk, sacred, rock ’n’ roll and hip-hop.In 2013, the society initiated Black music-book curation programs at almost 20 college and university libraries across the state (including Stockton University and Atlantic Cape Community College), nationally, and in England and Canada. Members have given lectures, performances, interviews, and readings for children.The society is active on Facebook and YouTube.The post Black Music Matters: AC Nonprofit Celebrates the Power of Rhythm and Blues appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
[caption id="attachment_346210" align="alignnone" width="778"] Point Pleasant native Thom Zimny has been working on films with Bruce Springsteen for nearly a quarter century. Photo: Erin Patrice O’Brien[/caption]Thom Zimny’s phone rang in the winter of 2022. Bruce Springsteen was getting the E Street Band back together to tour after a six-year hiatus, and he wanted to capture the rehearsals for a fledgling new film.“You always wait for that call,” says Zimny, 59, an Emmy- and Grammy-winning film director/editor who has worked with Springsteen for the past 24 years—most recently on Springsteen on Broadway for Netflix (2018), Western Stars (2019) and Letter to You (2020).The project would become Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, a close collaboration among Zimny, who directed, and Springsteen and his longtime manager, Jon Landau, who both served as producers.The documentary premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last month and is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. It “takes the full measure of a man and a band grappling with mortality on a concert stage,” Steve Pond wrote in a review for TheWrap.[caption id="attachment_346219" align="alignnone" width="778"] The E Street Band's longest-playing members, from left: Garry Tallent, Nils Lofgren, Steve Van Zandt, Bruce Springsteen, Max Weinberg, Patti Scialfa and Roy Bittan. Photo: Courtesy of Disney/Hulu[/caption]The band’s first rehearsals began in “sleepy” Red Bank, at the Vogel (part of the Count Basie Center for the Arts) in the early days of the pandemic’s end, says Zimny, a Point Pleasant native. The January streets were gray; the traffic lights were flashing. “I remember thinking, This is a perfect place to start,” he recalls, “because it could contrast when you get to the place of Bruce celebrating this music, being out with a crowd, in the light, in the sunshine.” (Though one of the fans who braved the weather to catch stifled snippets outside the Vogel jubilantly told the Asbury Park Press at the time, “I don’t feel the cold.”)While Zimny entered the project without a rigid vision—“We live with the film as if it's a person in our lives,” he says of his process with Springsteen and Landau—he quickly realized that its arc was already unfolding in the rehearsals. Springsteen was honing a carefully crafted setlist reflecting not only his past, but also a sharp awareness of where he was and is “in the moment.”[caption id="attachment_346216" align="alignnone" width="778"] Bruce Springsteen in Road Diary. Photo: Courtesy of Disney/Hulu[/caption]Those songs on the 2023-24 tour, anchored by several tracks on Springsteen’s 2020 album, Letter to You, are “interlocked by a certain defiance and a certain urgency….connected to feeling the pressure of time and approaching death,” Landau says in the film. “The subtext is about living your life right now.”In a similar spirit, Springsteen was “not interested that much” in the rehearsals, despite the fact that the band was out of practice, Zimny recalls. “He was hungry for an audience and wanted to keep some of the energy of the raw element.”[caption id="attachment_346217" align="alignnone" width="778"] Springsteen onstage with Steve Van Zandt. Photo: Courtesy of Disney/Hulu[/caption]Road Diary follows the band from Red Bank to their tour’s opening night in Tampa, Florida, and across America and Europe in 2023 and 2024—fusing intimate, behind-the-scenes moments with live performances, archival footage, and interviews with fans and bandmates. Springsteen’s wife, band member Patti Scialfa, also reveals a multiple-myeloma diagnosis. “I've been able to be around for 24 years, and she gave me the trust to share what she shares,” Zimny says. (Scialfa gave a rare 2024 performance last month at Asbury Park’s Sea Hear Now festival, the last stop on the tour’s U.S. leg, singing a duet with Springsteen of “Tougher Than the Rest.”)Part of Zimny’s dialogue with Landau and Springsteen was, “Can we tap into the emotional quality of the audience? Can it go beyond just the cliché of a concert film?” he says. “If you’ve experienced a Bruce Springsteen concert, you just know that, in the middle of it, there’s this cathartic, unexplainable thing that happens. People change.”[caption id="attachment_346214" align="alignnone" width="778"] Jake Clemons, the E Street Band's saxophonist, onstage with Springsteen. Photo: Courtesy of Disney/Hulu[/caption][RELATED: E Street Band’s Jake Clemons Talks Stone Pony, Pre-Show Rituals and the Supernatural]At dozens of shows around the globe, Zimny “chased” that catharsis and communion, which was heightened following Covid-19. The band’s reunion and palpable “healing” with their audience was “a very cinematic” lens to film through, he says. “You feel that giant sense of gratitude and connection.”Making Road Diary was a “very emotional process” that went to places “I never imagined,” Zimny says. He hopes it echoes many of the same tones that color Springsteen’s setlist—moments of reflection and loss alongside “pure humor and E Street madness”—and that viewers can emerge from the film feeling like they’ve “stepped into this world,” with a clearer understanding of themselves and their journey.Zimny grew up in lower-middle-class Point Pleasant, where, struggling with dyslexia, he found refuge in images and sounds. He’d record the audio of old Hollywood movies that aired on Channel 9—“I was obsessed with the film Angels with Dirty Faces,” a 1938 crime drama about a priest and a gangster—on his cassette player and then listen back, often at the beach. “What I was really doing was building a visual language in my mind,” he says.At his childhood cinema, the Arnold Theatre, blockbuster films arrived after national runs as “tired old prints, all beaten-up,” Zimny recalls fondly. “You finally got to see Jaws—after everyone else saw it. It almost felt like you were reliving a memory.” Still, he refers to the Arnold as “a palace of stories and adventures,” and says his nostalgia for those grainy projections has seeped into many of his Springsteen films.[caption id="attachment_346253" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Erin Patrice O’Brien[/caption]As a teen, Zimny discovered his older brother’s Darkness on the Edge of Town vinyl. He was drawn to the typewriter font on the cover and, upon listening, bowled over by the song “Factory.” He recalls, “It just hit me so hard, because his writing reflected the household I grew up in. I could see the disappointment of my father and hear the frustration of my brothers and myself. This was a story that I could look across the kitchen table and recognize.”And at Point Pleasant Borough High School, someone had scrawled out in full the lyrics of “Born to Run” on a desk. “The girls comb their hair” caught Zimny’s eye (“an amazing detail—and how real it was”) and stirred him to “dream up a world” even before he later heard the song for the first time via “the power” of a car radio.“You don’t go far from some of these early influences,” he says. “You might see a fan’s face in Europe and say, Oh, my God, I totally see myself in that moment. Or you just might hear a song and have such a deep emotional connection, going, I heard that in a parking lot outside the beach in a Jersey town, and now I’m standing before this huge crowd in Barcelona, and they’re singing it back to [me]. My goal is always: How do I translate that into the film?”Zimny splits his time these days between Brooklyn and Los Angeles residences, but visits the Jersey Shore, where he still has family and friends, “every other weekend.” When a film is “in a problematic state, there’s nothing better than to take that drive,” he says. “It’s an instant reboot, but it’s also an artistic connection: the sounds of the boardwalk or the ocean, or the melancholy of September. For all my Bruce films, I’ve returned with a camera to chase those landscapes and visuals that are both in the music and my memories.”[caption id="attachment_346249" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Erin Patrice O’Brien[/caption]Zimny began working with Springsteen in 2000. When an editor whom Springsteen’s team had in mind for a project was unavailable, a colleague floated Zimny’s name, saying, “He grew up in Jersey and likes Bruce.”“It was this very surreal thing, of having been in the very cheap seats one night watching Springsteen in concert, and then two days later, [editing its footage],” Zimny recalls. He won an Emmy for the resulting HBO film, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band: Live in New York City.He waited five years before even mentioning to Springsteen that he, too, was a Garden State native. “I took it very serious, and I still do,” he says of the job. “I felt like I had this great opportunity and gift before me.”Springsteen has likewise been generous in his praise of Zimny over the years. “Thom…is as talented, dedicated, and patient as they come,” he wrote in the liner notes of his 2010 album, The Promise.Following Road Diary's Manhattan premiere on October 15, during an onstage conversation with Zimny, Landau and Steve Van Zandt, Springsteen christened Zimny “the 20th E Street Band member” and thanked him. “Your gift to me of that visual language has been so inspiring,” Springsteen said, touching his hand to his heart.“I didn’t want [Road Diary] to be a typical concert film,” Zimny says. “I wanted to tap into something that I can never really verbally explain, which is the beauty of Bruce’s music, live, with a bunch of strangers, and that magical thing that happens.”[RELATED: She’s the One: Meet Eileen Chapman, Director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives]The post Springsteen’s Filmmaker Thom Zimny Calls New ‘Road Diary’ Doc a ‘Very Emotional Process’ appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
New Jersey is home to a series of elevated overpasses and tunnels that protect animals from busy roads and traffic. For one vulnerable species whose Jersey Shore nesting grounds have been usurped by development, roads are not a barrier to be navigated, but a replacement location for laying eggs.The diamondback terrapin emerges from its marshy home once a year to breed on dry terrain, and biologists from the Stone Harbor-based Wetlands Institute have crafted a robust program to divert the turtles from thoroughfares that pose a grave danger.The only reptile in the northeastern United States that spends its entire life in brackish, or semi-saltwater, ecosystems, the terrapin seeks a place above the high-tide line to nest each summer. Before the building explosion over the past few decades, that was one of the coastline’s countless dunes—now mostly inaccessible due to construction, says research scientist Brian Williamson, who has overseen terrapin research at the Wetlands Institute since 2014. He, his staff and volunteers work tirelessly to maintain fences they built to block the terrapins from traffic, carry any wayward turtles to a safe spot, and collect their eggs for specially designed incubators at Stockton University.“The female terrapin comes to higher ground for a singular purpose, and the roads are really tempting because they’re usually the closest viable place,” says Williamson. “The turtles might even burrow into the road itself. They just don’t realize the hazard.”The institute has rescued over 8,500 female terrapins since the program began, and double that number of eggs, which take 8-12 weeks to hatch, Williamson says. Only one in a thousand eggs becomes a hatchling that survives to maturity. Though terrapin harvesting was outlawed in New Jersey in 2016 and the animal is considered a “species of special concern,” it remains threatened by storm drains and the area’s thriving blue-crab trade.That fate, or death by a vehicle, is something Steve Ahern has made it his mission to prevent. The retired attorney spends an average of five hours a day during nesting season patrolling the roads on behalf of the Wetlands Institute in his hometown, Sea Isle City, where multiple signs proclaim, “Turtle crossing.” Ahern also co-founded an organization, Sea Isle Terrapin Rescue, that placed nesting boxes in the community. “They’re such an important element of the marsh, and I’ve really come to love them,” he says.The post How Jersey Shore Scientists Rescue Thousands of Terrapin Turtles appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
[caption id="attachment_344397" align="alignnone" width="778"] Chef Louisa Rodriguez-Diaz presents her crispy cannabis-infused fritters. Photo: Courtesy of Durga’s Om Cooking[/caption]Meet Louisa Rodriguez-Diaz, cannabis chef of Durga's Om Cooking and owner of Karmalife Holistic Wellness.She produces cannabis-enhanced, five-course group feasts, private dinners and catered events in Brick Township, where she lives, as well as throughout the tri-state area.Below, we chat about her mood-boosting meals.NJM: What does a cannabis chef do?Chef Louisa Rodriguez-Diaz: We do a lot! I create and serve food with small doses of cannabis that enhance both the meal and the mood. My diners eat deliciously and healthfully, and....they just plain feel good too, thanks to my careful use of this herb. I also give private and group classes in cannabis cookery. At the end, we eat what we’ve crafted.[caption id="attachment_344396" align="alignnone" width="778"] A swanky setting for one of Rodriguez-Diaz's cannabis-spiked dinners. Photo: Courtesy of Durga’s Om Cooking[/caption]How did your culinary education lead to cannabis cookery?I come from a long line of cooks. I started cooking as a kid in Lakewood alongside Abuelita, my grandma from Puerto Rico. We’d make the island’s delicious, soulful comfort food, like chicken with rice and beans, crispy fried plantains and rich, irresistible mofongo. Later, I got into fitness and earned certifications in yoga therapy, Reiki massage and herbal healing. And then I studied Ayurvedic healing and nutrition. It’s about the whole person, beginning with what you put into [the body]. Every food, every drink, every ingredient and seasoning have an effect on not just your digestion but your entire body. Ayurvedic eating, and the study of various foods’ medicinal effects, is thousands of years old. I’ve focused on it since 2017.[caption id="attachment_344394" align="alignnone" width="778"] Wonton appetizers entice with a touch of weed. Photo: Courtesy of Durga’s Om Cooking[/caption]What are the benefits of Ayurvedic cooking?When your food is in sync with your body, it improves digestion, reduces inflammation and nourishes everything from your joints to your skin and hair. Your organ function, your sleep and your mental state will improve. The trick is in eating the food your own body needs: food that is fresh, natural, seasonal, minimally processed. Ayurvedic eating is strong on grains, fruit and vegetables, but it’s not necessarily vegetarian or vegan. It’s not extreme in spice or temperature. It is packed with flavor, thanks to botanical seasonings that are great for you—like turmeric, ginger and many more.[caption id="attachment_344393" align="alignnone" width="778"] Taco Tuesday just took an extra-fun turn! Photo: Courtesy of Durga’s Om Cooking[/caption]Such as marijuana?[Laughs.] Yes! There’s no longer any doubt about its effectiveness with pain, stress, anxiety, sleep disorders and a slew of conditions including life-threatening diseases. As a chef, I incorporate cannabis in precise, targeted ways, because its many varieties have different flavors to pair with [each] dish. Some are citrusy, some are slightly sweet, some are earthy and piney. Those are great with meat.[caption id="attachment_344392" align="alignnone" width="778"] These chicken wraps say no to gluten but yes to THC. Photo: Courtesy of Durga’s Om Cooking[/caption]How strong is the buzz in a meal you cook?A dinner’s total effect is comparable to the lift you get with one drink or a bit more, but without the toll that alcohol takes. The feeling is mild and nice. Mood-lifting and happy. Some diners say it’s calming, others say energizing. What I see is smiles, engaged conversations and laughter.[caption id="attachment_344395" align="alignnone" width="778"] Rodriguez-Diaz’s mocktails are alcohol-free but cannabis-enriched. Photo: Courtesy of Durga’s Om Cooking[/caption]What are some tried-and-true dishes that diners love?My Ayurvedic background makes some people expect Indian-style food. But cannabis goes with everything! My no-alcohol, cannabis-infused mocktails are [made with] fresh, seasonal fruit from local farmers markets. I make my own juices and soda and grow my herbs in a greenhouse. Cannabis-infused butters are always a hit. So is my Mediterranean lasagna, with cannabis in the ricotta. Pan-fried fresh tuna wontons have a ginger-cannabis glaze. My steak comes with cannabis chimichurri sauce. Mango-habañero-cannabis chicken with rice and beans is a nod to Abuelita. I now use Cuban black beans instead of Puerto Rican pink beans in honor of my husband, who’s my No. 1 fan and taster.[caption id="attachment_344388" align="alignnone" width="714"] Call it a munchie if you must: Rodriguez-Diaz’s chocolate-hazelnut-cannabis cheesecake. Photo: Courtesy of Durga’s Om Cooking[/caption]How have cannabis desserts evolved since pot brownies?You know what you’re getting with my cannabis-infused desserts, and they’re unique and interesting. Like chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake or a shortbread pistachio tart with sorbet inside: blood orange, passion fruit or mango.You sound like one very satisfied chef.What could be better than food that‘s good for you and your mood?Follow Durga's Om Cooking on Facebook and Instagram, or call 908-839-3817 for more information.[RELATED: These Cannabis-Infused Chocolates Are Among First to Be Made in New Jersey]
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The Cape May Bubble theory claims that when the rest of New Jersey is experiencing cold or rain, Cape May is warmer and sunnier. It’s easy to write the idea off as regional folklore, but there’s something to be said for a slightly milder climate at Exit 0.We visited Beach Plum Farm during an extended fall nor’easter, and, while the rest of the Jersey Shore was wild, wet and windy, the farm cottages nestled into the spruce, ferns and cedar trees felt calm and protected.Beach Plum is a working farm that offers farm-to-table dinners, a produce stand and market, farm tours, six cottages where guests can stay, and an event space in West Cape May, less than two miles from the bustle of the beachfront and downtown. A farm, and even a wooded neighborhood of this kind, is anomalous in New Jersey’s overbuilt Shore region, preserved by Cape May’s foresight in protecting its historic charm where other towns bulldoze it.[RELATED: The Best Fall Day Trips in New Jersey]
There’s a fantastic balancing act being accomplished between utopia and reality on these 62 acres, an equilibrium between agritourism ideals and agricultural efficiency. As you walk the grounds, past fairy-tale cottages, happy farmers in overalls, edible flowers, and cute piglets tussling over a piece of fruit, there’s a hint of organic illusion—a farm-themed boutique property with hayrides and fresh herb cocktails served in the garden where they were grown.[caption id="attachment_344121" align="alignnone" width="778"] A scenic ride through Beach Plum's property. Photo: Courtesy of Beach Plum Farm[/caption]But there’s also a level of authenticity that’s not cloaked from the public. The strawberry flies induce insanity after a summer rain. The turkey pen smells like cultivated hell. And if you come back to visit in a few months, those playful piglets will be between lettuce and tomato on artisanal bread.And for all of its storybook charm, Beach Plum can actually feed a community.Some of Cape May’s recent success can be attributed to Curtis Bashaw, a man of vision and ambitious projects, one of which is Beach Plum. (Bashaw also threw his hat into the political ring and is running for U.S. Senate in November.) He and his husband, Will Riccio, bought the overgrown land in 2007, and it now produces 100 types of fruits, vegetables, herbs and animals, raised in fields and greenhouses to be sold, prepared on-site, or delivered to the kitchens of his Cape Resort restaurants.Christina Albert, Beach Plum’s director of agriculture, explains that Beach Plum has found success in regenerative practices not common in today’s agribusiness. “The soil in South Jersey is very sandy,” she notes during our tour. “It’s really hard to keep nutrients near the crops. But it’s also easy land to till.”[caption id="attachment_344120" align="alignnone" width="778"] Visit the pigs at Beach Plum in the fall. Photo: Courtesy of Beach Plum Farm[/caption]She tells the story of one field that, early on, was frustratingly unproductive. “We had tried beets, Swiss chard and lettuce, but nothing would grow. That land was telling us it needed to rest,” she explains. So the staff experimented with a cover crop for one growing season, then let the chickens do their thing, roaming, fertilizing along the way, and scratching at the earth for the second year. The third year, it produced 11,000 pounds of tomatoes.“We’ve failed at times, but we learned a lot, because Curtis isn’t afraid to take risks, and he doesn’t need every field to produce every season,” explains Albert.Eggplant is raised in one field. Hens greet you from the coop. There’s a walking trail through a wooded wetland. Beans, mustard greens and arugula thrive in a greenhouse. Beekeepers harvest honey off in the distance.Kids can legally start working agriculture jobs at age 12. The farm has seen a host of locals start as preteen part-timers.[caption id="attachment_344119" align="alignnone" width="778"] Pumpkins and gourds are available at Beach Plum in the fall. Photo: Courtesy of Beach Plum Farm[/caption]Fall is a fantastic time to visit. Beach Plum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 8 am-3 pm; the market and kitchen are open daily. The Montauk daisies come into bloom. It’s a great opportunity to pick out pumpkins and gourds while enjoying breakfast or lunch out of the Barn Kitchen, with all ingredients harvested on-site or on a few nearby plots that Beach Plum now cultivates. “Fall is sort of peak fragrance around the farm, too. There are the wet leaves mixed with sweet persimmons and the Elaeagnus (silverberry) shrubs,” Albert adds.[caption id="attachment_344071" align="alignright" width="350"] Buy our October 2024 issue here. Photo: Joe Polillio/AEROJO Drone Productions[/caption]Late October tends to show off the most brilliant colors of fall foliage. Beach Plum is a highly coveted wedding venue, but each Friday night in October, and Fridays and Saturdays in November, the staff host harvest dinners made with Beach Plum's veggies, livestock and herbs. After Thanksgiving, Beach Plum introduces a holiday-dinner series though December.If you don't want your time at Beach Plum to end when the day does, you can stay for a night or two on the property.Last fall, I spent a weeknight in the Hidden Cottage, erected in 2018, along with the Hill Barn, by an Amish builder from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and his sons. Traditional wooden tenon pegs hold the hemlock-beamed frame together. Not a single nail or screw was used in the process. Sitting on one of the peaceful porches, it's easy to get lost in the fascinating joinery and smell of hemlock. There is ample space—three bedrooms, two baths, two porches, and a well-appointed kitchen. The vibe is an easy mix of mid-century and rustic. The outdoor sitting area with a fire pit has a country feel, but the outdoor shower reminds you that the Atlantic Ocean is just a few blocks away as the crow flies. Rates start at $527.[caption id="attachment_344215" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Beach Plum Farm is beautiful in the fall. Photo: Courtesy of Beach Plum Farm[/caption]The farm-to-table dinner is not offered on weeknights, but town is a short drive or bike ride away (on one of Beach Plum’s loaners) to dine at the timeless Blue Pig Tavern, the regal Brown Room or Tommy’s Folly Café, all at Congress Hall. You can also try the Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel, the underground Boiler Room music club/pizzeria at Congress Hall, and the informal Rusty Nail surf bar, all part of the same Cape Resorts family as Beach Plum, offering food that was harvested next to your cottage.A farm stay here is as much a chilled-out getaway as it is proof of concept that agricultural and economic sustainability can meet somewhere in the middle.Jon Coen, of Ship Bottom, is a freelancer and creative hustler who covers surf, environmental issues, travel, food and culture when he’s not looking for blue claw crabs and (occasional snowy) waves.[RELATED: The Best Restaurants in Cape May]
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For Eileen Chapman, director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives, music has always been a kind of home. Her mother was a gifted pianist; her father adored the crooners. “I’m one of five girls, and we each had a record player in our room,” she says. Her childhood house in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Newark was equipped with a basement stage, where her older sisters’ boyfriends played with their bands. A young Frankie Valli rehearsed in her best friend’s yard right next door.As a 20-something in Asbury Park, Chapman lived on the same block as members of the Blackberry Booze Band and the Asbury Jukes, whom she watched perform all over the Jersey Shore (including at the Stone Pony, which she’d manage years later). These days, she sets alerts for favorite artists—Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffett, the Ramones—on her car’s Sirius radio, while her Alexa speaker welcomes her back from work with tunes at 6 pm every night. “When I think of almost any time in my life,” she reflects fondly, “I can hear a song that went along with it.”It’s fitting, then, that down a tree-lined driveway on the edge of Monmouth University’s campus in West Long Branch, Chapman, 72, directs the daily operations inside an unassuming Cape Cod-style cottage that currently serves as the home base of the Bruce Springsteen Archives. The official repository for preserving the legacy of the Boss (who turns 75 this month), it’s a jewel of a resource—still relatively under the radar—for researchers, historians, writers, filmmakers and fans.Last fall, the archive unveiled plans for a $45 million expansion to a shiny new 30,000-square-foot structure at Monmouth. (“I will try to do my best,” Springsteen joked at the announcement event, “to do nothing for the rest of my life to embarrass a building.”)Slated to open in April 2026, the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music will also serve as a broader celebration of America’s musical history and pioneers. Plans include a 250-seat theater, exhibition galleries, interactive elements, and educational initiatives. (A partnership with Steven Van Zandt’s nonprofit, TeachRock, is already underway.)[caption id="attachment_343899" align="alignnone" width="778"] “Every donation has a story to go with it, which I always love to hear,” Chapman says. Photo: Krista Schlueter[/caption]In the meantime, the archive remains in its charmingly scrappy setting, which Chapman has helmed for more than a decade with a refreshing down-to-earthiness and lack of red tape.It’s not unusual for repositories of similar stature to deny fan access and require formal proof of research projects—but the Springsteen Archives is “much more relaxed,” explains Chapman, whose desk bears a small placard with bubble letters inked in black marker that reads “THE BOSS.”“Of course, we’re very careful with everything—preservation is our primary concern—so people come in, they put on gloves; we stare them down to make sure that they’re taking care of the items. But we want people to be able to see what we have,” she says.To schedule an appointment, email echapman@springsteenarchives.org with at least two weeks’ notice.Visitors come from all over, sometimes with kids, parents or unannounced guests in tow. The bachelorette party of 16 women, decked out in festive attire and psyched for a tour of the compact space, “was a little bit unexpected,” Chapman laughs. Another day, a knock at the door revealed two guys on a road trip from Florida. They were headed to a show at the Pony, but had heard about the archive and “just needed to get in and see it,” she says with a smile. Recalling a widower’s recent visit, she wells up. “It’s sometimes very emotional.”Depending on visitors’ particular interests or projects, Chapman might also introduce them to such locals as Carl “Tinker” West, Springsteen’s first manager, or Vini Lopez, an early E Street Band drummer. If an out-of-towner wants to stop by another nearby landmark—say, the Stone Pony, rock photographer Danny Clinch’s gallery, or the humble bungalow where Springsteen wrote most of his Born to Run album—she’s happy to drive them there herself in her silver Ford Explorer.The archive receives a steady stream of offerings, especially as Springsteen fans age, downsize, or move away from the area. “Every donation has a story to go with it, which I always love to hear,” Chapman says, remembering the woman who found a Springsteen family Bible on the last day of a Middletown house sale for a staggering $5. (It now lives at the archive in a custom-made protective box.)“I think people feel comfortable donating their items here because they know they’re going to be preserved…[and] made accessible,” she says. “They’ve got visiting rights anytime they want—but so do fans throughout the whole world.”Chapman estimates that the current archive holds 40,000 artifacts, tidily contained in rows of beige boxes on floor-to-ceiling shelves. Pieces range from magazines, newspapers and books to posters, ticket stubs and textiles to meticulous scrapbooks kept by Springsteen’s late mother, Adele.Up on the second floor, on a sunny afternoon in late June, two student employees sit cross-legged on the floor, quietly cataloging papers. Fan-made concert signs and Springsteen-inspired wines—one for each album—dwell in the basement. On the main level, sheet music for “Jungleland” is perched atop a corner piano that once belonged to Southside Johnny’s family.Unwieldy items, like pieces of colorful walls recovered from Asbury Park’s iconic but long-shuttered Upstage Club—since turned into condos—await their fates. “We even utilize the bathtub,” Chapman confesses, later pulling back a white curtain to reveal a mountain of boxes. “Until the new building is built, we are scrambling for space.” (A note taped to the restroom mirror: “Bruce says you’re PERFECT.”)Chapman moved to Asbury Park in 1974, the same year the Stone Pony opened. Her parents owned a shop on the boardwalk called Country Kitchen Fudge and Peanuts, which she managed, churning out fudge, popcorn and candy apples (and constantly scalding her arms on the steam that poured out of the nut roasters). She loved the people-watching, the boardwalk characters and the Casino building’s frequent concerts, just steps away.Her father became a passionate city manager in the 1970s, walking the streets daily to strike up conversations with locals and visitors. He referred to himself simply as Bill from Asbury Park.Chapman, too, went on to become a pillar of her community. She managed Mrs. Jay’s Beer Garden in the early 1980s, and opened Jersey’s first all-CD store, which she ran in Belmar from the mid-’80s to 2000. She managed the Fast Lane for a year, and then the Pony from 2000 to 2003, during which time she purchased its first outdoor stage. (Her “amazing and supportive” husband, Tom, built its first outdoor bar.) She’s served on Asbury Park’s city council since 2016. “I think you always have to feel like you’re in the right place at the right time,” she says.The archive’s founding collection started out as a fan project. In 2000, editor Chris Phillips and his team at the beloved international Springsteen fanzine Backstreets, which ceased publication last year (and whose founder, Charles R. Cross, passed last month), put out a call for fan donations—especially old press clippings—for research purposes. Their plan was to create an archive that would ultimately become accessible to the public.The resulting 700-piece collection found a temporary home in the Asbury Park Public Library; Chapman attended the grand opening. In 2010, while working at Monmouth’s Center for the Arts, she read in the paper that the collection had outgrown the library, scattering items among fans’ houses around the United States. She reached out to her longtime friend Bob Santelli, a music historian, journalist and educator, and one of the original curators of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Santelli, then the executive director of the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, had always dreamed about Monmouth (which he attended, and where he later taught) being a “hub for music research,” Chapman says. She pitched the university as the archive’s permanent residence; many conversations with Santelli, school officials and the Friends of the Bruce Springsteen Special Collection (run by Phillips and local preservationist Bob Crane), followed.Monmouth’s library was not equipped to handle the growing collection, so then-president Paul Gaffney offered an empty, unfurnished house on Cedar Avenue. Chapman recalls thinking that the collection had likely increased to a few thousand pieces; she didn’t realize there were 15,000 until everything was nearly en route to campus.The friends of the collection cataloged all the items as they came together under one roof—a massive, monthslong effort. “Almost every day was a learning curve for a while,” says Chapman, who created a formal documentation process. She joined a network of the Society of American Archivists for modest archival teams, then called the Lone Arrangers.But how did the archive house become Springsteen’s official repository? Both Chapman and Santelli had long assumed that Springsteen’s personal papers would eventually go to the Cleveland-based Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. One day in 2017, Santelli phoned Chapman. “I have an idea,” he told her. “Why don’t we ask Bruce about bringing his papers to Monmouth?”Chapman thought it couldn’t hurt for Santelli to contact Springsteen’s longtime manager, Jon Landau—who, she says, loved the proposal and brought it to Bruce and his wife, Patti Scialfa. They, too, were intrigued. Santelli flew to Jersey for a meeting at the Springsteens’ Colts Neck home, only about a dozen miles from Monmouth.“Bruce hopped on his motorcycle and came here to this archive house and looked around and said, ‘I think I like this,’” Chapman recalls. “And so here we are. The rest is history.”The decision was announced during a Monmouth event with Springsteen. Five years later, in 2022, Santelli was named the archive’s executive director.No two days on the job are ever the same, Chapman says. This spring, they opened a pop-up exhibit, currently running in Asbury Park’s Convention Hall, with a small collection of photos, artifacts and merchandise. A few hours before our interview, she’d been culling items to refresh the display, and spent part of her morning reading through a paper Springsteen wrote in grade school. “He got a B, because they said his handwriting was atrocious.”As 2026 draws closer, Chapman and her tiny team remain hard at work to ensure a seamless expansion. There are meetings with architects, theater consultants and landscapers, and efforts to keep up with ever-changing best practices—not to mention the daily grind of managing programs, events, visitors, donations and inventory.They’re also creating a more comprehensive database that will allow future visitors to cross-reference artifacts using searchable finding aids like keywords and dates.“But in the meantime,” Chapman says, “it’s living in my head.”
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Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: Monmouth County writer and director Kevin Smith turned his place of work into a makeshift film set, bringing together a cast and crew of trusted confidants to create a semi-autobiographical independent sensation.That’s the story of Clerks, Smith’s 1994 debut film, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year—and it’s also the case for Smith’s 16th and latest feature, The 4:30 Movie, set for a theatrical release on September 13 via Saban Films.“I’ve got a type, as they say,” says Smith, 54.Clerks was a vision of ’90s snark and ennui, a day-in-the-life saga of convenience- and video-store employees that was famously filmed where Smith worked at the time, the Quick Stop in the Leonardo section of Middletown. The 4:30 Movie, on the other hand, is a summer-of-’86-set comedy about a group of teens hanging out at their local movie theater.Smith shot his new film at Smodcastle Cinemas, the five-screen Atlantic Highlands movie house he has co-owned since 2022. It’s the theater Smith frequented—and loved—as a kid.Smith sat down for a conversation with New Jersey Monthly on the afternoon The 4:30 Movie had its first prerelease screening, held for a handful of superfans at Smodcastle, where his love of film was cultivated in his youth. After the screening, one fan in the lobby could be heard remarking, “This is a new Kevin Smith, and I like what I saw.”“I know the movie feels good, man,” says the Red Bank-born, Highlands-raised Smith. “It just makes people feel warm inside. If you grew up in the ’80s, it’s really going to hit you someplace, but it just has all the lack of and overwhelming urgency of being a 16-year-old kid.”[caption id="attachment_342890" align="alignnone" width="778"] Smith directed The 4:30 Movie following his stay in an Arizona treatment center after a mental health episode. "It was the only movie I could make at that time," he says. Photo: Courtesy of Ralph Bavaro[/caption]It’s a film Smith describes in adjectives the general public doesn’t normally associate with the off-color work of the man behind Dogma, the Clerks trilogy and Tusk.“It is a very nostalgic, sentimental trifle, but they’re all trifles, really, at the end of the day,” Smith says. “But there’s something really sweet about it, there’s something really warm and wonderful about it. And it was the only movie I could make at that time.”The time he’s referring to is the aftermath of a mental health episode in 2022 that led to his stay in a treatment center in Arizona. There, he dealt with trauma stemming from past sexual abuse and body shaming that had, in turn, fueled the people-pleasing, marijuana-smoking public persona he had become known for.“When I got out of the joint, I was like, I’m not going to smoke weed anymore, because I had stopped for the whole time I was in there,” Smith says. “And so, I was in this weird place of not knowing who I was to be going forward. Because I knew who my identity was: I’m the guy that made Clerks, and I smoke a lot of weed and stuff like that. And then, suddenly, that aspect of it was kind of removed. So when I was going into this [new movie], it was more like, Well, how about before all of that?”Before all of that—the speaking engagements, convention appearances, and work on comic books, TV shows, films and podcasts—there were a childhood spent at the old movie theater on First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands and friendships with the likes of Ernie O’Donnell, now Smith’s business partner as the co-owner and operator of Smodcastle Cinemas.“There are moments for me where [The 4:30 Movie] is tough to watch, from an emotional standpoint, because that’s us growing up,” O’Donnell says. “But it’s so charming....It’s a great coming-of-age [story].”For Smith, the film is highly personal. “I don’t want to be like, ‘This is the most personal movie I’ve ever made,’ but my God, it’s a secret origin story,” he says. “At the end of the day, it’s, ‘Hey, how’d you ever become a filmmaker after all?’ and it tells that story.”Growing up in Highlands, Smith was one of three children of Grace and the late Donald Smith. There, he attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help parochial school and then Henry Hudson High School, acting in school plays and creating comedy skits with friends, including O’Donnell. At the time, Smith “was a long way from realizing that I could be a filmmaker,” as he wrote in his 2021 book, Kevin Smith’s Secret Stash: The Definitive Visual History, but, “I was always drawn to being the center of attention to some degree.”Now, looking back on his Monmouth County youth, Smith says, “I think it’s fair to say, having seen how other people grew up and having raised a kid of my own, I couldn’t have asked for a better childhood.“I couldn’t have asked for a better place to grow up,” he continues. “New Jersey made the difference. It puts a chip on your shoulder to some degree because you live in the shadow of New York, which is always the center of attention, and because of that, it tends to make you try harder.”Smith has certainly followed that credo. In addition to a legendary film career and his ownership of Smodcastle Cinemas, he’s the longtime proprietor of Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, a popular comic book shop in Red Bank named for two of his most famous characters.Over the last two years, the theater has become a go-to destination for movie fans, hosting festivals, new releases, revival screenings, live events, and celebrity appearances from the likes of Bayonne native and Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin and actor/collaborators Jason Lee, Joey Lauren Adams and Justin Long.Rumson writer and actress Siobhan Fallon Hogan, known for comedic roles in movies like Baby Mama and Men in Black, is among the artists who has benefited from Smith’s work; Fallon’s 2022 film, Shelter in Solitude, which she wrote and starred in, held its world premiere at Smith’s theater as part of the inaugural Smodcastle Film Festival.“Kevin personifies New Jersey,” Hogan says, “because he is hilarious, hardworking and loyal.”Fallon says Smith’s theater gives “filmmakers of all ages a chance to experience film festivals, readings, movies and moviemaking. Kevin is all about sharing his talent and giving back.” The third Smodcastle Film Festival is set to take place October 24-27.Smith is outspoken about his love of New Jersey, and now the state is showing him some love right back. The director is being inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame this fall alongside other Garden State luminaries, including Oscar winner Meryl Streep and Giants quarterback Phil Simms. The ceremony is set to air on Fox 5, My9 and social media starting November 13.“Being a New Jersey business owner is a huge point of pride with me,” Smith says. “I’ve traveled and I’ve lived elsewhere and whatnot, but this state made me who I am, and I feel like I probably love it more than it loves me—I definitely love my hometown more than it loves me, that’s for damn sure. New Jersey’s always been kind of nice to me and stuff, but it made all the difference. I wouldn’t have been on this journey had it not been for being from here.”[RELATED: For Zach Braff, Making Movies in New Jersey Is Deeply Personal]
Alex Biese, senior editor of CURE magazine, has been honored by NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists and has been published in USA Today, Chicago Sun-Times, Press of Atlantic City and more.
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“This home comes alive each summer. Every house has a season, and our season is definitely summer,” says homeowner Dana Dore of Farmingdale.A passionate, lifelong DIYer, Dore has built a solid reputation in the design community by adding charm and color to her family’s 1,700-square-foot, builder-grade home. These days, she’s a professional stylist, blogger and Instagram darling with Adored House by Dana Dore (@adoredhouse) with 23,000-plus followers.“When guests first visit, they’re surprised it’s only 12 years old with 8-foot ceilings,” Dore says. “Because of my decorating tricks, our home appears much older and larger in photos.” Some of her fool-the-eye faves include tall furniture, beadboard walls and vertical-striped upholstery and drapery fabric.[caption id="attachment_341080" align="alignnone" width="778"] The dining room appears a century older than it actually is, elevated by a collection of pre-loved tableware, board-and-batten walls, a vintage bar cart, old botanical charts, and a painstakingly restored antique pine cabinet that Dore promises never to paint. Photo: Laura Moss[/caption]The Monmouth County residence, home to Dore, husband Bob and their two daughters, welcomes with a laidback, rural feel in a quiet community. Despite a modest local population of 1,500, it’s an easy drive to bustling Belmar and Manasquan beaches.“I like to infuse our home with nautical references in artwork and found objects, but I also have a good mix of timeless beach objects, since we’re just 10 minutes from the Shore,” Dore says.[caption id="attachment_341693" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Stylist Dana Dore and her daughters celebrate summer with a lemonade party in the backyard of their Farmingdale home. Photo: Laura Moss[/caption]The vast majority of decor within the home is vintage because she believes that “nothing compares to the quality and overall appearance of antique art and furniture.” Even the not-so-old flower beds overflowing with hydrangea, gaura and roses give the impression of a mature vintage garden.“When we first bought our beige, totally characterless Farmingdale house, I was comfortable doing much of the work by myself. Bob loves gardening and cooking, but he lets me handle most everything else,” she says.[caption id="attachment_341077" align="alignnone" width="778"] A quiet bedroom corner peeks into a sweet bathroom sporting a black-and-white floor, hand-painted by Dore. Antique pine cabinets are found throughout the home, and an old wicker basket corrals a collection of antique quilts. Photo: Laura Moss[/caption]Dore grew up in New Jersey, where her parents inspired an appreciation for antiquing, painting, wallpapering, arranging (and rearranging) furniture, operating power tools and tackling minor plumbing and electrical challenges. It seemed only natural for her to go on to study art and design, which evolved into a 14-year career in retail display, where she used her handy skills to decorate shop windows.Today, as a social media content creator, Dore inspires others to add personality to their own digs, even those homes that lack character.When she and Bob, a chef at the Asbury Ocean Club, first saw their home, the price was right and the community was perfect, but the new colonial-style house was not what they envisioned. Dore finally agreed to purchase the property after her husband assured her that she would have free rein to make it her own.“Especially today, with a shortage of real estate inventory on the market, sometimes people who dream of an old home wind up settling for a newer house without charm,” she notes. “As I always say, 'love the one you’re with.' You can make almost any place your dream home.”[caption id="attachment_341076" align="alignnone" width="778"] The girls’ sisters suite is decorated with inlaid Art Deco beds, cotton bedding, and a classic Morris & Co wallpaper reimagined in a cheery citrus palette by Ben Pentreath. Photo: Laura Moss[/caption]In 2016, she began her slow but steady transformation of first-floor living areas as well as the primary bedroom and children’s room. “A big driver for me is my daughters, who inspire my style,” Dore says. “When I designed their sisters suite, it was a huge collaboration. They were quite vocal about their wallpaper and room layout preferences, and I completely understood their feelings because, when I was 16, my parents allowed me to make over my bedroom all by myself. Back then I enjoyed the walking tours of Cape May homes, so my room was inspired by Victorian design.”[caption id="attachment_341081" align="alignnone" width="778"] Charming details are found in every nook and cranny. Photo: Laura Moss[/caption]Throughout the residence is an exuberant palette. Dore especially gravitates to summery yellows and greens, with a healthy dollop of old-school stripes and gingham. After watching home-renovation shows like This Old House and Martha Stewart Living as a kid, she especially likes to hunt for unusual found objects for her home. Case in point: the family’s coffee table is an indestructible old ship-hatch door, perfect for game night with the kiddos.An ardent thrifter, Dore is rather addicted to Facebook Marketplace. “We’re fortunate to live in New Jersey, because there are amazing finds on Marketplace within driving distance,” she says.She’s even been known to motor a couple of hours to snag finds like the kids’ twin beds, the kitchen table and a roomy TV cabinet. Her must-haves for a perfect summer house with Shore vibes? White bed linens, just-picked flowers on the table, and fresh-baked treats made with Jersey peaches.“My best advice is to give yourself the time and grace to fill your home with things you love for the people you love,” she says.Follow our home & style editor on Instagram (@susanbrierlybush).
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[caption id="attachment_341517" align="alignnone" width="778"] Atlantic City chef Larry Alexander Photo: Courtesy of Larry Alexander[/caption]Chef Lawrence (Larry) Alexander is a living legend in Atlantic City. He has perfected the running of immense, potentially chaotic kitchens in mega-resorts, and is now top toque at the Atlantic City Convention Center and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, feeding thousands daily. His secret? He radiates calmness. We found out why.NJM: We’re betting you got into cooking as a kid.Alexander: Does it show? My grandpop, Thomas Alexander, was a passionate home cook, deep into barbecue. He’d smoke up chicken and pork—wings, ribs, necks, every part—and he’d show me each step. I could smoke anything before I was ten.Those family meals must have been memorable.True, but most of what Grandpop smoked wasn’t for us. He cared deeply about people who were hungry or suffering. He’d tell me, "You have to look out for folks having a hard time, because someday that might be you." We’d go around our neighborhood delivering barbecue, and the gratitude of those people just lifted my heart.That’s a powerful life lesson for a kid!It sure was. Thanks to Grandpop, I wanted to give back with food. Once I had my working papers at 16, I got a job cooking and serving at a senior community. This kitchen was very devoted to the residents. Meals were a high point of the day, and some of them would walk through the kitchen in the afternoon so they could think about dinner. I loved that job. Those residents shared their life stories with us. Their family tree, their kids, the history they’d lived through—about Atlantic City when things were wild. What I learned is that people are people, no matter their era, their age, their background, their past, their opinions.Then the Boardwalk called?At 19, in 1982, I started at Caesars. I rose from order runner to line cook to chef at one of their restaurants, which did three meals a day, plus a buffet and bar. Then I was chef at an equally busy bistro at Harrah’s. In 2003, I was hired by the soon-to-open Borgata as chef of their spectacular buffet. The variety and quality were mind-boggling. I was promoted to manage the buffet’s dining room.You were some suave diplomat!I had to be everywhere at once, always smiling, and somehow, I was. Our diners came not just from the Borgata but from other hotels and all over Atlantic County. The funny thing is, the celebrity entertainers came too, with their friends, families, entourages. You’d expect them to be getting black-tie room service in their penthouse suites. But they loved our food, our exciting mood and our booths, which provided privacy. Dave Chappelle would sit in his booth’s "daddy chair" so his back faced the room. He’d have our prime rib brought to him; he couldn’t get enough.I understand you left Atlantic County for a while.I know, hard to believe! In 2009, I took a job in Miami, then California, and later Chicago. Time goes fast! The pandemic came. No job. My wife and I missed South Jersey and moved back to Egg Harbor Township. Atlantic City’s resorts stayed open, and the Hard Rock convinced me to head up takeout and boardwalk dining. In 2022, I got a great offer to be executive chef and general manager of the co-owned Atlantic City Convention Center and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. It’s my current gig. I’m in charge of all the catering—the event meals—plus the concessions, fast food and fast-casual. I supervise provisioning, cooking, service. I manage 200-plus personnel: cooks, servers, bartenders, runners, cashiers. The two venues feed up to 14,000 ticket holders per night.How do you keep operations humming?You can have the world’s finest kitchen, ingredients and cooks—but the make-or-break is getting your people committed to teamwork and customer service. If they seem lost, it’s because they don’t know their own value or feel pride in their work. So I’m always there, gliding around, conveying the message that they count; that they can do this. I lend a hand to cooks falling behind at their stations, servers with unhappy customers, new hires with raw nerves. I never waver from being sensible, understanding and goal-oriented. This way, I get my people back into the rhythm.It seems you can connect with anyone.That’s just how I turned out, working with so many kinds of people in my food-service life. And I definitely have that hospitality personality, where you’re eager to create memorable experiences for your customers. As a boss, I bring confidence to young cooks so they can share the wealth. And I’m active in charitable organizations like the Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey and the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.You’re known as an influential mentor.It’s a fire that burns bright. I hire for my company, including a lot of entry-level young people from Atlantic City. I look for friendly kids who are hungry to work hard and learn. It’s easy to spot them; their genuineness jumps right out. And then I show them the ropes and guide them. I think I’m a father figure; the kids call me "Pops," "Coach" or—I admit—"Grandpa." My recent protégé was a young man named Kareem, who was burning to work but was painfully shy. For a week, he shadowed me in everything I did, cooking and managing. I hired him, and he absolutely bloomed.Is Kareem climbing the kitchen ladder like you did?Not yet. He just decided to join the Coast Guard and its well-respected culinary program. He asked me to save him a place in the kitchen. I told him not to worry.Interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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[caption id="attachment_341202" align="alignleft" width="350"] At the 1964 Democratic Convention in Atlantic City, Fannie Lou Hamer gave shocking televised testimony about racial violence. Photo: Alamy/Warren K. Leffler[/caption]In recent decades, political conventions have become little more than pep rallies.But 60 years ago, at the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, a dramatic showdown between civil rights activists and party leaders paved the way for the passage of the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act, which outlawed voter discrimination in the South.Prior to the convention, civil rights leaders, distressed that Blacks were barred from participating in the Mississippi Democratic Party, had formed an alternative, the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. At Convention Hall (now Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall), Fannie Lou Hamer, daughter of sharecroppers, gave shocking televised testimony about racial violence against Mississippi Blacks, and John Lewis, the activist and, later, congressman from Georgia, spoke at a rally on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.As letters and calls flooded the White House, President Lyndon Johnson offered a compromise that would give two non-voting seats to the alternate party, and a promise that all future Democratic delegations would be desegregated.Among those who mulled the proposal at Union Temple Church were civil rights heavyweights John Lewis, Martin Luther King Jr. and Bob Moses. Ultimately, they rejected the proposal, insisting that the entire delegation be allowed to vote.Although many saw the showdown as a setback for civil rights, the activists’ efforts in Atlantic City compelled the Democratic party to adopt a civil rights plank reflecting a commitment to racial justice. One year later, the Voting Rights Act was passed.[RELATED: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Civil Rights Career Began at a Modest NJ Café]
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Get weekly design advice and inspiration from the experts at Design NJ sent to your inbox.Email[caption id="attachment_339325" align="alignnone" width="778"] The backyard dining and lounge areas of this Spring Lake colonial feature yellow accents—just like the inside. Photo: Alyssa Mancini[/caption] * Related posts from Design NJ:* * Shore Home Combines Contemporary and Coastal Aesthetics * Relaxed Style in Monmouth County * Ocean County Couple Build a Guest House on a Lot Next Door Built in 1910, as Spring Lake was gaining popularity among New Yorkers and Philadelphians for its serene seaside boardwalk, beautiful beaches, spring-fed lake and quaint downtown, this home still delights with time-honored details and modern-day comforts.
The home is nearly 5,000 square feet and has six bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms, and a wealth of windows for abundant natural light. The current owner and her family “loved the bones of the house, but wanted to give it a very different feel,” says Geneva Goldsmith, founder of Lightcodes Style, a boutique interior design firm serving clients in the Jersey Shore area. “The previous owners had a very traditional look with dark flooring, trim and decor.”Her client preferred a light and airy feeling that also felt “beachy, cozy, and welcoming to both adults and kids.” This concept would extend to the adjacent cottage/pool house, which has its own kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom.Inspired by the town’s sense of place and the allure of other coastal destinations, such as the Italian Riviera, the French Riviera and the Riviera Nayarit, Goldsmith gave this project its own flavor by naming the main house and cottage the Riviera Beach House and Riviera Beach Cottage, respectively. “When I learned that Spring Lake was called the Irish Riviera nearly a century ago, the name felt like a perfect fit,” she says.Click here to continue reading this story on Design NJ.
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Make this dreamy duo your go-to daytime look, or dress it up after dark. Bloomsbury shirt ($178) and pant ($158), at J. McLaughlin and jmclaughlin.com.Avoid harsh rays with the Faherty fedora, embellished with whimsical raffia tassels; $148 at Anthropologie and anthropologie.com. The new Bubble Collection features six luxe fragrances, including citrus-fresh Santorini eau de toilette; $120 at thebubblecollection.com. Chic Skip sunnies are retro inspired and offer UV 400 eye protection. Available in three colors; $348 at francesvalentine.com. This ruffled, ruched one-piece swimsuit covers you in classic toile style; $128 at J.Crew stores and jcrew.com.When you need a roomy tote poolside or beachside, grab this Kurt Geiger beauty; $195 at Bloomingdale’s and bloomies.com.Rick-rack lovers will appreciate the sweet styling of Patricia Green's Ava espadrille; $189 at Nordstrom and nordstrom.com. Follow our home & style editor on Instagram (@susanbrierlybush).
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Some of the best destinations, day trips and activities in New Jersey can be found at the Shore. From exploring historic sites to kicking back at an outdoor movie, check out some not-to-miss favorites that make our state’s 130 miles of shoreline so special.[RELATED: The Ultimate Jersey Shore Beach Guide]
FishingWhether surf fishing at Union Beach or Sandy Hook, or taking a party boat fluke finishing out of the Atlantic Highlands, a day of fishing down the Shore can’t be beat. Whether you are trying for fluke, stripers, or just to get a line in the water, fishing is a favorite pastime for many.LighthousesThe Garden State is home to more than a dozen majestic lighthouses that have guided mariners for over a century. The Twin Lights of Navesink tower 250 feet above Sandy Hook Bay on one of the highest points along the coast. Farther south is the Cape May Lighthouse, which aids in navigation and allows visitors to climb 199 steps to a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.BookstoresA few local favorites include River Road Books in Fair Haven; the Little Point Bookshop in Point Pleasant; Thunder Road Books in Spring Lake; Beach Bound Books in Avalon; and Book Nook in Sea Isle City, located right on the boardwalk.WineriesRight off the beach, in the Jersey Shore counties of Ocean and Cape May, are family-friendly wineries. These agritourism sites offer tasting rooms, food service, live music and activities.Atlantic City AquariumThis small-scale aquarium with touch tanks and interactive experiences is great for a rainy day down the Shore or when you are looking to beat the heat. This aquarium has been closed for a few years and is aiming to reopen in September.Coffee shops and cafésThese local standards are booming at the Shore—from Asbury Park, host to Toast and Lola’s European Café, to Stone Harbor’s adorable Coffee Talk, and LBI’s assortment, including the Bagel Shack. There is a sense of community and comfort with every cup at Turning Point on the Long Branch boardwalk and Hooked on Breakfast in Ocean City. (My personal favorite spot is Lava Java on Route 35 in beautiful Lavallette.)Stone Harbor and AvalonHere, vast beaches and great restaurants are found along the southern portion of Seven Mile Island, near the tip of New Jersey and Cape May. From quaint motels to large-scale hotels, there are great places to stay and unwind.Historic sitesVisit the Fort Hancock Nike Missile Base at the Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook, or the World War II Lookout Tower and the Emlen Physick Estate, both in Cape May. Don't forget the iconic, six-story attraction Lucy the Elephant, built in 1881 by James Laffert, Jr., in hopes of selling parcels of land in Margate City.Outdoor movie nightsOne of the many amazing ways to spend a weekday evening in the summer is an outdoor movie. Red Bank hosts their movie nights overlooking the beautiful sunsets of the Navesink River, and Point Pleasant has movies right on the beach every Tuesday at dark.[RELATED: 15 Fun and Unique Things to Do at the Jersey Shore]
Steve Adubato, PhD, is the author of six books, including his newest, Lessons in Leadership 2.0: The Tough Stuff. He is an Emmy Award–winning anchor with programs airing on Thirteen/WNET (PBS) and NJ PBS. He has also appeared on CNN, CBS News and NBC’s Today show. Steve Adubato's Lessons in Leadership video podcast, with cohost Mary Gamba, airs Saturdays at 5 pm and Sundays at 10 am on News 12+. For more information, visit stand-deliver.com.
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Today, Asbury Park is a lively and welcoming place for members of the LGBTQ+ community, with many queer-owned establishments and a big Pride celebration. But it wasn’t always this way.One reason for the turnaround was the vision and drive of the founders of QSpot LGBT Community Center.The founders of QSpot, a nonprofit established in 2005, wanted to create a safe space and services for LGBTQ+ folks and allies, similar to those in New York and Los Angeles. For 15 years, the group met online or in small, temporary spaces.In 2020, the QSpot LGBT community center opened, and soon, 200 people a week were coming through its doors.The center offers events, support groups and services, including yoga classes, book clubs, addiction-recovery programs, cancer support groups and film festivals. A café is open on weekends.QSpot is intended for those 18 and up, with some programs geared to older folks.The Early Bird Social Group is a monthly dinner for people over 50; the Buddy Program pairs LGBTQ+ elders who are hospitalized, in a nursing home, or homebound, with companions.Visit the QSpot website for happenings, and to volunteer or donate.[RELATED: Asbury Park’s Mercy Center on a Mission to End Generational Poverty]
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Mike Considine was deep into a career as a finish carpenter when lightning struck. Not literally, of course; he had what he describes as an aha moment. Why not create a refillable candle, something that would be reusable, environmentally friendly, toxin-free and sustainable?Fortunately, his wife, Olivia Apt, was game.“I’ve always liked to create,” she says, “but I never really found my own craft.”The couple combined forces and got to work, brainstorming ideas and sketching designs. Before he knew it, Mike had switched his artistic medium from wood to clay, and, in the midst of Covid-19 lockdown, voila: Lovelight Handmade was born. “It’s a joint creation,” says Mike.[caption id="attachment_338953" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Lovelight Handmade hosts creative learning experiences through hands-on workshops for people to create their own candle scents, to throw pottery and more. Photo: Laura Moss[/caption]The concept is simple: a cylindrical ceramic vessel with a refillable candle. Mike worked on honing his pottery skills (“I got all my mistakes out of the way early,” he jokes), while Olivia threw herself into researching waxes and scents, ultimately procuring materials that are certified clean, vegan, and void of any toxins.“We’re very particular about our scents,” Olivia says. “They’re clean. No chemicals. No headaches.”[caption id="attachment_338954" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Lovelight Handmade has a shop in Bradley Beach. Photo: Laura Moss[/caption]As their roles evolved, Olivia discovered a new passion: glazing. Drawing inspiration from the sea, she developed an aesthetic that has become their trademark.Creations in hand, the couple began doing the farmers market circuit in and around Asbury Park, where they make their home. They sold vessels in three sizes and various glazes, along with candle inserts scented with lavender, white tea, sage, grapefruit and other refreshing fragrances“Because it was Covid, people were in their homes,” says Mike, “so business took off right away.”Certain they were onto something, they soon developed an e-commerce presence, shipping “anywhere and everywhere,” Mike says. In May 2023, they opened their retail shop on Main Street in Bradley Beach.The couple concede that their learning curve has been steep, especially on the business side. Says Olivia, “We’re each wearing a lot of hats, learning as we go.” Adds Mike, “We’re grinding.”Undeterred, the pair have branched out into dishes, pitchers, vases and other ceramic designs, but candles remain their bread and butter. “Half of our business is refills,” explains Mike. “That tells me our idea is working.” And, as business continues to grow, so do their ideas. Lovelight Handmade’s vessels can have the LVLT logo imprinted on the ceramic, or customers can create a personalized message, perfect for, say, bridesmaid gifts.“I have a difficult time with the label of ‘artist’,” says Mike, “but what we’re creating here is very rewarding.”Lovelight Handmade is located at 57 Main Street, Bradley Beach (732-455-9514). The post Lovelight Handmade’s Candles Are Inspired by the Sea appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
Last September, Gregory Andrus embarked on a year-long, 130-mile walk along the Jersey Shore, with the goal of overcoming personal challenges.The author and photographer is documenting this healing journey in his book, A Walk Along the Jersey Shore, to be published in 2025.Since Andrus, 54, of Toms River, began his twice-weekly walks last fall, he has covered over 45 beaches, venturing out in every kind of weather, including snowstorms and howling winds. He began at Sandy Hook and hopes to reach Cape May by December.“I’m taking my time and want to experience all four seasons,” he says.A couple of years ago, Andrus, who suffered abuse as a child and has struggled with alcoholism and homelessness, began working with a therapist to deal with this past trauma and ongoing depression.“I decided to continue my healing process at the place I find most healing—the New Jersey beaches—and walk the entire length.”He’s cheered on virtually by over 65,000 members of his Facebook group, Portraits of the Jersey Shore, launched in 2015. Since then, he’s interviewed and photographed over 2,000 individuals at the shore. Many are included in his first book, Portraits of the Jersey Shore, published in April 2018.On walking days, Andrus drives to the next town on his list, parking in a nearby neighborhood “to get a sense of each town.” He turns off his phone, using only its voice-memo app to tape conversations with locals. Once on the beach, he walks south, averaging six to ten miles per walk.“This is a personal walk of healing for me,” says Andrus.He also aims to raise awareness of the causes that matter to him: mental health, homelessness, addiction and child abuse.“I want to help people remember that life is beautiful and it’s worth fighting through the difficult times.”Follow Andrus’s journey here.
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[caption id="attachment_338490" align="alignnone" width="881"] Chef Keith Mitchell of Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant in Cape May. Photo: Courtesy of Karen Swan[/caption]Blackwood-raised chef Keith Mitchell’s entire career is a sizzle reel.He's worked in French restaurants in Philadelphia and on the high-rolling casino dining scene in Atlantic City.But these days, he's embracing a slightly more serene environment, helming Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant, a fine-dining eatery in Cape May.Chef Mitchell recently chatted with NJM about his food-centric Jersey upbringing, his friendship with Guy Fieri, his recent career switch, and more.NJM: Judging from your successful career, I’m guessing you knew early on you’d be a chef.Chef Keith Mitchell: Yes. I grew up in a big extended Irish family in Blackwood, Gloucester County. We’d spend summers in North Wildwood and we’d all go to my grandmother’s for completely joyous Saturday and Sunday meals. I was the grandkid she’d take to shop at the local markets. The way she’d inspect fruit, vegetables and fish made an impression on me.Did you have an "aha" moment when you realized you wanted to be a chef?For sure! I was 12 and went, as usual, with Gram to a shellfish market in Cape May. This time she bought fresh crabs, and we shelled them together at home. It’s hard work. Then we went to the beach, and Gram made crab cakes. This perfect day—buying food, preparing it, eating these amazing crab cakes while still feeling the sun and sea—that was a peak dining moment in my life.Where did you go from there?I was really into food but didn’t know a thing about cooking as a job; no one in my family was in the food or hospitality business. In high school, a friend told me about a TV cooking show, one of the early ones, called Great Chefs. I became a superfan. I saw that this could be a career and got my first restaurant job at 15, washing dishes. There was this excitement in the kitchen, and I thought, Is this for real? I moved up through the kitchen stations.And your next move?I did Army service for six years, as a paratrooper mainly, at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. My mom ordered me a subscription to Bon Appétit; I’d devour and memorize all the recipes in the barracks. Post-Army, I wanted a cooking job. I’d read about how Philly was an East Coast cradle of New American farm-to-table cuisine. I wanted to work for this one Philly chef, Philippe Chin. I sat on his restaurant doorstep for five days. On the sixth, he took me into the kitchen.I take it that chef Chin changed things for you.He was my mentor. He was a dining god and got me quick apprenticeships, like in The Bear. Then he helped me get a job at the Ritz-Carlton in Philadelphia. I was there three years, absorbing everything about ingredients, technique, sauces, dessert, presentation.And then the Shore called you home?Exactly. In 1999 I opened my own place, Mitchell’s American Bistro, in Linwood near Atlantic City. There was nothing like it around—very locavore, all ultra-fresh, from farm and ocean to table. The critics loved it. After seven years, I was ready for a new challenge. I got an offer from Caesars Atlantic City and climbed the ladder. I was executive chef of Caesars and Bally’s from 2007 through 2023. Those resort bosses were visionaries. Their goal was to make Caesars a total lifestyle destination with great dining, entertainment and hotel options. They succeeded.Caesars also ramped up the celebrity-chef presence in Atlantic City.Yes, those famous chefs were a big part of the plan. We brought in Guy Fieri, Nobu Matsuhisa and Gordon Ramsay, who has four restaurants with us. People presume that celebrity chefs are never around. But they were all very involved with Caesars in the planning and the menus, and they keep on making regular visits. Guy was especially committed. He loved the Atlantic City scene and was incredibly supportive of his people during Covid. I really admired him, and we became friends.Is Guy as warm as his persona?Very much so. He did something so great for my family: He made a video prom proposal for my son. His date is now his wife.Sixteen years is a long time in a job where “the buck stops here.”True. As executive chef, I was managing the whole operation. I thrived on the energy and passion of the job, but running a dozen-plus food and beverage outlets takes a lot out of you. I started to miss being a hands-on chef. I left last year, before turning 60, and spent the summer mostly on the beach near my home in Northfield. Then I got a call from the owner of Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant in Cape May.[RELATED: The Best Restaurants in Cape May]
And you were coaxed off the sand.Ha! I’d always known Cape May as not just a weekend destination, and Peter Shields is one of a kind. Everything is about the guest, and dining and/or staying here is magical. Which is our goal. Peter Shields Restaurant is not about cost-cutting and micro-management. It’s about our team’s passion for food, our love for hospitality and perfecting our food and service.What’s your menu like?It spotlights magnificent ingredients in dishes that are flavorful, balanced and beautiful. Our provisions are extremely local. We feature a lot of seafood, almost all of it from Cape May’s waters, even the tuna. My signature dish is sea bass in parchment paper, French style. I’m also the pastry chef, and quite a few diners end their meal with my updated Death by Chocolate.Diners seem to love everything about Peter Shields.They do. They come from all over Jersey—plus New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. I come out of the kitchen to chat with every table. One diner called us “the rebirth of fine dining.” I feel so appreciated and valued, and I can’t wait to get to my kitchen in the morning.Do you cook at home, too?I sure do. Cooking is my life, and it’s been a great life. My three kids cook, too. They come over on Sundays, just like I used to go to Gram’s. We’ll make a meal together, usually in the wood-fired pizza oven in my yard. Then we watch a food-centric movie.One last question: Do you feature crab cakes?Gram’s recipe. All summer.Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant, 1301 Beach Avenue, Cape May; 609-884-0909.Quotes have been edited for brevity and clarity.
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[caption id="attachment_338226" align="alignnone" width="778"] Illustration: Dan Page[/caption]A few cents’ difference in the price per gallon of gas might seem minor, but it can have a big effect on your wallet.Gas prices are typically higher in summer—there’s more demand with more people traveling, and the EPA mandates a special type of gas, called “summer blend,” which cuts down on smog, but is more expensive to produce. Add the conflict in the Middle East, where much of our crude oil is produced, and you have a bigger chunk of your change going toward gas money this summer.New Jerseyans used to get a break, with the lowest gas prices anywhere in the country, except for Alaska. That changed during the Chris Christie administration, when the gas tax was hiked 23 cents per gallon to replenish the Transportation Trust Fund for repairs to roads and bridges.Recently, Governor Phil Murphy approved an increase in the gas tax of 10 cents per gallon over five years; a 2-cent increase goes into effect in July.Still, gas prices here tend to be a bit lower than in neighboring states like New York and Pennsylvania; the fact that the state has three major oil refineries helps.There is one place in the state, though, where you can still get old-fashioned gas prices. Surprisingly, it’s on the Garden State Parkway, right on your way to the Shore.A rest stop on a major toll road is an unlikely place to find discounted gas. Service stations on highways cater to people on long drives who are willing to pay more for convenience, rather than spend a lot of time (and gas) price-shopping in an an unfamiliar area.That’s true in New Jersey, too, where nearly all gas stations on the Turnpike and the Parkway are Sunoco stations regulated by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. (There are 9 state-regulated Sunoco stations on the Parkway and 12 on the Turnpike.) Sunoco has to pay the state a cut of all sales and can pass that cost along to the consumer.But the Parkway’s Colonia rest stops, in Middlesex County between exits 131B and 135, are notable exceptions, due to a historical anomaly: The gas stations were there before the Parkway was built in the 1950s. Unlike the 21 Sunoco stations on the state’s toll roads, which were all built on land owned by the state, the four stations at the Colonia rest stop—two northbound, two southbound—sit on privately owned land, says Tom Feeney, spokesperson for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. They can set their own prices and don’t have to pay a cut to the state.In late May, for example, prices at the Colonia rest stop Shell and Exxon stations (there are both brands at the northbound and southbound rest stops) were $3.15 a gallon for unleaded regular, cash, compared to $3.60 at the Sunoco stations. If you’re filling up a car with a 15-gallon tank, that’s a savings of $6.75.“The difference can have a big impact when gas prices are either rising or falling quickly,” says Feeney. “It really defies expectations on a toll road. It catches people by surprise.”Prices at the state-regulated Sunoco stations, by contrast, are subject to a strict and complicated formula. They can change prices only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 am; must rely on a thrice-weekly survey of the state’s stations; and can’t charge more than four cents above the state average, says Feeney. Current fuel prices at the Sunoco stations can be found on the New Jersey Turnpike Authority website.The Colonia rest stops’ prices can even be significantly lower than those non-rest-stop gas stations. For years, Susanne Hughes, a middle-school band teacher who lives in Roselle Park, filled up at a Colonia rest stop on her daily drive to Matawan, since the other rest stops had higher prices.A few years ago, she started filling up at Wawa instead before getting on the Parkway, because it was more convenient. But she’s thinking about switching back. Recently, she noticed that Wawa’s price was $3.07, while the Colonia rest stop charged only $2.93. “Fourteen cents is a big difference,” she says.
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[caption id="attachment_338060" align="alignnone" width="778"] At The Hook in Atlantic City, scantily clad performers elicit gasps and laughs galore. Photo: Courtesy of Spiegelworld[/caption]If you have come to see The Hook via Superfrico—the fantabulous Italian-inspired eatery that adjoins it at Caesar’s—you’ve had a glimpse of the naughty, playful raunch the show imparts with sexy dancing lobsters, pants-less jugglers, and head-scratching magic tricks. If you've skipped the dining-venue warmup, sit back and relax—maybe with a cocktail; there's a cash bar in the back of the theater—and prepare for scintillating ride.Celebrating its second season at Caesar’s Atlantic City, the Hook—produced by entertainment theater company Spiegelworld—has the feel of an old-fashioned carnival show filled with modern-day, adults-only winks and nods.The venue’s setting at the restored Warner Theatre, a 1929 movie house, hints at the madcap, vaudevillian presentation you're in for, with its lush drapes and eye-catching set design (cut-outs of ocean waves; the bow of a ship smashed into the stage).A zany crew of performers are led by a hawker-style MC complete with a saucy sidekick, dressed in sailor whites. Much of the dramatically lit, 75-minute show is Cirque Du Soleil-style acrobatics, which are stunningly up-close and personal in the 414-seat venue. From your seats, the impressive physical prowess of the performers is magical as they spin and flip and seemingly float before your eyes.[caption id="attachment_338059" align="alignnone" width="778"] A juggler keeps his cool. Photo: Courtesy of Spiegelworld[/caption]Be prepared for lots of scantily clad performers that mostly eschew traditional leotards for spangly, sparkly, barely-there, gender-bending outfits. There’s a reason this show is not PG; the sexual innuendos are laid on thick. While some may shy from the risqué undertones, the acts are top-notch, and their execution—on poles, on strings, and on the very swinging anchor from which the show derives its name—is worthy of the uproarious standing ovation at the end.Tickets, available for ages 18+, are available on Spiegelworld's website.
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Unless you’re a bona fide Swiftie, you may not know that the Pennsylvania-born megastar is also a New Jerseyite: For twelve summers, her family owned a home on the bay in Stone Harbor, which she has called a “magical place to grow up.”This summer, at the Stone Harbor Museum, you can get a peek into Swift’s formative years in the idyllic Shore town. She vacationed there from 1992 until 2004, when her family moved to Nashville to help her break into the music industry.The exhibit includes photos of Swift as a child in Stone Harbor, provided by her family. Other items include four vinyls of her Midnights album that form a clock display, a “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” concert film poster, a Taylor Swift-inspired Peter Max poster, and a Midnights-themed guitar signed by Swift.“We are thrilled to have these items,” said Teri Fischer, president of the board of trustees for the museum, in a press release. “Taylor Swift is definitely part of the Stone Harbor story, and I know that she does delight and inspire so many of us.”The Swifts were woven into the fabric of Stone Harbor. Scott Swift, the singer’s father, was an EMT with the Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, while the budding star herself could often be found playing her music in local coffee shops and cafes.“I used to sing karaoke at Henry's [on Third Avenue] and play acoustic shows for hours on end at Coffee Talk, a little cafe on 98th Street,” Swift said in a 2009 interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I used to drag my parents into those places all the time, and all of their friends would show up and put dollars in my tip jar. When I was younger, I used to play for hours and hours in cafes like that. When I would run out of material, I'd just start making up songs on the spot.”Henry’s has since shuttered, along with the Italian Garden restaurant, another favorite of Swift’s. But for those who want to walk in the shoes of the pop icon, the Coffee Talk cafe is still open, along with Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream (also one of NJM's favorite Shore spots). For an authentic reenactment, order the cookies ‘n’ cream, which Swift says was her favorite."When I was little, I used to walk in there and just stare up at all the flavors and toppings, completely frozen and unable to make a final decision,” she told the Inquirer. “I was always so overwhelmed.”The Swift memorabilia will be on display at the museum through the end of September.[RELATED: Jack Antonoff Is Taylor Swift’s Favorite Collaborator and New Jersey's Biggest Fanboy]
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[caption id="attachment_334996" align="alignnone" width="778"] Abbey Holloway (left) and Catherine Spinosa sell soft, flowy fashion at their Shore boutique, Waterlily, in Spring Lake, Manasquan and Bay Head. Photo: Courtesy of Alison Ardolino[/caption]When Abbey Holloway and Catherine Spinosa opened their first Waterlily women’s clothing shop in Spring Lake, it was the perfect location—just three blocks from the beach and close enough to ride their bikes to work.The high school friends grew up in Manasquan and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Later, they shared a commute to Manhattan each morning, where Holloway was a merchandiser for Free People, and Spinosa worked in the fashion district for a clothing retailer. But both felt unfulfilled and dreamed of opening their own shop. So, when a retail space opened in Spring Lake in 2007, these Shore residents took the plunge.“We filled our store with unique clothes in vibrant colors, with soft flowy fabrics and fun embellishments,” Spinosa says. Today, they live a busy but casual lifestyle, usually in jeans and sneakers, whether tending the store or at home with their families.Shore shoppers liked what they saw at the Spring Lake flagship location, so the partners rode the wave and expanded to Manasquan (177 Main Street) and Bay Head (41 Mount Street).[caption id="attachment_335012" align="alignnone" width="778"] Waterlily stocks a lot of soft and flowy fabrics. Photo: Abbey Holloway[/caption]Today, all three boutiques sell favorite looks from Free People, Z Supply, Mother Denim, Rails, Bell, Birkenstock, Spell Designs, Bella Dahl, Saltwater Luxe, Maaji Swim, L Space, Velvet, Citizens of Humanity and more.Waterlily overflows with dresses, skirts, tops, pants, swimwear, shoes and accessories. Holloway says, “Our most-requested looks are block-printed caftans from India, soft tees made in the USA, and your favorite pair of denim jeans.” Spinosa adds, “Each item is handpicked by Abbey and me. We especially like feminine, bohemian styles, often with a preppy touch.”The Spring Lake and Manasquan locations are open year-round, but the Bay Head shop is seasonal, May through October. In 2019, the partners also opened a Spring Lake gift shop called Seas the Day, specializing in upscale beach bags, sweatshirts and coastal souvenirs.“We’re so fortunate to be in the downtown areas of three quaint and beautiful Shore towns,” says Holloway. “We have the best customers, always relaxed, happy and in vacation mode.”Waterlily Flagship Store, 1202 Third Avenue, Spring Lake; 732-449-0912.Follow our home & style editor on Instagram (@susanbrierlybush).
[RELATED: At LBI's Dune Market, a Shopkeeper Returns to Her Island Roots]
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Anyone who’s raised teens knows it can be challenging to schedule summer family time when kids also want to enjoy weekends with friends. For this Bergen County family, the solution was to build their long-awaited dream home down the Shore, with abundant living space for overnight gatherings throughout the season.“The homeowners wanted the ability to entertain numerous friends and family members, so we opted to make all 6,200 square feet multipurpose to accommodate lots of visitors coming in and out during summer months,” says interior designer Sarah Brady, founder and creative director of Salt Design Company in Red Bank. “With three growing boys, our clients emphasized the need for livability without compromising style.”[caption id="attachment_336244" align="alignnone" width="778"] A custom coffee table, comfy seating with durable fabrics, and a surfboard wall sculpture adorn the light and bright living area in this Bay Head home. Photo: Linda Pordon[/caption]The project began in 2021 with the help of lead designer Kiera Gannon and cabinetry designer Karen Vazquez and was completed in 2022. “Our design approach gave way to coastal touches while keeping the overall feel grounded and organic,” Brady says.The sprawling home’s three finished levels were designed by Jeff Schneider Architect in Bay Head and constructed by Jonathan Cantor of Signature Home Builders in Englewood Cliffs. Throughout the residence, built-in cabinetry was constructed by Dave Larstana of MDM Woodworking in Hawthorne.[caption id="attachment_336245" align="alignnone" width="778"] The mudroom gets a lot of action when three teens and friends grab beach towels and gear. Photo: Linda Pordon[/caption]The first-floor living area boasts reclaimed wood beams, V-groove paneling, beaded chandeliers, and cozy, very forgiving seating in durable performance fabrics. Even the mudroom is designed for throngs of guests, with a stacked washer/dryer (a backup to the main laundry room) and lots of cubbies to corral pool towels and beach gear.[caption id="attachment_336242" align="alignnone" width="778"] Organic elements and a clean, fresh backdrop combine for a show-stopping, spacious kitchen. English white-oak floors withstand foot traffic as well as a bit of sand and surf. Photo: Linda Pordon[/caption]The adjacent kitchen is organically calm in multiple quiet tones. Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak paint pairs well with white-oak cabinetry and floors. Large parties are a snap, thanks to maintenance-free quartz counters, a six-burner Wolf range, two 30-inch Sub-Zero column refrigerators, and two hardworking dishwashers. The dining area, which looks out to the front porch facing the ocean, welcomes crowds with a generously proportioned table and comfy custom chairs with rope bases and cleanable faux leather.[caption id="attachment_336248" align="alignnone" width="778"] Built-in queen and king beds abound in the three kids’ rooms, with scads of trundle and cabinet storage. Photo: Linda Pordon[/caption]With a whopping seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms and two half baths, there’s plenty of room for parents, kids, the family dog and visitors to party. In fact, during summer months, the seashore colonial-style home welcomes out-of-towners every weekend.Sleepovers are easy with kid-friendly bunk rooms, each sporting queen and king beds for a total of 10 teen beds. “Unique to any of our previous projects, we created three distinct bunk rooms, each intentionally designed for one of the sons, but meant to transition as they age,” says Brady. Another three en-suite guest rooms and the master bedroom are outfitted for grown-ups. Additional living area on the second floor offers a quiet space to watch the surf, enjoy a drink from the built-in bar, or work from home.[caption id="attachment_336246" align="alignnone" width="778"] Beds are cleverly tucked into dormers and window-seat areas. Photo: Linda Pordon[/caption]“Who wouldn’t want to weekend here?” asks Brady. “With this perfectly appointed custom home located in the heart of Bay Head, guests can ride bikes, surf or take a short walk to town for oysters, cocktails or ice cream. It’s summertime at the Jersey Shore at its very best.”[RELATED: Reimagining a Three-Generation Retreat in Stone Harbor]
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Sitting in the captain’s cabin of the River Queen riverboat, high above the Manasquan River, Captain Tony Bogan calmly steers his craft through the treacherous channel. Occasionally, he picks up his mic to inform his passengers about the verities of the Point Pleasant Canal or how Nienstedt Island came to be associated with Jersey Shore visitor and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson of Treasure Island fame.Like generations before them, Bogan and many of his family members have spent their lives catering to fishermen, partygoers, and those seeking a leisurely afternoon or evening on the river or the ocean. When the Army Corps of Engineers reopened the Manasquan Inlet by dredging sand and building jetties in 1931, Bogan’s great-grandfather moved the family boat business to Brielle and Point Pleasant Beach, anticipating interest in recreational fishing. Then, in 1987, Bogan’s father expanded the business by designing a riverboat modeled after 19th-century paddle wheelers equipped for day-trippers rather than overnight excursions.Today, Bogan operates the River Queen. From April through New Year’s Eve, he offers 90-minute sightseeing cruises, plus holiday and monthly murder-mystery cruises, as well as private charters for weddings and other celebrations.[RELATED: One Thing You Must Do in Every Shore Town]
Fifteen miles south, an authentic reproduction paddle wheeler, the River Lady, has found its sweet spot in lunch and dinner cruises most days from May through the end of September on the Toms River. On the main level, passengers sit down for full-course meals in air-conditioned comfort, while on the second deck, sightseers can book passage without a meal.The cruise from the town of Toms River to the mouth of Barnegat Bay is particularly scenic, with a view of yacht clubs and small beaches on the south side and a captivating view of the Victorian mansions of Island Heights opposite.The newest “lady” to grace the waters of the Jersey Shore is the Navesink Queen paddle wheeler, which was “built to look pretty,” according to Captain Dan Schade of Classic Boat Rides in Atlantic Highlands. After the paddle wheeler served for many years as a tourist boat in the Chesapeake Bay near Norfolk, Captain Dan brought the vessel up north. Although his focus is mostly on private charters, starting at $2,520, the Navesink Queen does motor out most weekends for two or three live-music and sightseeing cruises.For an outing of up to 25 people, there’s one more historic option—booking a private cruise on the handsome, 50-foot Naval War College yacht that formerly plied the waters in Newport, Rhode Island (historicyachtcharter.com). About 10 years ago, when the Navy decommissioned it, the yacht was rescued from the scrap heap by Joe Ruffini of Red Bank.Now, visitors can cruise the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers aboard a historic boat that once carried Navy dignitaries, foreign heads of states, and even Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. While the owner can arrange for meals, passengers are welcome to bring food and drinks. The interior has been lovingly restored and is perfect for celebrating a special occasion.
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Each summer, from Ocean City to Wildwood Crest, Beach Haven to Brick, young pirates are being recruited, swearing oaths, and shooting water cannons at dastardly foes who have absconded with their treasures.Take, for example, the parents and grandparents who are lured by the sign that brazenly reads “Pirate Adventures” on the banks of the Metedeconk River in Brick. Here, kids are enlisted in a 75-minute adventure aboard the Sea Gypsy II, which holds up to 43 passengers. Adults are encouraged to attend, mostly as an audience for the crew’s corny pirate puns.After paying an enlisting fee to Pirate Adventures Jersey Shore that starts at around $30, the children are given pirate nicknames, and their arms and faces are painted with tattoos by the crew.[caption id="attachment_336387" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]As new recruits, the group walks under a sign that reads “Walk the Plank,” and they head to the ship, where they all take the oath to become official pirates, mostly to remind kids to keep both feet on the deck and to share water cannons with their mates.Aided by a treasure map that looks like a beach towel, the newly initiated pirates set sail to discover a secret message in a bottle: Pirate Pete has stolen the keys to the treasure. They hunt down Pirate Pete, who is, shamefully (for a pirate), wearing a life jacket and goggles. The young pirates grab water cannons, defeat Pete, take his key to a treasure, find and hoist the treasure chest filled with gold coins, and share in the spoils of their victory by drinking Pete’s Grog (aka iced tea).Snack time and naps await, so back to shore and into the minivans they go, having made more memories than can be garnered on any amusement park ride.Pirate Adventures Jersey Shore, under the ownership of Jessica and Rob Corring, has been sailing from Brick for 15 years.Unsurprisingly, there is jostling among the pirate captains about who first brought pirates back to the Shore. Joel Richard, owner of Pirate Voyages in Ocean City, boasts that he was the first to build and run a pirate ship, the Sea Dragon, off the coast. Describing his adventure “like a play on the water,” Richard jokes that he employs a script “handed down over generations of pirate-tour-boat operators.”[RELATED: One Thing You Must Do in Every Shore Town]
Other pirate experiences include Dark Star Pirate Cruises in Wildwood Crest and Black Pearl Pirate Tours on Long Beach Island.Most adventures are designed for kids aged 3-10 are offered several times a day through at least Labor Day.Private charters and sunset cruises with real grog are available for adults through some of these companies.
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Anyone who has spent time on any of our shores knows how important fishing is to the tapestry of coastal life. But when you start thinking about braided test, micro baits, gear ratios and thermoclines, things can get complicated. The beauty of both clamming and crabbing in New Jersey is that it’s just so simple.As a fantastic recreational option from May through September that can be enjoyed in pretty much any town with access to salt water, crabbing and clamming today use basically the same techniques that go back to the native Lenape. Whether you approach it as foraging or fishing, crabbing and clamming are a good time that just may produce a great dinner.Crabbing in New Jersey The prized crustacean here is the blue crab, aka Callinectes sapidus, a Latin-term meaning “beautiful swimmer.” Indeed it is. Though the top shell is dark, the claws and fins are brilliant reds, oranges and blues. Blue crabs are found in most saltwater and brackish estuaries from the Raritan to coastal bays, and even up the Delaware.There are several ways to crab and two kinds of traps. The first is a crab pot: You put bait in the trap, drop it in the water tied to a buoy or dock, leave it for up to 72 hours, and then check to see if you got lucky.Using a drop line or using a collapsible crab trap is a bit more exciting. Either can be done from a dock or pier, but you improve your chances of catching crabs from a boat. There are dozens of marinas in New Jersey that rent boats specifically for these adventures, selling the bait and the gear at launch. Bait is generally frozen bunker—a stinky, oily baitfish that can be cut up into halves or thirds. And, while technology for fishing advances each year, crabbing apparatus has remained the same for generations.“Our part of the Navesink River is crab heaven,” says Steve Remaley, owner of Red Bank Marina, which has some 33 skiffs and pontoon boats to rent out for crabbing.“The big boats can’t get back here to churn up the water. The crabs seem to love it, and the last few years have been really good. People rent a boat for a half day and come back with a half or even a full bushel basket,” he says.Collapsing traps get baited and dropped to the bottom, where the weighted sides collapse open. When pulled up, they fold closed and bring the catch to the surface.Perhaps the most fun option is drop lining, most effectively done from a boat or low dock. A dropline costs about $3; a simple wooden-handle scoop net and crab tongs can be bought for less than $20 each. The bait gets impaled on a weighted clip and dropped to the bottom at the end of a string, which is tied to the boat or dock. There’s a bit more skill and excitement to this, as you have to feel whether there is a crab on the line and retrieve it slowly, then quickly scoop the crab with the net. Be ready—they’re fast![RELATED: One Thing You Must Do in Every Shore Town]
By law, hard shell crabs must be 4.5 inches, tip to tip, to keep. Smaller ones get thrown back. You will only be catching hard-shell crabs, as opposed to soft shells, which are are crabs in the process of shedding their shells. They are sold in fish markets and restaurants as a delicacy. Shedding clams don’t feed, and therefore won’t go after your bait, so they are very rarely caught by recreational crabbers.Handling the crabs without getting bitten is tricky. Crabs should be grabbed at the base of the swimming fin, where the pincher can’t reach. But a bite is almost part of the ritual—and usually makes for a great story when you’re enjoying the catch that evening. Crab tongs are recommended for the less adventurous.Crabs are kept alive, usually in a bucket out of sunlight, often under a wet rag. Keep them refrigerated until it’s time to cook.The simplest way to cook crabs is to add them to a steamer pot with 2 inches of water. Some folks add beer and crab seasoning for flavor. Steaming brings the seasoning inside the shell. Turning bright red indicates that the crabs are ready and the meat is firm. Some crabbers prefer to clean them before cooking by removing the top shell and cleaning out the gills.It’s traditional to cover a picnic table with newspaper for a crab feast, best complemented by Jersey corn. Crack into the cartilage and pull out the sweet meat that many consider the taste of summer.“It’s one of the last family-oriented, outdoor things that parents can teach their kids to do and usually have pretty good success,” says Remaley.Clamming in New JerseyClams offer an even simpler form of foraging (and no one has ever been bitten by one). Clammers generally target hard clams, known as Quahog, whose scientific name is Mercenaria, which means “money,” a reference to the colorful parts of the shells that Native Americans used as currency.While local clams all look and taste similar, they are classified by size: littlenecks, topnecks and chowder clams, though you can’t target any particular size. Unlike crabs, clams tend to like more salinity and are found in higher concentrations closer to the ocean, rather than up into estuaries. Recreational clamming generally involves getting out into the water and sinking your feet into the kind of muddy bottom that clams like.Clamming is more than just a summertime activity or a means of getting dinner. It’s a great way to get kids and non-outdoorsy adults to overcome their fears. Digging your feet into that unknown bottom is metaphorically out of our comfort zone and literally an immersion into nature.[caption id="attachment_334658" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Fresh clams and Jersey corn scream summer. Photo: iStock/Alexandra Grablewski[/caption]Clamming can be done with a rake or a method known as treading. This is foraging at its most basic level: feeling for something hard among the soft bottom and pulling it from the muck. Clams are collected into baskets, usually, homemade contraptions traditionally floated by inner tubes. Today, they’re commonly made with pool noodles.[caption id="attachment_334501" align="alignright" width="350"] Buy our June 2024 issue here. Cover photo: Ann Coen[/caption]Clams can be prepared a number of ways. If left in cold water, they will filter out sand themselves. From a cooler full of ice, littlenecks and topnecks can be shucked and eaten raw “on the half” or steamed. With chowders, you have the option to deep fry the bellies or shuck and bake. Linguini with freshly caught clams in the sauce is a New Jersey favorite.Clams are also a vital part of our waterways, filter feeders that eat microorganisms that become harmful when they are plentiful in an ecosystem. ReClam the Bay, a Toms River-based nonprofit, has been working to fortify the clam population in the last two decades by purchasing a half million to a million juvenile clams and oysters each year, delivering them to a dozen protected nurseries in Barnegat Bay, and distributing them to reproduce.“The fact is that it took 50–75 years to degrade the estuary. And it is going to take many more years to improve it,” explains founder Rick Bushnell. “It’ll never return to its original state, but we can stop the decline and even make some improvements.”ReClam the Bay encourages recreational clamming that adheres to regulations from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Marine Habitat and Shellfisheries. “We put them in so that others can enjoy taking them out,” says Bushnell. “The more people who enjoy our bay, the more who will care for it.”Clams and crabs can be harvested with the same state shellfish license, which is $10 for residents, $2 for kids under 14, $20 for nonresidents, and free for seniors. New Jersey Fish & Wildlife has a series of maps on the DEP website that shows safe areas to harvest. Find a host of information here.Best Locations in NJ for Crabbing and Clamming* + Red Bank Marina, Red Bank + Benchmark Boat Rentals, Brick + Trixie’s Landing, Berkeley Township + Van’s Boat, Bait & Tackle, Barnegat Light + Bob’s Bay Marina, Barnegat + Cedar Cove Marina, Tuckerton + Ray Scott’s Dock, Margate + Ocean City Fishing Center, Ocean City + Bunker’s Marina, Wildwood + Dividing Creek Boat Rentals, Dividing Creek
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Derek DeBree’s first encounter with the Hill was when he was three weeks old, brought there by his parents and grandparents to visit the home of friends. For the next 10 years, in the late 1960s and ’70s, he and his brother regularly visited this little-known place called Monmouth Hills—steeply sloped land rising from Sandy Hook Bay to one of the highest points of the Jersey Shore. “We just thought of it as the most unusual, enchanting place,” he says.The 50 acres of dirt roads, wild paths, and many early-19th century homes made DeBree and his brother feel like they “were going on a vacation, even if we went there for half a day.” They visited their Uncle Schuyler in a house that had once been a mule barn. They played in the Water Witch Clubhouse Casino in the same place their mother had played pingpong as a girl.DeBree says he forgot about “this incredible place,” until 30 years later, when he serendipitously bought a home there.Famed 19th-century novelist James Fenimore Cooper frequently visited the hills above Sandy Hook, calling it “one of the most beautiful combinations of land and water in America.” It became the central location for his popular sea adventure, The Water-Witch; Or, The Skimmer of the Seas: A Tale, about a mysterious pirate ship, a strong-willed damsel, and a British captain who often meet at the Lust in Rust boarding house in what eventually became Highlands.[RELATED: Inside the Jersey Shore’s Unique Community of Tiny Houses]
Late that century, after Cooper’s book was published, the aptly named real estate developer Ferdinand Fish conceived it as an upscale summer-vacation development for wealthy New Yorkers. On the high hill across from the Twin Lights lighthouse, he cleared the land and called it Water Witch Park, after Cooper’s pirate ship, the Water-Witch. Taken with the glorious views of New York City to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, 50 charter members signed on to his project, many of whom were architects and engineers.[caption id="attachment_336156" align="alignnone" width="778"] Monmouth Hills boasts glorious views of Manhattan Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]Roads were constructed to provide access for those arriving by boat or from the train station in Highlands, at the bottom of the hill. The corporation purchased property on Sandy Hook Bay for a bathhouse and bathing area and had grand plans for golf courses and hundreds of homes, plus businesses and shops on Bay Avenue.Eventually, the Water Witch Club arose, along with a clubhouse and a casino gathering hall (there’s no gambling here; casino comes from the Italian word for social hall). After the clubhouse was destroyed by fire, an addition was built to the casino with a dining room, sitting room and five bedrooms. The renamed Water Witch Clubhouse Casino became the focal point of the community. Because most houses didn’t have full kitchens, the members walked from their homes along paths, called Cupid paths, that wove throughout the development to the clubhouse, where they dined and congregated.[caption id="attachment_336153" align="alignnone" width="778"] The Water Witch Club Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]Most of Fish’s plans were never realized because of the Great Depression, but 40 homes were built, mostly in a combination of Shingle Style and Colonial Revival architecture. Homes were accessed by serpentine dirt roads that snaked up the hill, past peanut-stone walls with then state-of-the-art irrigation. In the late 1950s, for the first time, more modern homes were constructed.Surprisingly, 23 of the original homes, updated for year-round living, are still standing on the Hill today; there are 41 homes in total. Eventually, the official name of the nonprofit corporation of homeowners (aka shareholders) was changed to Monmouth Hills Inc., part of Middletown Township. With the help of the township and the state, the Monmouth Hills Historic District is now on the National Register of Historic Places.Although the enclave might sound like an upscale country club, resident Keith Glass likens it to a different summer experience. “I went to camp for 14 summers: seven as a kid, seven I worked,” says Glass, who lives on the Hill with his wife, Suzy Glass. “This is the closest thing to camp: the dirt roads; there are no lampposts; there’s no light at night. These are more expensive bunks to me. You know everybody. It’s a high-level camp.”Time and again in conversations with residents of the Hill, a familiar mantra is repeated: “Everybody knows everybody.” But, almost no one was even vaguely familiar with Monmouth Hills before moving there—even though it has two entrances right off busy Route 36 and is only two miles from the Sandy Hook Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area.Suzy Glass grew up about 10 miles away, in Monmouth Beach, and had never seen or heard of Monmouth Hills until she and her husband were looking to downsize from a house in Rumson. When they drove up the road for the first time, she said, “For me to hit these roads and not know where I was, that was transcending.”When they entered their eventual home in 2016, Keith Glass says it conveyed the image of the name on the placard by the door, Seadrift Cottage (Seadrift is a nickname of the pirate in Cooper’s book). “We went upstairs, and I said to Suzy, ‘There’s an ocean out there.’ But we didn’t have a view. Trust me, there’s an ocean on the other side of those trees.” They carefully trimmed the trees that had grown in earnest over 100 years. Now, the cottage’s veranda looks out past the Twin Lights to the Atlantic Ocean.“There are no mansions up here,” he says. “These are quaint, historic homes.” Their three-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath, 2,400-square-foot home suits them just fine now that their eight children are on their own. “We live out on the veranda.”Across the street from Seadrift Cottage is the two-story Water Witch Clubhouse, which Keith and Suzy, as residents, can reserve for free. They host parties and gatherings there. “The kids can all run around, so they don’t have to be confined to our house,” he says. Inside the clubhouse is a dining room, a bar room with a pool, a kitchen, and an old library indexed on hand-written cards with the names of the books and authors. Outside is a lone tennis court, a reminder of the grand ambitions of the founders for a summer recreational community.The Water Witch Clubhouse is rented out to the public for events, frequently in the late summer and fall, because it doesn’t have air-conditioning. On a 1.4- acre lot, still mostly devoid of trees, it has commanding views of Sandy Hook, New York and western Long Island. With an event space that includes a small stage, it’s a unique venue for weddings. Bruce Springsteen played on that stage at the wedding of his drummer, Max Weinberg.Just as its founders intended, the clubhouse serves as a community gathering place. Halloween is particularly festive. Starting and ending at the clubhouse, children and adults walk together house to house over more than a mile of roads, stopping at homes on Coquette Lane (the captain’s ship in the novel), Witches Lane, Serpentine Drive, and Fennimore Terrace, the misspelling of James Fenimore Cooper’s name on the original plans having never been corrected.Almost everyone in Monmouth Hills lives there year-round.For Monmouth Hills board president Don Claussen, the Hill is like “Vermont surrounded by water.” The shared southern border with the county’s 794-acre Hartshorne Woods Park was a key attraction for his family’s decision to move there. “We’re runners and hikers and bikers,” he says. “We spent so much time in Hartshorne that we became attached to it.” When one of the homeowners invited them to a porch party, they were sold, knowing they could access the park directly from the Hill.Upkeep of trees, roads, gutters and storm drainage is a major task for the board. Claussen marvels at “how sophisticated they were in the 1800s, thinking about drainage and these roads, especially going from 220–224 feet elevation all the way down to the sea level in a short period of time.”The Borough of Highlands is less inclined to marvel at the drainage. When it rains for hours, raging waters cascade down Waterwitch Drive, closing off Route 36 and creating a muddy mess in the town below. Although the Hills lies within Middletown Township, Claussen says Monmouth Hills Inc. is working with the borough on a FEMA grant to build resilient infrastructure to not only catch the water to remove sediment, but to slow the water down before it gets to Highlands. Claussen says, “I think we’re going to be a poster child for the Shore on how you control stormwater in this new environment.”He says, “I want someone to read 100 years from now that the board that I’m responsible for kept the clubhouse intact, kept what Ferdinand Fish and all those guys wanted from this community.”Despite the challenges, when asked what it’s like to live on the Hill, Claussen responds, “Hartshorne Woods, a ferry ride to the city, the beach clubs in Sea Brights, or the restaurants and bars in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands. Who lives like this? People ask me, ‘Where are you going on vacation this summer?’ Why would I go on vacation? We live here. This is vacation in the summer.”Fellow board member DeBree also knows about the challenges of living in a historic community. Not having thought about the Hill for many years after visiting as a child, he was hired to sell one of the homes by a longtime owner. “Candidly, we didn’t have much luck selling it because it was in a very poor state,” he says. “The more I looked at it, the more I realized I could save it. I ended up making him an offer. He accepted.”He was concerned what his wife would think about the house, given its terrible condition. DeBree says, “There were animals actively living in it. There was a lot of mold. She just trusted me to make it right.”DeBree expects his family’s involvement will continue with his son, Emmett, and daughter, Schuyler. As the original developers intended, Schuyler leaves her home in the East Village on weekends, seeking respite from the city, crossing the harbor on a boat, and traveling up Waterwitch Drive to the Hill. His daughter’s friends are “just blown away that a place like this even exists in New Jersey.”“I think they’d be the last to leave the Hill now,” DeBree says of his children. “They will fight to keep this property in the family forever. It’s very special to us.”R.C. Staab is a travel writer, book author, and wildlife and Jersey Shore enthusiast.
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Visitors to Cape May this summer can learn about New Jersey’s role in the fascinating history of everyone’s favorite summer treat at an exhibit at the Emlen Physick Estate, We All Scream for Ice Cream, sponsored by Cape May MAC (Museums + Arts + Culture).Some form of ice cream has been around since antiquity, but many innovations in the making of the sweet treat took place during Victorian times in the South Jersey area.Bassetts Ice Cream, the oldest ice cream maker in the United States, began making ice cream with mule power in Salem, NJ in 1861 (Bassett’s moved to Philly’s Reading Terminal Market in 1892, where they still scoop today.)[RELATED: One Thing You Must Do in Every Shore Town]
But ice cream has come a long way from Victorian times, when only the wealthy could afford it, and it came in flavors like oyster and green tomato.Along with learning fun facts, you can view antique packaging, ice cream molds and photographs at the exhibit, which is free and open daily through November 3 in the Physick estate’s Carriage House.While at the estate, you can get more Victorian history by taking a guided tour of the 18-room mansion, which is considered one of the best examples of Victorian Stick style architecture in the country. Admission for the tour is $20 for adults; $15 for kids.Sadly, samples aren't available at the exhibit, but if visiting leaves you in the mood for a cold treat, head to one of the Shore's most iconic ice cream shops; several are located in Cape May.
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When J.P. Hand was growing up in Cape May County in the 1960s and ’70s, “gunning on the salt meadow”—hunting ducks in the marshes—was a favorite pastime. Learning to carve decoys to lure his prey happened naturally: first, because he had no money to buy them; then, as a hobby; and finally, as a livelihood.“Decoy carving has provided me with a living doing something I enjoy,” he says. “After half a century, when I go out to my workshop to carve, I still enjoy what I do.”Hand, 70, was mentored by other decoy carvers, who practice a craft that dates back to the Native Americans who lived along the Atlantic coast. “No one carver could have developed the arts and mysteries of making a traditional South Jersey decoy,” he says. “Many carvers over many generations have added to the craft.”[caption id="attachment_335921" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Hand says that carving allows him to make a living doing something he enjoys. Photo: Dave Moser[/caption]He uses planks of Atlantic white cedar to carve the hollow decoy, and only one power tool, a bandsaw, to cut out the rough shape according to his pattern. The bird emerges with the aid of hand tools—a hatchet, spokeshave, curved gouge and knife—and is then painted in colors mimicking the bird’s plumage.The patterns and style differ slightly among master carvers. Hand’s carvings are sleek and minimalist, typical of the South Jersey style. One of his signatures is the snaky head and neck he gives some of his waterfowl. His favorite subjects are the green-winged teal and the mourning dove, but he’s also carved geese, swans, shorebirds, raptors, turkeys and songbirds.[caption id="attachment_335922" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Prices for Hand's decoys range from $100 for a songbird to $1,500 for a life-size swan. Photo: Dave Moser[/caption]Hand, who traces his roots to the English whalers who migrated to coastal South Jersey from Long Island in the 1690s, has customers all over the world who find him via word of mouth and decoy shows and dealers. (He doesn’t have a website.) Prices range from $100 for a songbird to $1,500 for a life-size swan.His decoys have been exhibited at the Ward Museum and the Havre de Grace Museum, both in Maryland, and at New Jersey’s Tuckerton Seaport Museum.Would-be carvers can apply to apprentice with a master carver through the New Jersey Council for the Arts, or take a seminar at the Philadelphia Maritime Museum, the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, Tuckerton Seaport, or the South Jersey Carver’s Association in Cumberland County. In North Carolina, there’s the Core Sound Carver’s Guild at Harkers Island. Try online carving forums to find someone to work with hands-on.
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Grab your friends or family and celebrate Pride Month at one of these events around the state.Highlands Pride Fest in the Park📅: Saturday, June 1 (Noon-7 pm)📍: Huddy Park • Highlandsℹ️: Live music, food trucks and a beer garden.💸: FreeJersey Pride Parade & Festival📅: Saturday, June 2 (Noon-7 pm)📍: Asbury Parkℹ️: Jersey’s largest and oldest celebration, with a parade, rally and festival in Asbury Park. Donations appreciated.💸: Free (Donations optional)Long Branch Pride Flag Raising📅: Friday, June 7 (6 pm-8 pm)📍: West End Park • Long Branchℹ️: Featuring special guests Des & the Swagmatics.💸: FreeMontclair Pride Festival📅: Saturday, June 8 (1 pm-4 pm)📍: Bloomfield and Fullerton Avenues • Montclairℹ️: One of the largest Pride events in the state.💸: FreeRed Bank Pride in the Park📅: Saturday, June 8 (Noon-3 pm)📍: Riverside Gardens Park • Red Bankℹ️: Live music and more.💸: FreeNorth Jersey Pride Festival📅: Sunday, June 9 (Noon-6 pm)📍: Memorial Park • Maplewoodℹ️: Live music, a food court, and 150+ vendors.💸: FreeNorth Jersey Pride Run and Kids' Race📅: Sunday, June 2 (9 am)📍: Grove Park • South Orangeℹ️: Run in a 5k and show support for LGBTQ youth and families this Pride Month while raising funds for the nonprofit North Jersey Pride.💸: $5-30Toms River Pride Festival📅: Sunday, June 15 (11 am-5 pm)📍: Exit 82 Theatre • Red Bankℹ️: Food trucks, vendors and more.💸: FreePrinceton Pride📅: Saturday, June 22 (11 am-6 pm)📍: Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice • Princeton💸: FreeAtlantic City Pride Pub Crawl📅: Saturday, June 22 (4 pm-11 pm)📍: Various Locations • Atlantic City💸: FreeHoboken Pride Party📅: Saturday, June 22 (8 pm-2 am)📍: Madd Hatter • Hobokenℹ️: Dancing, fun and swag.💸: $20
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Once upon a time, New Jersey food trucks meant “grease trucks” slinging “fat sandwiches” to Rutgers students. But nowadays, New Jersey’s food trucks are as varied as our restaurants, and their food can be just as good. The best way to discover your future favorite is at one of the food-truck festivals around the state that are creating a new kind of destination dining.New Jersey Monthly’s picky list of Jersey’s top food trucks was created with the help of our friend George Miller of Five Sisters Food Truck, who is called “the food truck Godfather” by what he calls the incredibly supportive food-truck community. The trucks on this list elevate the food-truck scene. “They’re all unique, and they work hard to provide Jerseyans with exceptional food and service, whether at a festival or private party,” he says.In no particular order, here are New Jersey’s 11 most appealing food trucks. Follow them on social media to find their locations.Twelve TruckThe intriguing name refers to 12 Filipino-American cousins who grew up together in Jersey City and talked about sharing a business someday. As adults, cousins Jeffrey Fama, a finance guy, and Joss Maglaqui, a French Culinary Institute-trained chef, were struck by the fact that New Jersey lacked a Filipino food truck. Their mission was set, and “ten more cousins wanted in,” says Fama. Twelve Truck hit the road serving up the extended family’s Filipino home cooking: pancit (stir-fried pork and rice noodles), lumpia (mini pork egg rolls), chicken or pork skewers, ube purple yam pudding and other treats. “We can get really creative with some of our recipes,” says Jeffrey. “Our chicken adobo poutine is original and irresistible.” Find Twelve Truck on Facebook and Instagram.Beach Shack[caption id="attachment_336022" align="alignnone" width="778"] Beach Shack’s Lou Esposito and kin in uniform. Photo: Courtesy of Beach Shack[/caption]Beach Shack’s Lou Esposito grew up working at his family’s pizzeria in Naples, Italy. (He was known as Luigi then.) “Espositos all cook,” he says. “My mom Carmela can pull off a dinner for 50 just like that.” Carrying on family tradition, Lou’s wife and two sons belong to the Beach Shack team. “This is a good life,” says Esposito. “Meeting people, hearing their stories and feeding them with consistently restaurant-quality dishes.” Top orders include lobster rolls, lobster quesadillas, Cuban sandwiches, garlic shrimp, coconut shrimp and loaded tater tots. Find Beach Shack on Facebook and Instagram.The Chimney Cake Factory[caption id="attachment_335894" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Denes and Angelle Feher at work. Photo courtesy of the Chimney Cake Factory[/caption]Tubular chimney cake, a delectable Hungarian pastry popular in central and Eastern Europe, was unknown in New Jersey. Then Denes and Angella Feher came along from Transylvania, a part of Romania that is culturally Hungarian. “Traditionally, chimney cakes are hollow,” says Angella. “But we knew they’d be fantastic stuffed with ice cream.” That’s what the Fehers’ truck The Chimney Cake Factory sells, and lots of them. The cakes are baked with coatings like cinnamon, caramel or coconut, then filled with vanilla, chocolate, butter pecan or mint chip ice cream, and finally lavished with whipped cream. “It’s like a sundae, but wrapped in chimney-cake deliciousness,” says Angella. Find Chimney Cake Factory on Facebook.Tacoholics[caption id="attachment_336026" align="alignnone" width="778"] Tacoholics food truck's partners, from left: Steven Bruno, Nicholas DeAngelo, Robert Bruno, Louis Raccuglia and Ryan Gazarek. Photo: Courtesy of Tacoholics[/caption]In 2016, after college, five friends from Brick Memorial High School launched their Tacoholics food truck. It was such a hit that Tacoholics now boasts five eat-in locations dubbed Tacoholics Grill (Red Bank, Brick, Toms River, Lanoka Harbor and Sea Girt). The buddies’ truck still rolls merrily along, serving adventurous tacos such as fried avocado, General Tso’s chicken and “crack BBQ” chicken, all drizzled with your choice of seven distinctive sauces. Not in a taco mood? Consider nachos, quesadillas, burritos and wraps. “The three of us owners wanted to work for ourselves,” says Tacoholics partner Nick DeAngelo. “A food truck made sense because we were passionate about tacos. It turned out that lots of other New Jerseyans are too.” Find Tacoholics on Facebook and Instagram.Magic Mike’s Smoked Meat[caption id="attachment_335895" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Pro basketball preceded pro barbecue for Mike Nurse. Photo
courtesy of Magic Mike’s Smoked Meats[/caption]A former pro basketball player now known for his barbecue truck, “Magic Mike” Nurse played for nine years in European national leagues, retired at 31 and came home to Teaneck with his Australian wife, Kelleigh, and their two sons. “While working nine-to-five I got deep into smoking meat,” says Mike. “I left the job, bought a smoker trailer and started selling what I call ‘Teaneck-style barbecue’ and mac-and-cheese. People fell for it, and I started winning awards.” Mike upgraded to a truck with a mobile kitchen, and Kelleigh and older son Michael also pitch in. “We’re proud of our ribs, brisket and pulled pork,” Mike says. “It’s wood-smoked for four to six hours, with a deep spice rub and sauces that aren’t candy-sweet. This is real barbecue.” Find Magic Mike's Smoked Meat on Instagram.Shore Good Eats ‘n’ Treats[caption id="attachment_336029" align="alignnone" width="778"] Shore Good’s royal family, from left: Stephen, Natalie and Steve Fahnholz. Photo: Courtesy of Shore Good Treats ‘n’ Eats[/caption]Shore Good Eats ‘n’ Treats trucks, run by Steve and Natalie Fahnholz and son Stephen, complement their Neptune City cafe of the same name. Says Steve: “Our trucks supply one-stop dining” on a slew of scratch-made specialties like grilled cheese (“real cheese with real flavor”), tacos, sliders, “loaded spiral butterfly fries” and more. Shore Good trucks’ unique offering is “gourmet egg rolls” in a daily rotation of a dozen varieties, with fillings ranging from Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and deli to dessert. “An egg roll wrapper is a thing of beauty,” says Steve. Find Shore Good Eats 'n' Treats on Facebook and Instagram.L’Aquario Seafood[caption id="attachment_335896" align="aligncenter" width="778"] The L’Aquario famiglia: Giovanni and Kimberly Filippazzo and kids. Photo courtesy of L’Aquario Seafood[/caption]Monmouth County chef Giovanni Filippazzo’s “Italian-Greek family business is restaurants,” he says. “L’Aquario Seafood truck is my baby. Its focus is Italian-style seafood, which is ultra-fresh and cooked to order with a lot of amore.” L’Aquario’s temptations include marinated seafood salad, spicy shrimp arrabbiata, sweet and hot “bang bang” shrimp and a brawny steak-and-mozzarella sandwich. Four different lobster rolls (the Soprano, the Al Pacino, the Gambino and the Surf & Turf, topped with a hunk of skirt steak) showcase Jersey-caught lobster, which Giovanni promises “has an unforgettable, slightly sweeter flavor.” Find L'Aquario Seafood on Facebook and Instagram.No Limits[caption id="attachment_336027" align="alignnone" width="778"] The No Limits crew impresses every customer. Photo: Courtesy of No Limits Café[/caption]The No Limits truck is the rolling version of No Limits Café in Red Bank. Truck and café share a dual purpose: to serve memorable versions of classic American lunch food, and to prepare adults with intellectual disabilities for careers in the hospitality world. “Our truck is staffed by individuals who are discovering that they can excel at a job,” says program director Stephanie Cartier. “And they are showing that to the world.” No Limits Truck manager Matt Berkowitz agrees. “We give 100% and still try to do better,” he says. “That feels so good.” What’s great on the truck, besides the gracious service? Says Matt, “Our best-sellers are our gourmet grilled cheese, our burgers and our Cuban and brisket sandwiches. People love our cookies too.” There’s nothing not to love about the No Limits Cafe Truck. Find No Limits on Facebook.Kiersten’s Creations Food Truck[caption id="attachment_336028" align="alignnone" width="778"] Culinary Institute of America-trained pâtissier Kiersten Connor prefers her bakery truck to a restaurant kitchen. Photo Courtesy of Ashley Miller/Five Pines Photography[/caption]Not many pastry chefs graduate from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in order to run a food truck. But Kiersten Connor broke the cookie mold. “I never aspired to the exhausting, competitive environment of a fancy restaurant kitchen,” she says. “My goal was always to bake for myself, my family and now, my customers. Baking makes me happy,” she says. Her whole family is involved in Kiersten’s Creations. Her dad built her first truck, in 2020. “My mom helps with parties and events I bake for. And it seems like everyone I know is at the new store,” she says. That’s the brick-and-mortar Kiersten’s Creations bakery in Point Pleasant, which sells cakes in addition to the truck menu of cookies, cupcakes, cheesecake, brownies and ice cream sandwiches. Kiersten also helms an ice-cream cart that’s hired for events. “I couldn’t be happier,” she says. “I’m my own boss, doing what I love amidst my family and making life a little sweeter for our customers.” Find Kiersten's Creations on Facebook and Instagram.The Mexi-Boys[caption id="attachment_336030" align="alignnone" width="778"] The Mexi-Boys food truck can handle even the heartiest taco and burrito cravings. Photo: Courtesy of The Mexi-Boys[/caption]The eye-catchingly green Mexi-Boys truck is the brainchild of Eddie Rojas of Highland Park and Alex Sanchez of Kearny. “We put a fun, modern spin on the food you’d get from a taqueria or sidewalk cart in Mexico,” says Eddie. “And Alex is a professional chef who’s a genius at balancing traditional and nontraditional flavors.” The truck’s Mexizilla, an overstuffed quesadilla, is a balancing act between beef, chicken, fries, three Mexican cheeses and chunky salsa. Find the Mexi-Boys on Facebook and Instagram.Five Sisters Food Co.[caption id="attachment_336024" align="alignnone" width="778"] *Five Sisters Food Co. is a family affair.* Photo: Courtesy of Ashley Miller/Five Pines Photographyis a family affair. Photo: Courtesy of Ashley Miller/Five Pines Photography[/caption]And finally, George Miller, whose New Jersey food truck savvy helped us with this list, also makes it on here. His wife, Libby Miller grew up cooking, while George, a former fireman, realized his gift later. “I was the guy who made our food in the firehouse,” he says. “I got very good with a grill.” In 2013, the two decided to start a food truck. Their five daughters “were thrilled and continue to be,” says George. “They’d rather be on board that truck than anywhere. Five Sisters Food Co. has won dozens of local, statewide and national awards for standout dishes like hefty burgers with a secret meat blend and luscious toppings, often ordered with “insanely loaded fries,” says George. Find Five Sisters Food Co. on Facebook and Instagram.
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When The New Jersey Repertory Company put on its first production in Long Branch in 1997, the town was a vastly different place. There was no Pier Village buzzing with restaurants, shops, and bars, and it was a ghost town at night. In fact, the nonprofit theater was founded to encourage people to visit the deserted neighborhood in the evenings.“A couple donated an old industrial building because they felt a theater would best help revitalize the area,” says Gabor Barabas, who founded NJ Rep with his wife, SuzAnne.Since then, the company has produced 140 plays in its Lumia Theater on lower Broadway. This spring’s production was Two Hander by Julia Blauvelt, starring Ella Dershowitz and five-time Emmy-nominated, Golden Globe winner Jill Eikenberry.NJ Rep’s focus on new works “is a somewhat non-pragmatic mission,” says Barabas. “You’re introducing things that haven’t been done before, and it requires a somewhat adventurous audience.”Despite the challenges, the company has succeeded in its mission. Most NJ Rep productions have been world premieres, with more than 200 subsequent performances in theaters worldwide. It also acts as an incubator for new talent, staging readings and play festivals.And their footprint is expanding. In May 2016, the company acquired a sprawling former school in Long Branch and created the West End Arts Center. Spaces there are opening gradually, starting with a monthly play-reading series, standup comedy and jazz performances. Eventually, the center will have performance spaces, an art cinema, art museum, rooftop café, arts education space, actors’ and playwrights’ residences, and programs in acting, playwriting, sculpture, poetry, music and photography.The Bookstore, NJ Rep's summer show, runs every Thursday to Sunday through August 4. For tickets and information, visit njrep.org.
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Each summer at the Jersey Shore, the circle of life returns. Angry roosters chase wild horses. A panda bear strides alongside a zebra. And people take turns sitting on a frog, who survives to leap up and down again every year.For more than 100 years, the Shore has embraced and cherished carousels—wooden, steel and fiberglass. The legacy of these early amusement park favorites is being carried on today, with old favorites getting upgrades and new structures making their way onto boardwalks.One of the latest additions to the scene is the $3.5 million wooden Long Branch Carousel at Pier Village. Up until the 1930s, wooden carousels were the popular choice of amusement park owners. For cost reasons, most of the carousels since then have been made of fiberglass. A new, “old-fashioned” wooden carousel—one of only a handful constructed this century in America—is a rare attraction these days, even in a tourist destination like the Jersey Shore.[RELATED: One Thing You Must Do in Every Jersey Shore Town]
“For four minutes, you are bringing smiles out for people,” says Jim Walsh, who became the majority owner of the carousel in 2021, two years after it opened to a slow start due to the pandemic. He works daily to maintain the ride in partnership with his daughter, Lydia, a graduate of Moore College of Art and Design, and the artisan who regularly touches up the paint on the figures and panels.Beyond the joy and the gentle galloping of the horses, a closer study of the figures reveals whimsical touches unique to Long Branch, such as a horse with seashells ornamenting its bridle and a goose with ears of Jersey corn as part of the saddle. Most popular of all is a small green frog wearing a jeweled crown.If the temperature is above 40 degrees inside the carousel, it opens at noon. In the summer, the carousel runs well into the evening, until the crowds stop. Walsh says there is no charge for riders who are active military, veterans, and those with physical or mental disabilities.[caption id="attachment_334670" align="alignnone" width="778"] The newly restored carousel in Seaside Heights. Photo: R.C.Staab[/caption]In Seaside Heights, the carousel, a Shore favorite, is finally reopening this summer after a restoration project that began in 2019. The Dr. Floyd L. Moreland Dentzel-Looff Carousel, located in the new Seaside Heights Carousel Pavilion on the town’s boardwalk, came with a cost of $1.1 million; the entire pavilion project cost $3.6 million.One of the more ingenious touches is a chariot that has been fitted to allow a wheelchair to be slipped inside almost unseen. “The person in the wheelchair will have the experience of riding the carousel in a pure-organic way,” says Seaside Heights borough administrator Christopher Vaz, who oversees carousel operations.The carousel has survived near disasters. Thanks to the leadership of Moreland and others in the 1980s, it was saved from being sold and stayed put at Casino Pier, where it had been since 1932. It was again in danger of being sold in 2014 by privately owned Casino Pier, but the Borough of Seaside Heights stepped in to raise funds to stop the sale and engineer a land swap that included moving the carousel.After dismantling it in 2019, the borough sent the horses to Ohio for restoration. To house the Moreland carousel, a pavilion was built farther north on the boardwalk that included a new deck, new motor and a new center pole. The cleverly decorated pavilion features artwork based on vintage Seaside Heights postcards, benches from the Whistle Stop Restaurant, and a collection of miniature carousel horses.With figures that are four abreast, the ride features the handsomest collection of carousel horses and figures on the Shore racing to the music of the restored Wurlitzer organ while operators ring the bell from its former home.Another classic carousel of note is located at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in Ocean City. The wooden carousel, built in 1926 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, features an all-white herd of horses. Pick a horse on the outer rim to grab a brass ring for a chance to win a free ride. Or take a carousel ride at the Keansburg Amusement Park, at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, or at Fantasy Island Amusement Park in Beach Haven, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.Farther south, ride the double-decker carousel at the Steel Pier, with a panoramic view of the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Morey’s Piers in Wildwood offers not one, but two double-decker carousels, and the Cape May Zoo’s carousel features the wildest of wild figures, with a dolphin, a zebra, a gorilla and a giant hummingbird.What makes carousels endure while other ride concepts come and go? Todd Goings, owner and president of Carousels and Carvings, who has been working on carousels for almost 35 years, including the restoration in Seaside Heights, says there are elements of fantasy and romance, noting that older generations enjoy sharing a memory with younger ones. “People can still crawl up on a piece of commercial art and ride it and engage it,” Goings says.R.C. Staab is a travel writer, book author, and wildlife and Shore enthusiast.
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The sky is the limit for a couple of Atlantic City casinos when courting high rollers. The Hard Rock Atlantic City and Ocean Casino Resort Atlantic City are upping the ante by flying big spenders into town via helicopter at the drop of the dice.Ocean, which recently partnered with the helicopter company Blade, is transporting high rollers from Manhattan."Our customers have enjoyed privately chartered trips since we built our helipad last year," says Ocean general manager Bill Callahan. However, adding a scheduled best-in-class travel experience provides yet another fantastic amenity to our award-winning, beachfront resort."Hard Rock Atlantic City is flying in top players from Manhattan, Philadelphia, the Hamptons and Stamford, Connecticut."We purchased a brand-new helicopter in March this year," says Hard Rock Atlantic City president George Goldhoff. "We avoid all of that traffic coming from Northern New Jersey and Philadelphia. You fly in comfort at 170 knots and you're here in no time."[caption id="attachment_335818" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Hard Rock Atlantic City bought a new helicopter this year. Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Atlantic City[/caption]The flight from the 30th Street helipad in Manhattan to Atlantic City is a mere 26-minute journey. High rollers can decide to visit Atlantic City on a whim."We can pick them up and have them here within two hours," Goldhoff says. "It's about convenience and return on investment."Eight high rollers were transported to the Hard Rock a week ahead of Memorial Day weekend. "I'm sure that number will increase during the summer," Goldhoff says. "We're always trying to find new and innovative ways for a better guest experience."High rollers have plenty to experience after taking the elevator from the parking garage to the casino.The Hard Rock is taking it to another level with its nine new penthouse suites as spacious as 4,000 square feet with living and dining rooms and majestic ocean views.There are 72 new slots in the High Limit Room at the Hard Rock. The high-limit slot area features 258 total high-limit machines, the most in Atlantic City.The high-roller zone is a long way from penny slot play. "It's a niche market," Goldhoff says. "But it's a very important niche market and we're doing our best with that market."Ocean is doubling down with high-limit rooms as well.The Cove is a 7,450-square-foot high-limit slot area with over 140 slot machines, featuring a combination of new and classic games.The aptly dubbed Loft is on the 44th floor of Ocean with floor to ceiling views of the Atlantic Ocean. Such is the life of the high roller perched above Atlantic City.
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[caption id="attachment_335667" align="alignnone" width="778"] Illustration: Clare Nichols[/caption]Like swallows to Capistrano, every summer for the past 40-plus years, my father, his six children, and, eventually, their children and children’s children, have flocked from as far as California and Michigan to a tiny Jersey Shore community as nondescript as its name: Ocean Beach III.It doesn’t seem like much of a draw. If you don’t blink as you travel down Route 35 South between Bay Head and Lavallette, you see rows of nearly identical bungalows lined up like soldiers between the highway and the sea. In the early years, we all crammed into the largest of these tiny houses, 27 East Tuna Way, which my father, known to all as Pops, rented for the last week of every June. As time passed, we fanned out, renting bungalows for our own families on nearby streets, all named for fish.Inside, the cabins aren’t just cramped, but flimsy; once one person is up in the morning, everyone’s up. Like camping, you bring your own towels and bedding. When it’s your turn to cook dinner for 30, you have the kids run from cabin to cabin to collect flatware and big pots for corn.Though poking fun at the bungalows’ lack of amenities is a summer ritual, I’ve come to realize that their downscale interiors are actually assets. At Ocean Beach III, outdoors, not indoors, is the place to be. The kids, juiced by their unaccustomed freedom, run barefoot on the sandy streets, rounding up cousins they might see just once a year to ride bikes, go crabbing, or chase the ice cream truck. The beach is our sunny, spacious five-star family room, with natural air conditioning and unobstructed water views. After coffee and crumb cake, we wander over the dunes to our usual spot, the circle getting wider and the conversation more interesting with each arrival. In between body surfing and wave bobbing, we catch up on one another’s lives and watch the little ones, who morph in the blink of a year from babies to toddlers to adolescents, digging for sand crabs. Supper is eaten at long tables pushed together in the front yard; afterward, the kids drift into the street, where drivers actually respect the 10 mph signs, to play badminton or handball. Soon, we’re back on the beach for more games and talking as the sun sets. For a week in June, we’re royalty in our own Kennedy compound, minus the mansions.In January of 2022, our beloved Pops passed away. The ache in our hearts hits hardest as we pull onto the streets of OB III, tires crunching in the sand. But his beach tradition sustains us. No one dreamed it would last through new babies, cross-country relocations, school, sports and work conflicts, and yet more babies. Over the years, we toyed with changing to a different week or even a different venue—maybe a ranch out West or a beach community with swankier houses. But Pops just kept quietly renewing the lease at 27 East Tuna, so we kept renewing ours. And our precious beach week continues, immutable as the tides, calling us home every June.
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[caption id="attachment_334658" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: iStock/Alexandra Grablewski[/caption]Clambakes at the beach may seem more like a New England tradition than one found in the Garden State, but the Jersey Shore has plenty of options for this fun way to enjoy dinner on or near the beach with friends and family.Shore Catering, based in Brick, will set up both lobster and clambakes for groups and events of all sizes. The company is full service and will bring everything you need, including linens, plates and cutlery, and will cook, serve, and even clean up after the feast.“We set up a beautiful buffet and cook the lobsters on-site. We provide forks, crackers, everything you need for lobster, and we will even tie a bib on people,” says Patty Sisselman of Shore Catering. “It’s interactive and live action; they’re really fun to do at the Jersey Shore.”Shore Catering sets up lobster and clambakes for parties, weddings and graduations, as well as at yacht clubs—but they don’t set up on the beach because they find it too difficult on the uneven surface. Shore Catering often sets up right next to the beach, such as at clients’ waterfront homes, says Sisselman, adding that sometimes people will take a plate and sit on the beach.They service the entire state, from North Jersey down to Cape May, and have been offering clambakes for the past 36 years. Customers can also pick up precooked clambakes at their shop. Sisselman says they source their lobsters from Point Lobster in Point Pleasant.[RELATED: One Thing You Must Do in Every Jersey Shore Town]
Jersey Joe’s Barbecue and Grill, based in Garwood, also offers clambakes and lobster bakes. “It’s a big hit in the summer,” says Tucker Williams of Jersey Joe’s, which has been in business since 2001. “We do events all over the state, with a lot down by the beach.”Jersey Joe’s offers various packages, including the option to pick up all the fixings at their shop, as well as delivery and setup at your location. Full-service events include a raw bar with passed hors d’oeuvres, lobsters, clams and shrimp cocktail. They will set up clambakes on the beach, but ask that customers check with their towns first to find out if a permit is required, or if there are restrictions regarding location or time of day.Jersey Joe’s also sets up everything for events, and will cook the food, serve it, and clean up. They’ll even pack up leftovers and leave them in to-go containers in case anyone gets hungry later, says Williams.Other businesses that offer clambakes at the Shore include the Gourmet Deli in West Creek and Ronnie’s Catering and Bar-b-que Co. in Denville.
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When it comes to Jersey entrepreneurial muscle, Buddy Valastro is a knockout champion. He’s everywhere at once. He stars in and produces multiple food-centric TV shows, sharing his spotlight with wife, Lisa Valastro and their four kids. He’s a best-selling cookbook author and a social media sensation with more than 20 million followers. Dubbed Cake Boss, Buddy is an inspired baker with a genius for intricate custom cakes. He’s also a culinary chef who is at one with Italian American classics.This local hero has assumed Frank Sinatra’s mantle as the pride of Hoboken, where Valastro grew up in Carlo’s Bakery on Washington Street, which his dad took over in 1964. The United States is now dotted with Carlo’s Bakeries and dozens of Cake Boss vending kiosks turning out cake and pizza. In Las Vegas’s glam casino hotels, Buddy’s Jersey Eats, PizzaCake and Buddy V’s Ristorante draw crowds.Now this prodigal son of Hoboken is coming home with a something-for-everyone eatery about to unfurl in the original good-time destination: Atlantic City. To enter Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire in Harrah’s Resort is to immerse yourself in Valastro’s world. If you’re a Cake Boss follower, you’ve hit the jackpot.Buddy’s Boardwalk Empire, opening in early summer, beckons with eat-in dining or grab-and-go snacking on “the best of what I love to make, eat and share,” he says. You’ll find his signature focaccia sandwiches, “some with our house-made mozz,” Buddy notes with delight. “Like our roast beef and mozz. It’s still my favorite sandwich. Roast beef and mozz jump-started my relationship with Harrah’s in Vegas. I made one for the big shots deciding whether to bring me in. They flipped.”[RELATED: The Best Restaurants in Atlantic City]
Boardwalk Empire’s pizza comes round or square, by the slice or pie, with distinctive toppings like buffalo chicken and bacon. Buddy calls it “bakery style, like my dad used to make, with dough that really crisps up.” Unique in the Valastro constellation is a custom pasta bar “that you compose,” he says, “with your choice of pasta, sauce and add-ins. It’s gonna be great.”“But save room for dessert,” he admonishes. One-third of the 4,500-square-foot space is devoted to sweets.
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This summer, check out these new places opening up at the Jersey Shore in time for the season. From restaurants to a resort, there's something fun for everyone.Madison Resort Wildwood CrestWildwood CrestThe biggest resort in Cape May County opened in mid-May after a multimillion-dollar renovation. Combining the iconic Royal Hawaiian and former Oceanview Motel, it has 200-plus rooms, two pools, cabana and poolside seating for more than a hundred people and more. It also features rooftop event spaces and can host beachfront weddings. It pays tribute to Wildwood's famed Doo Wop style of architecture as was seen at the Oceanview. Madison Resorts has poured $52 million into this project.Buddy’s Boardwalk EmpireAtlantic City“Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro—who became a pop culture icon when his family's Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken became the subject of a TLC show in 2009—is launching a new restaurant concept in early summer at Harrah’s Resort. Located in the hotel’s main lobby, it features Jersey-style sandwiches, pizzas, a pasta station, and, of course, his amazing desserts.Seaside Social HouseSeaside HeightsAs the Heights moves beyond its binge-drinking, bass-blaring past, the next generation of locals have opened the Seaside Social House in a former auto repair shop on Sumner Avenue. It’s a casual but stylish bar, restaurant and lounge with crafted cocktails, specialty pizzas, salads and sandwiches.Hard Rock Beach and TerraceAtlantic CityStarting Memorial Day weekend, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is offering guests and Unity Card members a swanky new beach experience with lounge chairs, umbrellas and drink service. The hotel is also opening an outdoor venue, the Terrace, with live entertainment, food and drinks.House of IndependentsAsbury ParkThe famed music venue in the famed music town of Asbury Park, which shuttered in November because of flooding, is reopening this summer, after being bought by music promoter Concert Crave. Events launch in early June.The Beach GalleryKeansburgThe Beach Gallery is a café, rooftop bar and lounge, brunch locale, tea room, event space, and art gallery all in one. It’s located in the heart of this Shore town’s historic district.Samuel's and Pearl & MaryAtlantic CityRestaurateur Michael Schulson is opening two fine-casual restaurants at Ocean Casino Resort. Samuel’s is his modern version of a diner, while Pearl & Mary offers a raw bar and cocktails.Open Green SpaceBerkeley TownshipBlackbeard’s Cave amusement park closed in 2020 and became an eyesore along Route 9. But in a nearly $6 million deal late last year, Ocean Township bought 27 acres of the land and is restoring it to open space. Demolition is complete, and the space is open for hiking and biking, though paths and signage may not be complete.The Pier HouseCape MayLa Mer Beachfront Resort’s onsite restaurant is now open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and each menu features plenty of fresh seafood options—from blue-crab eggs Benedict to fried calamari to miso-marinated salmon. From June through August, there will be BBQ weekends on the resort’s lawn. Reservations recommended.River Pointe InnRumsonThis chic new dining concept fuses elegance with comfort, with seafood, contemporary classics and more. An extensive list of wine, martinis and house cocktails can be enjoyed with food or on their own at the bar. River Pointe Inn is the latest endeavor of Jersey restaurateur Victor Rallo—owner of Undici Taverna Rustica in Rumson and Birravino in Red Bank—and his son, Jake, a recent Cornell grad. (Rallo’s daughter, Eli, is one of our state’s top social-media influencers.)
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[caption id="attachment_334676" align="alignnone" width="778"] Musician Bobby Bandiera (right) ahead of his band’s 1985 benefit show, with Steve Mannion of Hazlet, vice president for Make-A-Wish, outside the Stone Pony. Photo: Asbury Park Press/USA Today Network/Jim Connolly[/caption]He never intended to open a rock club, let alone one of the most hallowed in music history.It was late 1973, a quiet weekend at the Jersey Shore, and Jack Roig says he was just “killing time.”A computer-programming consultant in Manhattan, Roig had worked many summer weekends on the floor of what he refers to as a “rambunctious” boardwalk bar in Point Pleasant called the Rip Tide. He harbored dreams of opening a small, unremarkable bar of his own, akin to the “gin mills” that dotted every block of his native Washington Heights neighborhood.One thing Roig knew for certain: Asbury Park was off the table. The once-lively resort town was only a few years out from the 1970 race riots, spurred by post-segregation economic and social tensions. Residents had fled; businesses were boarded up. Springwood Avenue, on the city’s west side—previously home to a vibrant Black community and a rich jazz and blues culture—was in ruins. Although the east side of Asbury remained a refuge of sorts for a free-spirited community of young musicians—among them, Southside Johnny, Steven Van Zandt and Bruce Springsteen, who’d been luxuriating in a heady, jam-until-sunrise scene since the late ’60s—the town, on the whole, was still a shell of its former self, especially in the off-season.Roig phoned a real estate agent about an ad he’d seen in the paper. “I told him, ‘I don’t want anything to do with Asbury,’” Roig, 82, recalls. “He said, ‘Well, I have a place I can show you up in Deal, but I just got this [other] listing. I don’t even have keys for it yet. You mind if we stop there? It’s on the way.’”They never made it to Deal. Roig purchased the future Pony—then an abandoned disco called the Magic Touch—on the spot, without so much as stepping inside. “It was impulsive,” he says, recalling Asbury’s barren beachfront. “Not really a very good business decision.” (On the plus side, he points out, there was unlimited parking.)The venue’s layout was conducive to a bar with a band—so “that’s what happened,” Roig says matter-of-factly. As for the name? “I woke up one morning with some young lady, and…she had little horses on her T-shirt, and something clicked,” he recounts.Opening night at the Stone Pony on February 8, 1974—half a century ago this year—was bleak; portending, perhaps, the various storms the venue would weather over the next several decades. Snow piled on Asbury Park. The heat went out; the ice machines died. “Thank God it snowed,” Roig muses, “because the band couldn’t show up, and I didn’t have the money to pay ’em anyway.” Exactly one patron, an acquaintance, materialized and insisted on paying for his beer. The night’s take: $1.Despite that ill-fated first evening, the Pony actually “did all right” until Labor Day, Roig says. He was running the venue with manager Butch Pielka, a former fellow bouncer from Point Pleasant’s recently shuttered Rip Tide, whose regulars began frequenting the Stone Pony. Locals still in Asbury, plus residents from nearby towns, followed suit. So did local bands, Roig says.Once the summer waned, however, so did the customers. In December, part of the Pony’s roof ripped off during a nor’easter. Their insurance company went bankrupt. Foreclosure loomed.It was around that time that the local Blackberry Booze Band, featuring future Asbury Jukes frontman Southside Johnny Lyon, began performing at the Pony. “We played the kind of music we wanted to play…so we got the worst nights,” Lyon says, recalling that a cover band, Colony, known for playing strictly Top 40 radio hits, held the Pony’s coveted weekend slots. But after a few slow Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, the Blackberry Booze Band began attracting crowds. One snowy winter evening, the place was suddenly packed. “I think that’s when people started to realize that this was a real venue to see bands,” Lyon says. “And Bruce would come down to play....It became kind of a place for real musicians.”The Blackberry Booze Band morphed into Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, cofounded by soon-to-be E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt, in 1975 (the same year Springsteen released Born to Run). The Jukes’ horn-heavy melding of rock ’n’ roll, soul, blues and R&B would become, for local fans and faraway listeners alike, a kind of sonic shorthand for the Pony—though Roig emphasizes that every band who played there, unique in its own way, “made the place.”[caption id="attachment_334655" align="alignnone" width="778"] Southside Johnny Lyon, Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt perform at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Jukes’ famed radio-broadcast show on Memorial Day weekend in 1976. Photo: Asbury Park Press-USA Today Network[/caption]On Memorial Day weekend in 1976, a live national radio debut of the Jukes’ first album, I Don’t Want to Go Home—broadcast on nine stations, Lyon says—gave the rest of the country a taste of the sweaty spontaneity emanating from this little corner of the Jersey Shore. Springsteen showed up to perform. So did Ronnie Spector and Lee Dorsey. That night “really broke [the Pony] open,” Lyon says. “It became a famous club to play....Asbury Park became a small nexus for new bands, and it was very exciting.”Pielka (who died in 2018) and Roig were “hardcore” guys, Lyon fondly recalls. “I used to get into arguments with them all the time about pay for the band, how much can you charge at the door...and I’m not a big guy, but I would take ’em on. Because I knew they needed me, and I knew I needed them.”Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, an increasingly famous Springsteen continued to make frequent surprise appearances, imbuing the Pony with an unmistakably mythic quality. Groupies flocked there, hoping to glimpse him performing, dancing in the audience, or sneaking behind the bar to pour drinks. Tourists came by the busload. Letters addressed simply to “Bruce Springsteen, U.S.A.” arrived in the mail, Roig remembers.Under this spotlight, the Pony began drawing national acts: Elvis Costello, the Ramones, Cyndi Lauper. But no amount of recognition could cushion the Pony from the city outside its dark doors, bogged down by rising crime and corruption, or from the financial and legal woes that would soon put an end to its first act. When the Pony shuttered in September 1991, it wouldn’t be the last time.Deal businessman Steven Nasar reopened the Pony in 1992. He hired local concert promoter (and former Asbury Juke) Tony Pallagrosi to cater to a younger crowd amid a burgeoning punk-music movement. The New Brunswick-born Bouncing Souls opened for Green Day there in 1994. A tent in the adjacent lot for outdoor concerts was an early incarnation of the future Summer Stage scene. Still, Asbury continued to deteriorate through the ’90s, and Nasar closed the Pony in 1998—though not before turning it into a short-lived dance club, Vinyl, and painting it, to the horror of many locals, completely pink.The venue sat untouched until 2000, when Jersey City entrepreneur Domenic Santana purchased it. He didn’t have personal ties to Asbury Park, but had scoped out the city as a potential investment site and been struck by a big group of tourists taking pictures outside the ghostly Pony. Santana brought in Eileen Chapman, an Asbury Park resident since the Pony’s 1974 opening and a stalwart supporter of the city and its music scene, as manager. (Chapman, now an Asbury Park councilwoman and director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives at Monmouth University, had previously managed Mrs. Jay’s, a beer garden next door to the Pony.) Santana renovated the space to return it to its original glory days, recreating lacquer tables and sourcing photos and memorabilia for the walls. Chapman provided a few personal items she’d saved. As they worked to revive the venue, Chapman often put herself in the shoes of the original owners. “I would just think about Jack and Butch....What would they be deciding?” she says. “Carrying on that legacy was really, really important to me. Making sure that everyone who used to come there felt comfortable coming back.”In 2001, Chapman purchased the venue’s first outdoor stage, a major component of the Pony’s revitalization in recent years, from friend Carl “Tinker” West (and Springsteen’s first manager), with money her husband had given her to buy a new car. “After he got over his shock,” Chapman jokes, he ended up building the first outdoor bar to accompany the stage.When developers initially approached Asbury Park with talk of taking over the waterfront, “it seemed they wanted to…create huge condominiums and apartment complexes, and really change what Asbury Park would look like,” Chapman recalls. “They were thinking more Miami. And we were thinking, We need to keep our music here.” She organized a Save the Stone Pony campaign—faxing musicians and record agents all over the world, creating signs, and leading a parade down Ocean Avenue. “It was absolutely important to keep the club there, and to create an entertainment district,” she says. “Opportunities for people to visit…for music to thrive, for musicians to have a place to hone their craft.”The Pony’s current general manager, Caroline O’Toole, came on in 2003. Keeping the venue alive as Asbury Park continued to struggle was not for the faint of heart. Times were often “very dark,” she says, and the Pony’s future remained “unsecure.” Her first Memorial Day, she recalls, “there was not a soul in sight.” The tide turned dramatically in 2008, when corporate developer Madison Marquette purchased the Pony and began putting millions into revitalizing Asbury, transforming it into the city we know now.[caption id="attachment_334654" align="alignnone" width="778"] Asbury Park native FLETCHER performs at the Stone Pony Summer Stage. Photo: David Zeck[/caption]These days, the Pony proudly honors its legendary rock ’n’ roll roots while booking broad, eclectic lineups—bands of all ages and genres, from Gaslight Anthem to Carly Rae Jepsen. There are disco nights and dance parties. Passionate crowds pack the intimate venue year-round and gather at the outdoor Summer Stage May through October. Shows this month include FLETCHER & FRIENDS (June 1–2) and the North to Shore Festival’s Asbury Park leg (June 10–16), featuring Gary Clark Jr., Band of Horses and others. “The Stone Pony represents this intersection of my hometown roots and this wild musical journey I’ve been on over the years,” says singer FLETCHER, 30, an Asbury Park native. “It’s a reminder of where I came from. You can never take the Jersey out of the girl.”Echoes Chapman: “It feels like home....It’s a local place to gather.”The day after E Street Band saxophonist Clarence “the Big Man” Clemons passed away in 2011, the Pony opened its doors as a sort of makeshift memorial site. “We knew people would just want to come and be together and remember him,” O’Toole says. At some point, the house DJ put on a live version of Springsteen’s “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.” When the words “...and the Big Man joined the band” played, she says, “I swear: I have never felt an electricity like that in the room before. It was unbelievable. To this day, I’ve yet to experience it….It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.”[RELATED: E Street Band’s Jake Clemons Talks Stone Pony, Pre-Show Rituals and the Supernatural]
In 2015, Bleachers frontman Jack Antonoff launched his inaugural Shadow of the City music festival at the Summer Stage (this year’s is June 15). “I always wanted to have a place where [our audience] could be like, ‘OK, I’ll meet you there’…our place where we can all [reunite],” he told NJM earlier this year.In 2018, rock photographer Danny Clinch cofounded Sea Hear Now, a beloved annual music, arts and surf festival on Asbury’s beach that draws some 35,000 fans (September 14-15 this year; Noah Kahan and Springsteen are headlining). Nick Corasaniti, a Jersey native and longtime Pony-goer, especially relishes Sea Hear Now’s Saturday-night super jams at the Pony, which stretch late and raucous into the early morning. “I wasn’t around in the ’70s, so I missed those epic, till-the-sun-rises, close-the-doors, stop-serving-the-alcohol-but-keep-the-music-going-until-the-band-can’t-go-any-longer [sessions],” he says. “I think the closest we get now are those Sea Hear Now super jams. All of them are magical.”Corasaniti, a political correspondent for the New York Times, has authored an oral history of the Stone Pony, I Don’t Want to Go Home (out June 4 from HarperCollins), an engrossing, comprehensive chronicle of the venue’s ups and downs, told in the voices of the colorful characters closest to it. A book-release party at the Pony is slated for June 8.This past winter, on the anniversary of the Pony’s 1974 opening, New Jersey officials proclaimed February 8 Stone Pony Day. “Not many businesses get something like that, you know?” O’Toole says. “Governor Murphy called me and congratulated me.…It just speaks volumes of what the Stone Pony means not only to Asbury Park and to the Jersey Shore, but to the state. It’s a landmark.” The Pony also hosted a panel that week with the team from the Springsteen Archives; local musicians, employees, community members and founding owner Roig shared memories.“I’m proud of the people that I work with, and that we have been able to keep this legacy going for the next generation,” O’Toole says. “At the end of the day, it’s about the music.”
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For our 2024 Shore Guide, the editors at New Jersey Monthly wanted to shine a light on every beach town in our state. Not just the ones with the splashy attractions or the busy boardwalks, but every town—big, small or in-between—along the coast.Here, you’ll find at least one fun thing you must do in each town, from restaurants to natural wonders to boardwalk attractions for the whole family.Wishing you a wonderful season down the Shore!MONMOUTH COUNTYSandy HookGunnison BeachFeeling bold? Ditch your swimsuit and spend the day at Gunnison Beach, the largest clothing-optional beach in the northeastern United States and the only legal one in New Jersey, thanks to Sandy Hook’s federal land protections. If you’re a first-timer, you’ll be happy to know that Gunnison sunbathers are generally laid-back and welcoming. Don’t forget sunscreen! —Connor CarlinWANT MORE?* Visit Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the country’s oldest.Sea Bright Seawall Pedestrian WalkwayStroll up the ramp or steps to this unique pedestrian walkway atop the Sea Bright seawall. You’ll get a view of the bustling downtown on one side and the beach on the other. If you plan to hit the sand before or after your stroll, know that outdoor showers are located along the walkway, and restrooms are inside Sea Bright Pavilion. But you don’t need a beach badge to enjoy the walkway scene. —R.C. StaabMonmouth BeachMy Kitchen WitchCrumb cake is a Shore staple, but when you want something healthier for breakfast, try My Kitchen Witch. The decor is fun, the menu playful, and the food so tasty. Try a Wicked Witch of the Shore omelette, with pork roll, peppers, onions and pepper jack. There are a café, a shop and an all-organic Magic Potions juice bar. —Julia Martin29 Beach Road, 732-229 3033Long Branch Avenue Rooftop LoungeArrive before the sun goes down to get a prime spot along the outdoor terrace’s perimeter. Views overlook the beach and offer premier people watching, volleyball-spectator cheering and sunset gazing. A bar and DJ contribute to the party atmosphere, while the pool and indoor/outdoor seating give full resort vibes. Set on top of the popular Avenue Le Club, a French restaurant in the heart of Pier Village—a hub for shopping, dining and being seen—the rooftop is public, whether or not you are dining there. —Deborah P. Carter23 Ocean Avenue North, 732-759-2900WANT MORE? Shop at Pier Village; try honey wine at Beach Bee Meadery; stay at the trendy Wave Resort.*[RELATED: Inside Long Branch’s Swanky Private Beach Club]
[caption id="attachment_334501" align="alignright" width="350"] Buy our June 2024 issue here. Cover photo: Ann Coen[/caption]DealHistoric MansionsIn the early 1900s, Deal saw a who’s who of famous people summering in their fabulous beachfront mansions, including Isidor and Ida Straus, who cofounded Macy’s and whose tragic love story was made famous in the film Titanic. Sadly, their mansion no longer exists, but many more still stand, including that of the A&P heir E.V. Hartford. His former estate is on the corner of Ocean and Roseld avenues and was designed by famed architect Stanford White. For more info, go to oceanmuseum.org. —Jacqueline MrozAsbury ParkMadam Marie’sBoardwalk fortune teller Madam Marie was immortalized by another Shore icon: Bruce Springsteen. The Boss used to stop by her booth and have his fortune read. Rumor has it she told him he’d someday be a huge success. (She was right!) Springsteen mentions Madam Marie in his song “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy).” Madam Marie—whose real name was Marie Castello—died in 2008, but her family continues to give readings. —J. MrozFourth and Ocean Avenue, 908-338-5434WANT MORE?* Catch a show at the famed Stone Pony; visit Danny Clinch's Transparent Clinch Gallery; stroll Cookman Avenue. Click here for a guide to 24 hours in Asbury Park.Ocean GroveGreat AuditoriumNo matter what religion you practice, if any, you’re welcome at the Sunday morning (10:30 am) or evening (7 pm) Methodist service in Ocean Grove’s enormous and gorgeous Great Auditorium, built in 1894. There are a magnificent pipe organ and choir, stirring speakers, and nattily dressed ushers who do a coordinated march to bring up the offerings. Enormous windows funnel in the sea air. —J. Martin21 Pilgrim Pathway, 732-775-0035*WANT MORE?* Walk by the unique summer tent community; see the controversial cross-shaped pier. Click here for more on what to do, see and eat in Ocean Grove.Bradley BeachLive Music at the GazeboIn this family-friendly Shore town, a lovely way to spend your evening is to stop by the gazebo on the boardwalk at Fifth and Ocean avenues and listen to some free live music. Anyone can dance along to the sounds, which can be anything from blues to rock to standards. Go to bradleybeach.com/events for a schedule. —J. MrozWANT MORE? Eat a fabulous breakfast at the Buttered Biscuit; play 18 holes on the boardwalk at Shipwreck Island Mini Golf. Click here for a guide to 24 hours in Bradley Beach.BelmarFender Guitar/Springsteen TributeSpringsteen fans can stop by the corner of 10th Avenue and E Street and see the 8-foot Fender guitar that marks the site where his band rehearsed in the early days. The intersection, home to the Belmar Public Library, gave the E Street Band its name; E Street is where former keyboard player David Sancious lived. —J. Mroz*WANT MORE?* Sit outside on the deck at Beach Haus Brewery; sit and order fresh seafood at Klein’s Fish Market or pick some up to grill at home; enjoy dinner and views at Marina Grille; go parasailing with Belmar Parasail.Spring LakeThunder Road BooksConveniently located to provide your beach reads, Thunder Road also hosts summer book clubs on the third Wednesday of each month and author visits. Best-selling author Jodi Picoult will visit town on August 19, sponsored by Thunder Road. They’re happy to give recommendations, too, in person and on the website. —J.Martin1108 Third Avenue, 973-436-0914*WANT MORE?* Explore the charming downtown; stop by the lake; stay at the Breakers on the Ocean.Sea GirtThe Parker HouseIn a quiet neighborhood sits a stately building that is, surprisingly, home to one of the most raucous summer nightclubs around. The Parker House, built as a seasonal hotel more than 100 years ago, is today mostly known for its wild party scene in “God’s Basement.” For a more tranquil experience, head to the main level for lunch and dinner served on the outdoor terrace with the scent of the ocean one block away. —RCS290 1st Avenue, 732-449-0442ManasquanInlet Beach[caption id="attachment_334675" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Andrew Mills[/caption]Surfing in Jersey is an exercise in patience or fearlessness. When the water is warm, you’ll often wait weeks for decent breaks. When the water is cold, the waves are epic, but often beyond the skill level (and temperature threshold) of casual surfers. Inlet Beach is our most consistent surfing spot due to its enormous jetties, which corral approaching waves into long, glorious breaks. Things get interesting before storms and during late-summer swells. The spot can, however, get crowded on summer weekends.WANT MORE? Bring your pup to Doggie Beach at Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area.Point Pleasant BeachJenkinson’s Aquarium[caption id="attachment_334667" align="alignnone" width="778"] The touch tank at Jenkinson’s Aquarium Photo: Courtesy of Jenkinson’s Boardwalk[/caption]Marine life typically resides outdoors at the Shore, but here, at one of the best aquariums in the state, you can get up close with fish, penguins, seals and sharks—right on the bustling Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, where the rides, games and boardwalk treats usually take center stage. The littlest visitors will love the touch tank. —Julie Gordon300 Ocean Avenue North, 732-892-0600WANT MORE? Eat at Red’s Lobster Pot (expect a wait at peak times); cool off at Hoffman’s, one of our favorite ice cream spots at the Shore.Avon-by-the-SeaThe PromenadeIn this town, a perfect blend of bustling cosmopolitan and laidback beach community, you’ll want to stop on in at the Promenade, the casual yet elegant BYO restaurant located right on the beach, with a front-row view of the sand and surf. Enjoy a scrumptious seaside meal of crispy chicken and Belgian waffles, coconut shrimp, or chicken Milanese with friends and family. —CC600 Ocean Avenue, 732-505-7770OCEAN COUNTY* Bay Head*Beach House Classic Boardshop*[caption id="attachment_334661" align="alignnone" width="778"] Beach House Classic Boardshop sells apparel, accessories and boards, like this 6-foot-8-inch Hot Potato board from Clean Ocean. Photo: Courtesy of Beach House/Eric Beyer[/caption]This is a throwback, brick-building surf shop that celebrates authentic surf culture in the heart of town. Find vintage used boards, but also new, handcrafted longboards, fish and mid-length-style boards inspired by ’60s and ’70s design with updated elements. It’s also a great spot to pick up surf accessories or check out full lines of timeless surf and Bay Head apparel. —Jon Coen**517 Main Street, 732-714-8566WANT MORE? Stay or eat at Grenville, a bubblegum-pink Victorian hotel.MantolokingCoastline AdventuresIn this teensy town, learn something new with Coastline Adventures, which offers surfing, bodyboarding and stand-up paddleboarding lessons at Brick Beach 3 and Trader’s Cove. Kids’ camps are offered most weekdays, and adult surf camps are on weekends. Adaptive surf lessons are available. Prices are $75-$400-plus. Get more info or register at njsurfschool.com. —Emily MelvinNormandy Beach Charlie’s Farm Market, Café & BakeryFor decades, the big, brown placard for Charlie’s Farm Market on Route 35 has been a welcome sign to those arriving at the Shore. Pull in from either the north or south side of 35 and stock up on watermelon, Jersey tomatoes and fresh corn. There’s a café with basics like burgers and onion rings, and a bakery where you can pick up one of their classic cheesecakes. —J. Martin491 Route 35LavallettePickleball Courts[caption id="attachment_334666" align="alignnone" width="778"] Photo: Ann Coen[/caption]Aficionados of the fastest-growing sport in America can find some friendly competition every Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to noon on the eight pickleball courts along the bay at Magee Avenue. Just stick your paddle in the fence and drop $5 in the bucket, and it’s game on. —J. MartinWANT MORE?* Visit Crab’s Claw Inn for seafood.Ortley Beach Barnacle Bill’s AmusementsBarnacle Bill’s Amusements is a vintage Shore classic that’s been around since 1963, with prizes for Skee-ball, pinball and video games—plus an 18-hole miniature golf course that’s a true Shore favorite. The iconic 1967 giant fiberglass statue of black-bearded Barnacle Bill oversees the ninth hole. —Barbara Leap1968 Route 35 North, 732-793-9345WANT MORE? Pick up fresh fish at Ortley Seafood Market.Seaside HeightsFunhouse MirrorsOn the Seaside Heights boardwalk, you get used to emptying your wallet. But there’s plenty of fun to be had for free posing in front of the fun-house mirrors in the arcade space along Ocean Terrace. Seeing everyone’s bodies stretched thinner, wider and longer by the wavy mirrors, it’s impossible not to laugh out loud. —J. Martin*WANT MORE?* Drive past the house at 1209 Ocean Avenue where the Jersey Shore cast lived.Ship Bottom (LBI)The Local Market & KitchenBlessedly just seconds from Long Beach Island’s entrance, this is a small but mighty one-stop spot for a tasty breakfast, lunch, early dinner or afternoon pick-me-up. Offerings include hearty sandwiches, sides, salads, a tantalizing array of fresh baked goods, and specialty coffees precariously piled with whipped cream and indulgent toppings. Stop in to grab sustenance on your way to the beach, or stick around to eat on the patio. —Jennifer Finn604 Central Avenue, 609-342-0061Seaside Park* Island Beach State ParkThis little-known barrier-island preserve contains almost 10 miles of pristine, sandy beach, an extensive shoreline along Barnegat Bay, dense maritime forests, rolling sand dunes and tidal marshes. There’s a vehicle entry fee of $6-$20, and, when parking is full, the park is closed to additional cars. The most popular activities are swimming and surf fishing, but you can also ride your bicycle, surf, go for a hike, have a picnic, kayak, or even bring your horse. However, Island Beach State Park may be most famous as the site of former governor Chris Christie’s 2017 family beach jaunt, which they enjoyed even though he’d closed state parks and beaches during the July 4th holiday weekend due to a state-government shutdown. —J. Mroz**2401 Central AvenueWANT MORE? Stop by Betty & Nick’s Bait & Tackle, which is part luncheonette and part full-service tackle shop with rods, reels, rigs and a famous fishing report.Barnegat Light (LBI)Barnegat LighthouseThe beauty and tranquility of nature are the draw for this Long Beach Island town’s big attraction. Nicknamed Old Barney, the 19th-century lighthouse was designed by George Meade, the Union general who won the Battle of Gettysburg. Though not in operation today, visitors can enjoy the lighthouse’s majesty and learn about the history and ecology of the surrounding area at the adjacent Barnegat Lighthouse Center against the backdrop of rolling surf, sandy shores and ocean breezes. —CC208 Broadway, 609-494-2016WANT MORE?* Explore Viking Village, a commercial fishing port with great eateries and shops; tours available.Harvey Cedars (LBI)Sunset ParkWith fantastic facilities for the LBI day tripper, including ample parking, this three-block-wide public park sits on Barnegat Bay just a block from the beach. It offers a playground and ball fields, as well as a launch for kayaks and paddleboards, plus the all-important bathroom with showers. Wednesday night concerts are a tradition here. —JC1 West Salem AvenueSurf City (LBI)* Surf City 5 & 10For many LBI vacationers, no trip is complete without at least one visit to the Surf City 5 & 10. The fourth-generation, family-owned shop stocks a smorgasbord of vacation essentials—from beach gear and apparel, to souvenirs and jewelry, to housewares and barbecue supplies. Grab a handful of saltwater taffy for good measure. —JF**411 North Long Beach Boulevard, 609-494-1872Long Beach Township (LBI)*Loveladies and North BeachNorth Beach and Loveladies have some of the most exclusive real estate in New Jersey. The beaches are public, while vehicle access to them is mostly private. But anyone with an LBT beach badge and a little initiative can park in Surf City, Harvey Cedars or Barnegat Light and walk onto the same secluded beaches enjoyed by the elite. —JCBeach Haven (LBI) Fantasy Island Amusement ParkFor an afternoon or evening of nostalgic family fun, head to Fantasy Island Amusement Park, celebrating its 40th anniversary this summer. If you can handle heights, a spin on the Ferris wheel is a must for its striking bird’s-eye view of the island. In addition to rides ranging from the peaceful carousel to the towering Lighthouse Launch, there are games, an arcade and food. Trust us: Order the fried Oreos. —JF750 North Bay Avenue, 609-492-4000WANT MORE? Visit the bustling, charmingly clustered shops and eateries of Bay Village and Schooner’s Wharf. Click here for a guide to 24 hours in LBI.ATLANTIC COUNTYBrigantineSea Life Museum at Marine Mammal Stranding CenterThis free museum has educational displays about sea life, artifacts such as a sperm whale’s jawbone, an interactive exhibit for kids, and a “bone garden.” Though the stranding center isn’t open to the public, a live feed of staff caring for the seals can sometimes be viewed inside the museum. Check hours at mmsc.org before you visit. —J. Martin3625 Atlantic Brigantine BoulevardAtlantic CityBoogie NightsIn a town with a storied history of nightlife (stretching back to the Frank Sinatra days and, before that, the Prohibition era), Atlantic City still has numerous concerts, clubs and drinking establishments that draw visitors in droves. A favorite club right now is the retro Boogie Nights at Tropicana Resort & Casino. Disco the night away on the colorful dance floor to hits from the 1970s through early 2000s. The club often has performers, impersonators and themes. —EM2831 Boardwalk, 888-940-7080WANT MORE? Stroll the Boardwalk, the country’s first; visit Island Waterpark at Showboat hotel; take in stunning ocean views from the decks at Ocean Casino Resort; eat at Café 2825 (what one NJM reviewer deemed AC's best Italian restaurant) or the legendary White House Sub Shop. Click here for a guide to more great restaurants in Atlantic City.VentnorVentnor City Fishing PierLove to fish? Love to watch people fish? Just want to take a stroll 1,000 feet out from the beach on the longest fishing pier in New Jersey? You’ve come to the right place. This impressive municipal pier attracts pros and novices alike, and you can stop by Ventnor’s fishing store, Ship Shop, just down the road to get all the bait and tackle you can handle. —Victor FiorilloSouth Cambridge Avenue and the BoardwalkMargateLucy the ElephantSeeing a six-story-high elephant isn’t a typical activity at the Shore—unless you’re in Margate. Lucy the Elephant is America’s oldest roadside attraction, built in 1881, and she is quite the sight to see. Lucy underwent her latest round of renovations in recent years to the tune of $2 million. Visitors can tour the interior, take photos of the exterior, and witness a slice of New Jersey roadside history. —JG9200 Atlantic Avenue, 609-823-6473*WANT MORE?* Eat dinner at Tomatoe’s.LongportOzzie’sOf all the sleepy Jersey Shore beach towns, Longport is one of the sleepiest. But one place that always seems to be hustling and bustling with locals and shoobies alike is this iconic luncheonette, which serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week. For the early risers, the banana-nut pancakes are all the rage. And at lunchtime, we find it hard to resist the towering turkey-bacon-avocado club sandwich and the hearty salads. —VF2401 Atlantic Avenue, 609-487-0575CAPE MAY COUNTYOcean City Asbury AvenueIn this dry town (and family favorite), spend some time shopping along Asbury Avenue, where unique shops include Sun Rose Words and Music (an indie book, music and art supply store), White Lotus (a chic, metaphysical boutique), Ashore Fit (a new fitness and athleisure shop), and Mia’s Christmas Gallery (a store that is filled with beachy Christmas-themed items galore.) —EM*WANT MORE?* Cool off with Polish Water Ice on the boardwalk; indulge in crispy goodness at Jilly’s French Fry Factory; go on the rides and be prepared for thrilling fun at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier.StrathmereThe Deauville InnThis historic Shore restaurant has been on the Strathmere bayside in one form or another since the 1800s. As such, it has a loyal crowd whose families have been coming for generations. The restaurant underwent a massive renovation and rebranding in recent years, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. The food and drinks are good, but the sunset views are even better. You’ve got to show up early if you want the best seats, which are on the deck. —VF201 Willard Road, 609-263-2080*WANT MORE?* Hit the sand and surf; it’s one of NJM’s favorite hidden beaches.Sea Isle CityLaCosta Lounge & Deck BarIf you’re staying in Sea Isle City and wondering what all that noise is at 11 pm, it’s undoubtedly this long-standing bar, whose booming outdoor summer dance parties are the stuff of legend. People travel from miles around (hopefully, via rideshare) to take in what is most certainly a scene, imbibe maybe a little more than they should, and bump and grind well into the night. If you’re single and looking to mingle, this is the spot. —VF4000 Landis Avenue, 609-263-3611*WANT MORE?* Visit Fish Alley for seafood eateries and markets (faves include Mike’s Seafood and Marie’s Lobster House).AvalonPirate Island GolfHitting the mini greens is always fun, and Pirate Island makes for a lively night out in this Shore town that is low on bustle and high on chic residents and guests. The 18-hole course is peppered with challenges and theme-park-style waterfalls, pirate ships and bridges. Pirate Island also has locations in Sea Isle and Ocean City. —DPC2738 Dune Drive, 609-368-8344Stone HarborSalt SpaGet away on your getaway by booking a treatment in the Turkish Bath at the Salt Spa in Stone Harbor. When you step into the retreat room, floor-to-ceiling tiles sparkle in dim light while Swarovski crystals on the ceiling mimic stars. Steamy and dreamy, there is relaxing music playing and a mood-enhancing play of lights designed to lift your spirits. Options include a detox mud treatment or the body-nourishing, fruit-based scrub. —DPC9628 Third Avenue, 609-961-3009WANT MORE? Visit the retro-look Harbor Square movie theater.The WildwoodsThe Beach[caption id="attachment_334662" align="alignnone" width="778"] Beach access in the Wildwoods is free. Photo: Courtesy of Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority/Chris Lo Bue[/caption]Clearly, going to the beach is a huge part of going down the Shore. In most Shore towns, beach badges cost anywhere from $6 and up, daily. But in the Wildwoods, access is always free. Also of note: The Wildwoods have the widest beaches at the Shore, 1,500 feet in some spots, so you can get your steps in before chilling on the sand. —JG*WANT MORE?* Splash around at Morey’s Piers water parks, Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis; visit the Doo Wop Experience Museum (one of NJM's must-visit Jersey museums) and take a local tour of retro Doo Wop architecture run by the establishment; get a hoagie at the retro Wawa on Rio Grande.[RELATED: Inside New Jersey’s Love Affair with Wawa]*
Cape May Golf CartsWhile it may be true that nothing beats a stroll, wheels cover more ground, and tootling around in a rented golf cart may count as a compromise. At a max speed of 15 mph, the wonderful variety of Victorian colors and architecture on the famed strip of Painted Ladies on Gurney and other streets, is more than just a blur from the car window. Choose a two- or four-seater; either will fit into tight parking. And don’t forget the sensation of whizzing down Beach Avenue with the sun just over your shoulder—it’s worth the price of admission. —DPCWANT MORE? Hunt for Cape May “diamonds” (quartz pebbles); visit Beach Plum Farm for a day trip or overnight stay (an item on NJM's list of 52 things you must do in New Jersey); enjoy some of the best birding in the country. Click here for a guide to 24 hours in Cape May.
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Anyone who ventures to the ocean’s edge in April and feels the wind blasting across 40-degree water is likely tempted to flee until Memorial Day. But take a lesson from those who live and work close to nature at the Shore: Spring is the time to experience a marine world where ospreys are returning from their winter homes, seals are playing on the rocks before heading north, and buds on the beach-plum bushes are waiting for the last freeze before blossoming.“I am evangelical that you should go outside year-round because there’s something to see every day of the year,” says self-described bird nerd Lindsay McNamara, assistant director of the American Littoral Society. “Seeing the seasonality of a place is really beautiful; if you only visit two or three days of the year, you don’t get the spirit of the place.” Here is how locals are embodying that philosophy.Spiritual connection[caption id="attachment_331087" align="alignnone" width="778"] Ivette Guillermo-McGahee and her family live on a home along the Mullica River. Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]Within a long kayak ride of Barnegat Bay, Ivette Guillermo-McGahee and her family live in a home on five acres along the Mullica River, with Batsto Village and Wharton State Forest nearby in the Pinelands.Living in a natural environment is essential to Guillermo-McGahee and goes beyond her physical well-being. “I work in mental health with people who have a lot of issues in their life,” she says. “Sometimes it’s hard to not bring things [home] with me.” Being in nature provides her with a much-needed “reminder that there is beauty close. It’s just a source of hope and confidence. We have internal resources to regenerate, to come back to life, to repair.”[RELATED: The Best Outdoor Activities in New Jersey]
In 2012, Guillermo-McGahee founded Allies in Caring, a nonprofit providing mental health services to children and families in South Jersey. Initially, Guillermo-McGahee and her family lived in the town of Hammonton, but moved to their current location for a variety of reasons, including a vision that came to her in a dream. “I had a dream, and I thought, We need to have chickens and live in nature,” she says.For almost a decade, they scouted for a rural home. “Nature connects me to the spirit of things, the spirit of life that, in a city, gets lost,” she says. “I have a spiritual way of doing things; that is, I make a decision and put it in my heart. I thought, This is not going to be only for us, but this is really a space where we can help create community.”That includes leaving technology out of the equation. “You have to give up TV and social media and everything,” says Guillermo-McGahee. “It’s better to spend time outside with the plants.” And the chickens? They were around for many years, but last year, “they went into retirement” when they were no longer producing eggs.Active lifestyle[caption id="attachment_331099" align="alignnone" width="778"] Wayne Brodbeck loves to bike at Island Beach State Park. Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]While some are focused on the spiritual nature of the outdoors, Wayne Brodbeck of Berkeley Township, near Seaside Park, is fixated on how much energy he burns when biking, kayaking or walking almost every day of the year.Pointing to the monitors that measure his calories and glucose levels, Brodbeck talks about the life-changing moment in 2016 when he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. After his diagnosis, Brodbeck retired from his job and moved from Jackson to the tiny section of Berkeley Township across the street from Island Beach State Park, less than a block from Barnegat Bay and a block from the beach.“The target was how to have a super-high-quality retirement living in a beautiful place by the ocean,” he says.As the largest state park at the Shore, Island Beach is a panacea for the sedentary, especially from Labor Day to Memorial Day.“For biking,” he says, “I want to go into Island Beach State Park whenever I can, because it’s a nice, steady, I-don’t-have-to-think 17 miles where I can burn 600-700 calories.”[RELATED: New Jersey’s Best Biking Trails: A Passionate Cyclist Shares His Secrets]
In the state park, he says, “Animals are more comfortable to come out without all the cars. Foxes, turtles, seagulls, ospreys, pelicans, dolphins, whales, raccoons. And lots of red foxes: I’ll probably see one cross right in front of me once a month when I’m biking at dusk.”In the off-season, Brodbeck also loves riding the boards of the Seaside Heights boardwalk any time he wants—something he can never do in the summer.“In the winter, you’re on your own. One thing I like about here: it’s six months of serenity,” he says.Wheeling his kayak from his yard, it takes Brodbeck less than 10 minutes to reach the marina at Island Beach State Park. After launching into Barnegat Bay and heading south, he’s eager to burn another 500 calories weaving around coves and small islands dotted with Shore birds and raptors flying overhead.Family legacy[caption id="attachment_331086" align="alignnone" width="778"] Justine Gaver and her family found respite on a farm in her native Cape May. Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]Justine Gaver grew up at the Shore on a 26-acre farm adjacent to the Cape May Canal, only a 10-minute bike ride away from the Victorian homes and resorts that have made Cape May one of America’s top seaside destinations.“Going for walks outside is a big part of living here. Growing up, we walked in the woods every weekend. My dad called it our version of going to church,” Gaver says.Leaving home to attend college in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania, she eventually moved to New York, where she met and married professor of creative writing Daniel Magariel, whose recently published novel, Walk the Darkness Down, is partly set in the fictional town of Destiny, a clear nod to Cape May and the farm.They started an educational services agency, which she runs, and had a son, Laurence. (They’ve since had another son, Sebastian.)The Covid-19 pandemic changed their destiny in April 2020. They escaped the city for the family farm. “We were here for about two weeks when Danny looked at me and said, ‘Let’s expedite that long-term plan and finally build that house.’ It was always something we intended to do, but I figured it was something we would do 10 years from now,” Gaver says.[RELATED: Jersey Shore Is Transforming Into a Hotspot for Year-Round Living]
Fortunately, since she left, she says, “the state really expanded, developed and curated the opportunities that it provides for residents to interact with nature in a meaningful way.” Cape May remains a place that is, as she tells first-time visitors, “a little island where one side is predominately farm fields and woods, and the other side is this Victorian town.”Gaver says her husband used to tease her about being afraid of bugs, but now her older son can’t seem to get enough of them. “When he finds an insect exoskeleton, he wants to bring it home and put it in a jar on his bedside table,” Gaver says. “He loves fishing. He loves climbing trees. He’s digging in the dirt every chance he gets.”Work and play[caption id="attachment_331090" align="alignnone" width="778"] "If you only visit two or three days of the year, you don’t get the spirit of the place,” says Lindsay McNamara, who works in Sandy Hook. Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]On the opposite end of the Shore, Lindsay McNamara, assistant director of the American Littoral Society, “works in a national park, but doesn’t work for the national park.” The park in question is the Sandy Hook unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area, which permits the American Littoral Society, an organization that promotes the study and conservation of marine life and habitat, to have offices there and offer guided birding walks, typically on a two-mile hike over flat terrain starting at Fort Hancock.“We are walking from a field with raptors—invasive birds such as starlings and pigeons—past old stands with dead snags where the woodpeckers like to be,” she says. “Then we go through some bramble and brush area, and, as we get closer to marsh, we see the wading birds—the herons flying over. We can see in an hour and a half 40 different bird species in one walk because we are hitting so many different habitats.”The change of the season from winter to spring is one of Sandy Hook’s must-visit periods, especially to see seals hanging out in the bay on rocks near Fort Hancock.“They are very much sea puppies,” McNamara says. “They are very interactive when they don’t look like they are laying on a couch. They jump out of water like dolphins.”At this time of year, northern gannets, which are offshore birds, are an example of what people don’t expect to see down the Shore. She says, “They are really striking, coming back to create a spectacle—a large number of birds or wildlife all together at the same time. You can watch them circle up by the thousands, and it becomes almost like a tornado of birds.”Of course, nature has its dark side. “My mom is a Disney environmentalist. She likes to believe nothing eats anything. I say, ‘Hawks got to eat. So who are you rooting for? Somebody’s got to go!’”McNamara is always birding and looking at nature. She enthusiastically tells everyone, “You just have to look up! If you look up, it’s there! I promise.”“There are great parks in New Jersey—county, state, these little pocket parks, local spots,” she says. “They are what you make of them. And you don’t have to go to Yellowstone to see really cool things. And you don’t have to go in July.”R.C. Staab is a travel writer, book author, and wildlife and Jersey Shore enthusiast.
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Winter may be the off-season at the Jersey Shore, but that doesn’t stop thousands of people from spending a day on the beach every January or February. Polar plunges in the icy Atlantic Ocean have become beloved, annual fundraising events for New Jerseyans with big hearts—and thick skins. Like a charity run, participants can register individually or as a team, all with a fundraising goal. The only difference? Everyone here is wearing bathing suits or costumes and is dashing into the chilly water instead of along a trail.
Special Olympics New Jersey, a nonprofit that gives children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and compete in 24 different sports for free, hosts the largest events in the Garden State, known as the Polar Bear Plunges, in Seaside Heights and Wildwood. Families like the Tobins of Brick Township, who describe their annual dive as “another Christmas Day,” have participated for 14 years and counting.
Colin Tobin is one of 22,000 Special Olympic athletes supported by events like these. Colin, who has Down syndrome, trains and competes year-round in soccer, basketball, and track, and a large group of his family and friends take the annual plunge in Seaside Heights with his team, CAT Crew. In 14 years, they have raised just under $600,000.
“It’s really just the idea of bringing people together that kind of takes the sting or the edge off of what you’re about to do,” says Colin’s mother, Kelli. “I can’t really put into words what the atmosphere there on plunge day [is like]. There’s just so many people, and it’s just such an excitement for [Colin’s dad] Chris and I, knowing that all of these people are coming together in support of our family and, especially, Colin.”
MORE WINTER FUN*:Join NJ's Curling CrazeQuirky Places to Go Ice-Skating**Yes, There’s Dog Sledding in NJ: ‘It’s a Lifestyle’*Where to Cross-Country Ski in NJBeat the Cold with Cozy Indoor Activities [caption id="attachment_324619" align="alignright" width="350"] Buy our January 2024 issue here. Cover photo: Ronald Gray[/caption]New Jersey’s Polar Bear Plunges have been taking place for more than three decades, beginning in 1993 at Point Pleasant Beach. They soon shifted to Seaside Heights, as the crowd outgrew the size of the original location. A second, smaller plunge began in Wildwood in 2006, and continues to host hundreds of participants each January.
In 2023, more than 7,500 plungers on 567 teams raised $2.6 million at the Seaside Heights event. In Wildwood, nearly 900 plungers gathered in 2023, raising over $281,000.
To register for either event, each plunger must meet the required minimum fundraising goal.
If plunging into the ocean in the middle of winter isn’t your thing, you can show support by cheering from the shoreline or making a donation. However, dedicated plungers believe everyone should try it out.
“Once you do it once, you’ll always look forward to going back year after year,”says Rob Sickles of Milltown, a Seaside Heights plunger of 20 years “It’s just an all-around great feeling, like you’re doing a good deed for the world.”
UPCOMING POLAR PLUNGESMONDAY, JANUARY 1Sons of Ireland Polar Bear Plunge • Long BranchThe event fundraises for No Limits Cafe in Red Bank, which employs adults with intellectual disabilities, and Shore House in Long Branch, which supports adults with mental illness.
Brigantine Polar Bears Million Dollar Milestone Plunge •Brigantine This plunge benefits wounded members of the military and their families through the Fisher House Foundation.
Atlantic City Polar Bear Plunge • Atlantic CityThis plunge benefits the Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club.
1st Day at the Beach • Ocean CityA fun, non-charitable plunge with a 5k on the boardwalk an hour before.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13Polar Bear Plunge • WildwoodProceeds benefit Special Olympics New Jersey athletes.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3Sea Girt Polar Plunge • Sea GirtProceeds benefit the L.I.F.T. Fund for Veterans at Habitat for Humanity.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10Valentine Plunge • ManasquanFeel the love at this Valentine's event, which benefits ALS patients. Read about the couple who got engaged at last year's event here.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24Polar Bear Plunge • Seaside HeightsSpecial Olympics New Jersey’s biggest Polar Bear Plunge fills Seaside Heights with thousands of plungers. Proceeds benefit the athletes.
SATURDAY, MARCH 16Stone Harbor Shiver • Stone HarborParticipants are encouraged to attend wearing their wackiest outfits for the event's costume contest.
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A Garden State eatery is in the national spotlight this week.Esquire just released its hotly anticipated list of the 50 best new restaurants in America of 2023, and heaped a hearty helping of praise upon Lita in Aberdeen Township.Lita, a modern, Iberian-inspired restaurant, opened this spring. It is the third restaurant under founder Neilly Robinson and chef David Viana—whose Heirloom Kitchen, a restaurant and cooking school in Old Bridge, made NJM's list of best restaurants in 2022, and whose Heirloom at the St. Laurent in Asbury Park made NJM's list of best restaurants in 2023.The duo's latest restaurant has roots in Viana’s family's immigrant story. Viana grew up in Little Lisboa, Newark’s Portuguese immigrant community, where his grandmother passed down to him recipes, stories and a passion for food. Many of those childhood dishes made their way to Lita's menu.[caption id="attachment_323404" align="alignnone" width="778"] Lita is run by founder Neilly Robinson and chef David Viana. Photo: ET Schindler[/caption]In addition to its rich cultural influence, Lita boasts an open-fire hearth in its dining room, over which many of the menu items are prepared.“The hearth at Lita sees constant tending with a vigorously waved fan, the feeding of charcoal with a shovel," writes Esquire's Kevin Sintumuang. "…It is the thing you least expect to see inside a strip mall in central Jersey next to an old bowling alley, but then again, no one expected that a destination-worthy Iberian restaurant would be here.”[RELATED: The 30 Best Restaurants in New Jersey]
Sintumuang also lauds Lita for its paella, tuna tartare and cocktails.To compile its well-regarded list, Esquire staffers visited more than 200 restaurants of various cuisines around the country in the past year.Lita's team reacted to the honor in an Instagram post by saying, “We remember year after year reading Esquire's Best New Restaurant list, pining to be on it, but never really believing it was something achievable.”“To see Lita on this list and in such incredible company has us feeling humbled and honored,“ the post continues. “Words that come to mind—proud, accomplished, lucky!!”New Jersey Monthly's list of the best new restaurants in New Jersey of 2023 is set for release in our February 2024 issue.
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[caption id="attachment_321871" align="alignnone" width="778"] Illustration: Klaus Kremmerz[/caption]Do you know how difficult it is for most people to get to the beach?” I made pointed eye contact with my 10-year-old son in the rearview mirror. We were on our way to Cape May for a week. “Most people have to take a plane! Not only can we drive, we can get there before lunch!”
The first time my son saw the ocean, he was still in diapers. He was three when he built his first sandcastle, five when he was rolled by his first wave. Now 10, in Cape May, he dove in the surf for seashells, gaped at a pod of dolphins, and rescued a horseshoe crab, holding it up by its shell in order to marvel at its prehistoric underside before hefting it back into the waves. Going to the beach ranks among his top five favorite things, but I don’t know if he truly appreciates the ease with which he can feel sand under his feet and ocean breeze on his cheeks. But I certainly do.
I was 10, the same age he is now, before I ever laid eyes on the ocean. I was raised in Kansas, smack-dab in the middle of the country, landlocked to the extreme. It took my family 15 hours over two days of driving to reach a coast. As a kid prone to car sickness, I would spend the first 30 minutes of those trips absorbed in my Nancy Drew book, and the next 14 1/2 hours wracked with nausea, green faced and limp in the back seat. It was awful. But also, it was worth it.
My mother had briefed me on the magic of the ocean—toddlers with buckets and shovels, seagulls stealing snacks, young couples working on their tans (it was the ’80s!)—but no one could prepare me for the ocean’s unfathomable vastness and overwhelming beauty, a state of awe I only got to experience a handful of times before adulthood.
Now, I live an hour from the seaside. Since moving to New Jersey in 2015, we’ve explored the remote beaches in Island Beach State Park, eaten greasy fries and fed quarters into the arcade on the boardwalk in Point Pleasant, and lolled on Spring Lake’s pristine beaches and then gone for shellfish in Sea Girt. We’ve made the mistake of arriving at the beach in Ocean Grove before noon on a Sunday, when it opens. We’ve biked to the lighthouse in Cape May. I’ve even started saying “down the Shore.” (No. I’m lying. I don’t say that. But maybe someday!)
[RELATED: The Joys of Putting Down Roots in New Jersey]
Recently, on my son’s birthday, we responded to a random day off from school and a favorable forecast with a drive to Sandy Hook. It was the off-season, and the weather wasn’t nearly as nice as my iPhone app had predicted. The sun hid and the wind bit. We spent most of the afternoon lying face down on the sand where it was warmest, wrapped in our towels like burritos, the wind whipping our hair. My son got his feet wet, but kept his sweatshirt on the entire time. It was pretty much a bust.
But here’s the thing—it didn’t matter. It had only taken us an hour to drive there. If we wanted, we could have gone back the next weekend. And the one after that.
Katherine Dykstra is the author of What Happened to Paula: An Unsolved Death and the Danger of American Girlhood, now out in paperback.
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Jon Bon Jovi is not just a famous rocker from New Jersey.He’s also a philanthropist who has been helping feed the hungry in the Garden State for years now with his JBJ Soul Kitchen restaurants, where diners pay what they can.This Saturday, October 7, the eighth annual JBJ Soul Kitchen Chili Cookoff will be held at nonprofit's Toms River restaurant. First responders from all over will compete in the fundraiser by cooking up their favorite chili recipes.Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea, usually serve as unannounced judges at the event—so if you’re a fan, it’s potentially a chance to catch a sighting.[caption id="attachment_317320" align="alignnone" width="778"] Jon Bon Jovi greets members of the Toms River Fire Department, Company #1, as he tastes their chili. Photo: Courtesy of Chris Brittain/@Brittain Studios[/caption]To date, JBJ Soul Kitchen has provided 173,870 meals to the hungry. The organization's community restaurants, run by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, serve both paying and in-need customers. Individuals and families can enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal with dignity, in a warm, welcoming setting. Reservations are not necessary.The restaurants are operated on a “pay it forward” model, where those who are unable to pay are encouraged to join the Soul Kitchen community to learn about resources and volunteer opportunities.For those who can pay, they are asked to pay a suggested donation for their meal ($20 for lunch/$30 for dinner in Red Bank and $20 for lunch/dinner in Toms River), and “pay it forward” $20 to cover someone’s meal who is unable to afford it.The restaurants are located in Toms River and Red Bank, at Rutgers University-Newark, and at New Jersey City University in Jersey City."Our Chili Cookoff is my favorite event of the year," says Joanne Gwin, community coordinator of JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River. "It is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together. Attendees have the chance to support and thank our first responders for their service, along with supporting JBJ Soul Kitchen."Fire, EMS and police departments, as well as first-aid squads, compete for first-, second- and third-place honors in the annual event. Last year’s winner was Union Beach PBA Local 291.[caption id="attachment_317321" align="alignnone" width="778"] Guests enjoy last year's Chili Cookoff at JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River. Photo: Courtesy of Chris Brittain/@Brittain Studios[/caption]Presale admission is $20; tickets purchased at the door are $30. Children 12 and younger can enter free of charge.This year, JBJ Soul Kitchen will also be selling beautiful ceramic bowls, crafted by students throughout New Jersey, for $20. Funds will support people who are battling food insecurity.In addition, local food bank People’s Pantry will be collecting nonperishable food items.The fundraiser will take place at 1769 Hooper Avenue in Toms River on October 7, from 1 to 4 pm.For more info, go to jbjsoulkitchen.org/chili-cook-off-2023.
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Guests won't have to wait until next summer to check out Atlantic City's newest major hospitality venture.Nobu Hotel Atlantic City, opening within Caesars, is now accepting reservations for stays beginning on January 2, 2024.The boutique hotel is set to feature 85 rooms, including suites with ocean views. The hotel is part of Caesars' $240 million resort renovations project (a new rooftop pool, for example, overlooks America’s first Boardwalk).[caption id="attachment_317202" align="alignnone" width="778"] Nobu Hotel is on the top three floors of the Centurion Tower. Rendering: Courtesy of Nobu Hotel Atlantic City[/caption]The first Nobu Hotel opened in 2013 in Las Vegas. An additional 37 hotels have opened worldwide since, in cities from Miami Beach to Malibu to Marrakech."We are delighted to partner with a world-class hospitality brand like Nobu to further elevate the experience at Caesars Atlantic City,” John Koster, regional president for Caesars Entertainment's Eastern Division, said in a statement.[caption id="attachment_317201" align="alignnone" width="778"] Rendering: Courtesy of Nobu Hotel Atlantic City[/caption][RELATED: The Best Restaurants in Atlantic City]
The hotel joins Caesars' existing Nobu restaurant, an outpost of the famed Robert De Niro-backed Japanese fine-dining brand of chef Nobu Matsuhisa, which opened in October 2022. When New Jersey Monthly critic Victor Fiorillo visited the restaurant earlier this year, he deemed the experience to be a gamble. The ambience "ranges from bland and claustrophobic to perfectly elegant," he wrote. The service "ranges from ridiculously bad to top-shelf." Some of the food was "very good and some nearly exquisite"; other dishes were "forgettable."Will the hotel prove a more consistent experience? Only time will tell.Rooms start at $135. Amenities will include access to a pool, a fitness center and a business center. For more information or to make a reservation, visit caesars.com/caesars-ac. 2100 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City; 609-348-4411
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Getting called to the principal’s office as a young surfer might not be the worst thing—not with these wave-riding administrators.If you attended school in one of our coastal counties or even beyond, there may have been a certain stereotype of surfers—perhaps more concerned with waves than grades, a tendency to cut when the swell was good or to otherwise run amok with the administration.But today, administrators like John King, principal of the Maud Abrams School in Lower Township, Peter Kopack of the Long Beach Island Grade School in Ship Bottom, and Van Cathcart of Sandman School in Lower Township, know that surfing runs parallel, not perpendicular, to academics.King, 48, of Cape May, grew up between Philly and his parents’ second home in Cape May, where he became a year-round surfer. A graduate of Rutgers, he surfs every day there are waves.He sees some students surfing the Cove in Cape May.“I know the families in town that surf, and there are parents that will sign their kids out on really good swells. I just nod and say, ‘Thanks for the heads up.’ Because I know I’ll be surfing after school,” King laughs, adding that surfing helps with the stress of being a principal. “Surfing becomes therapy. You get out and away from it. I take a few beatings and it kind of clears my head. There is a great crew of people I surf with here. No one’s talking about school.”Cathcart, 46, of Cape May Court House, grew up as a hoops player and surfer at Middle Township High School. He began teaching at the Pinelands Learning Center, taught and coached varsity basketball at Absegami High, and became principal at Sandman in 2015. He finds his surfing time brings him back to a relaxing center after the challenges of school. Kopack, 50, of Point Pleasant Borough, grew up in Farmingdale and found surfing and skateboarding as a kid. He and about six friends would get rides to Manasquan Inlet and spend the entire day there—and they still surf.He graduated from Howell High School in 1991. During the summers, he lifeguarded in Point Pleasant. He taught at Middletown and became vice principal at Marlboro, then Lacey Township, before becoming superintendent and principal at the Long Beach Island Consolidated Schools.Kopack’s school is just two blocks from the ocean in Ship Bottom, and he says a lot of his students surf, which helps him relate to them. “Surfing, skating and snowboarding are really good for them, emotionally and socially—really, any time spent outside is good to see,” he says.Cathcart says he sometimes uses his surfing experience as a tool to connect with kids. “I start talking about surfing and their eyes light up. It helps develop a rapport with some of the kids. We start talking about boards and waves, and they see you as more than just a principal.”
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Friday Night Fireworks on the Beach September 1: Kick off the long weekend with some pyrotechnics. Fireworks will light up the sky behind the famous Wildwoods sign. Rio Grande Avenue Beach; 10 pm. FREE.
Jr. Clamshell Pitching Tournament September 1: The Rich Reinhart Junior Clamshell Pitching Tournament, named for the founder of the International Clamshell Pitching Club of Cape May, is open to kids ages 6 to 17. Each player tosses a clamshell about 25 feet towards a small hole in the sand. Shells are provided, or kids can bring their own lucky clamshells. Windsor Beach (across from Congress Hall); noon. FREE.
AirFest 2023 September 1-4: It’s a bird ... no, it’s a plane—and lots of them! This year’s AirFest from the NASW Aviation Museum in Cape May will feature aircraft performing aerial acrobatics. Attendees can also enjoy live music, food and more. 500 Forrestal Road; 10 am–4 pm. $14–$18; children under three, FREE.
Labor Day Concert and Fireworks September 2 (rain date: September 3): Spend Saturday night on the beaches of Manasquan listening to music and watching fireworks light up the evening sky. Main Beach; 7:30-10 pm. FREE.
World Championship Skee-Ball Tournament September 2: At Ed’s Funcade in Wildwood, players vie for skee-ball glory, a trophy and a $1,000 Amazon gift card. Lincoln Ave and Boardwalk; 7-10 pm. FREE.
Fireworks at the Tropicana September 2: End summer with a bang in Atlantic City with a mesmerizing fireworks display. Tropicana beachfront; 10 pm. FREE.
BBQ & NJ Craft Beer Festival September 2-4: Sample brews and barbecue at this annual three-day festival at the Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport. Offerings include tender pulled pork, juicy brisket, smoky ribs and more. Wash it all down with an ice-cold craft beer from a selection of more than 40 options. Live music and free parking make this festival even more of a must. 175 Oceanport Avenue; 11 am–5 pm. $6 per day.
End of Summer Block Party
September 3: This festival will be rocking the block in Wildwood’s Fox Park. Visitors can enjoy crafts, games, rides, food and live entertainment. Ocean Avenue, directly across from the Wildwoods Convention Center; 1-10 pm. FREE.
Viking Village Art & Craft Shows
September 3: Head to LBI's Barnegat Light for a shopping spree, where more than 70 vendors will sell handmade wares. This event will be held rain or shine. 19th Street and Bayview Avenue; 10 am-4:30 pm. FREE.
Labor Day Race
September 4: Lace up your sneaks and get your heart pumping in Ocean City. Participate in the five-mile or one-mile run/walk to benefit local recreation scholarships and programs. 23rd Street Beach; race starts at 9 am. $15-$35.
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[caption id="attachment_313979" align="alignnone" width="778"] Stephanie Ruhle calls summers on LBI the “greatest escape” for her family. Photo: Courtesy of Eric Hance[/caption]
Stephanie Ruhle, anchor of political news broadcast The 11th Hour on MSNBC, seems to have a charmed life: a happy family, a fantastic job and two lovely homes—one in Manhattan and the other, a cherished Jersey Shore homestead on Long Beach Island. She would be the first to say her life is not a matter of luck, but a result of hard work.
“I have New Jersey hustle,” she says, grinning, while sitting in her corner office at 30 Rockefeller Center. In contrast to her polished image under the studio lights, Ruhle is wearing jeans, sneakers and a casual khaki jacket. But the high-spirited demeanor she’s known for and the quick smile that dazzles the camera are just as evident in person as on TV.
The more she discusses her early life and career, the more surprising her professional trajectory seems. “My mom used to tell me, ‘You’re not the smartest, you’re not the tallest, you’re not the fastest, you’re not the most beautiful, but nobody can outwork you. You can do anything you set your mind to,’” says Ruhle. “That’s just the most Jersey approach ever, right? Nobody’s gonna outwork you!” She grew up in a middle-class family in the small town of Park Ridge in Bergen County, attending public schools; she only had 70 kids in her graduating class. “I had great parents, a great family,” she notes. “I don’t have a sad story to tell.”
It seems that the things that stood out about her then (and still stand out now) were her spirit, her confidence and her driving desire to be part of the great, big, exciting world.
“New York was always sort of a dream for me, a love story,” she says thoughtfully. “One of my earliest memories was taking my dad to the train station with my mom in the morning, seeing him get on the train and saying, ‘That’s what I want to do. I don’t want to get back in this car, I don’t want to go to school. I want to live that life.’”
While in college at Lehigh University, Ruhle decided she wanted to explore a career in the banking industry. Not knowing how to get started, she wrote to alumni, seeking advice and contacts, and was offered an internship at Merrill Lynch.
Ruhle was only an intern, but she immediately set about climbing the ladder. “At the first desk I rotated on, there were a bunch of 45-year-old guys who had to go out and entertain clients every night,” she recalls. “So I made friends with every single nightclub doorman, every maître d’ at every hot restaurant, and booked dinner tables for all these guys. I told them, ‘You can’t go unless I’m at the table. It’s my reservation.’ I was 21 years old, and I went straight Jersey. I ended up meeting all the biggest clients. If I hadn’t done that, I would’ve just been the girl answering the phone.”
Upon graduation, Ruhle secured a job at Credit Suisse. But the boys’-club environment was tough on her. “Banking is the sharpest of the sharp elbows,” she says, thinking back. “There weren’t a lot of people who looked like me. I didn’t go to an Ivy League school, I didn’t go to a fancy prep school, I didn’t have a background in business. In banking, I definitely suffered from impostor syndrome. I was always competing. It was exhausting.”
Even as she worked hard in the financial sector, she dreamed of a career in television. It didn’t seem possible, especially because she was rising in the ranks at Credit Suisse. After nearly six years, she was promoted to a vice president position. Even then, she says, “TV was always in the back of my mind.”
Eventually, she accepted a lucrative job from Deutsche Bank in 2003. Right before her job was about to begin, however, she spontaneously attended an open-call audition to guest host Live! With Regis and Kelly while Kelly Ripa was out on maternity leave. “My husband thought I was insane,” she recalls, laughing. “We had to get up at three o’clock in the morning and wait in line at ABC Studios for, like, seven hours.”
Ultimately, Ruhle wasn’t chosen for the gig, although she did make it to the finals. So she reported to work at Deutsche Bank and, after several years, was promoted to managing director in global markets senior relationship mangagement. By then, she was doing a lot of public speaking, trying to help professional women rise in the industry as she had. She felt strongly that the world of finance offered excellent opportunities for women, but was disappointed that there were few women in it. “I didn’t have any homegirls in finance,” she says, still a bit exasperated. “Nobody. I thought, This has to change.”
Advocating for women’s financial empowerment has been Ruhle’s passion for years, and it continues to be. She is the founder of the Corporate Investment Bank Women’s Network and has cochaired the Women on Wall Street steering committee. She is also a member of the board of trustees for Girls Inc. New York, and has been involved with numerous other groups as well. “It doesn’t make sense for women not to have financial autonomy,” she says. “Sharing a bed with somebody, building life with somebody, parenting with them, is really hard. And if that other person also controls all the finances in your life, that makes life extra hard.”
One day, in 2011, the White House Project hosted a presentation and Ruhle was a guest speaker. Having worked at Deutsche Bank for about eight years by then, she was asked what she wanted to do in her next chapter. It was a pivotal moment in her life.
“I realized that I was afraid,” she says. “You know, it’s embarrassing to say out loud, ‘I want to take a leap; I want to do something totally different.’ You run the risk of people laughing at you. But that day, I said it out loud: ‘I’ve always wanted to work in TV. Especially business TV.’”
That experience made her realize that television was the next critical step in her career. She told the audience that day, “Our banking system finances the American dream. We’re a country of entrepreneurship. There are amazing stories to tell. And that’s what I want to do.”
A panelist from Bloomberg News was so moved by her speech that she offered to introduce Ruhle to the then head of Bloomberg TV, Andy Lack (who went on to become chairman of NBC News before stepping down in 2020 amid controversy). Never one to squander an opportunity, Ruhle knew exactly what to say when she met him.
“I told him, ‘Pay me the lowest amount of money of anybody in your organization, but give me a real shot. Give me a show to anchor. Teach me how to be on TV. If I fail, it won’t cost you that much.’” To her surprise he said, “It’s a deal.”
Ruhle went on to co-anchor a series of shows on Bloomberg TV. She discovered that the businesses of money acquisition and news gathering weren’t so different. “Let me tell you, a trading floor and a newsroom look almost identical,” she explains. “People screaming, open floor plan, very, very intense. Everyone looks like they’re fighting, but they’re actually not. They have a common goal.” After so many years in finance, Ruhle felt right at home.
Ruhle worked at Bloomberg for nearly five years. She interviewed some of the world’s most powerful people: business tycoons, Wall Street traders, CEOs, celebrities. But she was beginning to feel a tug to her roots. The issues of real, everyday people sometimes felt more important than the concerns of her niche industry. When Lack announced he was leaving Bloomberg to accept a job at NBC, she decided to follow him.
The move gave her just what she was looking for. At NBC, in addition to finance, she reported on trends, pop culture and politics. It was a steep learning curve, especially because 2016 was a challenging time to cover America’s rapidly changing political landscape. However, it was exhilarating. Ruhle says she felt like she was in the right place at the right time.
Ruhle co-anchored a smart-money MSNBC program with her friend and colleague Ali Velshi. During that time, Brian Williams (also from New Jersey) hosted the popular nighttime show The 11th Hour, a position he slid into after losing his anchor job on NBC Nightly News when it came out that he’d exaggerated some of his reporting experiences in the field. In 2022, Williams left The 11th Hour, and the baton got passed to Ruhle.
Nowadays, The 11th Hour With Stephanie Ruhle covers a mix of political news, hard news and a bit of economic policy. Ruhle can often be seen in daytime programming, too. She’s a frequent contributor across NBC’s multiple platforms and series, including its iconic morning program, the Today show. Because the national discussion so often focuses on money matters like inflation, the debt ceiling, estate planning, Covid recovery and small business issues, Ruhle is a sought-after guest on many of her colleagues’ programs.
[RELATED: ‘Today’ Co-Host Dylan Dreyer Calls Growing Up in NJ ‘the Reason I am Who I am’]
On May 5, 2023, Ruhle had the opportunity to interview President Joe Biden at the White House. Calling it “the honor of a lifetime,” she believes Biden granted her the interview because of her focus on economic policy and her show’s wide, national, multi-demographic audience. “I think the President sat down with me because I covered in depth a number of bills he passed in his first two years in office,” she says. “I work really hard to not just cover noise. I try to make my audience better and smarter. I can only hope that’s maybe what the White House saw.”
Fealty to truth, says Ruhle, is a critical component of every show she broadcasts.
“Look, we have a complicated country,” she says. “We have a lot of angry people. Viewers who have never watched you may assume you have an ideology or you’re pushing an agenda. Um, no. There’s no right or left with me. You know what there is? The truth. Every night we cover the truth. And that, to me, is a very Jersey thing.”
She adds, smiling, “New Jersey is a no-BS state. And I’ve tried to create a no-BS show.”
Ruhle's life on LBI [caption id="attachment_313980" align="alignnone" width="778"] Ruhle and husband Andy Hubbard with their kids, Drew, Harrison and Reese, and their cavapoo, Skipper Dipper. Photo: Courtesy of Eric Hance[/caption]
Her New Jersey ethos inspired Stephanie Ruhle to work hard (“People in New Jersey are just like scrappy builders,” she says), but her parents provided the bedrock of love a child needs to face the world with confidence. Nowadays, her parents give that same support to Ruhle’s kids. “My children will all tell you that my mother is their best friend,” she says.
Which is why, media career notwithstanding, Ruhle says the best parts of her life are long, lazy summer days spent with family on Long Beach Island. Her sister’s summer home is four houses down from hers, and her parents travel from Park Ridge every weekend to join them.
It’s an idyllic life. Ruhle’s husband, Andy Hubbard, takes their three kids swimming and sailing. Reese, 14, is in a lifeguard training program, while Harrison, 17, is among the best young competitive sailors in the state. Ten-year-old Drew performs at local venues like the Surflight Theater and Show Place ice cream parlor.
“LBI has given all of us the greatest escape from our busy, scheduled New York City life,” Ruhle says. “We can literally shout out the window and our neighbors will come over for s’mores after dinner. Having that community, that safe haven, with neighbors, cousins, grandparents—it’s truly a blessing.
“A Jersey way to think is to be on a team. That’s how I grew up.”
Linda Federico-ÓMurchú is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in outlets including NBC News, CNBC, the Today show and TheStreet.com. A Montclair resident, she is currently working on three books.
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The infant sperm whale lay on its side in the cold sand, sleek and shining in the December sun. Adult sperm whales can grow up to 67 feet and weigh as much as 45 tons. This one was tiny by comparison—weighing about a ton and, at 12 feet long, measuring roughly the size of a kayak. Authorities from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) in Brigantine noted that it was still nursing before it died and speculated that it might have gotten separated from its mother and starved to death.
What made this whale particularly significant, though, wouldn’t become clear for several months. As it happens, it was the first of an alarming number of dead whales that washed up on, or were spotted near, East Coast beaches between December 2022 and March 2023—30 in all, 11 of them in New Jersey. (More than two dozen dolphins were also stranded in New Jersey during that time.) Of those 11 whales, 9 were humpbacks; the other two were a sperm whale and a pygmy sperm whale. In comparison, the average number of annual humpback strandings in the entire U.S. is between 6 and 22.
In fact, the number of whale strandings along the East Coast has increased markedly since 2016, a year before the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared an unusual mortality event (UME)—defined as “a stranding that is unexpected; involves a significant die-off of any marine mammal population; and demands immediate response”—for humpback whales and North Atlantic right whales, an endangered species whose population has dropped to around 340. As of this writing, the East Coast has seen 200 humpback strandings and 98 strandings of right whales since the UMEs were announced.
Ever since environmental organizations raised the rallying cry “Save the Whales” in the late 1970s, the awe-inspiring marine mammals have become symbolic of the negative impact we humans have wrought on the natural world. So it should surprise no one that this latest surge in strandings has raised deep concern for the whales’ wellbeing and a clamor for a definitive explanation of their deaths. One potential cause has received more press recently than any other: the geotechnical and geophysical surveying of the seafloor in preparation for the construction of Ocean Wind I, 99 wind turbines to be built off the coast of Atlantic City by the Danish company Ørsted—the first wind farm authorized for New Jersey but likely not the last.
[caption id="attachment_313632" align="alignnone" width="778"] Illustration: Shutterstock[/caption]
In our highly polarized era, it was almost inevitable that the issue would become politicized, with (mostly) Republicans pointing to the offshore wind exploration as a potential cause of the whale strandings and (mostly) Democrats rejecting that explanation as baseless. As calls for an explanation mount, the split down party and political lines isn’t likely to contribute positively to the search for clarity.
EXPLORATION It was the fifth dead whale on New York and New Jersey beaches, a female humpback that washed up in Atlantic City, that sounded the alarm for Cindy Zipf, executive director of the Long Branch-based nonprofit Clean Ocean Action (COA). “It caused us concern enough to ask, ‘What is happening?’” she says. “We looked into what was different about this December and early January.” The only thing that she and Kari Martin, COA’s advocacy campaign manager, could point to, she says, was offshore wind exploration. “We looked at shipping, and shipping didn’t seem to be any different. The same fishermen were fishing. And the only thing we noticed were the number of IHAs that had been issued.”
IHAs—Incidental Harassment Authorizations—are allowances granted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, authorizing the incidental, but not intentional, harassment of a specified number of marine mammals for no longer than a year. What Martin found was that IHAs had been issued to 11 companies engaged in offshore wind exploration activities, allowing them to incidentally harm more than 63,800 marine mammals. (Since then, additional IHAs have been issued.) When a sixth dead whale washed up, again in Atlantic City, Zipf and Martin were moved to send a letter to President Biden demanding, among other things, an immediate investigation into the whale deaths in New York and New Jersey and a moratorium on offshore wind activity off the two states until an assessment of the cause of the deaths was determined.
No one is blaming the deaths on wind power itself or on the construction of wind farms, since that construction isn’t planned until 2024. Instead, critics have expressed fears that the sonar and other sounds used to map the ocean floor could be detrimental to whales, perhaps by frightening them or deafening them, both of which, they suggest, could lead to ship strikes or fishing gear entanglement—the two leading human-caused means of death in marine mammals. If so, that would be difficult to prove through a necropsy, since it would entail examining certain microscopic parts of the ear bones, which, according to Allison Ferreira, NOAA’s communications and internal affairs team supervisor, decompose within hours. “If a whale is already in moderate to advanced decomposition, as is often the case unless a whale is alive when first stranded,” she says, “then microscopic changes in the ears are no longer detectable.” Critics like COA also posit that an increased number of ships working in the area to survey the sea floor could be leading to an increase in ship strikes.
After the COA’s White House letter, additional demands for a moratorium and/or investigation followed. At the end of January, 12 mayors of Jersey Shore towns—Bay Head, Brigantine, Deal, Linwood, Long Beach Township, Mantoloking, Margate, North Wildwood, Point Pleasant Beach, Spring Lake, Stone Harbor, and Wildwood Crest—sent a letter to New Jersey members of Congress, urging them “to take action now to prevent future deaths from needlessly occurring on our shorelines.” A similar letter, this one calling for a moratorium on offshore wind exploration and signed by 30 New Jersey mayors, was sent to representatives Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Chris Smith (R-NJ), and Frank Pallone (D-NJ) in late February. On March 22, Van Drew introduced a congressional resolution demanding a moratorium on offshore wind development. And on March 30, Smith introduced an amendment calling for an independent investigation into the environmental review processes for East Coast offshore wind development, which lawmakers approved, 244 to 189.
Like Zipf and Martin, Van Drew believes that the timing is telling: “The dates [of the whale deaths] alone coincide with when they really started to do the research,” he says, referring to the surveying of the sea floor. That work began in January 2019, two years after the latest humpback and North Atlantic right whale UMEs were announced.
It should be noted that 26 of the 30 mayors and a town council member who’ve proposed a connection between whale strandings and offshore wind exploration, along with the two New Jersey congressmen who’ve done the same, are Republicans, and Republicans are far more likely than Democrats to oppose or criticize wind power. (A 2021 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 91 percent of Democrats favored the creation of more wind farms, as opposed to 62 percent of Republicans, the latter figure down from 80 percent in 2016.) Certainly, Van Drew was a critic of offshore wind before he and others suggested a relationship between wind and whales. He admits that even if it were proved that there was no connection between the two, he’d still be loath to endorse wind power. “And that wasn’t always my opinion,” he says. “It has changed over time for sure.” Among reasons for that change he lists potential negative effects on fishing, tourism, and the environment.
At least one of the New Jersey-based environmental organizations calling for a moratorium on wind exploration, Protect Our Coast NJ, has been linked to the Caesar Rodney Institute, which has received funding from the fossil fuel industry. Ed Potosnak, executive director of the New Jersey chapter of the nonprofit League of Conservation Voters, says that the South Jersey politicians clamoring for a moratorium “are opposed to offshore wind possibly because it will obstruct their view. When you ask questions, in every instance—and we’ve been through this on many issues—the main connection is that they’re opposed to offshore wind at all costs.”
IF NOT WIND, WHAT? Since the beginning of the year, when questions about offshore wind activity as a cause of whale strandings began to arise, government agencies—including NOAA and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management—and many environmental groups have made the point, as Potosnak does, that “there is no evidence of a connection between the strandings and offshore wind, and there’s no evidence that wind exploration has caused the death of any marine mammal.” (In April, NOAA issued a report stating that offshore wind activity—not, specifically, offshore exploration—couldn’t kill or seriously harm marine mammals but might “adversely affect” them.)
What evidence of death we do have consists of necropsies conducted by the MMSC, who examine the whales on the beach and, when possible, send tissue samples off to be examined in a laboratory. One of the 11 whales that washed up recently on New Jersey beaches was too badly decomposed to be necropsied; two were only witnessed floating offshore; and one necropsy couldn’t be fully completed due to a coastal storm. Of the others, four showed evidence of ship strikes; further research may reveal whether the strikes occurred before or after death. More than half of all whales found dead on beaches, in fact, evidence no clear cause of death, either because decomposition is too advanced or because they may have died of an infection that isn’t easily detectable. As of this writing, no reports based on the tissue samples have been issued, and on its blog, MMSC notes that “final necropsy results can take several months to be returned.” (MMSC declined to be interviewed for this article, and while it didn’t offer an explanation, it’s possible that the organization has become media-shy after receiving threats from offshore wind opponents accusing the center—without evidence—of hiding the truth about the whale deaths and taking money from the offshore wind industry.)
One simple explanation for the increase in whale deaths may be the increase in whales. Research has shown that the number of humpback whales feeding off New Jersey and New York has burgeoned in recent years. A 2019 study published in the journal Marine Policy, for example, reported a substantial uptick in both humpback sightings and strandings in the area since 2011.
The humpbacks are likely following food—notably menhaden, an oily fish that makes up a substantial portion of their diet, along with herring and sand lance. Malin Pinsky, an associate professor in Rutgers’ department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, notes that “warmer ocean waters, along with other factors, have been linked to more menhaden in our region.” Documentably cleaner waters may also be drawing the whales closer to shore.
Of course, it’s possible that at least some of the ship strikes evidenced in the recent strandings originated from vessels engaged in offshore wind exploration. But Potosnak believes that’s unlikely. He notes that every vessel involved in wind exploration is required by the federal government to have a Protected Species Observer (PSO) aboard. The PSOs, he explains, “listen with headphones to the water to hear if any whales are around, and visually, they’re looking constantly for evidence of whales. And if they find that evidence, they stop activity right away.”
Should a PSO miss whale activity, it’s not clear that sonar and other sounds generated during seafloor mapping would cause significant harm. Ferreira notes that “existing data indicate that the acoustic sources used during site assessment surveys do not have the potential to injure, seriously injure, or kill whales.” These low-frequency sounds differ from the seismic air guns often used during surveys for offshore oil and gas drilling, which have been shown to affect the feeding rates of sperm whales and breathing patterns in bowhead whales.
BACK AND FORTH Despite the recent outcry, Governor Murphy has said several times that there will be no moratorium on offshore wind exploration. On February 22 his office responded to calls for such a moratorium by noting that “the results of investigations have been unanimous and unmistakable: at this time, there is no evidence of specific links between recent whale mortalities and ongoing surveys for offshore wind development.”
That hasn’t stopped calls for a moratorium or, in the case of a March 28 letter from four Democratic U.S. senators—including New Jersey’s Cory Booker and Robert Menendez—calling for more transparency from NOAA regarding its investigations into the whale deaths. Potosnak observes that we’ve already had a moratorium of sorts, during the period after NOAA noticed a spike in whale mortality in 2016 and before seafloor mapping began in 2019.
Amid the high-decibel back-and-forth about offshore wind, one important point is in danger of being drowned out, and that’s the predicted impact of ocean warming on marine life. “If folks are really interested in protecting our marine mammals,” Potosnak says, “then they need to understand that the greatest threat to them is climate change itself.”
Leslie Garisto Pfaff, a contributing writer to New Jersey Monthly, has had a longtime interest in the environment.
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[caption id="attachment_313139" align="alignnone" width="778"] Partners David Gill, left, and Joel Romano keep busy at Wildwoods BBQ in North Wildwood. Photo: Courtesy of Wildwoods BBQ[/caption]
Preeminent in pizza, pork roll, frozen custard and other delights, New Jersey cannot claim a long tradition in the art of barbecue.
That has encouraged some determined souls to import the benchmark styles of the South and Midwest. What began in the 1980s as lighthearted approaches to barbecue at kitsch-filled restaurants such as Memphis Pig-Out in Atlantic Highlands (closed in 2017) and Big Ed’s BBQ in Matawan, still packing a crowd, has expanded and evolved.
Now you can find convincing renditions in all four Shore counties, variously adhering to the major styles: Texas, Carolina, Memphis and Kansas City.
“We didn’t need another pizza joint,” asserts Len Dagit, co-owner with brother John of Back Bay BBQ, a cash-only, dog-friendly, seasonal stand in Somers Point, Atlantic County. “Pulled pork is a staple. You get a sandwich for less than $10.”
At the behest of his wife, Lisa, who manages the front of the house, Len added seafood to the menu. “She said to me, ‘You’re running a stag house,’” Dagit says, laughing at his wife’s reference to the otherwise carnivorous menu. His own tastes, he says, run to “Hellmann’s mayo on cold brisket.”
Back Bay does offer indoor seating and tables with umbrellas on the patio overlooking Ship Channel, which feeds into Great Egg Harbor Bay. Dagit and his brother, John, originally wanted to build a marina on the property. When that didn’t pan out, they pivoted, opening Back Bay in 2009. They eschewed gas in favor of outdoor cooking with what Dagit proudly calls “real smokers and grills” fueled by cherry wood.
For baby-back ribs, Dagit favors Memphis-style dry rubs, traditionally sweetened slightly with brown sugar and a complex mix of spices, including paprika. On Back Bay’s affordable menu, the $30 full rack is a “high-end” item, Dagit says. “There’s nothing better.”
Whatever the fixings, smoke is transformative. “The beauty of barbecue,” says Texas-trained Doug Walsh, who co-owns Jersey Shore Barbecue in Point Pleasant Beach with his wife, Dana, “is taking cheap, tougher cuts of meat and making them magical.” He smokes brisket 18 hours over pecan wood, “and it outsells everything. In Texas, brisket is king.”
Walsh opened his first location in Belmar in 2010; in 2017, a second in East Brunswick with his cousin, Denis Barnao. After receiving several readers’ choice awards, he closed Belmar and, in 2021, opened the 5,800-square-foot restaurant in Point Pleasant Beach, with two smokers and a coal-fired pizza oven. The barbecue is Texas style, focused on beef.
“Palates in New Jersey are catching up to smoked foods,” Walsh says. That includes delicately flavored cold-smoked foods. Walsh serves cold-smoked lobster salad and tops pizzas with cold-smoked cheeses and meats.
[RELATED: Best Places to Eat at the Jersey Shore]
Steve Raab has collected many accolades, including overall wins at the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship in 2009 and 2011, under the name Fat Angel, and as Local Smoke in 2013 and 2017.
“We bring the best of the country to New Jersey,” Raab says of the six Shore locations serving North Carolina-style pulled pork, Texas-style brisket, and ribs sweetened to St. Louis and K.C. standards. Raab uses cherry and maple, running his Southern Pride gas-assisted smoker 24/7.
Local Smoke’s top seller is pulled pork, but Raab thinks his chicken, fresh from Holly Poultry in Maryland and brined by him, is what Local Smoke does best. “The freshness makes the difference,” he says. “I know the birds are walking around on Sunday, are slaughtered Monday morning and are brined by Monday afternoon.”
Joel Romano and David Gill, childhood friends from Australia, added a fresh perspective when they opened Wildwoods BBQ in North Wildwood in 2021. They handed customers paint pens to decorate the pink walls. Valuing sustainability, they make hot dogs from scraps of spare ribs, burgers and brisket. They’ve experimented with making shrimp sausage, but have yet to perfect the recipe. Veggies are no afterthought. They feature main dishes of pulled mushrooms and fried cauliflower. Still, beefy Aussie sausage with pepper, salt and cumin “is our signature,” says Romano. “People are adventurous and open to trying new things. There is no cooking-for-the-masses here.”
The scene continues to expand. Mutiny BBQ opened in Asbury Park in 2021. New to Barnegat this summer is Andrea’s Soul Food Cafe, which Shakierra Morris named for her daughter.
“Low and slow,” the mantra of barbecue, refers to cooking at low temperature, with indirect heat, for hours. At Jersey Shore BBQ, an average day starts at 7 am and ends at 9 pm. “On catering days,” notes Walsh, “even longer.” At Back Bay BBQ, says Dagit, “we use prime brisket, four inches thick, and it takes 12 hours to grill.”
The constant cooking creates a siren’s song for the hungry. “Our greatest advertisement,” Dagit says, “is when the wind blows smoke across the highway.”
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The familiar scent of chlorine is almost non-existent throughout Atlantic City's 120,000-square-foot Island Waterpark at Showboat—which bills itself as the world's largest oceanfront water park. The unpleasant odor, which typically smacks indoor water park or pool enthusiasts in the face upon arrival, dissipates due to the Island Waterpark's retractable roof. The sun's rays bounce off of the 11 slides and brighten the six bars as parents indulge in margaritas before relaxing in the 6,500-square-foot Island Drift Lazy River.
That's only one reason that it appears Bart Blatstein's brand-new Atlantic City gamble is a winner. The Tower Investments CEO and Showboat owner has opened the massive Island Waterpark, which complements his arcade and go-cart attractions at the former casino.
The park pleases both parents and children, which is an accomplishment. The line for the 1,000 square-foot Wild Wave FlowRider surf simulator was long on the day I visited, as kids tried to stay on their boards as long as possible. Parents kicked back and enjoyed refreshing frozen margaritas, despite being a whopping $21 each.
There's even an adults-only pool, which is a serene oasis. However, many moms and dads were navigating such slides as the rapid Sonic Serpent and the unpredictable Electric Eel when I visited.
[caption id="attachment_312605" align="aligncenter" width="778"] A retractable roof helps Island Waterpark avoid that infamous chlorine smell.[/caption]
The latter provides the greatest visceral thrill courtesy of the combination of unpredictability, speed, curves and a cool splashdown. There are one and two-person inflatable tubes. Go with the latter since additional weight adds speed. The lead racer will get drenched.
There are two tidal racer slides, where guests zoom head-first on a water mat at a respectable speed. There's a man-made waterfall that is one of the largest custom water forms in the world and a 30-foot-tall Indoor Tree House that can be booked for private parties. There's a pool with two basketball hoops and plenty of balls. We had no problem shooting to our hearts' content while splashing around in between runs on slides.
Island Waterpark has a sleek adults-only venue with a DJ, who spins while overlooking the Bliss Pool. The 21-and-up pool enables guests to gaze at the Atlantic City beach and boardwalk. The Bliss Pool includes Atlantic City's only swim-up bar with bar stools. Free massages are available upon request. There are manicure stations, chair massages, workspaces and Peloton bikes. There's an outdoor turf zone with corn hole. But guests must pay for access to the VIP Bliss Pool area. An additional 30 bucks for access to the adults-only area is worth it if you have children who are fine on their own.
[caption id="attachment_312601" align="aligncenter" width="778"] The Bliss Pool is for adults 21 and up.[/caption]
Admission isn't cheap—$89 per person or $69 at twilight between 4-9 pm. Neither is the food, but it's plentiful. Cocktails start at $17. Burgers are priced at $15. Boardwalk fare, hot dogs, pretzels and chicken fingers are offered. Lines move quickly at the stands, which are located next to arcade attractions.
The park gets a big thumbs-up for cleanliness. The staff was constantly cleaning and often checked the pH levels. It seems as if every other water park experience I've had is followed by an ear infection, but not so after the Island Waterpark.
It's a chill vibe with a playlist, which is designed to appeal to parents. A classic rock tune is almost always followed by a country track surfing over the din of children's laughs and squeals. There's an abundance of staffers, who are attentive. There's lockers for guests. It's $15 for a small locker and $20 for a large locker.
The Showboat has taken a page from the Disney World playbook by incorporating a "Rise n' Shine" hour, which allows hotel guests an exclusive morning hour prior to the general public's arrival. It'll be curious to see if more family-friendly attractions will be added to what used to be known as "America's Playground," which is where seaside recreation was born.
The Island Waterpark is following in the footsteps of the orange loop, which is a developing downtown full of non-casino options, which is finally giving Atlantic City some much needed balance.
Island Waterpark, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; 609-964-7663. Admission is $89, $69 at twilight 4-9 pm (kids 3 and under are free).
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On a spring day in 2021, photographer Steve Wagner was taking pictures of a family of osprey he’d come to know well. Each season, the birds (who, in general, can live to be 25 years old and often mate for life) returned to the same nest in Barnegat Bay, and Wagner documented them catching fish, defending their territory, and raising their chicks.
But on this particular day, Wagner witnessed something disturbing. “I was at the nest, and there was a wrapper, a plastic wrapper from roofing shingles, that was intertwined into the nest that wasn’t there the day before,” he says. “The urban runoff, the plastic, has gotten into the environment of our wildlife there.”
[caption id="attachment_312398" align="alignnone" width="778"] Wagner noticed a piece of plastic in the nest of a family of osprey he'd been documenting.Photo: Courtesy of Steve Wagner[/caption]
Wagner, who grew up locally in Normandy Beach, aims to both capture the natural wonders of Barnegat Bay and protect it. His beautiful new coffee-table book, Birds of Barnegat Bay, accomplishes both. The 180-page book places his images of birds alongside interesting facts about each species. Some of the photos feature birds that are well known to most Jerseyans—the herring gull, the great blue heron, the American goldfinch—as well as creatures that may be less familiar or are tough to spot in the wild, such as the snowy owl, the bald eagle and the hooded merganser.
In a mission that is important to Wagner, a portion of proceeds from the book’s sales go to Save Barnegat Bay, a nonprofit working to protect and restore Barnegat Bay—a 64-square-mile section of Ocean County that is home to countless species of birds, fish and crabs.
In addition to photographing wildlife, Wagner focuses on—and has roots in—a very different side of the water. He began his career as a surf photographer, which led naturally into wildlife. “There’s a lot of downtime when you’re waiting for a set of waves,” he says of surf photography. “What happens in that downtime? I started shooting coastal birds in flight that were just going by me in between shooting the surfing. It gradually moved to, Well, I can shoot surfing when there are waves and surfing, but when there are no waves, I can go out and shoot wildlife.”
[RELATED: Yes, the Jersey Shore Has a Thriving Surf Scene]
The book can be purchased for $50 at stevewagner.com, the Barnegat Bay EcoCenter in Toms River, and other Shore-area shops like BookTowne in Manasquan.
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Look up at a water tower on the Jersey Shore and, most likely, you’ll see the name of a beach town, a tourist slogan or a local attraction, such as Lucy the Elephant. On the southern end of Long Beach Island, the water tower reads Holgate, along with an image of what appears to be a modest beach house. Near the base of the tower along Barnegat Bay, the image becomes reality—a private house with a thin lookout tower.
That Holgate home shares a heritage with more than two dozen buildings along the Jersey coastline that are hidden in plain sight. They are former life-saving stations from the 1800s and early 1900s—essentially large boathouses built along the oceanfront. Upon seeing a ship in distress, locals would go to a station and wheel life-saving equipment and boats across the dunes to the water’s edge to rescue people from drowning and, if possible, save personal effects and cargo.
[caption id="attachment_312352" align="alignnone" width="788"] The Monmouth Beach station became a cultural center in 1999. Black-and white photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association; Color photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]
Today, these stations have been renovated as private homes in Bay Head, Strathmere, Sea Bright, Spring Lake and Avalon, or repurposed for diverse uses such as a cultural center in Monmouth Beach, the meeting hall of the Kiwanis Club in Cape May and the tax office in Seaside Park.
All of these buildings, in one way or another, owe their existence to New Jersey physician William Newell, who witnessed a shipwreck and death of 13 crew members in 1839, not far from today’s Holgate water tower. When later he was elected to Congress, Newell was instrumental in securing funding in 1848 to create the United States Life-Saving Service to preserve “life and property” along America’s coastline. For more than 65 years, the Service built small boathouses, then larger life-saving stations, every few miles from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Despite the stormy waves of nor’easters and the pressures of real estate development, more than two dozen of these structures built between 1849 and 1915 have become part of the fabric of the Shore.
Remarkably, two such boathouses built more than 150 years ago survive.
In the shadow of the lighthouses at Twin Lights Historic Site in Highlands sits the last boathouse of its kind from the 1849-1850 era. After having been replaced by a newer structure in 1872, sold by the government to a local businessman to use as a horse stable, repurchased by the government in 1930 to refurbish as a museum, decommissioned by the government after World War II, and then finally given to the Borough of Highlands in 1956, the station was moved to the highest spot along the Jersey Shore overlooking its former home at Sandy Hook.
Today, visitors to Twin Lights can see the boathouse and its lifecar, an invention seemingly right out of a Jules Verne novel. In the mid-19th century, a rescuer on the beach would fire a line from a cannon-like gun to tie to the mast of a ship that was sinking or stranded. Then, the lifecar was hoisted onto the line and sent over the waves to the ship. Passengers and crew would climb into the car, lying beside or on top of each other, and then the car would be hauled safely back to the beach. It was first used at Squan Beach (Manasquan) to rescue passengers from the British ship Ayrshire and subsequently helped to rescue thousands of people.
[caption id="attachment_312353" align="alignnone" width="788"] A former boathouse–turned–private home in Bay Head. Black-and white photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association; Color photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]
Another interesting tale of a boathouse is told by John Beers, who owns a two-story Dutch colonial house in Bay Head. The front part of his home was originally a boathouse, built in 1871 in what was then Point Pleasant Beach. In 1871, Elijah Chadwick, a local fisherman and farmer, bought it.
“Of all the buildings that the Life-Saving Service built, 99 out of 100 were purposely designed to move. They would jack them up and move them to prevent damage from sea encroachment,” explains Tim Dring, past president of the U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association and a retired Navy commander.
That was what Chadwick did, moving the house one block west to Main Avenue. He replaced the pitched roof with a Dutch colonial to make a comfortable home at the sparsely populated beach. When Lake Avenue was created, he moved the house one last time, to a quieter street near the bay.
Years went by as rooms were added under different owners. In 1982, Beers and his wife, Gail, purchased the property. As Beers says, it would have been a prime candidate for a McMansion because it sits on a double lot. But Beers says that the town historian “almost made me swear that I wouldn’t muck up the house and tear it down.” The family kept the historic parts of the house intact, adding a new kitchen, family room and second-floor addition in the back.
[RELATED: Inside the Jersey Shore’s Unique Community of Tiny Houses]
Though the life-saving stations were initially successful, Dring says federal support was sporadic, there weren’t trained crews, and eventually “the stations were broken into and the equipment pilfered.” By the end of the Civil War, the federal system had fallen into disrepair. In 1871, the Treasury Department convinced Congress to increase spending to hire full-time staff and build new stations that could accommodate larger boats, more equipment, staff lodging, and rooms for rescued people who needed a place to stay before continuing their journeys.
The stations that the government built, rebuilt, remodeled and moved along the Shore from 1871 to 1915 have inspired Shore architects for more than 100 years. The turrets, lookout towers, peaked roofs and dormer windows of the Life-Saving Service era are now such a part of Shore style that, in some beach towns, it’s easy to mistake a recently constructed home for a restored life-saving station.
After 1915, the Life-Saving Service was merged with the Revenue Cutter Service and became the United States Coast Guard, which eventually had little use for these stations, except for the Townsend Inlet station in Sea Isle City, which the Coast Guard still uses as a recreational facility. Why would the Coast Guard decommission or abandon prime beachfront property? Dring says the advent of steel ships with powerful engines and an increasing focus on recreational boating accidents steered the Guard away from the beachfront to locations on inlets and rivers where they could directly launch into the water.
Each remaining station took a different route to its present use.
[caption id="attachment_312355" align="alignnone" width="788"] The former Cold Springs Station is now the meeting space for the Kiwanis Club in Cape May. Black-and white photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association; Color photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]
Imagine paying $120 (or $2,600 in today’s money) in Cape May for a building across from the ocean, where today there are million-dollar Victorian homes and hotels. In 1939, that’s what the Kiwanis Club paid for the Cold Springs Station along Beach Avenue in an auction of decommissioned federal property. “There was a Coast Guard officer who had been at Cape May station who had been very friendly with the Kiwanis guys. He was transferred to New York Fourth Naval District,” Cape May Kiwanis member and former mayor Robert “Bob” Elwell explains. With a wink and a chuckle, Elwell says, “He happened to be the guy who opened the bids. And so it turned out that the Kiwanis Club bid was a few dollars higher than the highest other bid!”
Throughout the world, most Kiwanis Clubs meet in restaurants. But in Cape May, meetings at the clubhouse are often followed by lively card games upstairs, following in the tradition of surfmen who used the space as their bunkroom.
Farther up the Shore, in Stone Harbor, American Legion Post 331 and its Auxiliary were meeting in the Borough Hall and in firehouses. In 1948, when the Coast Guard deactivated what had been a life-saving station at the southern tip of Seven Mile Island, the legionnaires and auxiliary bought the building, plus its two-lot property, for $2,539. The men and women of Post 331 have enthusiastically embraced the history of the building, restoring its exterior. The building is open for free tours from Flag Day to Labor Day. In addition to a military museum on the second floor, visitors can climb to the lookout tower for remarkable views.
[caption id="attachment_312359" align="alignnone" width="788"] This private home, originally built in southern Ocean City, was dismantled in 1924 and rebuilt in Strathmere. Black-and white photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association; Color photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]
It’s not only social organizations that were able to buy stations. Stephen and Wendy Bell have a home in Strathmere that served as a station on an island farther north. The station, built in 1872 in southern Ocean City, was imperiled by shifting sands and storms. So, in 1924, the Coast Guard dismantled it, put it on a barge to cross Corson’s Inlet, and rebuilt it on Bayview Drive in Strathmere. In a more protected space and with a new boathouse across the street along the bay, the Coast Guard used it until 1964.
The Bells took care to restore the property after buying the house in 1994. The couple and their four children use the house as a summer home that, when stretched to capacity, can sleep 14 people. A special guest feature of the house is the queen size bed in the lookout tower, a room they’ve dubbed the honeymoon suite.
“In the summer, people often walk down the street and ask questions,” Bell says. “Sometimes, to my wife’s disdain, I invite them inside!”
Communities have united to help save stations. With the threat of a wrecking ball looming in 1999, local residents banded together to save the Monmouth Beach station and turn it into a cultural center. In Seaside Park, the borough purchased the building in 1966 and then, 30 years later, moved borough offices into the newly restored building. At Island Beach State Park, the state created an interpretive center in part of one old station, while in another section of the park, a former life-saving station serves as a maintenance facility, visible from the road near the entrance.
[caption id="attachment_312349" align="alignnone" width="788"] The Spermaceti Cove station in Sandy Hook National Park, built in 1894, recently underwent an exterior renovation. Black-and white photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association; Color photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]
Another branch of the federal government has also joined the effort. In Sandy Hook National Park, the Spermaceti Cove station, built in 1894, survived several government transfers, as well as Hurricane Sandy. The exterior was recently renovated by the park service in a near picture-perfect setting atop a dune overlooking the ocean. One can easily imagine a turn-of-the-century station keeper in the tower searching the New York Bay and the Atlantic Ocean for ships in distress.
In many ways, the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service has been eclipsed by the life-saving efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and its fleet of modern, mechanized boats. Yet two restored stations are keeping the memory of the Service alive.
In Manasquan, Ron Jacobsen, president of the Squan Beach Life-Saving Station Preservation Committee, describes former Station No. 9 as “the most beautiful historic structure in New Jersey.” Although the town bought the building for just $1 in 2000, the town and the committee have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars removing asbestos, redoing the plumbing, replacing shingles covered with lead, and collecting and displaying artifacts. The station is open May through September. Admission is free.
For the most colorful and historic look at life in a station between 1885 and 1905, visit U.S. Life Saving Station 30 in Ocean City. “When you come in the building, you are living the way men lived during the Life Service,” says its president, John Loeper. “You’re seeing what they saw day to day.”
The boathouse section of the building features a 26-foot surfboat, life-saving equipment, and even gear that the men used for hunting and fishing. Recreated rooms include the station keeper’s office, kitchen, dining room, and an upstairs bunk room with a ladder to the lookout tower.
The keepers of Station 30’s history are doing a deep dive into the individual histories of the 65 men who worked there, rescued people from shipwrecks, and were buried nearby. They are giving life to the history of a service that, in 60 years, with non-motorized boats and equipment, helped to save more than 186,000 people from treacherous waters around New Jersey.
Beyond the life-and-death stories of survivors, Loeper tells the story of the service’s other mission: to protect cargo: “There was a produce ship sailing up the coast full of watermelons that got in trouble at a sandbar. The captain said ‘lighten the loads,’ so the crew threw the watermelons overboard.” The ship safely docked, but the life-saving crew, not the ship’s, had one more task. Loeper says, “They spent two or three days rowing the inlet to save the watermelons and return them safely to the ship in Somers Point.”
R.C. Staab writes extensively about the Jersey Shore, including the book 100 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore. In the summer, he runs, swims, kayaks and walks the beaches from Sandy Hook to Cape May.
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There are already plenty of reasons to pay a visit to good old Atlantic City: the beach, the Boardwalk, the flashy casinos, the delectable food and restaurants. But there could be a new attraction to the city that would appeal to Formula 1 racing enthusiasts: a $3.3 billion racetrack.
The proposed project, called the Renaissance at Bader Field, would also include commercial development and residential housing. The site of the track is proposed for the former Atlantic City Municipal Airport located near Route 40, south of the bustling casino area.
DEEM Enterprises, a local company, is expected to pay $115 million for the land. The project would then move forward under the terms of a City Council resolution that calls for studies over the next six months. DEEM would pay all costs associated with land assessment and analysis.
The 2.44-mile track would be built to fit Formula 1 standards. If approved, the project would take six to nine years to complete and would provide housing and job opportunities for the community.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Mayor Marty Small Sr. at a press conference. “What I don’t think gets discussed enough is, this won’t cost city taxpayers a dime. This project won’t just change the landscape of Atlantic City, but it will give our taxpayers relief like never before.”
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[caption id="attachment_310744" align="alignnone" width="778"] Patty Barber manages daily operations at Silverball Retro Arcade in Asbury Park. Photo: Krista Schlueter[/caption]
Pings, clicks and boings fill the Silverball Retro Arcade in Asbury Park. The satisfying clunk of Skee-Ball and the electro-melodies of Pac-Man mingle with the thwack and jangle of pinball. These are the sounds of fun.
First and foremost, Silverball Retro Arcade is a place to play games. New Jersey has its share of well-stocked arcades, from Game Vault in Morristown to the Yestercades locations in Westfield, Somerville and Red Bank, Lucky Snake in Atlantic City, Jilly’s Arcade in Ocean City, and Retro Arcade & Fascination in Wildwood. But with its scholarly emphasis on rare and vintage pinball machines, Silverball is also a lively museum, as well as a year-round destination on the boardwalk in Asbury Park. Silverball highlights about 200 pinball machines from a rotating collection of about 600. This is where the pinball cognoscenti go to play games.
“All year, people come here from across the country and the U.K.,” says Patty Barber. The senior vice president of Silverball, she manages the daily operations in Asbury Park. “We have one guy who comes up from Philly every week. We also host tournaments through the International Flipper Pinball Association every other month in the offseason.”
[caption id="attachment_310697" align="alignnone" width="778"] Silverball is a pinball lover's paradise, highlighting about 200 pinball machines from its rotating collection of about 600. Photo: Krista Schlueter[/caption]
In 2015, Silverball opened a second location in Delray Beach, Florida, where founder Rob Ilvento lives in the offseason. His pinball empire has humble origins, going back to its 2009 opening in the basement below Groovy Graveyard, a record store on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park. It was a place to showcase his pinball collection. But Ilvento, a West Long Branch native who dropped out of Rutgers and founded Cluck U Chicken in New Brunswick in 1985, had a knack for knowing what would take off. When his elder daughter took a liking to pinball, Ilvento sensed the potential for a new audience for a game familiar to Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers.
In 2010, Silverball moved to the boardwalk, where it became popular with tourists and beachgoers. (“If you go to Asbury Park, you’ve gotta go there,” Ilvento says.) It cultivated a following of serious players through its VIP membership, which offered a discount on admission and other benefits for subscribers. Paul Rubin, a pinball aficionado who lives in the Laurence Harbor section of Old Bridge, hits the arcade at least once a week. “The attitude at Silverball is wonderful,” Rubin says. “They’re very friendly, they’re happy to see you, and they have some very, very rare machines.”
[caption id="attachment_310751" align="alignnone" width="778"] People come to play games at Silverball from across the country and the U.K. Photo: Krista Schlueter[/caption]
Among those rarities, Ilvento is proud to include a Kiss machine, which Bally introduced in 1979 in tribute to the hard rock band with the painted faces. Among the oldest machines at Silverball is Knockout, a 1950 boxing-themed game by Gottlieb. Ilvento himself loves the Bally machines from the 1960s, along with a favorite from childhood: Evel Knievel, Bally’s 1977 tribute to the daredevil stuntman.
Rubin, 72, has been playing pinball since childhood. “My great-grandfather lived in the Asbury Park area, and he’d give us handfuls of pennies and nickels for the arcade,” Rubin says. “In 1967, I was a lifeguard in Belmar, and there was an arcade in town where I’d play. When pinball took off again with Silverball, I decided to start playing in tournaments.”
Rubin advises newcomers to the game to start slowly and keep practicing. “You can even go to YouTube and learn and practice basic moves,” Rubin says. “It’s like learning to play an instrument.”
[caption id="attachment_310698" align="alignnone" width="778"] Game design delivers an eyeful, whatever the score. Photo: Krista Schlueter[/caption]
At Silverball, a placard hangs above each pinball machine extolling its particular virtues and putting it in historical context. The placard for Melody, a 1966 pinball game by Gottlieb, credits Ed Krynski as the designer and Art Sternholm as the artist, explaining, “This game parallels the classic Gottlieb game Kings and Queens, which is in the museum,” and adding helpful hints: “If you hit the four numbers in one color sequence, the matching eject hole randomly lights to score an extra ball. A lot of points will be awarded if you land in the left hole as the ball is advanced to the right and then ejected to the flipper.”
“I knew people would appreciate the beauty of these machines,” Ilvento says. “It’s art that you can interact with.”
Of course, there’s a difference between the way someone like Rubin interacts with the art and the way your average 10-year-old smacks the flippers and yanks on the plunger. Commercial pinball machines take a lot of abuse and, therefore, need a lot of upkeep. That’s where Tim Sullivan, a 28-year-old from Keansburg, comes in. As operations manager for Silverball, he is in charge of keeping the tech in working order. Tasks include vacuuming the interior of the pinball cabinet, the box-like body that holds the play field, to reduce damage from dust, as well as performing minor repairs such as replacing the coil on a plunger or tightening a flipper.
[caption id="attachment_310694" align="alignnone" width="778"] Some machines are older than ace technician Tim Sullivan, 28. Photo: Krista Schlueter[/caption]
Sullivan also fully restores pinball machines for Silverball. When necessary, a part can be cannibalized from a machine that is beyond repair, but, he says, most parts are commercially available. Working on a 300-pound pinball machine is a lot like being an auto mechanic, he says.
“It’s fun to restore a pinball machine, remove the filth, and bring it back to life,” Sullivan says. He is mostly self-taught. “I’ve been around pinball all my life,” says Sullivan, whose father repairs pinball machines, slot machines and jukeboxes. “I used to go on service calls with my dad.” The younger Sullivan can rattle off arcane details about pinball machines: “There is a mile of wire in a typical game.”
Barber considers Sullivan a wunderkind. “He can hear a strange noise from across the building, know what’s wrong and on which machine,” she says. As a player, Sullivan favors pinball games from the 1990s, such as Getaway, by Williams, and Creature From the Black Lagoon, by Bally, both released in 1992. He holds the high score on many machines at Silverball. Among modern games, he is intrigued by anything made by Jersey Jack, founded in 2011 in Lakewood and now a competitor to Stern, the last of the classic American pinball companies. Jersey Jack designed and manufactured its games in Lakewood, but moved to Elk Grove Village, Illinois, in 2020 to be closer to Chicago, long the center of the industry.
[caption id="attachment_310695" align="alignnone" width="778"] “It’s art that you can interact with,” Silverball founder Rob Ilvento says of the arcade's game machinery. Photo: Krista Schlueter[/caption]
Rubin has a soft spot for the pinball machines of his youth, but he also eagerly follows new releases by Jersey Jack. In Rubin’s opinion, Stern games are overrated. “Jersey Jack is like a Cadillac,” Rubin says. “Stern is like a Chevy.”
Reached by phone while at a pinball event in Paris, Jack “Jersey Jack” Guarnieri likened his company’s mission to a Broadway production. “You want to tell a story of what the game is,” says Guarnieri, who lives in Toms River. “We need to write a whole script for the speech calls. For Toy Story 4 [2022], we hired Tim Allen and Tom Hanks’s brother to record them: ‘Shoot the ramp!’ and ‘Multi-ball!’ and so on. And we need to hire good artists. It’s sensory overload.”
Jersey Jack releases a new game about every year. The first was Wizard of Oz in 2013, the theme of which Guarnieri hoped would appeal to women and young people. The guitarist Slash has purchased Jersey Jack pinball machines for his home, so Guarnieri approached him about creating a Guns N’ Roses machine, which was released in 2020. “We licensed 22 songs for that,” Guarnieri says.
Jersey Jack machines are known for innovations such as LCD screens on both the play field and the upright panel called the back box. There are headphone jacks for full immersion and cameras in the back box to take selfies.
Silverball does not arrange its machines chronologically: Gottlieb’s Melody from 1966 stands next to Jersey Jack’s Pirates of the Caribbean from 2018. But the arcade makes sure that the games most sought by patrons are on the floor. Among the most popular this year is Jersey Jack’s latest release, The Godfather 50 Years, released in 2023 to commemorate the classic 1972 Francis Ford Coppola film. “It’s important to have places like Silverball,” Guarnieri says. “It’s important to have physical public locations to play games. That’s how interest in the games will grow.”
[caption id="attachment_310693" align="alignnone" width="778"] Patty Barber rarely gets to sit down on the job. Photo: Krista Schlueter[/caption]
Anticipating growth, the arcade expanded in 2022, adding about 500 square feet, for a total of about 4,500 square feet, by taking over the adjacent space that had previously housed the restaurant Pop’s Garage. “We took the kitchen out of the game area to make more room for games and to space things out,” Barber says. Silverball also moved the private-party area from the middle of the game floor to its own separate area.
Ilvento would like Silverball to grow even more. He has his eye on the Fourth Avenue pavilion. “That building has 16,000 square feet on the ground level and 16,000 square feet upstairs,” he says. “That would make us the biggest arcade in the world. And we can handle it! Some of our winter weeks are even busier than the first few weeks of summer.”
Kelly-Jane Cotter is a veteran journalist who grew up grooving on the arcades of Asbury Park and Beach Haven.
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[caption id="attachment_310630" align="alignnone" width="778"] Superfrico's tiramisu is made with a crunchy topping, meringue and dark chocolate. Photo: Courtesy of Spiegelworld[/caption]
Vibrant Italian-American food is already a strength of New Jersey's dining scene. But a new experience on Atlantic City’s Boardwalk promises to take it even further.
Get ready for Superfrico at The Hook and its “Italian-American psychedelic” cuisine. The Hook, an entertainment enclave created by Spiegelworld, opens in Caesars on June 30 in the 1929-vintage Warner’s Embassy Theatre space, its glorious Art Deco entrance intact.
Superfrico’s dining room is the province of culinary director and chef Anna Altieri, who aims to lead diners on “trippy meals”—which range from a "tingly" cacio e pepe to a "sexy" tiramisu.
Below, Altieri chats about her passion for amped-up Italian food and Atlantic City.
[caption id="attachment_310628" align="alignnone" width="778"] Anna Altieri is the culinary director and chef of Superfrico at The Hook in Atlantic City. Photo courtesy of Spiegelworld[/caption]
"Psychedelic" is a pretty powerful word. Why does the team think Superfrico will intrigue Atlantic City visitors?
Altieri: People have always come to Atlantic City for thrills and chills—to step into a surreal world, à la Vegas, but with Jersey Shore energy and spirit. No one wants a boring meal in Atlantic City.
At The Hook, our number one goal is to maximize the grown-up fun factor. Along with Superfrico, The Hook offers lounges, daters’ nooks, a mixology bar and dive bar, a DJ, and acts by magicians, acrobats and showgirls, plus a ticketed nightly show. With its festive party vibe, The Hook is one-stop shopping for an unforgettable evening. And that’s what AC is about.
How is the menu different from the Italian food Jerseyans know?
Altieri: At first glance, you’ll see your favorite dishes. But here they’re dramatically flavor-forward, with unexpected touches on the palate and in the presentation. I promise that your Superfrico meal will be unique, and that we’ll be all over TikTok and Instagram.
[RELATED: The Best Restaurants in Atlantic City]
[caption id="attachment_310631" align="alignnone" width="778"] Tableside mozzarella gets a stretch by a "mozzarellista." Photo: Courtesy of Spiegelworld[/caption]
Can you give us a little menu tour?
Altieri: Here are some hot picks from what I call "our unruly menu." You can start with Dot’s Meatballs. Dot’s my grandma. At 92, she’s still making them. Their flavors are incredibly vibrant, and they’re served atop crisp iceberg lettuce. The texture contrast is just wild.
Get the fried mozzarella too—as in deep-fried. The pasta with crab gravy is something people cook at home in AC, but you couldn’t find it in a restaurant until now. It’s really unusual but totally works.
Tingly cacio e pepe is the creamy classic, sort of a Roman mac and cheese, but with Chinese peppercorns that light up your tongue. Chicken Parm is a roller coaster for your tastebuds: The chicken breast is smooth, the breading tangy, and the marinara one spicy little devil. It’s topped with our house-made mozzarella, which we’re really proud of.
The mozz is its own course—served from a cart by our own "mozzarellista" with intense sauces and creatively topped focaccia.
[caption id="attachment_310627" align="alignnone" width="778"] Superfrico's chicken Parm is spicy, tangy and topped with house-made mozzarella. Photo: Courtesy of Spiegelworld[/caption]
I’m guessing your desserts are decadent?
Altieri: [Laughs.] Oh, yes—bring your secret dessert fetish to Superfrico. Our sexy tiramisu teases you with a crazy crunchy topping, meringue and, of course, deep, dark chocolate. Mexican hot chocolate budino pudding is a mischievous take on classic AC custard, but with dark chocolate, chile and cinnamon.
How did you get to be a mind-bending chef?
Altieri: My family, from metro Philly, has always spent summers in AC. Its excitement, and Italian flavors, run through my veins. I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, and my mentor is Anthony Falco. He founded the instantly famous hipster pizzeria, Roberta’s, in Bushwick, Brooklyn, and was a big part of Spiegelworld's original Superfrico in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Now I’m bringing my own tastes and tricks to Superfrico AC. My approach is this: Italian food is so great; let’s intensify that beloved marinara and pump up the flavors. Come and check out the buzz.
For more info on Superfrico at The Hook, click here. To make reservations, click here.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
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Angela Andersen wears many hats. They include a full, brimmed sun hat and a beanie, depending on the season when she is out on the bay.
Andersen, 54, is the sustainability director/field station manager for Long Beach Township on Long Beach Island.
Her career has included roles with the American Littoral Society, which promotes the study and conservation of marine life and habitat, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, as well as coproducing three locally based documentaries.
Of all her work, Andersen’s legacy will likely be her role in the return of the wild oyster, a staple harvest of our Shore waterways, long since erased. It’s been an overwhelming ecological success story.
“Oysters grow on hard structures, traditionally on the back of their dead ancestors,” Andersen says. “As we were filming our documentary The Oyster Farmers, the ecosystem told us it was healthy enough to support a renewed industry of sustainable shellfish growth and harvest, but also complete habitat restoration. That cycle can’t happen in an unhealthy system.”
Andersen was integral in building oyster reefs by implementing a system that brings together environmental, municipal, academic, business and aquaculture groups to collect oyster shells from restaurants, introduce them to millions of oyster larvae (called spat), and then place them into lease areas on the bay floor.
[RELATED: Former Shore Restaurateur Turns to Recycling Seafood Shells]
Oysters are now growing on the reefs, as well as in an increasing number of commercial oyster farms, and have even been found in the wild for the first time in 50 years. The reefs filter microplankton and absorb carbon from the bay—both dangerous in overabundance. Moreover, the well-publicized projects educate residents and create jobs for a new generation of bayworkers.
Now, Andersen is building on that success to protect the ecologically important 160 islands (a total of 3,000 acres) in the Barnegat Bay watershed. She recently secured an $87,000 National Fish and Wildlife Community Resilience grant to fund the restoration of habitats on the bay islands of New Jersey. And she’s happy to take you on a kayak tour of it all.
“Bay islands absorb storm surge and fetch energy coming across the open bay, as well as being critical nursery habitat for our fisheries—and the birds love them too,” she says.
The restoration means engineering clam- and oyster-shell reefs adjacent to the islands.
“The funds we’ve secured for community resilience will enable restoration of the bay islands protecting our waterfront communities,” she explains. “The projects grow upon each other over time for the greater good, just like oysters. I’m lucky to be in the middle of it all, making the connections.”
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[caption id="attachment_310149" align="alignnone" width="778"] 34-year-old Ben Graeff, better known as Ben Gravy, is one of New Jersey's most famous surfers. Photo: Dave Moser[/caption]
Maybe you’ve seen someone trying to ride waves on a summer afternoon at the Shore, attempting to stand on small, poorly formed Atlantic chop. You might get the impression that real surfing only happens in Hawaii or California. But you didn’t witness an October day with a hurricane offshore, or the frosty barrels from a February blizzard, or even a warm August morning with perfect little peeling waves. Very few Jerseyans know our state has a thriving surf scene.
“I think that the average waves in New Jersey aren’t as good as the average waves in California or Florida. And a lot of the time our best conditions are in the off season or very early in the morning, so the general beach-going public doesn’t see it,” says surf industry veteran Kevin Morris, the buyer and manager of Heritage Surf in Margate and a surfer for 43 years. “But when our waves get good, they are world-class. And they can be very technical and powerful.”
Surfing took hold in New Jersey in the 1950s, and by the ’70s, surfers were braving winter’s frigid ocean in full wetsuits. The industry grew from Sandy Hook to Cape May, and by the 2000s, there were several dozen Jersey surfers getting paychecks from global brands, with a host of professional contests in state. Each September for the last 20 years, the Belmar Pro has attracted surfers from around the world. On June 4, the New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame inducted its sixth class of legends.
As for big names, they include Somers Point native Dean Randazzo, 53, and 34-year-old Ben Graeff, better known as Ben Gravy, one of the most popular surfers on YouTube and social media for his adventures around the world.
There are over 40 core surf shops in the state, as well as dozens of surfboard factories and surf camps.
So you think you know Jersey? Check out our list of fascinating things you might not know about our state.
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Woodstock wasn’t the only three-day music festival during August of 1969. The Atlantic City Pop Festival, which was held two weeks before music fans camped out at Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel Woods, New York, somehow slipped through the cracks of history despite hosting an incredible array of talent.
Janis Joplin, the Byrds, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jefferson Airplane and B.B. King were just some of the legends who performed August 1-3 at the Atlantic City Racecourse in Hamilton Township for more than 100,000 fans. A ticket for the entire weekend was $15, and it was $6 per day.
[caption id="attachment_310151" align="alignnone" width="778"] An original program from the three-day Atlantic City Pop Festival in 1969. Photo: Erik Rank; Program: Collection of Ken Schlager[/caption]
Joplin and her Kozmic Blues Band impressed with an incendiary set. Little Richard, who filled in for Johnny Winter, invited fans to dance onstage while he delivered his visceral tunes. Joe Cocker mesmerized the crowd with his unique version of “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
Joni Mitchell walked offstage in tears after delivering just one song, complaining about the audience’s indifference.
The crowd embraced Santana, introduced by Joplin and the Mamas and the Papas’ Mama Cass, during their initial East Coast appearance. Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Moody Blues were notable no-shows. Still, the AC Pop Festival was arguably the greatest assemblage of recording artists to ever perform at the Shore.
So you think you know Jersey? Check out our list of fascinating things you might not know about our state.
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The post Two Weeks Before Woodstock, NJ Held Its Own Iconic Music Festival appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
[caption id="attachment_309950" align="alignnone" width="778"] Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States. Photo: Courtesy of Mike Boucher[/caption]
While the Jersey Shore is best known for its beautiful beaches, lively boardwalks and world-class casinos, many of our Shore towns have deep-rooted historical significance.
Here are a few destinations New Jerseyans should be sure to check out this summer.
[RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Summer 2023 at the Jersey Shore]
Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook To enter New York Harbor prior to the 1900s, ships needed a deep channel. That meant sailing along the coast of Sandy Hook. It was in 1764 that the Colony of New York built the Sandy Hook Lighthouse to assist navigation. But in 1776, Sandy Hook peninsula was captured by the British, and unlike most of New Jersey, both the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and New York City remained in British and loyalist hands until the war’s end in 1783. Today, visitors can tour the lighthouse, which is the oldest one operating in the United States, and enjoy area trails and beaches.
Harriet Tubman Museum Harriet Tubman lived in Cape May in the early 1850s, working to help fund her missions to guide enslaved people to freedom. She lived among many other notable abolitionist activists who are also featured in the museum’s exhibits. Cape May served as a destination to which fugitive enslaved people escaped via the Underground Railroad, and the museum educates the community about the history of the African American community in Cape May and the surrounding area.
New Jersey Maritime Museum In Beach Haven, on the southern end of Long Beach Island, you can explore an extensive collection of maritime history and artifacts. Visitors can learn about the many shipwrecks that have occurred in the waters along the New Jersey coast. There is an entire room dedicated to the SS Morro Castle, an American ocean liner that caught fire and ran aground in 1934, resulting in the loss of 137 passengers and crew. The museum also features a Jersey storm-photo collection and rotating exhibits of shipwreck artifacts recovered by local divers.
Count Basie Center for the Arts Summer down the Shore is not complete without checking out a concert, and one of the most historic places to do so is the venue named after Red Bank native and renowned jazz musician William “Count” Basie. The building opened in 1926 as the Carlton Theater and, in 1984, was renamed the Count Basie Theatre, and later, the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Performers such as James Brown, Olivia Newton-John, Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi have graced the historic auditorium, which was recently renamed the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre. The venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in America.
Absecon Lighthouse Ascend 228 steps to the top of one of the oldest American lighthouses, and the tallest in New Jersey (third tallest in the country), to check out breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline. First lit in 1857 and placed on New Jersey’s Register of Historic Places in 1970, the Atlantic City lighthouse features a replica of the 1925 keeper’s house and contains exhibits on tidewater, shipwrecks, Jonathan Pitney and General George Meade, as well as its original Fresnel lens.
Steve Adubato, PhD, is the author of five books including his latest, Lessons in Leadership. He is also an Emmy® Award–winning anchor on Thirteen/WNET (PBS) and NJ PBS. Check out steveadubato.org. Steve has appeared on CNN, FOX5 in NY and NBC’s Today Show, and his “Lessons in Leadership” video podcast with co-host Mary Gamba airs Sundays at 10 am on News 12+. Steve also provides executive leadership coaching and seminars for a variety of corporations and organizations both regionally and nationally. For more information, visit stand-deliver.com.
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"Cause down the Shore everything’s all right." Those lyrics, from Bruce Springsteen’s classic summertime cover of “Jersey Girl,” are spot on. There’s something about the Jersey Shore that just feels so right. There are so many reasons to love the Shore—below are just a few.
[RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Summer 2023 at the Jersey Shore]
OCEAN CITY A favorite for many families since it is a dry town, it also has a music pier, a great boardwalk with rides for all ages, and Manco & Manco Pizza, which is a favorite among locals.
BARNEGAT LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK Situated on the northern tip of Long Beach Island, in another family-oriented town, this is a popular destination for picnicking, fishing and crabbing. The park also has recreation areas with tennis courts, a skate park and a dog park. For a breathtaking view, climb the 217 steps to the top of the lighthouse.
[RELATED: 24 Hours in Long Beach Island]
CAPE MAY Known for its Victorian houses, as well as its shops and restaurants, the town is also home to Cape May Stage, an intimate theater that features nationally recognized performers. On the drive down, don’t miss a stop at the Cape May County Zoo.
[RELATED: 24 Hours in Cape May]
THE BAR SCENE In Belmar alone, we have all partied once or twice at Bar Anticipation—or Bar A, as it is known to anyone with Jersey roots—and D’Jais, one of the Shore’s most talked-about venues since 1959. And let’s not forget the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park and the Irish Pub in Atlantic City.
[RELATED: 24 Hours in Asbury Park]
ICE CREAM Among the best of the countless ice cream and custard options are: Strollo’s Lighthouse in Long Branch, Red Bank and Point Pleasant Beach; Hoffman’s in Point Pleasant; Skipper Dipper in LBI; Kohr Bros. on the boardwalk; and Custard Hut in Somers Point and Upper Township.
MINI GOLF Try your hand at some mini golf at Barnacle Bill’s Amusements in Ortley Beach or Harbor Light Golf in Wildwood Crest. Island Golf in Surf City, LBI, is a gem, and Castaway Cove in Point Pleasant offers two state-of-the-art, 18-hole courses.
[RELATED: Where to Play Miniature Golf at the Jersey Shore]
ISLAND WATERPARK Debuted by the Showboat resort in Atlantic City in June, this massive beachfront, indoor water park boasts more than a dozen water slides, plus a lazy river, lounge areas, a party room, an adult pool and cabanas.
MUSIC What New Jerseyan hasn’t enjoyed a concert at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park? And while it’s not at the Shore, it just wouldn’t be summer without a trip to PNC Bank Arts Center (to most of us 40 and over, it will always be the Garden State Arts Center). Year-round, the Count Basie Center for the Arts is simply spectacular.
BEACHES, BOARDWALKS AND PIERS The Shore means wide, sandy beaches unlike anywhere else in the world. Everyone has their favorite, whether Belmar, Point Pleasant, Sandy Hook, Wildwood, Keansburg—you name it. And those beaches would not be complete without their boards and piers, where we enjoy rides and ocean views.
Instead of 10 reasons to love the Shore, I only included 9. What have I missed? What is the 10th reason you love the Shore? Email me at steveadubato@gmail.com.
Steve Adubato, PhD, is the author of five books including his latest, Lessons in Leadership. He is also an Emmy® Award–winning anchor on Thirteen/WNET (PBS) and NJ PBS. Check out steveadubato.org. Steve has appeared on CNN, FOX5 in NY and NBC’s Today Show, and his “Lessons in Leadership” video podcast with co-host Mary Gamba airs Sundays at 10 am on News 12+. Steve also provides executive leadership coaching and seminars for a variety of corporations and organizations both regionally and nationally. For more information, visit stand-deliver.com.
No one knows New Jersey like we do.* Sign up for one of our free newsletters here*. Want a print magazine mailed to you?* Purchase an issue from our online store*.
The post Steve Adubato: Why I Love the Jersey Shore appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City celebrates its fifth birthday on June 28 with the opening of its Birthday Bar Pop-Up Experience. A grand-opening party with Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy will take place two days later on Friday, June 30. Additional celebrity appearances and surprises are likely throughout the summer.
The Birthday Bar, which is located in Ocean's 1927 lounge, will be set up for those celebrating the anniversary of their entrance into the world.
The laid-back bar will feature whimsical décor and cool cocktails, and is designed to make anyone who pops by on their birthday feel special. Bring your ID for the extra treatment. Those who are marking other anniversaries or occasions will also be fêted.
Not celebrating anything specific? You'll still be able to hang out, enjoy live music, an Instagram-ready balloon wall and drinks such as the Sea Isle Spiked iced tea.
[RELATED: The Best Restaurants in Atlantic City]
The festive theme will reign supreme for Ocean—which continues to invest millions in renovations and refreshes—throughout the summer. Ocean is enjoying a renaissance along the Orange Loop; it's one of Atlantic City's most successful casinos, along with the Borgata and the Hard Rock.
"Ocean is thrilled to include and support our local small businesses as we celebrate our fifth birthday,” said Bill Callahan, general manager for Ocean Casino Resort. “Whether it’s toasting with your friends at our pop-up Birthday Bar or enjoying a drone show in the Park, we want all visitors to be a part of our summer-long festivities.”
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The post Get Special Treatment at Ocean Casino Resort’s Birthday Bar Pop-Up appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
[caption id="attachment_309882" align="alignnone" width="778"] Storm-resistant windows let the sunshine in and inspire nighttime star gazing. Photo: Jacob Snavely[/caption]
If you’ve enjoyed the magic of a family getaway to the Jersey Shore, you might agree that the best souvenirs are happy memories made under the summer sun. For the Chung family of Stone Harbor, the Shore is particularly beloved because three generations of family have enjoyed their 1980s-era home located just two minutes from the ocean. But when it became clear that the house no longer met their daily living and entertaining needs, the grown children suggested reimagining the interior. Ultimately, two generations of family members agreed to redesign the home rather than start from scratch.
[RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Summer 2023 at the Jersey Shore]
Boutique interior-design firm Toledo Geller of Franklin Lakes accepted the project and set out to optimize outdated spaces so this getaway could seamlessly evolve with the years. Designers Virginia Toledo of Sparta and Jessica Geller of Essex Fells melded timeless architectural details with the family’s trendy style.
“This was a unique project because, instead of a knockdown, the homeowner made the best of what the space already offered,” Toledo says. Adds Geller, “Happily, the grown children who had spent many years in their Shore house had a say in the decorating process. Everybody wins because the modern, more subdued design appeals to the younger crowd and the classic style will stand the test of time.”
[caption id="attachment_309878" align="alignnone" width="778"] The foyer welcomes guests with a lavender console. Photo: Jacob Snavely[/caption]
The designers honored their client’s late wife by infusing lavender, her favorite color, throughout the home. This happy hue, found on an eye-catching lacquered console table, welcomes guests to the foyer. As a nod to the Jersey Shore setting, nautical-inspired shiplap paneling was installed on several walls, and an architectural keystone was added to an entrance wall, along with salvaged pieces of vintage seashell as a backsplash.
[caption id="attachment_309880" align="alignnone" width="778"] An 80s-era kitchen turns hip with blue cabinetry, modern lighting, neutral wood and an oversized island with stools. Photo: Jacob Snavely[/caption]
A spacious kitchen wows with dusty-blue cabinetry, mod pendant lighting, neutral wood accents and dramatic vaulted ceilings that were updated with decorative beams. The sink and island have been repositioned to maximize the breathtaking ocean view. “Our family is so pleased with the new design,” says homeowner Young Chung. “It is a calm, joyful place to spend quality time. We especially appreciate the kitchen, where we bake cakes and make ice cream to celebrate the summer birthdays in our family.”
[caption id="attachment_309883" align="alignnone" width="778"] Bedrooms are outfitted in mid-century furnishings. Photo: Jacob Snavely[/caption]
Adjacent to the kitchen, sofas and chairs in a monochromatic mashup of textures round out the lounging area. One of the family’s top requests was to revamp the floor plan to optimize views and add a second bedroom on the main floor. Doing so brought the bedroom tally up to six, enabling more guests to visit the beach retreat. One large and one small bedroom evolved into two roomy suites, each outfitted with mid-century-modern furnishings and casual cotton, linen and seersucker bedding. Beachy-green and blush-pink hues in the adjoining bathrooms add a calming, spa-like vibe.
[caption id="attachment_309885" align="alignnone" width="778"] An open, airy floor plan offers plenty of room for multiple family members to simultaneously cook, dine, watch television and work at their laptops. Photo: Jacob Snavely[/caption]
These days, the freshly redesigned beachside getaway serves as party central. Although family members go their separate ways as they travel extensively every year, all three generations reunite each summer in Stone Harbor to create new memories in the sand and surf.
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Driving up and down the Jersey Shore shortly after the end of World War II, hauling laundry along New Jersey Route 35 from Point Pleasant Beach to Seaside Heights, Fred Pearl and Ed Patnaude dreamed big. With the war over, here was their chance to turn sparsely developed ocean-view land into communities of vacation homes like the suburban tracts with modest, single-family homes springing up across the country.
If they could get a bit of money together, they could build little cottages for the average working person—cop, baker, butcher and returning GI. One by one, the banks all turned them down. They had no collateral. But Ed’s brother-in-law bought into the dream when the banks wouldn’t. Fred and Ed were off on a new venture.
To make the economics work, the houses were basic: two bedrooms, a kitchen and living area, a very small bathroom with a shower and toilet, and a porch where a family could sit outside and hear the waves crashing along the beach. They divided up the land into 1,500-square-foot lots of stand-alone homes, side-by-side and back-to-back with enough room for a car (or two) to park and a small patio for barbecuing or taking in the early-morning sun.
No heat. No insulation. No air conditioning—just sticks to prop up windows. For showers, there was a tin bucket on the roof to collect rainwater that, weather permitting, would be heated by the sun. If a buyer wanted to splurge, a water heater cost $6.
In 1946, these 420-square-foot houses on cement slabs were attractively priced at $2,095. Some homes were sold with the land underneath, while others were sold at a discount, but required a yearly lease fee. They sold quickly. Fred and Ed doubled down. They helped create 4 of the 12 communities in skinny horizontal rectangles from ocean to bay. They built so many that, in the Ocean Beach III (OBIII) section alone, there are almost 1,000 houses in an area about one-third of a square mile. It may be the densest area of single-family homes anywhere on the Jersey Shore.
Despite the hurricanes and the even stronger tug of economic forces, Fred and Ed’s vision has endured.
Some 75 years later, Robert and Marie Chrone sit on their porch along Tarpon Way in a 480-square-foot house that, with some modest upgrades, looks just as it did when Fred and Ed built it. Together with their son, they purchased the home in December 2020, like many others who sought refuge at the Shore during the Covid-19 pandemic. Marie says of her husband, who works unpredictable hours as a utility-company supervisor, “He has a hard time relaxing. When you drive over that bridge…it transforms you. We’re only an hour and 15 minutes from home [in Moorestown], but we feel a million miles away.”
Robert adds, “I just park the car. We walk. We can be at the beach looking at the water in 30 seconds. It’s pretty cool.”
[caption id="attachment_309795" align="alignnone" width="778"] Robert and Marie Chrone’s 480-square-foot summer cottage is a refuge. Arriving in town, Marie says, “transforms you.” Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]
Like many homeowners, the Chrones rent out their cottage on a weekly basis during the prime summer season, carving out two weeks for themselves. Nowadays, most of the homes are upgraded with heat and air conditioning, better siding, and new windows—critical for rentals. Families with one or two children happily pay $2,500–$3,000 a week for a vacation spot within steps of the beach. The Chrones’ rental enables them to cover most of the cost of their mortgage, insurance payments and property tax.
With home prices on most lots from $625,000 to $650,00, it’s debatable whether these homes are in reach for the average working person. But considering the run-up of property prices along the ocean in Monmouth and Ocean counties, the cottages—with their in-demand rental income—are considered a bargain for first-time buyers at the Shore looking for something other than a condo.
Fred and Ed’s clever business strategy included selling some homes outright for the capital, but selling other homes while keeping a long-term lease on the land, eventually creating an annuity for their families. One-third of the homes in OBIII still sit on leased land. It’s a dilemma for some buyers, knowing they have to pay homeowners association fees, property taxes and about $10,000 a year for the lease. Marie says, “Leased land was a foreign concept to us. Why would someone buy a house on it? We couldn’t bring ourselves to do it.” But homes on leased land sell for about $150,000 less than those on owned land, making them attractive to entry-level buyers.
Along busy Route 35, drivers can blink and never notice they’ve passed through OBIII and its 11 neighboring communities, including Ocean Beach I and Ocean Beach II, none of which are contiguous. Sandwiched between Brick Township Beaches and Lavallette, this tiny seaside section of Toms Rivers Township is variously known as Shore North, Shore North Beaches, Dover Beaches North or Lavallette, if one asks the post office for the mailing address.
[caption id="attachment_309798" align="alignnone" width="778"] Ocean Beach III may be the densest area of single-family homes anywhere on the Jersey Shore. Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]
Each community has a homeowners association (or club, as the locals say) with separate dues, rules, beach badges and lifeguards. Most clubs have a bayside playground or community space for movie nights, barbecues, kids’ activities and more.
OBIII is different for one reason: the streets. It’s not the fact that the streets are mostly named for birds or marine life. As Kevin Iredell, who lives in Cranford and owns a vacation home on Albacore Way with his wife, Lisa, says, “Ocean Beach III is unique because it only has sandy streets.” The sandy streets have what Lisa describes as a good vibe. “This to me is as beachy as it gets,” she says.
It’s a good vibe unless you have a dog. Pets are not permitted on the paths and roads. As resident Bridget Chirchirillo describes it, “You have to have to carry them up to [Route] 35 or drive them up.”
The look of the roads contributes to another factor that people frequently mention as a key selling point. Paul and Bridget Chirchirillo had previously owned a Shore home in Bradley Beach, sold it, moved to Wall Township and started looking for another beach spot during the pandemic. They found it on Dolphin Way. Paul says, “This place appealed to us because of the sand roads and the traditional way of life. The more we spoke to people, they would say, ‘My grandmother owned a house. I grew up here. My kids grew up here. All my grandchildren—70 years of tradition.’”
[RELATED: The Pandemic Fueled These Incredible Home Renovation Projects]
Paul says when his grandchildren saw the house, “they lost their minds, they were so happy. They ran up to the dunes and the beach and saw it. The next day, they asked when they were going to come back.”
Perhaps the quaintest of the communities, OBIII today most closely resembles Ed and Fred’s original vision. “There are deed restrictions,” adds Kevin Iredell. “You can’t go up. You can’t put an addition on. You basically have to leave it the way it is. That keeps that old-school, 1950s kind of Jersey Shore feel.”
There are no McMansions and no five-bedroom houses for partygoers like those infamously featured on MTV’s Jersey Shore in nearby Seaside Heights. People who buy and rent in OBIII know what they are getting, choosing the family-oriented, quiet lifestyle, away from the boardwalks and clubs.
[caption id="attachment_309797" align="alignnone" width="778"] Ashley Swartz is among the handful of OBIII residents who live there year-round. Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]
“It’s as if Dirty Dancing was filmed by the sea instead of a lake,” says full-time resident Ashley Swartz. When she first bought her house in 2015 while still living in New York City, she says “it felt like what I would imagine the Jersey Shore to be like in the 1950s, like time had stood still, with sand streets, these little cottages, and with children playing in the street, riding their bikes freely.”
Of course, a 500-square-foot house creates challenges, including having only one bathroom, which is typically only 40 square feet. In homes like the Chirchirillos’ that hark back to the 1940s, the bathroom is accessed by two doors—one from the kitchen and one from outside.
“It was designed for people to have their kids come right in from the beach into the potty and not have to go into the house,” Bridget says. They generally lock the outside bathroom door, but when Paul is barbecuing on the outdoor patio, everyone is warned he’ll be cutting through the bathroom to get to the kitchen.
The two bedrooms are the same size, barely big enough for a queen-size bed. Owners often add bunk beds in the second bedroom and a pull-out couch in the living room to attract renters. The Chirchirillos have told prospective renters their home sleeps six or seven people.
Storage space is severely limited as well. As Kevin Iredell describes it, “Everything we have has to have a place. We don’t bring any extra.”
[caption id="attachment_309796" align="alignnone" width="778"] Almost 1,000 tiny homes comprise the Ocean Beach III community. Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]
Some homeowners, like the Chrones, haven’t been able to figure out how to add a washer and dryer without redoing the house completely. While space is tight inside, as Marie says, “a lot of the house is outdoor living. Almost everyone has a patio with chairs, a table and some outdoor grill.”
At first glance, the houses seem nearly on top of each other. But as John McDonough, local Realtor and one of Fred Pearl’s grandsons, says, “These are small lots on small streets. [Fred and Ed] didn’t want big houses, tall houses, to create almost a tenement affect, which you have up in the big cities of North Jersey. Most everything is in a checkerboard pattern the way the houses are laid out, so it maximizes the space between each house. You can’t be closer than 10 feet to the rear lot line. You’ve got to be 20 feet minimum away from your neighbor. So there’s always at least 20 feet from all these little houses. You don’t feel like you’re cramped, like someone is right there.”
Sure enough, despite many homeowners renting to new tenants each week throughout the summer, there’s very little complaining about rowdy behavior and noise. “We’re not a community that rents out to kids for parties,” Bridget Chirchirillo says. “People care.” Paul adds, “They respect it. It’s traditional. They want to maintain that 1950s, 1960s, maybe 1940s feel. Everybody goes to the ice cream store at night and waits to get their cone.”
Aptly, the ice cream store is a Dairy Queen.
While the vast majority of owners are families with children or retirees with kids and grandkids who come down in short stints, there are a few full-time residents. Swartz managed to buy one of the larger homes—all 729 square feet—on Osprey Way. She eventually moved to OBIII full time in 2017.
As a single professional woman without children who worked in Manhattan, Swartz says, “I could not have more different life experience than my neighbors, and sometimes that extends to politics. I have learned, which happens naturally when living in such small spaces, that despite this, we often have the same values.”
She adds, “I have beautiful neighbors; we are a family and a community, and they would and have done anything for me. I’m better at listening to hear and to better understand. Living here has made me a better person.”
For Swartz and the handful of others who live there year-round, there is one drawback: “The island becomes a ghost town as of the end of October, with street lights blinking.”
R.C. Staab writes extensively about the Jersey Shore, including the book 100 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore. In the summer, he runs, swims, kayaks and walks the beaches from Sandy Hook to Cape May.
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The post Inside the Jersey Shore’s Unique Community of Tiny Houses appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
If you’ve ever shlepped all the way to the Shore to find you forgot your chair or towel, or are dismayed to find the beach entirely too crowded, you might want to consider joining a private beach club.The Beach Club at Avenue in Long Branch is a welcome addition to the world of private clubs at the Jersey Shore. Avenue members get access to lounge chairs and towels, private cabanas with day beds and private showers, a locker room, and food and beverage service.On a recent unseasonably warm weekend in May, I ventured to Monmouth County to check out this club with my fellow beach lovers—my sister, Michelle, and my niece, Chloe.We arrived in Long Branch’s bustling Pier Village, with its fabulous shops and restaurants. Unfortunately, the club doesn’t provide parking, so we found a garage a block away that cost us $30 for the day.[RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Summer 2023 at the Jersey Shore]
We walked through Avenue Le Club, a wonderful French beachfront restaurant, to get to the beach club. We were led down a sandy walkway, past palm trees and turquoise lounge chairs, to our personal cabana, topped with a striped awning. Inside, there was an inviting daybed, a small fridge and a tiny back room with a personal shower and changing area.Our adorable waitress brought over towels for our lounge chairs and soon came back to take our lunch order. I feasted on delicious avocado toast with grilled asparagus, roasted heirloom tomatoes and pickled red onions, while my sister and niece shared a smoked salmon sandwich, with crème fraiche on a bagel, and a side of French fries. Also on the menu: sandwiches, salads and a raw bar with oysters, shrimp and clams. There was no lemonade available, but the bartender generously made one for my sister from scratch.[caption id="attachment_309622" align="alignnone" width="778"] The Beach Club's rooftop pool, open now during the day, will open as a nightlife lounge in July. Photo: Jacqueline Mroz[/caption]Bathrooms are inside the restaurant, but that gives you a chance to check out the tiny-yet-luxurious rooftop pool, with views of the coastline and Long Branch. Lounge chairs and a fire pit add to the experience, along with a bar at the nearby indoor lounge. The rooftop currently closes at 5 pm, but is slated to open as a nightlife lounge in July.[caption id="attachment_309609" align="alignright" width="350"] Avenue members Tom Uschok and Elena Tormey.[/caption]Back on the beach, I noticed a couple nearby that was also enjoying the sunny day. Tom Uschok and Elena Tormey live in Hoboken for most of the year but have a condo in Long Branch, which they visit in the summer. This marks the second year they’ve been members at Avenue, and they love it.“We like that we don’t have to lug beach towels and chairs to the beach, and we don’t have to pack a lunch,” says Tormey. “The overall convenience of being members here is fantastic.” They also like to bring friends to the club when they’re in town.The club is now open, from 10 am to 7 pm, until September 4. Members also receive a wristband to access the public beach. (The only downside to the club, in my opinion, is the loud music that its DJ plays throughout the day.)Membership for the season starts at $4,200 plus tax for families, and $2,700 plus tax for individuals. Cabanas cost extra. Members may bring guests, starting at $15 each.For more information, visit Avenue's website.23 Ocean Ave N., Long Branch; 732-759-2900.
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At a prime corner in Wildwood Crest, developers are making a $28 million investment in the staying power of Doo-Wop—the funky, mid-century design style that came to define a Shore resort town and that has been under considerable threat for more than two decades.
Madison Resorts has reimagined the 100-plus-room motel that opened as the Admiral in 1963, and this spring set about rebuilding its iconic jet-age lobby—hewing to its original design, with an asymmetrical blast-off roof that evokes the futuristic airport terminals of the 1960s. It is expected to open by the end of July.
The Cape May-based developer bought the property, most recently called the Oceanview, after another plan to replace the deteriorating motel with a boxy condominium project faltered, much to the relief of Doo-Wop enthusiasts who have seen many of the unique motels on this barrier island at New Jersey’s southern tip meet similar fates.
“We had been watching what was going on in the Wildwoods as a whole—there were a lot of condo conversions and townhouses—and it was sad to hear of the Oceanview going condo,” says Madison CEO Dan Alicea. “We kind of swept in and said, ‘Let’s keep Doo-Wop alive.’”
[caption id="attachment_309473" align="alignnone" width="778"] A shot of the old Oceanview property, prior to renovations by Madison Resorts. Photo: Courtesy of Madison Resort Wildwood Crest[/caption]
Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and West Wildwood—collectively known as the Wildwoods—are home to one of the biggest collections of Doo-Wop architecture in the world, with the largest concentration found along a two-mile stretch in the Crest.
The term Doo-Wop, taken from 1950s pop music, was applied to architecture and design as the style came under siege in the 1990s. It describes the colorful, space-age flair of the mid-century construction that supplied the Wildwoods with nearly 300 low- to mid-rise motels and an assortment of restaurants and attractions.
There was a template: two- and three-story motels wrapped around a small pool, usually concrete, with shuffleboard courts to the side. But the Doo-Wop adornments made each unique: jutting or curved roof lines, geometric railings, bright colors. Each motel adhered to a theme, often evoking the Atomic age, like the Satellite and the Stardust, or the era’s fascination with tiki, found at the Royal Hawaiian and Waikiki. Some were just about fun, like the Lollipop, the Carousel and the Pink Champagne.
The style had a decidedly kitschy flair that brought plastic palm trees and lots of colorful neon signs to the Jersey Shore. The building boom started shortly after the Garden State Parkway opened in the mid-1950s—beckoning motoring families from North Jersey, Philadelphia and French-speaking Canada, of all places. (Thousands of Quebecois still make the 21-hour round trip to the Wildwoods’ wide beaches each summer, and it’s common to hear French spoken on the three-mile boardwalk.)
[caption id="attachment_285491" align="alignnone" width="778"] A Doo-Wop tour in the Wildwoods showcases years of unique architecture. Courtesy of Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority[/caption]
By the late 1960s, there were as many as 300 Doo-Wop motels in the Wildwoods. Most were small—less than 50 rooms—and many were family run.
Thirty years later, many of the buildings were overdue for maintenance and susceptible to the condo boom that had begun to remake the island, replacing motels that catered to middle-class families with higher-end housing. Tourists wanted amenities like central air, which many of the older motels lacked. It’s estimated that as many as half the Doo-Wop motels were lost to the wrecking ball or condo conversion since the 1990s.
“We realized how fragile [the Wildwoods] were in the ’90s,” says Jack Morey, who, with others, founded the Doo Wop Preservation League in 1997, with the vision that the future of tourism in the Wildwoods was rooted in the recent past. “We needed to reinvent the town based on the attributes that were there. We have the largest collection of mid-century architecture, the biggest beaches and the biggest boardwalk.”
Anyone who has spent any time in the Wildwoods will recognize Morey’s name, as his family owns and manages the biggest attractions on the boardwalk. The family built many of the Doo-Wop gems.
The goal of the league is not preservation per se, but rather, encouraging developers to maintain the mid-century vibe, even with new construction.
There have been successes. The Caribbean in the Crest is a popular boutique motel that is updated vintage, inside and out. The Convention Center and the Wawa on Rio Grande Avenue were both built nearly 50 years after the Doo-Wop era, but elevate their style with wavy neon and angular rooflines.
Morey says he put his money where his heart was with the StarLux—a vintage motel near the boardwalk that was gutted and remade in 2002. A two-story glass lobby with jutted roof was added, as well as a kidney-shaped pool (of course!) with boomerang inlays.
“Finding the balance between fresh, good-looking and tacky—that’s an art and a science, and I work really hard at that,” says Morey, speaking from the site of his latest project just north of Wildwood, a nine-hole golf course he says will embrace that fun vibe. The logo for Morey’s Big Little Nine features a classic 1960s happy face.
Progress has been made to celebrate the kitschy-ness that endeared the Wildwoods to generations of vacationing families, says Morey. The Doo Wop Experience museum (which made NJM's guide to under-the-radar museums), open seasonally in Wildwood, has assembled a treasure trove of artifacts, including vintage neon motel signs. It’s housed in a former restaurant with a classic mid-century modern folded-plate (zig-zag) roofline.
Still, every vintage neon sign lost to the landfill, every classic pink-tiled bathroom chipped apart, makes Doo-Wop aficionados wince. A new round of anxiety comes each spring, when longtime motel owners entertain the idea of selling and cashing in on the state’s soaring land prices. In March of 2023, there were a half a dozen motels for sale in the Wildwoods, including a couple of small, vintage, mom-and-pop properties: the 21-unit Starfire and the 22-unit Casa Del Sol, both on Ocean Avenue in Wildwood.
The Madison project will preserve the Doo-Wop character of one of the island’s largest motels that is at the center of the Wildwood Crest motel district, recognized by the state for its historic significance. The investors purchased the oceanfront property at the corner of Ocean Avenue and East Rambler Road for $10 million and have budgeted another $18 million to rebuild and renovate, says Alicea, who grew up spending summers in the Wildwoods.
Plans to preserve the existing lobby had to be scrapped because the structure was in such bad shape after years of neglect, but the rebuild will replicate its design, Alicea says. All mechanical systems are being upgraded, and a restaurant is being added.
Don Cabrera, mayor of Wildwood Crest, says the Madison project is a “good opportunity to preserve and modernize Doo-Wop.... It’s a good balance. It will take it up a notch.”
Preservationists remain concerned that there are no mandated zoning and planning guidelines to incorporate Doo-Wop into new projects, but informally, enough developers seem to be getting on board.
The preservation league “put together a manual on how to Doo-Wop, meeting with and encouraging developers to use mid-century elements in construction,” says Ben Rose, director of marketing and public relations at the Wildwoods Convention Center. “It’s not so much preservation of the original building, but rather preserving the look and vibe that exists in the Wildwoods.”
The league is trying to “get to a point where we can convince planners and developers that there should be design guidelines—ones that don’t stunt growth,” says John Donio, the league president and head of the Wildwood Business Improvement District. “We don’t want another beige box; it’s more profitable and there are more jobs that can be created by embracing the design.”
This is Donio’s twenty-third season running the Daytona Inn and Suites, a classic 41-unit Wildwood motor lodge that he’s been upgrading while preserving the Doo-Wop vibe. “I’m a businessman first, a preservationist second. I’m also a design guy, and I know that there’s dollars behind design,” he says, noting that visitors often stop to post pictures on Instagram of the Daytona’s classic neon sign featuring a race car and colorful racing flags. “That’s free advertising!”
Doo-Wop fans say the style separates the resort from cookie-cutter beach towns in the way that leaning into its Victorian roots has allowed neighboring Cape May to become a year-round destination. And they point to Miami’s embrace of its vintage architecture in the rejuvenation of South Beach. “What Art Deco is to South Beach, Doo-Wop is to the Wildwoods,” Rose says.
Patricia Alex is a former reporter and editor at The Record in northern New Jersey.
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The post ‘Let’s Keep Doo-Wop Alive’: Wildwoods Developers Invest in Vintage-Inspired Makeovers appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
[caption id="attachment_309248" align="alignnone" width="778"] Jenn Hampton is Asbury Park's curator of public art. Photo by Krista Schlueter[/caption]When Jenn Hampton, known as Juicy Jenn, moved to Asbury Park in 2003, the city was still famously deserted, poverty-stricken and crime-ridden, and the historic Palace Amusements was being torn down. But her idea to create murals throughout the city helped transform Asbury into a destination for the arts and was a major part of the city-by-the-sea’s radical transformation. She gravitated to Asbury Lanes, the 1960s-era bowling alley that reopened as a live-music venue in 2004. Eventually, she took on the role of booking the fringe acts it was known for—the punk bands, films, burlesque performers, DJs, visual artists—along with cheap drinks and famous tater tots. And as she is known to do, she poured her whole being into it.
In 2006, the city was feeling positive momentum when Hampton, now 48, opened the Cry Baby Gallery and then the Parlor Gallery, both on Cookman Avenue.
She was still managing the Lanes, which became an indie clubhouse for the Shore and Central Jersey region, helping to attract new visitors, and even residents, to Asbury. When the company I-Star bought up 70 percent of the buildable land on the Asbury waterfront, it included Asbury Lanes. But the development company rebuilt and reopened the venue without her.
“Music creates a certain community that feeds an art community. An art community feeds a music scene,” she says. “I had the best of both of those worlds. I didn’t need anything else. I was so heartbroken after I lost Asbury Lanes.”
She comforted herself by spending time by the ocean and came up with the idea to commission artists to adorn boardwalk buildings with art. “I thought that working with artists to inspire visitors might heal my broken heart,” she says.
The proof of concept came when Hampton’s longtime business partners, Michael Lavallee and Brad Hoffer, painted an expansive mural in the boardwalk passthrough of the Casino building (which was recently closed indefinitely due to structural rust). In 2015, Carrie Turner, now executive director of the Asbury Arts Council, and Angie Sugrim, both former employees of Madison Marquette, which owned the boardwalk buildings, diverted funds from advertising to pay eight artists to adorn walls. “Art is educating people, making them comfortable. My brain doesn’t work in a way that is only driven to the profit. Your return on investment in art isn’t as obvious,” she says.
[RELATED: 24 Hours in Asbury Park, the Jersey Shore’s Coolest Town]
Today, Hampton’s Wooden Walls Project has grown to include ambitious installations and residencies, giving thousands of Asbury visitors a visual experience they won’t see anywhere else on the East Coast. She’s also worked to bring projects to the overlooked west side of the city.
But after 20 years of the transformation, Hampton is aware of the trade-offs. Facilitating public art helped fuel Asbury’s gentrification—but now some people who helped to pave the way can’t afford to live there.
“I try to tell our local officials that you wouldn’t want to be in this city if we didn’t have the vibrant music and art that we have,” she says. “That was why we were all drawn here.”
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Cape May Music FestivalMay 25–June 22: This festival presents classical, jazz and more. Most concerts will take place outdoors at the Episcopal Church of the Advent. The series kicks off with a performance by OkCello on May 25 and a free performance by the Atlantic Brass Band at the Rotary Bandstand on May 28. $20–$50 per concert. Wildwoods International Kite FestivalMay 26–29: Head to the beach at Rio Grande Avenue for this free annual spectacle. Weekend festivities will begin with the Unlocking of the Beach ceremony on Friday and end with the World Indoor Kite Competition and Performance on Monday.Memorial Beach Challenge for 31 HeroesMay 27: The sand course features Navy SEAL–approved obstacles. The main competition is followed by a kids’ fun run. All proceeds benefit 31 Heroes, an organization that supports service members, veterans and their families.Beach Ball DropMay 27: All weekend long, the Atlantic City Boardwalk will buzz with contests, games, giveaways and music. Don’t miss the main event: the annual Beach Ball Drop. On Friday at 5 pm in front of Resorts Casino, more than 5,000 colorful beach balls pour out of giant nets over the Boardwalk.Bradley Beach Memorial Day FestMay 27–29: Tunes from bands and deejays fill the air, hundreds of craft vendors set up shop, food vendors sell fare and kids have fun with sand art and water slides. Saturday’s parade begins at 10 am. Events will happen at Ocean Avenue and Riley Park.Viking Village Arts & Craft ShowMay 28: Head to Barnegat Light to browse more than 70 vendors selling fine art, photography, ceramics, clothing and accessories. 10 am–4:30 pm; free admission. Rain or shine.Stone Harbor Turtle Trot 2023May 28: Come out of your shell and join the 23rd annual event. The name of the race is inspired by the Diamondback Terrapins that cross Stone Harbor roads in search of a nesting area. A portion of proceeds benefits the Terrapin Conservation Project at the Wetlands Institute. 8 am; $25–$35. 95th Street Beach.Margate Mothers’ Association Annual Memorial Day ParadeMay 29: Uniformed groups and decorated bikes/strollers will march in this short procession, stepping off at the corner of Ventnor and Union Avenues and ending at War Memorial Park, where a ceremony will follow.Wildwood Memorial Day Parade and CeremonyMay 29: The parade steps off at 10 am in front of Wildwood High School and ends at Memorial Park. A wreath-laying ceremony will follow.Highlands Craft ShowMay 30: Find a delightful array of handmade crafts at this rain-or-shine bazaar at Huddy Park. More than 50 artisans will sell their works from 10 am to 5 pm.
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Growing up as a year-round LBI resident, Emily Raleigh was surrounded by hustling small-business owners.She manned the take-out counter at Ship Bottom Shellfish, taught sailing at Brant Beach Yacht Club, and worked as a sales associate at Beach Haven boutique Sur La Plage. She even carpooled with the boutique’s owner, Bonnie, on the 45-minute drive across the bridge to and from her Toms River high school, absorbing shop talk from the back seat.Although she spent years mulling how to make her mark on the world, Raleigh, now 29, didn’t consciously harbor a dream of opening a brick-and-mortar shop on her beloved island. She attended business school, founded her own media company, and worked in brand development, living everywhere from Manhattan to Boston to Hoboken.But a temporary move back to LBI with her future husband during the pandemic soon turned permanent as Raleigh mused about the possibility of launching a business on her hometown turf.[caption id="attachment_307976" align="alignnone" width="778"] Everything at the Dune Market is ethically sourced. Photo: Courtesy of Picnic Perfect LBI[/caption]She opened the doors of the Dune Market in Beach Haven last spring. The chic, cozy, thoughtfully curated shop teems with treasures that celebrate aspects of “coastal living”—leisure, serenity and self-care.“I wanted it to feel like an old LBI cottage that has been in the family for generations,” Raleigh says.[RELATED: 24 Hours in Long Beach Island]
The shop comprises three distinct sections: the cottage (home décor and kitchenware, plus vintage pieces sourced with help from Raleigh’s mom, sister and aunt), the apothecary (non-toxic bath, body and wellness products) and the bookshop (a diverse array of beach reads). Everything is ethically sourced. This May, Raleigh also launched a wedding registry, available in the store and online.And the market’s name? It arose from Raleigh’s love of LBI’s dune grass, billowing in the sea breeze. “It’s literally our protection, but it’s also this natural beauty,” she says. “It’s something that has stood the test of time [as this island has] changed through the years.”
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Get weekly design advice and inspiration from the experts at Design NJ sent to your inbox.Email[caption id="attachment_308750" align="alignnone" width="778"] The ceiling in this Spring Lake Heights home rises to 16 feet in the living area. With walls two to three times as thick as today’s standard construction, the inside temperature remains stable and predictable without the need for a conventional, expensive, resource-guzzling heating and cooling system, architect Richard Pedranti says. Photo by Jeffrey Totaro, courtesy of Richard Pedranti Architect[/caption] Related posts from Design NJ: * An Eco-Friendly Home in Princeton * A Long Branch Lot Reaches Its Potential * Sustainable Outdoor Living Imagine living in a comfortable, modern house with no cold drafts, no temperature variations from room to room, and virtually no heating or cooling bills. “It might sound too good to be true,” architect Richard Pedranti says, “but these pleasant conditions are the norm for people who live in a Passive House,” a building standard that emphasizes energy efficiency, comfort, health and long-term affordability.
Pedranti’s award-winning Pennsylvania-based firm, Richard Pedranti Architect (RPA), specializes in energy-efficient design and was recently recognized by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and its Committee on the Environment for the design of an environmentally sustainable project in Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey. The home, built using Passive House principles, was recognized for its architectural excellence and energy-conscious footprint.
The prefabricated beach getaway, designed as a weekend retreat for homeowners Theresa Lang and Scott St. Marie, also qualifies as a Net Zero Energy building, meaning it produces roughly as much energy as it consumes annually. Pedranti shares the process and benefits of Passive House construction.
Design NJ: Were your clients fully invested from the start in building a home with net-zero capabilities?Richard Pedranti: Yes, they wanted a modern, comfortable and energy-efficient home with a simple one-story layout that includes a seamless connection between the inside and outside living spaces to the expansive rear yard and garden.
DNJ: What Passive House features were used in the design and construction?Pedranti: High levels of insulation, airtight construction, triple-pane windows, passive solar orientation and the use of a heat recovery ventilator — features that allow the home to remain comfortable year-round without having a traditional HVAC system.
DNJ: As far as energy use, how does a Passive House compare with a standard house?Pedranti: A Passive House uses approximately 80% less energy for heating and cooling than a traditional building. That savings tends to grab the public’s attention and prompts them to learn more. What really surprises them when visiting a Passive House are the improvements in temperature and indoor air quality. I often tell our clients the energy efficiency is a byproduct of making a comfortable and healthy building.
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MORE FROM THIS PACKAGE*:24 Hours in Cape May: It’s Worth the Trip Every Time24 Hours in Asbury Park: A Guide to the Jersey Shore’s Coolest TownThe Coolest Hotels at the Jersey Shore*
My extended family on my mom’s side has been vacationing on Long Beach Island for a treasured week or two every summer since before I was born. A gloriously chaotic crew of 21 grandkids, several aunts, uncles and second cousins, and, in more recent years, a growing gaggle of great-grandkids—to whom we’ve had the joy of introducing our childhood traditions—cram into a bunch of humble rentals on a cluster of two or three streets. Although we spend the majority of our time on the beach by day and around big family dinners by night, we have honed an array of favorite haunts around the island.For breakfast before a full day on the beach, Beach Haven’s Blue Water Café (113th Street and Long Beach Boulevard) never misses. The vibe is just right (think: casual Paris bistro meets friendly Jersey diner). A handful of cousins and I start our day with a leisurely morning of eggs, pancakes and caffeine fixes out on the covered patio.[caption id="attachment_308491" align="alignnone" width="778"] Eggs Benedict is best enjoyed out on Blue Water Café's covered patio. Photo: Ryan Johnson[/caption]Our longtime go-to for fresh donuts is Marvel’s Bakery (4 W. Maryland Avenue), where you can watch the hypnotizing frying machine while waiting in line. Please don’t make me choose between the powdered-sugar and cinnamon-sugar flavors—I always order both. (Perhaps the only thing better than making the trip to Marvel’s? Waking up to a grease-stained paper bag on the kitchen counter with the gleeful realization that somebody’s already made an early run. Thanks, Dad!)Speaking of cinnamon sugar, one of the island’s most iconic sweets is the flaky, sticky, shareable elephant ear at Crust & Crumb Bakery (830 N. Bay Avenue) in Beach Haven’s bustling Bay Village. If you go during the day, walk down the cute alleyway flanking the shop—you’ll likely spot a baker in the window, prepping the enormous rounds of dough for the oven.[caption id="attachment_308475" align="alignnone" width="778"] LBI boasts a slew of tasty treats, such as the iconic elephant ear at Crust & Crumb Bakery. A window in the bakery's adjacent alleyway lets you peek at the pastry-making process. Photo: Ryan Johnson[/caption]I can’t resist popping into Breezin’ Up (9th and Bay Avenue), just a few steps away, to browse the latest batch of LBI-emblazoned T-shirts and sweatshirts. Do I need another one? No. Will that stop me? Also no. Across the street, nestled among the Schooner’s Wharf shops, is LBI Book Swap (325 9th Street), where I love to peruse new reads or trade in old ones. Don't miss the small wall haphazardly tacked with items found in the pages of customers’ used books—from receipts to ticket stubs to poignant love notes. It’s a strikingly intimate glimpse into the colorful lives of island visitors and inhabitants.At nearby amusement park Fantasy Island (750 North Bay Avenue), a spin on the towering Ferris wheel has become an annual tradition my brother and I take very seriously. A bird’s-eye view of LBI is such a treat—especially at night, when we can glimpse the faint lights on the very bridge that has brought us, every summer of our lives, to a place we cherish most.Very close to Bay Village is the Dune Market (414 N. Bay Avenue, Unit D), a newcomer on LBI’s shopping scene I can’t resist. Owner Emily Raleigh thoughtfully stocks the shop with ethically sourced home decor, wellness products and books. One of my other favorite shops is Just Bead It (1616 Long Beach Boulevard), where customers can buy and make their own jewelry. Because LBI has such sentimental ties for me, I’ve repeatedly brought in jewelry purchased elsewhere to have the kind owner, Stacey Fuessinger, custom-stamp it with meaningful initials or numbers.[caption id="attachment_308486" align="alignnone" width="1320"] Just Bead It in Surf City is a jewelry lover’s dream. Photo: Ryan Johnson[/caption]Come sunset, dinner and drinks on Daddy O’s (4401 Long Beach Boulevard) rooftop in Brant Beach is a lovely way to spend a summer night, even if, like me, you’re not staying at the hotel as a guest. Next up, for music and dancing, is Joe Pop’s (2002 Long Beah Boulevard) in Ship Bottom. I also unironically love well-known watering hole Nardi’s (118th Street and the Boulevard) in Long Beach—and not just because you can get a free lift home on one of the hot-pink party buses!My cousins and I end our night—as we’re fighting varying degrees of denial about our vacation coming to a close—at the legendary Chicken or the Egg (207 N. Bay Avenue)—“Chegg” to those in the know; open 24 hours Thursday-Sunday in the summer. We push a few tables together, feast on chicken tenders and milkshakes, and try not to dwell on the fact that it’ll be a whole year before we’re all together again in the same magnificent place.
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Is the weather forecast rainy or cloudy? Have you had one too many days in the sun? Is there too much sand between your toes?If you’re looking for a break from the beach for the day, here are some great places to go in the area for a day of fun. MORE FROM THIS PACKAGE*:What’s New at the Jersey Shore for Summer 2023*The Coolest Hotels at the Jersey Shore24 Hours in Bradley Beach: A Hidden Gem at the Jersey Shore
Revolution RailCape May[caption id="attachment_308418" align="alignnone" width="778"] Experience Cape May in a new way, courtesy of Revolution Rail. Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]Tour Cape May like never before on purpose-built rail bikes. Starting downtown at the Welcome Center, Revolution Rail offers rail-bike tours on former passenger railroad tracks through a wondrous marsh, past farmland, and, finally, to the Cape May Canal. On the return trip, there’s a walking tour of the Garrett Family Preserve. The bikes are easy to maneuver for almost anyone, from teens to seniors. —R.C. Staab Renault WineryEgg Harbor City Opened in 1864, the Renault Winery Resort had fallen on hard times until 2019, when new owners expanded the resort to include a new hotel, upscale menus and more varieties of fine wines. Stop in any day for a wine tasting or book a historic tour (wine tastings are included) on a Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday. Family fun days are scattered throughout the calendar, and the last Saturday of each month features a car show. —RCS72 N. Bremen AvenueLucky Snake Arcade and RacewayAtlantic CityBring out the kid in you—and bring the kids!—for an afternoon of fun and games. Packed with all the carnival favorites like Ramp-Roll-A-Ball and Whac-A-Mole, a full range of popular video games, pinball machines, virtual reality “rides” and retro go-tos like Pac-Man, hours will pass without notice. Try your putt at mini golf, and when you are ready to get your heart racing hop into a go-kart at the Raceway, where vehicles can speed up to 25 miles per hour. Since it is located inside the Showboat hotel, when you’re ready for snacks or cocktails, there are five venues to choose from, including the Surf bar, where margaritas are $5 every day, all day. —Deborah P. Carter801 BoardwalkBell WorksHolmdel [caption id="attachment_308417" align="alignnone" width="778"] Bell Works boasts a diverse array of family-friendly activities. Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]Inside the imposing Bell Works awaits a plethora of free activities for families, as well as artwork from local artists. Desks and lounge areas are available to spend the day remotely working with free WiFi. Visitors have access to a basketball court, table tennis, foosball, shuffleboard and foam play toys. Well-behaved dogs on a leash can go on a one-mile walk—the equivalent of two laps around the huge atrium. —RCS101 Crawfords Corner RoadRhythm & Spirits; Bar 32Atlantic CityEat, drink and be merry at this off-beach hot spot, offering a vigorous roster of live music and DJs jamming nearly every open night in June. Whether you come for the music or the food, you will leave satisfied on both counts. Choose from a tempting array of high-end pizzas; creative sharable small plates such as roast pork, broccoli rabe tacos and buffalo chicken sliders; entrées; and indulgent cocktails. Speaking of spirits, this summer the restaurant is introducing a marriage of cocktails with chocolate. To fulfill this swoon-worthy prospect requires the finesse of an expert. Enter mixology classes from the restaurant’s food and beverage expert, Lee Sanchez, who will help guests create their new go-to cocktail. Not feeling hands-on? Stop next door, where the restaurant’s sister spot, Bar 32, creates handcrafted chocolate, made on-site and paired with the perfect wines to elevate the taste of both. —DPC129 S. Tennessee Avenue; 121 Tennessee AvenueNAS Wildwood Aviation MuseumCape May[caption id="attachment_308416" align="alignnone" width="778"] Adults and kids alike will love exploring the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum. Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]With more than 26 aircraft on display, there’s a wow factor inside historic Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport. Enthusiasts will want to investigate the Russian MiG-15 fighter plane and the TBM Avenger aircraft. Kids will likely focus on checking out the jet fighters, the helicopters and the Coast Guard patrol boat. Adults and kids can practice becoming a Top Gun pilot with a simulator. —RCS500 Forrestal RoadJersey Shore Whale WatchBelmar[caption id="attachment_308419" align="alignnone" width="778"] Board a boat with a whale-watching expert this summer. Photo: R.C. Staab[/caption]With cleaner waters off the coast, whales have been returning in record numbers—one reason for so many whale incidents this winter. There’s no better chance to see humpback whales and dolphins this summer and fall than with naturalist Danielle Brown (@NJwhalegirl), the head researcher for Gotham Whale. Join Danielle aboard a boat chartered by Jersey Shore Whale Watch leaving from Belmar Marina—and help spot whales for research. —RCS[RELATED: More Spots to Whale Watch at the Jersey Shore]
Fridays at Monmouth ParkOceanport On Saturdays and Sundays, Monmouth Park racetrack has a busy calendar of festivals and events. To hang out without the crowds along the track, or above the track in the voluminous grandstands, head out on Friday afternoons for a full schedule of live horseracing through mid-September. It’s an affordable alternative to the boardwalk, with free parking, a $6 general admission fee, and a minimum bet of only $2. —RCS175 Oceanport Avenue[caption id="attachment_308500" align="alignright" width="350"] Buy our June 2023 issue here. Cover photo by Ann Coen[/caption]The Osprey BoatCape May Motoring through the busy, commercial Cape May harbor is a modest 25-passenger pontoon boat offering a unique tour through the dense, shallow salt marshes behind Cape May and the Wildwoods. Led by low-key but knowledgeable Captain Bob Lubberman, the Osprey boat offers daily, two-hour morning and evening tours to witness the flights and wanderings of ospreys, bald eagles, falcons, herons, egrets and other Shore birds. Free binoculars are provided, and there’s a restroom on board. —RCSPopcorn Park Animal RefugeForked RiverHere’s a place with lions, tigers and bears. But it also has horses, cattle, goats, pigs and free-roaming peacocks. Established by the Associated Humane Societies in 1977, Popcorn Park is a sanctuary for animals who faced desperate circumstances and/or death, but found a friendly forever home. Visitors learn about the journeys of more than 200 animals who have found their way to a new place in the Pine Barrens, west of Toms River. —RCS1 Humane WayGirasoleAtlantic CityA dining mainstay in Atlantic City, Girasole has been luring patrons off the Boardwalk for 30-plus years with upscale Mediterranean flair. Fan favorites include an inventive variety of carpaccios, Wagyu meatballs, lobster risotto and tacos, which are all being offered this year in the restaurant’s new Fashionably Late Lounge. The late-night menu is offered from 9 pm-1 am Thursday-Sunday throughout the summer. Live music and DJs will keep the beat while patrons enjoy signature drinks in the Versace-pillowed indoor space or the outdoor lounge. Stop by on your way out for a pre-game mood-lifter or on your way in to wind down. —DPC3108 Pacific AvenueTuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s MuseumTuckertonExplore the life of a boat builder, fisherman, decoy maker, fishmonger, or lifesaving volunteer who rescued people and boats capsized or stranded by ocean storms. Climb to the top of the reproduction of the Tucker’s Island Lighthouse. Explore Tuckerton Creek on a guided boat tour or take a ferry ride across Little Egg Harbor to Beach Haven on Long Beach Island. —RCS1 W. Main Street[RELATED: Under-the-Radar NJ Museums]
Doo Wop Experience MuseumWildwood Packed with cool artifacts, fascinating history and bright neon lights, this Wildwood museum is a celebration of the Doo-Wop architectural style the city was famous for in its 1950s and 1960s heydey. Inside, check out memorabilia, as well as the retro-style malt shop; outside, experience the Neon Sign Garden, a display of fully restored and reassembled signs rescued from classic motels that have since been demolished. The museum also offers bus tours of the area. —Jacqueline Mroz4500 Ocean AvenueThe John F. Peto Studio MuseumIsland HeightsIn the charming Victorian town of Island Heights along Toms River sits a restored 19th-century home where American art is celebrated. In its gardens, home and studio, the museum recreates the world of artist John Peto, whose works can be seen in major museums. In the past half-century, Peto has been given his due for his trompe l’oeil still life paintings of letter racks, shelves of books, tabletops and doors with hanging musical instruments. —RCS102 Cedar Avenue
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From restaurants to a water park, the Shore welcomes a plethora of new places this summer.MORE FROM THIS PACKAGE*:The Coolest Hotels at the Jersey Shore*Beyond the Beach: 15 Fun and Unique Things to Do at the Jersey Shore24 Hours in Cape May: It’s Worth the Trip Every Time
Adjacent FestivalAtlantic CityA massive new music festival hits Atlantic City May 27-28, and it’s bringing some of the biggest punk, alternative and emo acts in the biz, including headliners Blink-182 and Paramore. Jersey acts including the Bleachers are part of the lineup, too. —Gary PhillipsIsland Waterpark at ShowboatAtlantic CityMaking its premier splash this summer, this 103,000-square-foot, tropical-themed water park features more than a dozen slides, a 1,000-square-foot surf simulator, and a 11,000 linear foot lazy river, where guests can float the day away. The year-round attraction offers sunshine during warm weather, and the retractable roof allows park access during the winter months. A zip line and the Cloud Coaster rollercoaster will get hearts pumping while offering views of the ocean and Boardwalk. After dark, a section of the venue becomes an adults-only zone with music and cocktails. This summer will also see the beginning of Showboat’s multimillion dollar room-renovation project. —Deborah P. Carter801 BoardwalkExit Zero Filling Station’s New ChevyCape May[caption id="attachment_308460" align="alignnone" width="778"] Guests can book private dining in a revamped 1949 Chevy truck at Exit Zero Filling Station. Photo: Courtesy of Exit Zero[/caption]Exit Zero Filling Station’s cool vibe has been filling up customers since 2016. The ambience is always fun, and this year, guests can book private dining in a revamped 1949 Chevy truck. Complete with a dining cabin that seats eight, this red four-wheeler even has an electric fireplace inside. On-site, there are also an Airstream trailer that seats six and a Winnebago where guests can spin vinyl while they dine. They’ve dubbed their new happy hour, from 3-5 pm, an Afternoon Delight à la Mad Men. The main dining room is getting in on the act by screening classic movies and TV. —DPC110 Sunset BoulevardThe Break; Low DiveAsbury ParkTwo new gathering places are joining the Asbury Park boardwalk, both operated by BarCo Brands, owner of Deal Lake Bar + Co. Continuing the tradition of predecessor Langosta Lounge, Low Dive features live music most nights, drinks and late-night food. At the Break, there’s a range of sushi options, large salads and more. —R.C. Staab1000 Ocean AvenueGood Dog BarAtlantic City[caption id="attachment_308461" align="alignnone" width="778"] Dig into a hearty burger at Good Dog Bar this summer. Photo: Courtesy of Steve Legato[/caption]Taking a cue from its Philly brother, this summer the Good Dog Bar’s second location will come, sit and stay in Atlantic City. Pups are the theme here, and they don’t just get top billing—they are welcome to join the party. More than a bar, Good Dog’s 5,000-square-foot, bi-level space has a full-service restaurant with a tempting array of dishes, from bar-food favorites like burgers to specialties like the lamb meatball sub. The menu is based on local ingredients and changes often. There are seats at the bar and tables for approximately 100 guests, and the upstairs includes pool tables and other games. A pre-opening photo contest gathered images of patrons’ pets that now line the walls, along with a canine-themed mosaic mural. Outside dining is framed by a building-sized, civil rights-themed mural featuring a photorealistic image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. poolside at an Atlantic City resort as its centerpiece. The mural on Good Dog’s main entrance is a playful montage of—what else?—good dogs. —DPC3426 Atlantic Avenue[caption id="attachment_308500" align="alignright" width="350"] Buy our June 2023 issue here. Cover photo by Ann Coen[/caption]Seaside Heights CarouselSeaside HeightsA lion, camel and tiger are roaring back to the Boardwalk Promenade this summer. About a decade ago, Casino Pier was ready to auction off the historic Dr. Floyd L. Moreland Dentzel-Looff Carousel until the Borough of Seaside Heights stepped in to save it. After being dismantled in 2019, the carousel journeyed to Ohio, where it was restored to its 1910 vintage condition. It is set to reside in the newly built Seaside Heights Carousel Pavilion. —RCS1415 Ocean TerraceMobile Cigar LoungeVarious locationsHoly smokes! There’s a 32-foot-long luxury trailer outfitted with a cigar lounge breezing around the Shore this summer. Cigar aficionados (and novices) are welcome inside this custom-built, climate-controlled truck with leather seating and a stocked humidor with a wide selection of most major cigar brands, plus unexpected ones. Conceived by hospitality professionals, it will most often park in the Orange Loop neighborhood of Atlantic City—with its deck out for outdoor lounging—and can also be booked for events. Find Tennessee Avenue Tobacco Company on Facebook. —DPCFarmacie by the French MarketHighlandsLooking for fresh croissants, scones or quiches on the way to or from Sandy Hook park beaches? Stop and dine on the outdoor patio, or pick up an online order here. While waiting, browse the shelves of candles and interior-design accent pieces. —RCS165 Bay Avenue
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There is so much to do at the Shore that sometimes a jaunt to the beach requires more than just a day trip.But if you don't have a home on the coast—and are looking for somewhere chic to stay—there are plenty of modern, amenity-filled hotels where you can book a room. These are the best beach hot spots to soak up the sun, swim and stay over. MORE FROM THIS PACKAGE*:What’s New at the Jersey Shore for Summer 2023*Beyond the Beach: 15 Fun and Unique Things to Do at the Jersey Shore24 Hours in Asbury Park: A Guide to the Jersey Shore’s Coolest Town
Bungalow HotelLong Branch Opened in 2009 as part of Long Branch’s ambitious Pier Village development, the Bungalow was the Shore’s first contemporary boutique hotel. The vibe remains coastal cool, with a pool table in the lobby, streamlined furnishings and a calming palette. All 24 guest rooms (including five suites) have extra-wide king beds, gas fireplaces and kitchenettes. Amenities are minimal; there’s a lobby bar, but no restaurant. However, the $35 resort fee includes continental breakfast, parking, beach bikes, and access to the pool, fitness center and beach at the Wave, Bungalow’s sister hotel a few blocks away. The hotel is geared for adults, but a family-friendly two-bedroom suites can sleep up to six. In-season rates: $450-$800. —Ken Schlager50 Laird Street, 732-229-3700Wave ResortLong BranchSituated right off the beach and just steps from Pier Village’s great restaurants, plethora of shops, and a kid-approved carousel, the Wave, built in 2019, is a lively spot. The 67 rooms and variety of suite options include multifamily units. Perhaps best of all is the beach access. Guests have free use of beach chairs, towels and umbrellas in a private section of the sand right near the hotel. For a fun scene without the sand, check out the outdoor oceanfront pool and deck, which offer impressive water views and food and drink service (including a swim-up bar). Other amenities include multiple restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, a children’s playroom, and free use of cruiser bikes. In-season rates: $450 and up. —Julie Gordon110 Ocean Avenue North, 732-612-9283Asbury Ocean Club HotelAsbury Park [caption id="attachment_308421" align="aligncenter" width="778"] The Asbury Ocean Club has 54 rooms and suites, all on the fourth floor of the 17-story building. Photo: Nikolas Koenig[/caption]Madam Marie could never have predicted this: a glass-walled luxury tower across from the Asbury Park boardwalk with condos listed for up to $3 million and hotel rooms starting at $1,200 on weekends. Yes, it costs a fortune, but the location, amenities and ocean views are a dream. The hotel offers 54 tasteful rooms and suites, all on the fourth floor of the 17-story building. Exterior rooms have balconies, most with partial ocean views; interior rooms have patios facing a serene dune garden. Most impressive is the expansive pool deck with its ocean panorama, plush lounges, and all-day food and bar service. One flight down, the spa features three treatment rooms. In-season rates: $750-$3,500; valet parking, $70/night. —KS1101 Ocean Avenue, 732-481-0706The AsburyAsbury ParkSince opening in 2016, the Asbury has become a focal point of the town’s summer scene. The eight-story building showcases salvaged-brick walls and an industrial feel in the bustling lobby, with its bar, pool table, pinball machine, performance area, seating pit, picnic tables, and nostalgia-inducing shelves of old vinyl albums and tapes. The retro vibe carries into the 110 pet-friendly guest rooms decorated with rock- and surf-related photos and equipped with small turntables and random assortments of scratchy LPs. There are six room types and three suite types, including some with two or four bunk beds for groups. The spacious pool area features a food truck on weekends, drinks from the lobby bar, and special events all summer. Up on the roof, there are weekend yoga classes, nighttime movies and the open-air Salvation bar. In-season rates: $270-$765; valet parking, $45/night. —KS210 Fifth Avenue, 732-774-7100The St. Laurent Social ClubAsbury Park[caption id="attachment_308452" align="alignnone" width="778"] The St. Laurent mixes modernity with retro touches. Photo: Courtesy of Motion City Media[/caption]You won’t find a reception desk at Asbury Park’s newest and coolest gathering place. Co-owner Merissa Fleischhauer describes the St. Laurent as a smart hotel. To enter, guests are issued a code. Opened in July 2022, the St. Laurent, located in a residential neighborhood about five blocks from the beach, is freshly renovated. The 20 guest rooms are outfitted with bespoke Murphy beds that fold up to reveal sofas or work stations. Downstairs, famed chef David Viana has created Heirloom at the St. Laurent, an outpost of his celebrated Old Bridge restaurant, Heirloom Kitchen. The 78-seat restaurant opens out to the expanded and renovated pool area. Uniquely, the pool is open to the public by reservation. Also public is the clubby cocktail lounge. Like the rest of the St. Laurent, it mixes modernity with retro touches. The entire property is 21+. In-season rates: $325-$550 (including beach pass for each guest). —KS408 Seventh Avenue, 732-795-2582[caption id="attachment_308500" align="alignright" width="350"] Buy our June 2023 issue here. Cover photo by Ann Coen[/caption]The James BradleyBradley BeachThis boutique hotel, opened last year, is the only hotel in the quiet, charming town of Bradley Beach. Launched by Middletown native George DiStefano, the aesthetic is what he calls contemporary minimalism. All 17 rooms have been completely revamped since the hotel’s former days as the Sandcastle Inn. Homemade breakfast is served each morning, with pastries by the hotel’s own pastry chef. À la carte service is offered at the beach. Every guest gets a beach badge and chair and umbrella setups. There is also a bungalow, with a full kitchen and three bedrooms, available for overnight stays. —Jacqueline Mroz204 Third Avenue, 732-774-2875Hotel LBIShip BottomThis hotel’s imposing structure has been greeting visitors since 2019 as they cross the iconic bridge onto Long Beach Island. The airy common areas and main restaurant, Salt Kitchen & Bar—brimming with fun nautical touches—were designed by local character Thom Sweeney (who, ironically, happens to own the tiniest home on LBI). A model sailboat on display—on loan from the LBI Historical Association—once adorned the Manhattan office of designer Tommy Hilfiger. Amenities include a pool with a retractable roof, as well as a hot tub, fitness center, spa, and rooftop bar (watch the sun set over cocktails!). Each room has a well-equipped kitchenette. In the summer, there’s complimentary valet service; offseason, self-parking in the garage is free. Guests can borrow beach badges, chairs, towels, boogie boards and adult bicycles. In-season rates: Prices fluctuate as low as under $200 to as high as $1,000-plus. —Jennifer Finn350 W Eighth Street, 609-467-8000Borgata Hotel, Casino & SpaAtlantic City The Borgata brings glam off the Boardwalk in Atlantic City with almost 2,000 rooms, each with a marble bath and many with marina-facing water views. For the gamers, there are 161,000 square feet of casino, plus concert space, a salon, a barbershop, shopping, the luxurious Spa Tocare, and a top-notch selection of restaurants—15 in total. The newest eatery, B-Prime Steakhouse, offers impeccable service and takes steaks seriously. With its 20th anniversary in sight, the hotel is embarking on a major revamp of its adjoining guest-room tower, the Water Club, soon to be renamed the MGM Tower. In-season rates: $139 and up. —Deborah P. Carter1 Borgata Way, 609-317-1000Daddy OBrant Beach [caption id="attachment_308422" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Guests and non-guests alike can grab al-fresco drinks at Daddy O. Photo: Courtesy of Daddy O LBI[/caption]A few hundred feet from the beach, Daddy O is a 22-room boutique hotel whose commanding rooftop signage is a familiar sight to anyone who’s made a few trips along LBI’s busy boulevard. The hotel has a homey, intimate feel, featuring a wraparound porch and vibrant, vintage-inspired decor. Rooms boast evocative, wall-sized photographs of cheery surfers and sunbathers of days gone by. Guests can unwind at the indoor restaurant and bar, the garden patio or the rooftop bar (worth a night out even if you’re not staying at the hotel). Beach tags, umbrellas and chairs are available to borrow. Parking is free. In-season rates: $378–$772. —JF4401 Long Beach Boulevard, 609-494-1300The Reeds at Shelter HavenStone Harbor At once beachy and luxurious, the Reeds in Stone Harbor offers its small-town coastal vibe year around, but summers are really hopping. With earned accolades from Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, the 56 guest rooms are bright and comfortable, with beachy watercolors and crisp linens. Dining is offered at three on-site restaurants: Buckets Margarita Bar + Cantina for Mexican fare, Water Star Grille for indoor/outdoor dining and fabulous sunsets over the harbor; and Sax, a fine-dining venue. The hotel’s can’t-miss crown jewel is the bi-level Salt Spa. Here, guests are pampered with a Turkish bath, salt rooms, and body treatments from massage to CBD-enhanced facials. In-season rates: $289 and up. —DPC9601 Third Avenue, 609-368-0100Lokal Hotel Cape May[caption id="attachment_308424" align="aligncenter" width="778"] There are eight units at the Lokal. Photo: Courtesy of Heidi's Bridge[/caption]The Lokal joined the lodging scene in 2019, just before the pandemic. It turned out to be an ideal time to implement a hands-off, micro-hotel model. Across the street from the ocean and unassuming from the outside, the weathered-look shingles belie an interior that is at once modern and techno chic. Entry is keyless; you’ll only encounter other guests—no attendant or hovering homeowner. Conceived as a hybrid of a hotel and an Airbnb, owners Courtney and Chad Ludeman ventured into freestanding hospitality properties in Philadelphia that, like the Lokal, come with the comforts of home: Casper mattresses, Parachute sheets, handsomely tiled modern baths and a nifty iPad to play with and control the room’s devices. Niceties like bitters and cocktail ice cubes populate the full kitchen equipped with a smart oven to make cooking away from home a snap. The eight units share the saltwater pool and the private outdoor space with fire pit and a grill. In-season, mandatory two night stays: $1,300 and up. —DPC5 Stockton PlaceThe Hugh Bed & BreakfastCape May Set in a historic Victorian, the Hugh marries the aesthetic of the past with a glam-forward present. The house boasts all the architectural grandeur one expects from a period home: gables, fretwork and corbels. But in a bold palette departure, owners Sandy and John Vizzone painted the exterior black—and it works. Inside, modern art (an uber-cool, oversized black-and-white of Mick Jagger, for instance) and original details like ornate brass knockers on room doors work together like old friends. The eight rooms have comfy beds and unique names and color schemes. In 2020, the Vizzones opened Jardin at the Hugh, an adjoining French restaurant, which, with only 20 seats, bustles all season. A true B and B, Hugh guests start their mornings in the double-duty dining room with dishes like Sandy’s French toast with caramelized apples. In-season, mandatory two night stays: $750 and up. —DPC653 Washington Street, 609-435-5458
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MORE FROM THIS PACKAGE*:24 Hours in Cape May: It’s Worth the Trip Every Time24 Hours in Asbury Park: A Guide to the Jersey Shore’s Coolest TownThe Coolest Hotels at the Jersey Shore*
My family loves the quiet little beach town of Bradley Beach, which is often overshadowed by its attention-getting neighbors—Asbury Park and Ocean Grove. It offers beautiful beaches, great restaurants and a laid-back vibe, with easy access to nearby entertainment if you’re looking for it.With a population of around 5,000 people—it can reach up to 30,000 in the summer—Bradley Beach is named for James A. Bradley, the developer responsible for the creation of this town and Asbury Park. It also has the unlikely distinction of being the first place in the United States to charge bathers to access the beach, in 1929.The town has long been a draw to New Yorkers and northern New Jerseyans. In the 1930s, author Philip Roth and his family, who lived in Newark, vacationed here in the summers, and he wrote about it in his work. A photo of him with his father and brother at Bradley Beach graces the cover of his book Patrimony.[caption id="attachment_308314" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Bradley Beach often gets overshadowed by neighbors Asbury Park and Ocean Grove. Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]What I love about the beach here is that the sand dunes and grasses provide a lovely viewpoint when you’re lying on the sand, making it seem like you can be just about anywhere. The dunes were installed in the 1990s to help protect the town from damaging winds and tides off the ocean. The decision to construct these dunes proved prescient, as Bradley Beach largely escaped the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Sandy on Shore towns in 2012.My son Owen and I start our day with a bike ride on the boardwalk, which is permitted before 10 am. We like to ride all the way to Asbury Park and back—about three miles round trip—stopping for coffee at a boardwalk food stand (Bradley Beach’s boardwalk doesn’t have shops along it, as Asbury’s does.)For a fabulous breakfast, we head to our favorite brunch place, the Buttered Biscuit (700 Main Street), for—you guessed it—homemade biscuits, plus eggs and banana-walnut pancakes. Get here early, because the wait can be long in the summer, and they don’t take reservations.After our delightful meal, it is time to squeeze ourselves into our bathing suits and head to the beach, to sunbathe and swim in the ocean.We decide to relax following our bike ride, but if we had wanted a little more exercise, we could have brought a volleyball to play at one of the nets set up on the beach. We’ve also often thought about trying a surfing lesson with the Summertime Surf School (732-599-2700), located on the beach on the Bradley Beach-Ocean Grove border.[caption id="attachment_308305" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Fin's Tropicali Cuisine is a laid-back California-Mexican restaurant perfect for a beach-day lunch. Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]For lunch, my family’s go-to place is Fins Tropicali Cuisine—and today is no different. If you’re too lazy to leave the beach, they’ll even deliver there—just tell them which entrance you’re closest to, and they’ll meet you on the boardwalk.But if you want to dine in, look for the bright-yellow exterior of the restaurant at 120 Main Street. Surfing videos and surfboards set the tone at this laid-back, California-Mexican eatery. My personal favorite is the Bomba Shack salad, which has coconut-sesame battered whitefish served over a bed of mixed greens with seaweed salad and grilled pineapple. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the food is delicious, fresh and reasonably priced.[caption id="attachment_308306" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Shipwreck Island Mini Golf course is located right on the boardwalk. Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]After lunch, we stopped at the Shipwreck Island Mini Golf course (800 Ocean Avenue) for 18 holes of mini golf right on the boardwalk. This fun spot is popular with families and teens.Another favorite place in Bradley, great for an afternoon pick-me-up, is Del Ponte’s Bakery (600 Main Street)—perfect if you have a sweet tooth, like Owen. Since 1999, this place has been popular with Shore residents and day trippers alike looking for a cake or a morning treat. We love their biscotti, which come in many different flavors, and the Italian pastries, such as sfogliatelle and lobster tails. Be prepared for lines out the door.[caption id="attachment_308307" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Del Ponte’s Bakery offers delicious Italian pastries like sfogliatelle. Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]Just down the street from Del Ponte’s is another Italian institution in Bradley Beach: Vic’s Italian Restaurant (60 Main Street), where we eat dinner. For more than four generations, this family-owned, red-sauce Italian standby has been delighting customers with its thin-crust pizza, homemade ravioli, chicken parmigiana, and meatball sandwiches—earning it a spot on New Jersey Monthly's list of favorite Italian restaurants in the state. Manager Ed Dollive, whose great-grandfather was Vic, says they never change the menu at the restaurant. They also never change the brand of tomatoes that they use for their tomato sauce.“We like bringing people together with our food,” he says. We feast on pizza, tomato and mozzarella salad, and shrimp cocktail.[caption id="attachment_308308" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Vic's has been an institution in Bradley Beach for more than four generations. Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]After dinner, we always have room for dessert, so we walk down the street to the Beach Plum (420 Main Street) for some yummy homemade ice cream. Again, if you get there during prime time, expect a line. Grab a treat and settle down at a picnic table out front to enjoy your treat and watch the world go by.Our last stop is the gazebo at Fifth Avenue on the boardwalk to enjoy live music and cool ocean breezes.For those who want to spend the night here, Bradley’s first boutique hotel, the James Bradley, opened last year. This lovely place is worth a visit, no matter how long your stay.
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MORE FROM THIS PACKAGE*:24 Hours in Asbury Park: A Guide to the Jersey Shore’s Coolest Town24 Hours in Bradley Beach: A Hidden Gem at the Jersey Shore24 Hours in Long Beach Island: Favorite Spots From a Sacred Family Tradition*
The first time I, a native Jerseyan, went to Cape May, I was an adult. Growing up, my father never drove past Sandy Hook for beach time. (From Essex County, the one-hour-plus drive to Gunnison Beach with three kids in the car was enough for him.) On my first visit to the town at the farthest reaches of our state, I understood my dad’s reluctance to add that extra hour to our trip, but upon arrival at exit 0, I also understood there was a payoff for making this trek, and it’s made Cape May my go-to beach town ever since.Last summer, my boyfriend and I headed out for a day (and overnight stay) at some of our favorite haunts. We like to arrive midday; by then, the sun is starting to wane a bit, and the suntanning crowd is thinning, leaving the lovely, 2.5-mile stretch of sand on Beach Avenue a tad less populated. Even if we don’t take a dip in the ocean, we grab a parking spot at one of the metered spaces on Beach Avenue to enjoy the waves first thing. On lucky afternoons, we catch dolphins dipping and diving their way along the coast.[caption id="attachment_308326" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Cape May’s convention hall hosts events from weddings to the Exit Zero Jazz Festival. Photo: Jessica Orlowicz[/caption]After a vitamin D fill up, we grab lunch at the newish Mexican spot Taco Caballito Tequileria (429 Beach Avenue). Opened in 2022, this roomy, bi-level eatery, with its urban-chic interior, is bustling. The menu of elevated Mexican fare includes inventive tacos, burritos, Mexican street corn and weekly specials, plus a long list of tequilas and mezcals at the full bar.After lunch, we stroll over to the Washington Street mall, a pedestrian promenade befitting this quaint town. On our walk, we pass the yellow behemoth that is the iconic Congress Hall hotel—the oldest beach resort in the country, where vintage photos of early American dignitaries, including several presidents, line the walls of the entry corridor, and revamped, Colonial-style rooms with delightful, original Jefferson doors (think floor-to-ceiling windows) open to ocean-facing balconies.Another block, and we are strolling the mall’s boutiques. We pop in Across the Way (313 Washington Street), a gift store brimming with novelties, jewelry, books and beachy wall art. Next, we hit Gallery D’May (401 Washington Street Mall) and chat up the proprietor about sculptor Paige Bradley’s newest works, like the striking, internally lit female figure in a lotus pose that I spied through the window. At the end of the mall, there’s a kiosk where visitors can purchase tickets for the themed trolley excursion from Cape May MAC, which offers a historic mansion-viewing tour, a ghost tour and an Underground Railroad tour, among others.After that, we decide to speed up our sightseeing, so we visit Pedego Electric Bikes (110 Park Boulevard), where we try out the electric tandem bike, but opt for one of the golf carts they rent in partnership with Orange Moose Golf Carts as our afternoon wheels.[caption id="attachment_308327" align="aligncenter" width="778"] A tandem bike is a great way to see the town.[/caption]Now that we are motorized, we take a spin down Gurney Street, which has the largest group of Cape May’s Victorian painted ladies. Then, we head over to the Willow Creek Winery (168 Stevens Street) tasting room for a glass of their homemade sangria (plus a growler to go!) and a cheese plate. The year-round, 50-acre farm is the only winery on Cape May Island. The tasting room is open daily, and there’s a roster of other tasting events, such as Fire Pit Fridays, with live music.[caption id="attachment_308330" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Some of Cape May’s famed Victorian painted ladies Photo: Jessica Orlowicz[/caption]It’s check-in time, so we head back toward our hotel, passing by the Harriet Tubman Museum (632 Lafayette Street). The house-based museum was opened in 2021, and exhibits artifacts and information about Tubman’s activities in Cape May as she worked to help enslaved people escape the South. Along with photographs and papers chronicling her journeys, the museum also showcases other abolitionist activism in Cape May and the accomplishments of the city’s early Black community.We make it back to La Mer (1317 Beach Avenue) after returning the golf cart and check in to a beachside suite, where we refresh from our day of fun. The room is spacious, tastefully decorated in soothing neutrals and complete with a sitting area and a balcony that offers an unobstructed view of the ocean.[caption id="attachment_308329" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Catching rays and shade in a cabana at La Mer Beachfront Resort is a great way to spend time in Cape May. Photo: Jessica Orlowicz[/caption]We have worked up appetites for our dinner reservations at the Lookout (110 Sunset Boulevard) at Exit Zero Ferry Park in North Cape May. When we arrive at the Cape May ferry terminal, we are a bit early, so we stop for a waterside cocktail at the Dockside Bar. We slide into one of the high-top tables alongside the huge bar and choose a cocktail from the tempting list. The ferry comes in as we sip; the sun is starting to set, and there is a good breeze as we watch the huge ship pull in.[caption id="attachment_308331" align="aligncenter" width="778"] A burger from the Lookout at Exit Zero at Ferry Park Photo: Courtesy of the Lookout[/caption]Upstairs at the Lookout, the panoramic view of the Delaware Bay is captivating. The octaganal room means great views are on the menu—though not to be overshadowed by the actual dining experience, which is fresh, full of creativity and well prepared.As our evening winds down and we head back toward the hotel, we are sad to see our sunny Shore day come to an end. But it’s Cape May, the weather is warm, and over the sound of the ocean in the distance, we hear strains of music and head that way. There are still tiki torches burning at the Rusty Nail (205 Beach Avenue), so we stop for a nightcap, settle into Adirondack chairs, and sink our toes in sand one last time.
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MORE FROM THIS PACKAGE*:24 Hours in Cape May: It’s Worth the Trip Every Time*24 Hours in Bradley Beach: A Hidden Gem at the Jersey ShoreThe Coolest Hotels at the Jersey Shore
Back when I was in college, my mom used to worry whenever I relayed greetings from Asbury Park.“Be careful,” she would text when I ventured there for a day trip with friends. I’d laugh as I passed by boutique stores, music-filled bars, trendy restaurants, or sands packed with jovial beachgoers. What was there to worry about in this picturesque City by the Sea?Now 28 years old, I am too young to have experienced Asbury at its lowest point. Doing some reading, listening to Bruce Springsteen’s somber “My City of Ruins,” and seeing structures that survived rock bottom are all the evidence I have that this place was once far gone. Yet, as I stroll the boardwalk and beyond, I can appreciate just how far Asbury has come.On a bright August day, my trip begins at Convention Hall. Built early in the Great Depression, this remnant harkens back to Asbury’s past and enhances the shorefront’s current charming aesthetic. But my girlfriend Aimee and I are not necessarily thinking about that. We’re focused on getting coffee from Asbury Park Roastery (1300 Ocean Avenue), one of several shops and restaurants inside, before our day can truly start.Fueled with caffeine—and dismayed by a gift shop’s hoodie prices—we exit toward the boardwalk. We soon see the famed fortune teller Madam Marie’s, where Springsteen used to have his fortune read back in the day. Aimee is delighted by the idea of me receiving a reading. I’m skeptical, but I give it a go. My suspicions are only confirmed when the fortune teller asks if there’s anyone special in my life. That was a freebie, I think to myself, with Aimee standing just two feet away.[caption id="attachment_308289" align="aligncenter" width="778"] Madam Marie's, where Bruce Springsteen used to have his fortune read back in the day, is an iconic Asbury Park boardwalk destination. Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]Our next stops strike a stronger chord with me. First, we pass the legendary Stone Pony (913 Ocean Avenue), where I’ve enjoyed many a concert, both inside and outside.The musical trip continues with a stop at Transparent Clinch Gallery (210 Fifth Avenue), where renowned rock photographer Danny Clinch displays images of everyone from Springsteen to Tupac. The glass-walled gallery even features a small stage for intimate performances.[caption id="attachment_308294" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Transparent Clinch Gallery is part art gallery, part concert venue. Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]From there, it’s off to lunch. We venture to Cookman Avenue, where we stop at Talula’s pizzeria (550 Cookman Avenue, #108). Aimee and I quickly agree on the Margie, a pie with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, burrata, olive oil, basil and sea salt.Midway through our meal, however, we realize that Yappy Hour is approaching at Wonder Bar (Fifth and Ocean avenues). So we pick up the pace and head back toward the beach for a couple of beers and, more importantly, barks. We haven’t brought our own pups to this dog-friendly event, but we are welcomed in the bar’s sandy section, where dogs mingle, splash in pools and beg for attention. We’re more than happy to mix in.[caption id="attachment_308290" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] People and pooches, like this furry guy named Vincenzo, love Yappy Hour at the Wonder Bar. Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]After pets and pale ales, Aimee and I decide it’s time for drinks with more potency. Once again, we veer away from the beach—we could have planned this day better, but where’s the fun in that?—in favor of Asbury Park Distilling Co. (527 Lake Avenue). I’m out of my element, as I prefer beer to hard alcohol. But the distillery’s Breakfast cocktail, made with vodka, cold brew and horchata, provides a pleasant surprise (and another round of caffeine).[caption id="attachment_308288" align="aligncenter" width="778"] No Shore day is complete without a dip in the water, even if the ocean is chilly. Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]Afterward, we return to the beach for a walk in the sandy tide. I haven’t had a chance to change into the bathing suit I brought, but the chilly water on my feet makes it clear that I was never going for a swim.I settle for saltwater via taffy. At the boardwalk’s Sugarpop Candy Bar, I truly feel like a kid in a candy store.[caption id="attachment_308291" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Who wouldn't be sweet on Sugarpop Candy Bar? Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]Aimee picks up a few treats for herself before we return to the Clinch Gallery. We’ve been invited back for one of those intimate performances we’d heard about earlier, this one with a young punk rock group for 30-40 guests.Once the band finishes up, Aimee and I set off on a mission. We’ve seen Instagram videos of a tropical-looking speakeasy called Laylow (603 Mattison Avenue), and we are determined to find it. The spot is hidden beneath Reyla, a Middle Eastern restaurant on Mattison Avenue. The eatery has an upstairs bar that’s cozy and elegant in its own right, but this is not what we have come here for. After speaking with a hostess and a short wait, we are led through an unassuming door, which gives way to a staircase. Suddenly, everything is illuminated with neon lighting and gives off an island vibe.I notice a cocktail made with Thai iced tea, one of my favorite non-alcoholic beverages. At Laylow, the orange tea is infused with rum and includes basil, coconut and lemongrass. I’m thrilled with my choice, and Aimee smiles ear to ear when her order arrives in a large, fish-shaped glass that’s more of a bowl.[caption id="attachment_308295" align="aligncenter" width="778"] The Hot Guava cocktail at Laylow is festive—and delicious. Photo: James J. Connolly[/caption]Content with our speakeasy search and the drinks it resulted in, we head back to Cookman for a late dinner. We’re in the mood for Japanese food, and we’ve heard great things about Taka (660 Cookman Avenue). The restaurant is packed, but a table for two is no trouble. The crispy karaage chicken appetizer is an excellent choice before an assortment of sushi rolls.We had planned to end the day with ice cream, but we’re too stuffed. A piece (or two or three) of saltwater taffy suffice for dessert.
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Eleven-year-old Carter Doorley of Brigantine has become something of a celebrity in the Garden State after successfully surfing for 1,000 consecutive days—getting into the water even when it snowed, hailed or rained.Dawn Doorley, Carter’s mother, says that “every day he goes out there, we’re still amazed.”As if 1,000 straight days of surfing weren’t enough, the sixth-grader then set his sights on reaching three years of daily surfing (1,095 days), which he is expected to reach on May 24.To stay busy when Covid-19 forced playgrounds, skate parks and other locales to shut down in early 2020, Doorley decided to set a goal to surf 100 days in a row before school began in the fall. After he reached his initial goal, he decided to keep on surfing.Along the way, he cleaned up beaches and raised money for several charities. He has donated to SurfAid, the Humane Society of Atlantic County and the Save the Children Fund, among others. Dawn Doorley says her son has transformed since he began his journey: “He definitely sees and thinks more about doing good for people.”Doorley says his dad taught him how to surf. “I’ve gotten so much better,” Carter says about his skills since beginning the surf mission.
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Through the sport, he has connected with several well-known members of the surfing community, including pros like Ventnor’s Ben Gravy, Will Skudin, Ian Crane and Kai Lenny. “My inner voice tells me to surf, so I surf,” Doorley said in an Instagram post, perfectly summing up his reason for continuing.He says he has no plans to stop, adding that he hopes to someday surf in Hawaii, California, Indonesia and Nicaragua.
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A premise behind this June’s inaugural North to Shore Festival—a monthlong extravaganza uniting Asbury Park, Atlantic City and Newark for shows by acts including Halsey, Santana and Southside Johnny—is that it doesn’t take a lot of persuasion to lure major talent to the state’s stages.
The festival, announced in March by Gov. Phil Murphy after two years of planning with his input, amounts to a statewide bid to be recognized as a festival destination, says John Schreiber, president and CEO of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, which will produce the event.
Comparisons to Austin’s long-running and wide-ranging South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) are inevitable. In addition to the music, North to Shore, which hopscotches from Atlantic City from June 7 to June 11, to Asbury Park from June 14 to June 18, and winds down in Newark from June 21 to June 25, will run film screenings, tech talks, stand-up comedy acts and dance events.
The SXSW comparisons, Schreiber says, are not entirely misplaced. The governor mentioned SXSW in their initial talks about the festival: “What’s happening in Texas relative to voting rights and the legislature’s handling of democracy is something he found not right,” Schreiber says. “New Jersey is a progressive, inclusive state. He said, ‘Why can’t we have something like that here?’”
David Rodriguez, NJPAC’s executive vice president and executive producer, says we can—and easily. “Artists like Halsey, who’s from New Jersey, made it a point to be one of the first people on board,” he says. The lineup “is either an artist from New Jersey or one who wishes they were. They know enough about the wealth and diversity of talent we have here to want to come celebrate with us.”
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Ever notice bumper stickers emblazoned with black birds while cruising the Garden State Parkway?
That’s a Rook Coffee fan showing some love for the Monmouth County roaster. It’s a Jersey thing, but more importantly, a Jersey Shore thing.
“Some of our customers say if someone cuts them off on the Parkway, but they have a Rook sticker on their car, it’s all good,” jokes Marc Hindman, Rook’s director of brand strategy.
Rook Coffee—an item on NJM’s Jersey Shore bucket list—began in 2010 when two high school friends quit their jobs to open a local coffee shop. Holly Migliaccio and Shawn Kingsley ran their 300-square-foot shop together in Oakhurst, where Kingsley did all the brewing and roasting.
Hindman started at Rook in 2016 after being a fan of the brand for years. The Monmouth County native and Rutgers graduate says it “just makes sense” that he ended up at Rook.
Today, Rook has its own roasting facility in Long Branch to supply its 11 retail locations. And you don’t even have to be in Jersey to get a taste of this Shore town staple: The coffee company ships all over the country.
A hot-coffee drinker at heart, Hindman says he “feels like the minority at this point,” referring to Rook fans’ love for cold brew, which became available to ship in 2019.
New Jersey Monthly caught up with Hindman to chat about the business, his favorite Rook coffee flavors and how he feels the brand fits into Jersey Shore culture.
What has it been like to see Rook grow?Marc Hindman: We’ve done e-commerce since before I started in 2016, but in 2019 we began exploring the idea of shipping our cold brews. During Covid, we all worked together to make local deliveries. We had baristas packing orders and just wanted to get the coffee to our Rook fans. We made an app during that time and an overwhelming majority of people have used it since. It’s been really cool to see the business grow in new ways.
How do you think Rook fits in with Jersey Shore culture?When the business first started, a lot of the word spread from word of mouth. It was so specific to Jersey, but more specifically to Monmouth County. People are proud of that. New Jerseyans are uniquely proud of where they’re from.
Rook is always creating fun flavors, like the recent Italian Cookie Cold Brew. What goes into that creative process?Inspiration can come from anywhere! Our head of production, Alex, started as a barista with us years ago, so he has really worked his way through the company and really understands coffee. He will keep things in his pocket until the moment is right. Then we try it and it blows everyone’s minds. Cinnamon vanilla and mocha mint are some great flavors that sell year after year.
Any flavors that weren’t a hit with Rook fans?We tried an orange-vanilla flavor a few years ago. I think it was too far out there at the time, but I think now we are in a place where our customers trust us enough to try something new!
The Wall location reopened last month. Can you tell us about the renovations?The store was about eight years old. Some of our stores weren’t built out expecting the level of business they got, and as the Wall location became a hub for other surrounding towns, like Belmar, it [became] in need of renovations. We made some more space for the team, improved the flow of traffic in-store and just freshened things up for our customers!
Any new flavors coming to Rook this year?We are debuting a new flavor no one has ever seen before at the end of March! A couple of those are happening between now and the summer.
What do you love about being a part of the Rook team?It’s going to sound cliché, but it’s really the people. They are the reason I started working here. New Jersey is just one of those intangible things, and being part of this business is something I’m proud of.
The post Pride for This Shore Coffee Shop Unites New Jerseyans—Even on the Parkway appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
The Mercy Center in Asbury Park wants to give its community a better life. The organization’s vision to end generational poverty in the greater Asbury Park area takes a three-pronged approach: empowerment, enrichment through services and support, and education.
“We provide food in a stigma-free way, and once we satisfy the emergency need for food, we shift our focus to making sure that the families—women and children in particular—stay together, with the help of 10 licensed social workers and advocates who speak Spanish, Creole and Arabic,” says former lieutenant governor Kim Guadagno, who serves as the nonprofit’s executive director. Guadagno says providing an excellent education is vital. The Mercy Center offers girls in grades four through eight tuition-free private school at the Sisters Academy of New Jersey.
According to Guadagno, one of the keys to the Mercy Center’s success is meeting families where they are. To that end, licensed social workers—all well versed on issues such as domestic violence, immigration, co-parenting and sexual assault—are available through the organization’s Family Resource Center.
“I went back to what I was doing for 25 years before I got involved in any kind of political realm,” says Guadagno. “I found that after Covid, people needed help on the ground. So the Mercy Center and I clicked.” Before to Guadagno’s tenure, the Mercy Center had been under the leadership of the Sisters of Mercy, which operated the institution for almost three decades.
As for what motivates Guadagno, she says, “It’s all about service. The single thread of my 40 years of professional life is service. You find out that you can serve in a lot of different ways. There is nothing like having someone come into the pantry and say they are hungry—can you help me?—and the answer to the question is, yes.”
Guadagno also notes that the need for the center services is rising dramatically. In September 2021, Mercy fed 100 people through its food pantry. Fast-forward to fall of 2022, and that had increased to more than 3,600 people a month. Guadagno says this demand is due to families still suffering the lingering impact of Covid, high unemployment, record-high inflation, and the fact that Asbury Park is a food desert.
President Joe Biden’s initiative to end hunger by 2030 was announced in late September and has committed more than $8 billion in private- and public-sector funding to address food insecurity. Guadagno says we should all do what we can to be sure that our children never go to bed hungry. “Anyone who wants to support that cause, please volunteer, do a food drive, or donate to places like ours so we can continue our work in ending generational poverty,” says Guadagno.
The Mercy Center also provides immigration services. “When families come to us, they need solutions. They can’t get benefits if they aren’t in the system. They can’t get in the system if they aren’t registered. We work to help them obtain all the resources they need,” she says. “As we look forward to the holidays, literally thousands will need our help.”
Steve Adubato, PhD, is the author of five books including his latest, Lessons in Leadership. He is also an Emmy® Award–winning anchor on Thirteen/WNET (PBS) and NJ PBS. Check out steveadubato.org. Steve has appeared on CNN, FOX5 in NY and NBC’s Today Show, and his “Lessons in Leadership” video podcast with co-host Mary Gamba airs Sundays at 10 am on News 12+. Steve also provides executive leadership coaching and seminars for a variety of corporations and organizations both regionally and nationally. For more information, visit stand-deliver.com.
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The post Asbury Park’s Mercy Center on a Mission to End Generational Poverty appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
That night, McReynolds would land the fish—and story—of a lifetime, a 90-minute-plus battle that eventually brought him down into the drink, almost on top of the beast, where he shoved his hand under its gill plate and bear-hugged the 78.8-pound striped-bass world record.
That fish would forever cement the Garden State as sacred waters for the species.
“New Jersey is one of, if not the top place to catch striped bass anywhere on the planet,” says Lavallette’s Nick Honachefsky, a 48-year-old angler, fishing journalist and host of the television series, Saltwater Underground With Nick Honachefsky.
Known scientifically asMorone saxatilis, striper are a migratory species found in the ocean, bays, rivers and tributaries—living in saltwater, but swimming up coastal rivers into brackish and even freshwater to spawn. They can be fished March through December, but the highlight of the year is when they migrate in the spring and fall. “During the fall run, you can see them blitzing, feeding thick in the surf, literally getting washed up in the waves and bouncing off your legs. That kind of excitement has always resonated with me,” Honachefsky explains.
Across the state, Barry Stevenson, 67, fishes much different waters, but with the same intensity. “My home court is the Delaware River,” he says. “Anywhere from Salem to the Commodore Barry Bridge, all from the bank. I’ve seen that river change from the early ’70s, when it was highly polluted and basically all you caught was catfish, maybe some perch. I’ve watched the Clean Water Act slowly but surely start to take effect. It’s not pristine, but it’s a hell of a lot cleaner than it was.”
Barry Stevenson’s godfather introduced him to fishing on the Maurice River, a tributary of the Delaware Bay, when he was 12. Photo courtesy of Barry Stevenson
When striped bass follow bait into local waters, they cause a fever among New Jersey fishermen. And while other species require expensive boats, complicated tackle and hundreds of dollars of fuel to head far into the ocean, these “linesiders” are the everyman’s trophy fish, offering the opportunity for pretty much anyone to land a massive catch.
Striped bass are fished by boat off the pristine shores of Island Beach State Park and all the way inside Newark Bay. Brave anglers chase them through cold water on kayaks. They’re hooked from huge party boats and little skiffs off sod banks. Fishermen target striped bass from shorelines and bridges way up the Delaware River to the Water Gap. And surfcasting for stripers is woven into the cultural fabric of all 127 miles of New Jersey’s beachfront.
“Anyone can go out there, whether it’s a sportfishing boat, from a pier, the surf, inside the back bay or from a jetty. Bass can be anywhere because they’re a migrating species—I think that generates the excitement,” grins Honachefsky.
Nick Honachefsky, Jersey fishing journalist and host of Saltwater Underground With Nick Honachefsky, lives for the mayhem of the fall run. Photo courtesy of Tom Lynch/Angry Fish Gallery
On the banks of the Delaware, Stevenson agrees.
“Most of the time, if you’re chasing a fish as big and strong as a striped bass, you’re spending an exorbitant amount of money. But you can go to a department store and get a 7-foot rod-and-reel combo with a pack of bloodworms for $50, meet down on the river and [fish for striper]. You can absolutely land a trophy fish.”
Stevenson grew up in Vineland. His godfather introduced him to fishing on the Maurice River, a tributary of the Delaware Bay, when he was 12. After his years at Bloomsburg University, he began investing more time in fishing. He and his wife, Victoria, settled in Woodstown, Salem County. “I can show up in the morning, catch that tide just turning to go out. There are certain moons we wait on. When it’s all lined up, the hair on the back of my neck will stand up,” Stevenson laughs.
Stevenson fishes bloodworm balls as bait—multiple bloodworms packed into a small mesh bag that he ties himself. Or he uses chunks of Atlantic menhaden known as bunker, a common baitfish, one of the most important animals in our coastal ecosystem, and one that striper chase regularly.
Peanut bunker (juvenile menhaden) swarm in Ocean County during a legendary striper feeding frenzy in 2016 that stretched more than 10 miles and lasted 10 hours. Photo courtesy of Tom Lynch/Angry Fish Gallery
Honachefsky grew up in Clinton. He first went saltwater fishing at six years old, when his father took him to Island Beach State Park, igniting a lifelong passion. He thrives on fishing in brutal nor’easters, “trying to throw a plug into a 35-mph wind at this mean green water. Maybe it gets hit by a 25-pound bass, challenging you in that surf. You can literally get sucked in and drown. Or, when you’re fishing at night, standing in the dark water, imagining what else is in the water with you: All your senses are on alert, listening for a slurp or trying to smell the bait. That’s just so exciting.”
After graduating from Villanova, Honachefsky moved to Normandy Beach when he was 22, and his first jobs in the industry were managing a tackle shop and working forthe Fisherman magazine in Point Pleasant. He left to pursue a living as a freelancer, writing for “every fishing mag that has ever been in existence.”
In 2014, he cohosted a show called Hookin’ Up With Nick and Mariko, his first foray into television. Five years ago, he went all in with Saltwater Underground With Nick Honachefsky, which has aired on the Sportsman Channel, Waypoint TV and, as of this winter, Discovery Channel.
Honachefsky fishes on any boat or beach where the bass are. He lives for the mayhem of the fall run, driving his buggy on the beaches of northern Ocean County, looking for the telltale signs of striper. He enjoys both targeting bass on lures as well as what he calls wait-and-bait fishing.
“But lures are another level. You try to match the hatch (look and movements) of the lures with the baitfish that are in the water—swimming plugs, metal or poppers. It’s a really dynamic way to fish. You can get a really aggressive strike. It’s exciting when you see a bass jump out of the water and blow out your popper. Or when you haven’t had a hit in a hundred casts, then you get whacked and your line gets tight.”
He explains that, even though areas of the state’s estuaries may become urbanized, bass won’t change their innate patterns. “They’re still going up those backwaters to spawn out. They’re still going to migrate up and down the coast. You find bass by the Statue of Liberty. People don’t realize those bass are still in the marsh banks of Jimmy Hoffa’s Meadowlands. I’ve fished way up the Raritan River by the Driscoll Bridge. It’s sketchy. Fishermen have had their gear stolen and knives pulled on them. You’re fishing these industrial areas, but the fish are there!” Honachefsky says.
The spring run starts in March and goes to June. The fall starts in late October and runs to the end of the year. By veteran anglers’ accounts, both seasons seem to happen later than they used to.
Striper don’t bite prey like a shark or even a bluefish. Like their freshwater cousins, they tend to just inhale bunker, sand eels, crabs, eels and pretty much anything else swimming off our coasts.
Rules around striper can be complicated and are always hotly debated. New Jersey anglers are only permitted to keep one striper per day, and it must be between 28 and 38 inches. The smaller ones are allowed to grow, and the larger ones are super-breeders. Both fishermen are committed to conservation of the species; Stevenson says he never keeps bass, and Honachefsky releases about 99.9 percent of his catches.
Anyone targeting striped bass must register with New Jersey Fish and Wildlife’s Saltwater Recreational Registry Program, which is free. No one is permitted to target striper beyond the 3-mile line in the ocean, and bass fishing is restricted in January and February.
All of this has helped to protect the fishery, but perhaps not as much as a rule, unique to our state, that bans the commercial fishing or sale of striped bass in New Jersey. You can cross the Hudson or the Delaware and order striped bass in a restaurant, but not in New Jersey.
“I love that New Jersey has protected the bass stocks. In the ’80s, they were almost legally extinct from commercial overfishing. Maryland put a moratorium on fishing them recreationally and commercially in the mid-80s. Then the stocks started to rebound. It’s really a success story,” Honachefsky muses, “as long as we don’t mess it up.”
Striped bass are also a vital part of the economy in coastal areas, specifically for Shore towns in what they call their shoulder seasons, before and after the summer. Anglers drop money not only on boats, marina slips, bait, gas and tackle, but also, increasingly, on restaurants, rentals and hotel rooms. According to the most recent Economic Contribution of Recreational and Commercial Striped Bass report by Southwick Associates, an outdoorsmen research firm, that number was $1.5 billion in 2016, 80 percent of which was for boats and fishing gear. The number goes up depending on the health of the fishery, which has become an economic motivation to protect them, in addition to the traditions of fishing.
“We’ve found that striped bass fishing contributes to over 18,000 jobs in the state,” says New Jersey Fish and Game Stock assessment scientist Mike Celestino. The last full assessment, done in 2018, showed patterns of mortality for caught-and-released stripers, but new regulations regarding hook types seem to be helping.
“One thing that has always made an impression is how willing anglers are to accept conservative regulations when it comes to striped bass. They really want to protect the stocks for recreational fishing and for future generations,” Celestino says.
Striper also serve a social function. “I’ve made so many good friends strictly around fishing,” says Stevenson. “Come November or March, we talk to each other every day like we’re family. Most of my fishing friends and I have nothing in common—politically, racially, religiously. But I like the diversity, because that makes me grow. We all have love for the river, fishing and conservation in common. Sometimes it’s just about going and hanging out with the buddies. Catching something is a bonus. We might work over someone going through chemo for the first time. One of the guys had already went through it and will tell how they handled it. No fish were caught, but we helped someone through something.”
McReynold’s world striper record was broken on the Connecticut side of the Long Island Sound in 2011, and McReynolds passed away in 2020.
Records don’t mean much, except in folklore. But with the dropping December water temps and those hungry fish heading down from Long Island, nothing much matters besides the bite.
Season 3 of Saltwater Underground will air on the Sportsmans Channel in January.
Jon Coen is an outdoor sports enthusiast who frequently contributes to New Jersey Monthly.
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The post New Jersey Boasts Sacred Waters for Striped-Bass Fishing appeared first on New Jersey Monthly.
As gamblers occupied tables and slots at Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Saturday night, a vastly different scene unfolded within the site’s Etess Arena.
There, the sounds of slot machines were drowned out by the rhythmic guitars and famous harmonies of the Beach Boys, who delivered good vibrations with a festive twist. The band’s current iteration, led by lead singer and original co-founder Mike Love, stopped in New Jersey on its “‘Tis the Season” tour, which features the Holiday Vibrations Orchestra.
The performance, a 35-song set with an intermission, included some of the Beach Boys’ most popular hits, such as “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “I Get Around,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Kokomo” and “Good Vibrations.” But the group, which first rose to fame in the early 1960s—albeit with a vastly different roster of members—also paused the nostalgia for holiday classics throughout the concert. With takes on “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Frosty the Snowman,” as well as originals like “Little Saint Nick,” the Beach Boys blended their expected fun-in-the-sun style with seasonal tunes fit for a crisp December evening.
The show was a reminder that the city referred to as America’s Playground has more to offer than just betting and gaming during the winter, when the cold weather leaves Atlantic City’s beaches and historic Boardwalk rather empty (often resulting in discounted hotel rates!). In addition to boasting delicious restaurants and other entertainment options in the casino resorts, the area attracts an array of famous bands, musicians and comedians—even when temperatures drop.
[RELATED: Is Atlantic City Finally On a Roll?]
Below are just some of the acts and holiday celebrations coming to Atlantic City’s casinos while it’s too chilly to enjoy the sand and surf.
Hard Rock’s Etess Arena holds 7,000 people at full capacity. Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino* December 9–10: Greta Van Fleet * December 30–31: Earth, Wind & Fire * February 10–11: Def Leppard & Mötley Crüe * February 16–18: Billy Strings * March 16: The Killers
Borgata December 10: Nikki Glaser * December 10: Jerry Seinfeld * January 14: Dancing With the Stars* – 2023 Live * January 15: Sidewalk Angels featuring Rob Thomas * January 28: Whitney Cummings * March 3: Smokey Robinson
Caesars Atlantic City December 17: Atlantic City Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker * March 11: Patti LaBelle * March 26: Atlantic City Ballet Presents: Midsummer Night’s Dream*
Ocean Casino Resort* December 11: Cirque Dreams Holidaze * December 30: Duran Duran * February 25: Elvis Costello
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City* December 8-11: Santa’s Christmas Wonderland * January 21: Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular
Tropicana Atlantic City* March 25: Chaka Khan
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