🩴🏖️😊10 things to do in Asbury Park this summer

😊Happy Wednesday, New Jersey!

⛈️Weather: High 92, chance of thunderstorms

👀👀What’s on tap today:

• 10 things to do in Asbury Park

• Walking may do wonders for back pain, study finds

• Wednesday farmers’ markets in New Jersey

• Upcoming events

10 things to do in Asbury Park this summer

Asbury Park boasts beautiful beaches, a lively music scene, charming boutiques, and eclectic art at every turn, all set against a trendy, mural-filled boardwalk. Recognized as one of the coolest shore towns in New Jersey, Travel+Leisure even ranked this stylish seaside haven among the top 25 beaches in the nation. Here are ten must-see attractions to explore now!

1. Dig into the culinary scene– Savor a kaleidoscope of flavors in this trendy beach town. From the hip, cheery flair and authentic Mexican fare of Pop’s Garage to caviar and steak tartare served in the European-style brasserie of Pascal & Sabine featuring the artwork of Paolo Ventura. For more places to wine and dine this summer, check out our essential NJ outdoor dining guide featuring 35 alfresco hotspots that are simply divine. 
   

2. Be Beachy Keen – Part of Asbury Park’s beauty is its clean stunning shoreline and sunny energy felt by all those who pull up a chair or sink their toes in the sand. Bring the dog to the Asbury Park Dog Beach, and Fido will have a paw-some time too. Love the beach? Check out more spectacular beaches along the famous Jersey Shore here.

3. Get on Board with Art– Step onto Asbury Park’s historic boardwalk to be greeted by eye-catching, positively post-worthy murals from local and internationally recognized artists, fantastic food, cool seaside boutiques and events packed with so much personality you’ll never want to leave. If you love walking the boards as much as we do, add these amazing boardwalks in NJ to your summer must-step itinerary.

4. Bounce This Idea Around– The Silverball Museum Arcade – is part retro arcade, part museum, part eatery and 100% entertaining. Have a ball playing pinball on a rotated collection of 600 vintage and modern-day machines, so no two visits are exactly the same. Immerse yourself in the dazzling lights and sounds at this thrilling tribute to pinball. You’ll be a big fan, like us. And when it comes to fan-tastic spectator sports in NJ, we’ve got you covered too.

5. Be Blown Away – Create your own blown glass masterpiece or decorate your space with handmade glass treasures from the gallery at Hot Sand. This studio has brought the hot glass art experience to thousands of visitors for over 15 years – it’s your time to give it a try. Reserve your one-of-a-kind glassmaking experience here. It’s the perfect way to spend a day. For more dynamic day trips in Jersey, click here and smile.

6. Get Into the Spirit – Ghostly greetings, paranormal books and supernatural curiosities await you at the Paranormal Museum. Dive into Asbury Park history, from rum runners and legendary shipwrecks to crimes of the century, and take part in seances, psychic readings, guided tours and more. For more eerily cool things to see and do, check out these weirdly wonderful and unusual sites along the Jersey Shore.

7. Page Through History– Tour this historical gem and explore the upstairs library full of articles and books at the Stephen Crane House, the one-time home of famed 19th-century novelist, poet, journalist, short story writer and author of the Red Badge of Courage. One of the oldest standing houses in Asbury Park, the property also serves as the headquarters of the Asbury Park Historical Society. And history buffs – you won’t want to miss these off-the-beaten-path historic sites in NJ.

8. Stay at The Asbury– The social scene at this vintage-meets-modern-meets rock ‘n roll hotel is a hotspot for creativity, diversity and inclusivity. Mingle at a poolside party, listen to vinyl in the lobby bar, note Art Deco touches throughout, soak up the sun or take in a movie on the roof under a starry sky. In 2024, travel magazine Fifty Grande named The Asbury as One of the 50 Greatest Hotels Ever, so how’s that for wow? For more wow things to do in Jersey, sneak a peek here.

9. Strike up Some Fun– Just two blocks from the beach, you’ll find the iconic Asbury Lanes, a vintage bowling alley and a legendary concert venue and diner rolled into one. Eat, drink and bowl to the sounds of live music from some of the world’s most outstanding bands. See what’s playing at these amazing outdoor concert venues throughout New Jersey too.

10. Jam Out at The Stone Pony–Since opening its doors 50 years ago in 1974, renowned artists like Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny and Steve Vann Zandt have rocked the mic at this legendary venue. The fun here shows no signs of ever slowing down. Check the calendar to see the headliners and uprising stars taking the stage this summer. Six Flags Great Adventure is celebrating 50 years in 2024 too – take our list of thrilling things to do for a spin.

Navigating Aging

Walking May Do Wonders for Back Pain, Study Finds: Millions suffer from low back pain, which for most can come and go over the years. A simple walking program appears to help delay any recurrences. HealthDay News

Tips to Making Your Home Safer for People with Alzheimer's: Bright lights, loud sounds and trip hazards can make a person with Alzheimer's uncomfortable in the home and even pose real dangers. HealthDay News

Potential Signs of Breast Cancer in Older Females: Most breast cancers are found in females aged 45 years or older, with the average age of diagnosis being around 62 years. Medical News Today

Depression Could Take Toll on Memory with Age: Depression and memory declines may be closely linked in older people, new research suggests. Depression treatment could be key to preserving memory with age. HealthDay

Wednesday Farmers’ Markets

Bell Works Fresh – Farmers & Makers Market
Now through November; Wednesdays, 11 am – 4 pm
The Block inside Bell Works hosts a weekly Farmers’ and Makers’ market with over 20 local vendors.
101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel, NJ

Downtown Toms River Farmers Market
Now – October; Wednesdays, 11 am – 4 pm
The Farmers’ Market celebrates everything great about New Jersey. New Jersey farms selling local grown fruit and vegetables. Vendors selling flowers, local honey, specialty foods, pickles & olives, baked goods, mushrooms, guacamole, soaps and lotions, household products, and a NJ Winery, distillery, and brewery. Smoothie truck on premises every week.
700 Main Street, Toms River, NJ

Sea Bright Farmers Market
Now – October, Wednesdays 1 pm – 6 pm
Come and support local farmer and artisans as they bring their handmade goods to the market.
1167 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright, NJ

Holland Township Farmers Market
Now through mid-September; Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 am – 12 pm
Find Holland Township and Hunterdon County Farm Fresh seasonal produce, eggs, herbs, sweets & treats, and artisanal crafts such as local soaps and wood crafts.
The Holland Firehouse, Route 519, Milford, NJ

South Orange Farmers Market
Now – October, 2 pm – 7 pm
The South Orange Downtown Farmers Market returns for its 33rd season on Wednesday, June 5th in the Sloan St. Lot (across from the NJ Transit station) and will continue weekly on Wednesdays from 2-7 PM through October 30th, rain or shine. Shop for Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, bread, meats, pickles, olives, soups, homemade ice cream, apple cider, soul food, sweet treats, plus grab and go lunch/dinner options and much more. Exciting new vendors will join the market this season in addition to your returning favorites.
12 Sloan St, South Orange, NJ

Upcoming Events

June 10 – 16 – The North To Shore Jersey festival (Atlantic City, Altantic County)
June 11 – 15 – Jersey City Comedy Festival  (Jersey City, Hudson County)
June 12 – Eli Young Band Live in Concert (Newton, Sussex County)
June 13 – 16 – Tri-County Fair (Rockaway, Morris County)
June 13 – 22 – Paterson’s 4th Hamilton Arts Festival  (Paterson, Passaic County)
June 14 – Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point (Somers Point, Atlantic County)
June 14 – 16 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream (West Windsor, Mercer County)

Events in the parks

Concert in the Park: JoBonanno & The Godsons of Soul Performance Friday, July 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. Thompson Park, Lincroft.
Dance the night away as this rock and soul band takes the stage with their amazing horns, keys, guitar and drums. Bring chairs or blankets, food and soft drinks. The concert is outdoors. If the weather is inclement, the concert will be moved indoors in the Theater Barn. FREE!

Basket Weaving Demonstration: Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold Visit the Penn/Jersey Basket Weaving Guild as they weave baskets in the Cow Barn. FREE!

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s: Saturday, July 20 from 1-3 p.m. Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Hear melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion during your visit. FREE!

Today’s birthdays

🎉🎂 Happy 76th Birthday, Sarah Greene of Clark! 🎂🎉 Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and wonderful memories. Here's to many more amazing years ahead! 🥳🌸🎈

A few other notable people sharing a birthday today with Sarah are:

1. Nikola Tesla (1856-1943): Renowned inventor and electrical engineer known for his contributions to the development of alternating current (AC) electrical systems.

2. Jessica Simpson (1980): American singer, actress, and fashion designer who gained fame with her pop music career and later expanded into reality TV and business ventures.

3. Sofia Vergara (1972): Colombian-American actress and model best known for her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the TV show "Modern Family."

4. Arlo Guthrie (1947): American folk singer-songwriter, known for his song "Alice's Restaurant Massacree," which became an anti-establishment anthem.

Today in NJ History

On July 10, 1993, the New Jersey Devils won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. This victory marked a major milestone for the team and brought great pride to the state of New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals, establishing themselves as a formidable force in the National Hockey League (NHL). This triumph set the stage for the team's future successes and solidified their legacy in professional hockey.

Thought for Today

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