🍂 Monmouth Senior Scoop: Fall Festivals, Cruises & Senior Fun!

🍂 Welcome to This Week’s Monmouth Senior Scoop!
Fall is in the air, leaves are turning, and there’s no shortage of fun for seniors around Monmouth County. From festivals and farmers’ markets to cozy recipes and dream-worthy cruises, we’ve packed your weekly scoop with adventures, tips, and treats. Grab your coffee, kick back, and scroll—there’s something for everyone this week!

👀What’s on tap today:

📅 Events & Festivals – Fall fairs, live music, and local fun you won’t want to miss.
🧩 Activities & Swaps – Puzzles, crafts, and hands-on senior-friendly adventures.
✈️ Travel & Cruises – Dream destinations, scenic cruises, and getaway inspo.
🗞️ News & Tips – Health, money, and life hacks tailored for seniors.
🥕 Farmers’ Markets – Fresh produce, artisanal treats, and seasonal goodies.
🍲 Recipes – Easy, tasty dishes featuring Jersey Fresh ingredients.
📺 TV Time – What to watch, stream, and binge this week.
🦋 Grandkids’ Fun – Flit around with butterflies or ghosts, your choice!

Up first…

📅Mark Your Calendar

🍁 Harvest Home Festival: Step Right Into the 1890s!
Time travel alert: Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel is cranking the clock back to the 1890s on Sunday, Sept. 28, 11 AM–5 PM. Think wagon rides, pie-eating contests, live music, and even 1890s baseball (yes, wool uniforms and all). Add in timber framing, old-fashioned games, and craft demos, and you’ve got yourself a fall festival that’s equal parts history lesson and autumn daydream.

💃 Square Dance Open House: No Partner, No Problem!
Ready to “do-si-do”? The Middletown Ramblers and Monmouth County Park System are hosting a FREE square dance open house at Thompson Park in Lincroft on Friday, Sept. 26, 7–9 PM. Ages 14+ welcome (kids under 18 just bring an adult). Love it? Keep dancing: Square Dance Level 1 starts Sept. 30 in Leonardo. Cost: $50/person. No experience required—just bring your two left feet and a smile.

📸 Your Photo Could Be Famous!
The 2026 Monmouth County Travel Guide is looking for a cover star—and it could be your snapshot. Beaches, boardwalks, cozy diners, hidden gems—if it screams “Monmouth County magic,” it belongs in the contest. Finalists go to a public vote and even runners-up get printed inside. 📆 Deadline: Dec. 1, 2025. Info

🧩 Puzzle Swap at Thompson Park
Got a stack of puzzles that are old news? Trade them in for new challenges at the Jigsaw Puzzle Swap, Sat. Sept. 27, 10–11:30 AM at Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft. Complete puzzles only, please!

✈️ Wanderlust Weekly

Where to go next? We’ve got ideas.

🌊 Seabourn Encore Goes Wild in Alaska (2026)
For the first time, Seabourn’s ultra-luxe Encore heads north—17 weeklong Alaska & BC sailings (or double up for 2 weeks!). Glaciers, wildlife, gourmet dining, and secret cove kayaking await. Info

🧳 Oceania Cruises: 230 New Itineraries Just Dropped
Big bucket list? Oceania’s 2027–28 collection serves up 230+ sailings—from Alaska’s parks to Mediterranean feasts, Asian adventures, and African journeys. Small ships, fine dining, big memories. Info

🌙 Biltmore After Dark: Luminere Debuts 2026
Asheville’s Biltmore Estate lights up March 26–Oct. 18, 2026, with Luminere—a nighttime show of glowing gardens, soundscapes, and storytelling under the stars. Artisan picnics included. Tickets on sale Nov. 12, 2025. Info

🍁 Fall Cruising with Princess: Canada & New England 2027
Leaf-peepers, rejoice! Regal & Caribbean Princess sail Aug. 21–Oct. 30, 2027, from NYC, Boston, or Québec. 7–13 days of fiery foliage, fresh lobster, historic cities, and sparkling nights. Info

🗞️Prime Time News

Links to the latest news on aging from trusted media sources.

🌀 Try Tai Chi, Stay Strong
It’s part workout, part meditation—and it just might be the secret to aging with strength and grace. Kiplinger, Sept. 19

👂 Hear Better, Spend Less
Over-the-counter hearing aids are here—affordable, accessible, and no prescription needed. NY Times Wirecutter, Sept. 18

📅 Medicare Check-In Time
Open enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7) is coming. Think of it as your yearly tune-up for health coverage. Motley Fool, Sept. 16

💸 Spending at 80—Surprise!
Most retirees actually spend less as the years go on. Here’s what the numbers look like. GoBankingRates, Sept. 16

💔 Divorce After 60?
“Gray divorce” is real—and it can shake up your retirement plans. Here’s how to stay steady. Kiplinger, Sept. 17

💳 Bye-Bye Paper Checks
Starting Sept. 30, Social Security and federal benefits go digital. No more waiting by the mailbox! CNBC, Sept. 18

🌍 Why Solo Travel Rocks
Forget group selfies—sometimes the best adventures are the ones you take on your own. Next Avenue, Sept. 15

🎉What’s Happening This Week

Seniors can enjoy music, festivals, comedy, and more—your guide to Monmouth County fun!

👻 Freehold Ghost Tours – Stroll downtown Freehold after dark and hear tales of hauntings, legends, and local history. Multiple dates Sept. 26–Oct. 31.

🎷 The E Street Shuffle at Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) – Celebrate The River’s 45th anniversary with Asbury’s own Springsteen tribute. Sept. 26, 7 p.m.

🎤 Tonight’s The Night – Rod Stewart Tribute (Axelrod PAC, Deal) – A spot-on Rod impersonator + Stewart’s former bandmates = “Forever Young” energy. Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m.

🎭 Fiddler on the Roof (Count Basie Center, Red Bank) – Tradition! The beloved classic runs Sept. 26–28.

🏄 8th Annual Surf Open (Long Branch) – Surf competition + fundraiser for a clean ocean. Sept. 27, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

🍂 Manasquan Fall Festival & Crafts – Pumpkin painting, pie contests, and autumn vibes in Squan Plaza. Sept. 27, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

🛍️ Asbury Park Fall Bazaar – Makers, music, food, and seaside shopping in the Grand Arcade. Sept. 27–28.

🧀 Red Bank Mac & Cheese Festival – A cheesy crawl through Red Bank’s best kitchens. Sept. 27, 1–5 p.m.

🌊 Sea Bright Day – Food, games, live music, and a bonfire at dusk. Sept. 27, 2–7 p.m. (Rain date Oct. 5).

🎸 EagleMania (Algonquin Arts, Manasquan) – The ultimate Eagles tribute band. Sept. 27, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.

🎃 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow – Live (Allaire Village, Wall) – A spooky one-man performance of the classic tale. Sept. 27, 6 p.m.

🪶 Day of Living History (Cream Ridge) – Revolutionary War drills, colonial crafts, Native American stories, and more. Sept. 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

📚Beyond The Books

Library events across Monmouth County this week—engaging, social, and perfect for seniors.

🧵Quilts Tell a Story

Step into a world of color, texture, and tales! The Shrewsbury Historical Society brings you over 60 stunning quilts this October at the Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury. From clever patterns to family stories stitched into every square, this exhibit shows why quilt making is a timeless art form and a piece of our heritage.

📅 When: Daily, now through Nov. 1, 2025 | 9 AM – 9 PM
📍 Where: Center of Adult Library, Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
🎨 Why Go: Discover sewing secrets, explore patterns, and soak in stories that warm the heart. Perfect for families, art lovers, and history buffs alike!

💛 Lost and Found: Bereavement Support Group – Feeling the loss of a loved one? 💐 Share stories, find comfort, and connect with others at Manalapan Headquarters on Wed., Sept. 24, 6:45–8 PM or join virtually on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. No registration needed.

🪖 Military History of New Jersey – Take a journey through 350+ years of Garden State military history ⚔️ with Andrew Walker. Map out your fall adventures at Wall Township Branch, Thurs., Sept. 25, 2–3 PM.

🧶 Knit Wits: Any Craft, Knit, & Crochet – Bring your knitting, crochet, or needlework 🧵 and get crafty with fellow makers! Adults of all skill levels welcome at Headquarters, Manalapan, Thurs., Sept. 25, 6:30–8:30 PM.

📄 Circle of Origami Paperfolders – Fold, create, and learn new tricks ✂️ with origami fans at Headquarters, Manalapan, Sat., Sept. 27, 1–4:30 PM. No registration needed!

🎸 Extra Innings Band Concert – 50 years of pop hits 🎶 come alive! Catch the band at Wall Township Branch, Sat., Sept. 27, 2–3:30 PM.

🧘 Intro to Qigong & Tai Chi – Stretch, balance, and breathe 🌿 at West Long Branch Library, Mon., Sept. 29, 10:30–11:30 AM. Rain date: Sept. 30.

💛 Lost and Found: Bereavement Support Group – Another chance to attend in-person at Marlboro Branch, Mon., Sept. 29, 12:30–2 PM.

♠️ Learn to Play Bridge – Sharpen your strategy 🃏 and enjoy friendly competition at Headquarters, Manalapan, Mon., Sept. 29, 6–8:30 PM.

🎹 Beatles '65 with Jay Daniels – Relive “Day Tripper,” “Michelle,” and more 🎤 with inventive jazz twists at Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury, Tues., Sept. 30, 1:30–2:30 PM.

📖 Author Talk: Start Your Second Act with Shannon Russell – Pivot to your passion 🚀 and get career inspiration at Allentown Branch, Tues., Sept. 30, 6:30–8:30 PM. Registration requested.

🧬 Genealogy Club – Trace your roots 🌳, share discoveries, and get research tips at Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury, Wed., Oct. 1, 2–3 PM.

🌌 The Cosmic Signal: A Timely Wake-up Call – Explore the 1964 Holmdel antenna discovery 🛰️ and what it might be telling us about the universe with Dr. Sarbmeet Kanwal at Holmdel Branch, Wed., Oct. 1, 7–8:30 PM.

🚨 Fake Tax Texts Making the Rounds

Some New Jersey residents are getting texts from the so-called “New Jersey Department of Taxation” warning they’ll lose their refunds. Spoiler: that department doesn’t exist. It’s a scam trying to trick you into clicking a shady link and handing over banking info.

The real NJ Division of Taxation reminds folks: they’ll never text you for personal info—first contact comes by good old-fashioned mail.

✅ Don’t click links in sketchy texts
✅ Don’t share personal info
✅ Double-check suspicious messages using official websites

Read more here.

🥕Farm Markets This Week

Fresh, local and senior-friendly spots to shop, stroll and savor.

🥕 Sunset Avenue Farmers’ Market – Asbury Park
Saturday, 8 AM–1 PM | Sunset Ave @ Main St
Fresh-picked veggies, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts await! Grab local goodies, sample tasty treats, and soak up that Asbury Park vibe. 🍎🧀🛍️

🌽 Highlands Farmers’ Market – Huddy Park
Saturdays, 8:30 AM–2 PM, through Nov. 22 | 329 Bay Ave, Highlands
For 31 years, this market has been the spot for Jersey fruits, veggies, flowers, homemade bread, pies, cheese, eggs, honey, fresh juice, and more. Hauser Hill & Fresh Pik Farms are bringing the flavor year after year! 🥬🍯🥖

🎃 Happy Day Farm Fall Festival – Manalapan
Saturdays & Sundays, 10 AM–5 PM, through Nov. 2 | 106 Iron Ore Rd
More than a market—this is a fall adventure! Corn mazes, pig races, pedal carts, pirate ships, horse swings, tetherball, slides, and over 35 family-friendly activities. Bring everyone and make a day of it! 🐖🌽🎡

🍅 Marlboro Farmers’ Market – Marlboro Township
Sundays, 9 AM–1 PM, through Oct. 26 | 444 County Rte 520
Set on 56 acres of scenic farmland, this market connects you directly with local farmers. Fresh produce, friendly chats with growers, and a sense of community all in one spot. Bring your reusable bag and come rain or shine! 🌾🍒💚

🥬 Red Bank Farmers’ Market – Red Bank Galleria
Sundays, 9 AM–2 PM, through Nov. 23 | W Front St & Bridge Ave
A lively, bustling market full of farm-to-table goodness, crafts, and local flair. Support your community, taste fresh produce, and enjoy the vibrant market energy! 🧺🍇🎨

🍲What’s Cookin’

🫑 Pepper Party, Jersey-Style

Fall means one thing at NJ farmers markets: bell peppers galore! Sweet, crunchy, and bursting with color, they’re perfect for everything from salads to cozy dinners. Grab some at your local market and turn them into a tasty treat with this recipe for Jersey Fresh Stuffed Bell Peppers.

📺TV Time: What to Watch This Week

Settle in and grab the remote—this week’s lineup has everything from caped heroes and spy misfits to sun-soaked thrillers and family feuds over beer.

🦸 Superman lands on HBO Max
James Gunn’s bright and hopeful Superman has flown from theaters to streaming. David Corenswet dons the cape, Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois, and Nicholas Hoult brings the bald badness as Lex. A sequel’s already in the works.

💔 Love gets complicated in All of You
Brett Goldstein (yep, Roy Kent from Ted Lasso) stars in a tender, near-future romance where best friends wrestle with feelings—and a matchmaking service stirs the pot. Streams Friday on Apple TV+.

🌊 Nicolas Cage wipes out in The Surfer
Cage is at his unhinged best in this trippy Aussie thriller about childhood beaches, local bullies, and a man losing his grip on reality. Catch it Thursday on Hulu.

🕵️ Slow Horses, fast wit
Gary Oldman returns as Jackson Lamb, the grumpy, brilliant leader of MI5’s castoffs. Season 5 drops Wednesday on Apple TV+—and the spy misfits aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

🇮🇹 A fixer on the Amalfi Coast
Jesse Williams trades scrubs for suits in Hotel Costiera, where he plays a hotel “fixer” making rich guests’ problems disappear. Smart caper vibes, stunning setting. Wednesday on Prime Video.

🍺 Brewing family drama in House of Guinness
Think Succession, but with stout. Netflix’s new historical drama dives into the 19th-century Guinness family feud. Eight episodes, pouring out Thursday.

Take the Grandkids

🦋 Flutter Into Fall at the Monarch Festival!

Cape May is buzzing with butterfly fun on Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Ave. 🏞️ Celebrate the magical monarch with live tagging demos, a butterfly parade, butterfly yoga, family games, crafts, music, and tasty treats! Plus, snag a monarch-themed keepsake from local vendors. A perfect day for nature lovers of all ages—come watch these beauties take flight! 🌼✨Info

🎃 Halloween House Freehold
Opens Sept. 26 | Freehold Raceway Mall

Halloween magic, hold the scares! 👻 Halloween House Freehold is back with brand-new rooms (hello, indoor carnival with unlimited games + prizes 🎯) and reimagined favorites like the glow-in-the-dark room, Beetlejuice illusions, and the ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Room. It’s fun, not fright—so you can stroll the immersive walk-through with your grandkids, rack up photo ops, and let them soak in the candy-colored thrills without the nightmares. Tickets start at $29 for kids and $45 for adults. For info, visit HalloweenHouseFreehold.com

🥳Happy Birthday

🎉 Sending birthday wishes this week to Barbara H., 72 (Toms River), Peter L., 68 (Brick), and Margaret S., 75 (Freehold)! 🎂 Here’s a few other notable stars celebrating this week: On Sept. 23, singer 🎤 Julio Iglesias turns 82, actor-singer Paul Petersen (“The Donna Reed Show”) hits 80, and actress Mary Kay Place celebrates 78. Rock legend 🎸 Bruce Springsteen turns 76, director 🎬 George C. Wolfe (“Nights in Rodanthe,” “Angels in America”) is 71, and Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”) hits 66. Then on Sept. 25, actor 🎥 Michael Douglas celebrates 81, model 👙 Cheryl Tiegs is 78, and Anson Williams (“Happy Days”) hits 76. Mark Hamill 🌟 turns 74, Heather Locklear 💃 celebrates 64, and Aida Turturro (“The Sopranos”) turns 63.

✨One Last Thing…

🩺 Jersey Joins the Northeast Health Partnership

Big health news: New Jersey has teamed up with nearby states and NYC to launch the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. Translation? Seniors get faster responses when flu, COVID, or other outbreaks hit, stronger vaccine access, and better coordination for big events (like the 2026 World Cup crowds).

For Monmouth County folks, this means:
✔️ More vaccine clinics in your area
✔️ Smarter prep before flu season
✔️ Less “red tape” when states need to share resources

It’s regional teamwork making local health stronger.💗💗

🎬 That’s A Wrap!

Thanks for spending a little time with us — whether you’re wandering a festival, solving a puzzle, or dreaming of a cruise, here’s to enjoying every minute of fall in NJ! 🍂

💌 Questions or news to share? Email us: [email protected]

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😊See you next week!
— The Better With Age NJ team

_{Disclaimer: We’re here to share community news, events, and a little joy—never medical, legal, or financial advice. Take what’s useful, share what’s fun, and always check with the pros when it really counts.} 😉