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I know absolutely nothing about New Jersey

Discussion in 'Anything goes' started by three_bags_full, Aug 2, 2011.

  1. three_bags_full

    three_bags_full Well-Known Member

    But I'm gonna be there for a few days next week.

    Leaving Nashville on the first thing smoking to Newark on Monday. When we arrive, we'll rent a couple of cars and jet down to Lakehurst, where we'll be picking up a few helicopters from the Sikorsky plant. From what I gather, we'll be staying in Toms River somewhere.

    Looks like I'll have at least one or two afternoons for some recreation, but have no clue about what to do.

    Places to eat/drink? Interesting sites? Are the beaches nice?

    Anybody got 'nything?
     
  2. The Big Ragu

    The Big Ragu Moderator Staff Member

    Are you going to be at Fort Monmouth? I think that is north of Toms River.

    It's pretty hopping around there this time of year, because that is the Jersey Shore. The beaches are really nice and the traffic can be nuts along the shore.

    If you are in Toms River, you should be able to easily drive to Seaside Heights, which I believe is just a matter of crossing a bridge that runs over the water. It's pretty nice around there during the summer, and there is a lot to do. There is a boardwalk with an amusement park and a lot of bars and restaurants. The downside of Seaside Heights is that it is a lot like the Jersey Shore of the TV show, if I am not mistaken, and that is really annoying.

    If you want to drive north a bit (talking 30 to 45 minutes), there are some more sedate beaches, I think, with more normal crowds. It depends on how far north you want to drive, but starting from north to south, Asbury Park is the place made famous by Springsteen and Southside Johnny. It's crowded during the summer and has had a bit of a revival over the last 20 years, but I don't know a ton about what to expect there. Some decent bars, for sure. If you go even farther north, Sea Bright doesn't get the worst crowds in the area, has a nice beach and you can walk endlessly down to Monmouth Beach or up into the Highlands and to the north end of the beaches, which is Sandy Hook. We once did that walk and were surprised when we passed through this sparsely used nude beach -- and they were ALL people you don't want to see nude. So be prepared.

    Bradley Beach and Belmar, below, is more of an older place, I think. It might be a bit geriatric. I am not sure. I think they will each be more sedate than Seaside Heights, which is close to Toms River, but still nice. Another possibility, also a bit closer to Toms River is Sea Girt, which is a nice beach and has some expensive housing nearby. Bill Parcells lives there.

    Hope that helps a little. I have been around there, but don't know the Jersey Shore inside out.

    One possibility, if you are at Fort Monmouth, which is north of Toms River, and you like the ponies, is a trip over to Monmouth Park, which is a pretty race track and has racing during the weekends. From Toms River, that will be maybe a half hour drive. From Fort Monmouth, it is a skip.
     
  3. Mizzougrad96

    Mizzougrad96 Active Member

    "Kiss her where it smells... Take her to New Jersey..." - George Carlin.

    I'm actually quite fond of the state. My mom is from there and I spent a lot of time there as a kid visiting my grandparents.
     
  4. three_bags_full

    three_bags_full Well-Known Member

    Thanks, Ragu.

    We'll actually be working from the airport in Lakehurst, the site of the Hindenburg crash. Sikorsky operates a plant there, and there are two large wooden hangars (the largest wooden structures in the world, I'm told) that now house testing facilities.

    We'll be staying somewhere in Toms River and will be hanging out there, mostly. We'll get there late Monday evening and hopefully have a little time to kill Monday and Tuesday evening, before heading home on Wednesday morning.

    We'll have six folks in total and will be in two rental cars, which means we'll likely hang out around Toms River. I've read about the boardwalk/beach scene there, and hope to take in a little of the Jersey Shore scene. We're just looking to hit the beach one afternoon and take in some good seafood and beer.

    Thanks for your help.
     
  5. Steak Snabler

    Steak Snabler Well-Known Member

    It is against the law to pump your own gas there, I do know that.
     
  6. finishthehat

    finishthehat Active Member

    Our family used to take vacations in Lavalette, which is near Seaside Heights. You can find a quiet beach, or you can find one packed Spring Break-style with 20somethings. Depends on what you're looking for (You'll likely need to pay for a badge to get on the beach.)

    Seaside Heights the amusement boardwalk is (or was) great -- a classic collection of rides out over the water, and the amazing aroma of sausage and other stuff cooking everywhere.

    Casual dining, try Kelly's in Neptune City -- legendary open-faced reubens.

    http://kellystavernjerseyshore.com/
     
  7. Boom_70

    Boom_70 Well-Known Member

    The Jersey shore has some great beaches. You will be very close to Seaside Heights if staying around Toms River. Kind of a honky tonk area but with public beaches. Maybe you will have a Snooki sighting. Lavalette is nice but has no public beaches.

    I think the best bar on the shore is Bar A which is up in Belmar- about 30 miles from Toms River.

    http://www.bar-a.com/

    My suggestion is to drive up to Belmar on RT 35 which runs along the ocean from Seaside. From Belmar if you do not want to hit all the local traffic on way back, go inland and take the Garden State Parkway back to Toms River.

    You also are not that far from Atlantic City if you want to hit the Casinos.
     
  8. Frank_Ridgeway

    Frank_Ridgeway Well-Known Member

    That is quite a contrast to Ragu's characterization of Belmar as "geriatric," lol.

    Too bad TBF is going to just miss this show at Bar A:

    http://www.bar-a.com/events/amish-outlaws-july-1

    Not to mention Opie and Anthony just after he leaves.
     
  9. Webster

    Webster Well-Known Member

    Your going to be way south of where I go (and all I do is chase two little ones around all day), but go to Seaside Heights. It's trashy, but a classic Shore experience. You can drive 30 minutes to Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant.
     
  10. Boom_70

    Boom_70 Well-Known Member

    The Jersey shore is a step back in time. I mean that in a good way.
     
  11. outofplace

    outofplace Well-Known Member

    And here I thought from the thread title that three bags was simply bragging.
     
  12. Flying Headbutt

    Flying Headbutt Moderator Staff Member

    Yeah, he should wear that like a badge. Lucky SOB.
     
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