BY LAURA D.C. KOLNOSKI • PHOTOS BY PATTY PIXELS

Just south of Point Pleasant in Ocean County, the placid seashore borough of Bay Head sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. A haven for boaters and beachgoers, this lessthan one square mile enclave of 968 residents (as of the 2010 Census) offers dining, shopping, and leisure time options, along with a plethora of water activities and stunning views. Incorporated in 1879, the borough maintains a historical significance that far outweighs its modest size. The Bay Head Historic District, for example, listed in both the New Jersey and the National Registers of Historic Places, encompasses more than half of the town’s buildings, some 550 structures, which makes it one of the largest historic districts on the Eastern Seaboard. The community is famed for its wonderful and well preserved examples of Shingle Style, Stick Style, and Queen Anne Style architecture. Note to beachgoers: Food and beverages other than water in clear plastic containers is prohibited on the sand.

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Things to do LET’S GO!
BAY HEAD YACHT CLUB
Members and guests enjoy sailing programs, family activities, competitive clubs, and regattas on Barnegat Bay. The facility is also available for weddings and events. 111 Metcalfe St., 732.899.2000. bayheadyachtclub.org

BAY HEAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Learn about “Law and Order in Old Time Bay Head” through a display at the 1867 Loveland Homestead Museum noon to 4:00 p.m. Fridays through Mondays until Labor Day. 1643 Bay Ave., bayheadhistoricalsociety.com

DUCK DERBY
A rubber duck race for all ages kicks off at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 10 at Centennial Park. Prizes, crafts, free admission. Bridge Avenue behind Borough Hall. bayhead.org

FARMER’S MARKET
Local fruits, vegetables, and more, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursdays through September. Municipal parking lot, Bridge Avenue, bayhead.org

VJ SPREAD

46th ANNUAL CLAM BAKE
Food, vendors, entertainment and children’s activities highlight this benefit for the local volunteer fire department. Noon to 5:00 p.m., Aug. 17 Bay Head Fire House, 81 Bridge Rd., bayheadnj.org

SUMMER SIDEWALK SALES
Visit local shops every third Friday and Saturday through October for fabulous finds and amazing deals. Look for the blue tablecloths in front of each participating retailer. bayhead.org

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Shop ‘TIL YOU DROP
ANDI’S
A 30 year tradition of “Something for everyone” that expanded from a florist shop to gifts, home décor, clothing for men, women, and kids; toys, and accessories. 75 Bridge Ave., 732.892.5564, andisbayhead.net

BEACH HOUSE CLASSIC BOARDSHOP
Surfer family owned and operated surf shop one block from the ocean, with top labels and ample inventory. Bay Head products, too. 517 Main Ave., 732.714.8566, beach houseclassic.shoplightspeed.com

NOON DESIGN SHOP
A home grown lifestyle brand of handmade goods created by two best friends. Jewelry, home goods, body products, greeting cards, candles, beach wares, and more. 524 Lake Ave., 732.899.2903, noondesignshop.com

OPAL AND OLIVE
Home wares for dining, kitchen, and entertaining; gifts, and beach themed items. Featuring Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines and other quality specialty brands. , 84 Bridge Ave., 732.892.8300, opalandolive.com

PALM PLACE
A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store also carrying brands like Vineyard Vines, Bird Dog Bay, and HIHO. Second location in Manasquan. 520 Main Ave., 732.908.0647, palmplace.com

REFIND
Local artisan products, curated finds, furniture and décor, art, jewelry, clothing, gifts, workshops, art classes. 43 Mount St., 732.735.4826, refind43.com

TEMPEST IN A TEA POT
Items for you, your home, and your garden. The creative owners turn vintage silver plate teapots and flatwear into jewelry, chimes, and more. 92 Bridge Ave., (Back door lakeside entrance), 732.701.3165, tempestinateapot.net

THE CANDY CABANA
Candy, gifts, fair trade artisans, jewelry, beach items, and Bay Head apparel. 33 Mount St., 732.899.0068, Facebook

THE COASTAL COTTAGE
Furniture, housewares, home décor, clothing, jewelry, children’s items, local art, gifts. Open seasonally. 64 Bridge Ave., 732.475.6813, thecoastalcottagebayhead.com

THE JOLLY TAR
From elegant to funky, here you’ll find nautical items, arts, china, a bridal department, Christmas gallery, kids’ stuff, and surprises in this 91 yearold emporium. 56 Bridge Ave., 732.892.0223, Facebook.

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Dining DIG IN!
BAY HEAD CHEESE SHOP & BOTTLES, TOO
Domestic and imported chesses, homemade specialty foods, cheese platters, delicacies, gift baskets, and wines and spirits for 40 years. 91 Bridge Ave., 732.892.7585, bayheadcheeseshopandbottlestoo.com

BURKE’S MARKET & FINE SPIRITS
Prepared foods, butcher, deli, local produce, Italian specialties, wine, and spirits. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner inside and out. 536 Main Ave., 732.899.0068, burkesmarket.com

CHARLIE’S OF BAY HEAD
Award winning contemporary American cuisine featuring fresh seafood and homemade desserts in an exquisite waterfront setting on scenic Twilight Lake, serving lunch and dinner. Private events, outdoor deck, wine room, 20 handles of craft beer, extensive wine list. 72 Bridge Ave., 732.295.1110, charliesofbayhead.com

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DUNE GRASS CAFÉ
Great food for 40 years. Family owned and operated, indoor and outdoor seating, ice cream, breakfast specialties, lunch, and specials menu. 58 Bridge Ave., 732.232.1300, dunegrasscafe.com

MUELLER’S BAKERY
Famous far and wide since 1890, devotees are willing to travel for the handmade and delectable delights, including the legendary original recipe crumb cake, other outstanding cakes, and holiday treats. 80 Bridge Ave., 732.892.0442, muellersbakery.com

THERESA’S SOUTH
Upscale American gourmet creative cooking, homemade pastas, and unique entrees. BYOB. Open Table 2019 Diner’s Choice. Indoor and outdoor seating. 530 Main Ave., 732.892.1555, theresassouth.com

Lights Out WHERE TO STAY
BAY HEAD SANDS BED & BREAKFAST INN
A prime example of the borough’s nostalgic 1910 Shingle Style architecture, this gracious inn has a fireplace in its antique filled parlor, as well as original stained glass windows. One block from the Bay Head Train Station. 2 Twilight Rd., 732.899.7016, bayheadsands.com

THE BENTLEY INN BED & BREAKFAST
Located in an 1886 Victorian mansion three lots from the beach, this B&B has 19 guest rooms, a large wraparound porch, a dining room decorated with a quaint teapot collection, and a sunlit solarium. 694 Main Ave., 732.892.9589, bentleyinn.com

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THE GRENVILLE
Gracious historic 1890 Victorian hotel and acclaimed award winning classic American BYOB restaurant, distinctive for its pink exterior. It was built by Wycoff Applegate, builder of the Bay Head Yacht Club. Popular Sunday brunch destination. Available for private events. 345 Main Ave., 732.892.3100, thegrenville.com