BY LAURA D.C. KOLNOSKI
PHOTOS BY ROBERT NUZZIE
This Jersey Shore community’s main attraction in summer is its beach and bustling boardwalk, the latter teeming with rides, arcades, eateries, bars, and other attractions. The adjacent Manasquan Inlet is filled with charter boats, commercial fishing vessels, fish markets, and waterfront dining, along with live music in season. Just a few short miles inland, the business district offers an equally “Pleasant” offshore experience in a walkable, picturesque setting, with ample shopping and dining options. It all makes for an ideal vacation area for those who like options on and off the water.
Things To Do: LET’S GO
ANTIC SPEAR & SCUBA
Training, spear fishing, services, and dive trips 208 Broadway, 732.892.5971, atlanticspearandscuba.com
BAY HEAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM AND DALE COTTAGE
An 1867 restored farmhouse and gardens, open to the public May through October, with memorabilia, artifacts, and displays on maritime history and life of the area. 1643 Bay Ave., bayheadhistoricalsociety.com
JENKINSON’S AQUARIUM 732.899,1212. 300 Ocean Ave./Boardwalk, jenkinsons.com/aquarium
NORMA K III DEEP SEA FISHING
Party boat equipped with the latest electronics. Fourth of July fireworks cruise. Ken’s Landing, 30 Broadway, 732.899.8868, normakfishing.com
POINT PLEASANT PARASAIL
81 Inlet Dr., 732.714.2359, pointpleasantparasail.com
QUEEN MARY
Fishing, private charters, party cruises, and “Fishing and Fire works” family trips Thursdays in season. 415 Broadway at Spike’s Fishery, 732.899.3766, njqueenmary.com
RIVER BELLE & RIVER QUEEN
Sightseeing and dining cruises on the Manasquan River, Point Pleasant Canal, and Barnegat Bay. 800 Ashley Ave., 732.892.3377, riverboattour.com
UNCLE VINNIE’S COMEDY CLUB
Dinner and shows, open mic nights. 518 Arnold Ave., 732.899.3900, unclevinniescomedyclub.com
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM OF NEW JERSEY
Fun and informational for all ages. Displayed vehicles rotate periodically, and group tours welcome. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, and the N.J. Museum of Boating is right next door! 1800 Bay Ave., 732.899.0012, vintageautomu-seum.com,njmb.org
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
BREE ANA/STYLES IN SILVER
Women’s clothing and jewelry boutique. 732.899.9408, 715 Arnold Ave., Facebook
DEENA’S BOUTIQUE
Home décor, clothing, jewelry, accessories, 704 Arnold Ave., 732.899.0369, shopdeenas.com
D. MONACO DESIGNS LLC
Women’s wear, jewelry, accessories. 640 Arnold Ave., 732.892.0002 dmonacodesigns.shoplightspeed.com
EVERYBODY’S GENERAL STORE
Irresistible selection of eclectic inventory. 515 Bay Ave., 732.892.5757, Facebook
GORDON’S SURF SHOP
Family owned. Apparel, foot wear, skate, lifestyle, and quality boards, repairs, consignment. 527 Bay Ave., 732.475.7984, gordonssurfshop.com
HOUSE & CLOSET
Eco friendly and fair trade boutique of fashion and home finds. 638 Arnold Ave., 732.903.6438, houseandcloset.com
LOLA’S BOUTIQUE
Relaxed women’s apparel & accessories. 519 Bay Ave., 732.899.7884, ilovelolas.com
POINT BEACH INTERIORS
Large family owned source for coastal/nautical furniture, décor, and gifts. 649 Arnold Ave., 732.295.9243, pointbeachinteriorsnj.com
POINT PLEASANT ANTIQUE EMPORIUM
One of state’s largest, with more than 40 dealers! 622 Trenton Ave., 732.892.2222, pointpleasantantiques.com
TESS HOME
Furniture, décor, clothing, vintage/antiques. 707 Arnold Ave., 732.903.7825, tesshome.com
THE SAND HOUSE
Nautical gifts, home décor, and seashells since 1977. 411 Ocean Ave., 732.899.3373, thesandhouse.com
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THE TRAIN ROOM
Full service model railroad hobby store. 715 Arnold Ave., 732.892.5145, thetrainroomnj.com
DANIEL’S BISTRO
Acclaimed Chef Danny Picard creates inventive American and seafood fare. 115 Broadway, 848.232.2544, danielsbistronj.com
EUROPA SOUTH & AMENDMENT
21 Portuguese and Spanish cuisine in the main restaurant with a Prohibition style craft cocktail bar with casual eats adjacent. 521 Arnold Ave., 732.295.1500, europasouth.net amendmenttwentyone.com
FRANKIE’S BAR & GRILL
Casual family style saloon with contemporary American menu. 414 Route 35, 732.892.6000, frankiesbarandgrille.com
JACK BAKER’S WHARFSIDE AND PATIO BAR
Casual indoor/outdoor dining on the inlet, live music. 101 Channel Dr., 732.892.9100, wharfsidenj.com
JENKINSON’S PAVILION
Indoor/outdoor dining and deck complex on the boardwalk, live music. 300 Beach front 732.899.0569, jenkinsons.com
JOE LEONE’SITALIAN SPECIALTIES
Shore favorite for fresh market, bakery, elevated cuisine, daily specials, and expert catering. Second location in Sea Girt. 510 Rt.35, 732.701.0001, joeleones.com
MARTELL’S TIKI BAR & LOBSTER HOUSE
Destination complex with large deck and pier over beach with Tiki Bars, live bands. 308 Board walk, 732.892.0131, tikibar.com
MILE TO
Polish Italian Gourmet Global delicacies to eat in or take out plus catering. 732.701.1400, 718 Arnold Ave., miletogourmet.com
POACHED PEAR BISTRO
Stylish BYOB fine dining from Owner/Executive Chef Scott Giordano. 816 Arnold Ave., 732.701.1700, poachedpearbistro.com
PRIME 13 WOODFIRE GRILL
Upscale casual BYOB with open kitchen. 710 Arnold Ave., 732.202.6483, prime-13.com
SHRIMP BOX & OUTSIDE THE BOX
Patio Bar Dining and sunset views in a waterside spot that began as fishing dock and market in 1940. 75 Inlet Dr., 732.899.1637, theshrimpbox.com
SPIKE’S FISH MARKET AND RESTAURANT
Classic seafood shack and market. BYOB. 415 Broadway, 732.295.9400, spikesseafood.com
THE ARK PUB & EATERY
Rustic bar serving local fresh fish and pub fare. Entertainment, and two time “People’s Choice” winner. 401 Rt. 35, 732.295.1122, thearkpubandeatery.com
Lights Out WHERE TO STAY
CASA DEL MAR
Boutique property adjacent to the active, picturesque Manasquan Inlet. 5 Ocean Ave., 732.899.5760, casadelmarnj.com
CRYSTAL POINT YACHT CLUB
Riverfront inn with rooms, suites, and a popular wedding hall. 732.295.7000, 3900 River Rd., thecrystalpoint.com
THE TOWER COTTAGE
Delightful, romantic B&B in a meticulously restored 1883 Queen Anne Victorian Inn. 203 Forman Ave. 877.766.2693, thetowercottage.com
THE WHITE SANDS OCEAN FRONT RESORT & SPA
Premier luxe beach property with indoor/outdoor pool, restaurant, lounge. 1205 Ocean Ave., 732.899.3370, thewhitesands.com
WINDSWEPT MOTEL
Beachfront, pool and beach passes. 1008 Ocean Ave. 732.899.1282, windsweptmotel.net