ASBURY PARK:

Aside from spending some time relaxing on the beach (if weather permits), the venue will be near Asbury Park, which is a fun LGBTQ+ friendly and historically Black town with various fun restaurants, bars, and shops. We recommend taking a stroll down Cookman Street, popping into stores and getting something healthy, gluten free, and vegan at Twisted Tree, getting some Mogo Korean Tacos, or a fresh baked dessert from the Confections of a Rockstar. Stop by the Book Cooperative for some fun reads and then check out some local art galleries and cool antique shops. Go to the historic Wonder Bar (with their Yappy Hour where you can bring your dog) or other local breweries to enjoy a nice drink. We also recommend walking the boardwalk to the convention center. On your way you will pass the historic Stone Pony known for hosting music legends Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and many more. If you want something on the spooky side you can enjoy the Paranormal Tours and don’t skip on ice cream from the Cookman Creamery.

DEAL:

Adjacent to Asbury Park, is Deal, a mostly Sephardic Syrian Jewish community, where you can find a variety of kosher restaurants and grocery stores. Some famous restaurants on Norwood Ave are Kings Highway, Slices, Akimori, Ouris, and Nahum Bakery, and some good kosher grocery stores include Sarah’s Tent, Shalom, and Nicole’s Kitchen. Here is a list of some of the other top rated kosher restaurants nearby https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g46382-zfz10768-Deal_New_Jersey.html

OCEAN GROVE:

Since 1869, a group of Methodists have been coming to Ocean Grove to camp in tents throughout the summer for spiritual connection and community. On May 15 onward, Ocean Grove tent dwellers erect and inhabit their summer tents. We recommend walking through or taking a tour of the area with a magnificent church that doubles as a venue for concerts and events.

Ocean Grove also maintains a few Victorian houses and the historical society provides various walking tours. https://historicalsocietyofoceangrove.org/tours-lectures/

Ocean Grove has the best beach, so we recommend accessing the beaches from there. You will need to buy a beach pass at the beach or at your beach front property. Please be aware that Ocean Grove is a dry town, so no alcoholic beverages are permitted on the beach. You can go to nearby Asbury Park for other beaches and various bars.

Other things to do in the area:

- Sky Zone Indoor Trampolines- 2355 State Highway 66, Ocean Township, NJ 07712

- Seaview Square Shopping Center