Think the Jersey Shore is only fun in summer? Think again Porkroll Pacifists and Taylor Ham Homies!
Far from a sterile, summer-only community, our area offers something for everyone all year round. So book a 5 Star Stay at the Beach Lodge and and take advantage of our slice of heaven when it’s even less crowded and always fun. Send a message and Cherisse will be happy to curate a custom itinerary for you and your crew!
TWIN LIGHTS LIGHTHOUSE was built in 1746 as a beacon atop the Navesink Highlands to warn NYC of approaching French warships. It's now one of hailed as one of the best small museums in NJ to visit all year round. Climb not one but two lighthouse towers for spectacular views of Highlands, Sandy Hook Bay, Sea Bright & NYC! Bring a picnic basket if it's warm enough!
GO FISH –Charter boats are still sailing out of Highlands’ marinas to catch bass AND other fish still plentiful in the fall. Call Captain Sean at Warden Fishing or Captain Lou at Reel Happy Fishing Charters.
SANDY HOOK GATEWAY NATIONAL PARK hosts outdoor fun all year round. head 1.5m over the bridge to historic Sandy Hook’s Gateway National Park for more beautiful bay and ocean beaches (dogs are allowed oceanside Sept 15- March 15th). Explore the miles of trails along the peninsula or tour Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in the United States.
SEASTREAK SANTA BRUNCH CRUISE Cruise through New York Harbor and get close up views of the Statue of Liberty while enjoying brunch on the way to pick up Santa Claus at the Seaport. There will be holiday cheer for kids and adults plus the chance to tell Santa everything you want for Christmas.
SEE THE TREE ROCKEFELLER CENTER: Have you always wanted to see the annual Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center or the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall but didn’t feel like driving in? Hop on the Seastreak Ferry down the street and be in Manhattan in an hour! Spend the day in the city and be back at the Beach Lodge in time for a warm fire and a movie. Check out our blogs on what to do for the day in NYC
SMODCASTLE CINEMA in neighboring Atlantic Highlands is owned by Kevin Smith, ask Silent Bob, most known for Clerks and other cult classics filmed in the area. You can catch Smith’s flix plus plenty of other movies, live shows, comedy, music and maybe even Smith himself. And if you’re really into Kevin Smith movies, check out our other blog post for a tour of places he worked his genius.
DAY TRIP IN ASBURY PARK –If you grew up going "Down the Shore", you’re probably obsessed with skee ball too. Silver Ball Retro Arcade & Museum right on the Asbury Boardwalk has a ton of skeeball games so you can compete side by side with your buddies, plus they have the best air hockey tables, pinball and video games around. If it’s nice out take a stroll on the boardwalk and peruse all the murals, interesting shops or just people watch, Asbury is always interesting! Then take a walk on Cookman, check out all the antique shops and stop by Taka for sushi and a sexy drink.
RESTAURANTS – I can’t blog without discussing food so here’s the scoop on the Highlands restaurant scene. Since the town is mostly locals, most restaurants stay open year round including the ones on the water like Proving Ground, Bahrs Landing and One Willow who join Off the Hook, Et Al Fine Foods, and BYOB faves like Porcini, Frannys, Fresh and Bistro Iberia in remaining open all year. Surrounding towns like Sea Bright, Rumson and Atlantic Highlands also have excellent all season restaurants – for more special occasions hit up Red Horse by David Burke and more casual Atlantic House in Atlantic Highlands.
BREWERY VISIT: Monmouth County is home to quite a few breweries that have lively indoor tap rooms. Most are dog friendly and many have live music (our friend Meg Whalen plays regularly at Bradley Brew Project) Some breweries + like the White Chapel Projects host art installations and other special events to attract beer lovers & beyond.