Welcome to Asbury Park
The beaches and boardwalk of Asbury Park, NJ were once jewels of the shore, featuring a mile of rides, mini-golf, shops, sand, beautiful people and happy families. However, for the last 25 years or more it has been tough times in Asbury, as the boardwalk and shopping district were largely abandoned. Thankfully, the tide is beginning to turn in Asbury and for the first time in many years the summer crowds are coming back.
Our recent visit to Asbury Park shows that times are indeed changing for the better. On a beautiful hot Sunday afternoon the beach and boardwalk were mobbed and a new generation of trendy restaurants and shops were doing a brisk business. In addition, the town’s performance venues such as the Stone Pony, the Wonder Bar, the Paramount Theater and Convention Hall, have beefed up their calendars and been successful in attracting many visitors to a wide range of events as well.
Jazz Brunch on the Asbury Park Boarkwalk
For teens and tweens who are too young for the nightclubs, the boardwalk offers some fun and funky shopping at the likes of Posh Den, Style Rocket, and Cielo. Its a refreshing mix of independent craftspeople and entrepreneurs here – no national chain stores or restaurants to be seen. We enjoyed lunch at the Langosta Lounge; they even had a jazz band playing outside. Several other sit down restaurants also offered full service indoor and outdoor dining along the boardwalk.
Shopping at Posh Den on the Boardwalk
The Silverball Pinball Museum was worth the trip to Asbury Park all by itself. Dad and #1 Son really enjoyed playing vintage pinball machines from the 1930s to the 1990s eras while the girls went shopping. For a flat rate half-hour, hourly or daily fee you can play any machine – no quarters required. Nearby Hot Sand offers a unique opportunity to blow your own glass – and they sell some really lovely pieces that are made right there in their boardwalk studio.
Admiring the hand blown glasswork at Hot Sand
Don’t get us wrong, there is still a lot of work to do in Asbury. A few new condo buildings have opened, but many vacant lots remain on the streets behind the Boardwalk and the southern end of the Boardwalk still has a pretty empty feel to it. Nonetheless, the beach is beautiful and there is definitely more energy and positive vibes along the Asbury Park Boardwalk than there have been for many years. We are hoping that the comeback continues.
Looking for more ideas for fun with teens and tweens at the Jersey Shore? Check out our Jersey Shore Top 10 list.
We want to thank Jersey Shore Jen for letting us know that Asbury is back in action and encouraging us to check it out. Visit her blog for all the latest on Jersey Shore happenings throughout the year.
