Sep 082011
 

In our neighborhood, autumn came early this year when Hurricane Irene washed out the last weekend of summer and school started before Labor Day.  Just a few days before the hurricane barrelled across New Jersey, New York and Vermont we enjoyed one last summer sunset in Long Branch, NJ.  #1 Son caught this image which pretty much sums it all up for us.

The last summer sunset of 2011
 
The lifeguards are all off duty and the bathing suits and suntan lotion have been put away.   The backpacks are full of newly purchased school supplies and a new season of  Travel with Teens and Tweens adventures awaits.  Happy Fall!
 
Note: we shared this post with the Delicious Baby photo friday roundup which is a great place to discover lots of fun family travel bloggers.
 
Sep 152010
 

     According to the American Diner Museum web site, the word “diner” is a derivative of “dining car” and diner designs originally reflected the styling that manufacturers borrowed from railroad dining cars.   The first diners were simple prefab affairs with  a counter, stools and a cooking area along the back wall. 

The Americana Diner, Shrewsbury NJ - a classic!

     Of course over a number of decades, diners got bigger, tables and booths were added and the decor got a whole lot flashier with stainless steel, neon and chrome being featured prominently.   We are always on the lookout for particularly good examples of classic diners and found one in the Americana on Route 35 in Shrewsbury, NJ, just a few miles from the beach and near an upscale mall.  We stopped in for lunch (and paid our own tab).  The teens thought the burgers, fries and deli sandwiches were tasty.  The menu is enormous so even the pickiest eater will be happy.  The diner is open from early morning to late night  7 days a week.  If you are in the area check it out and let us know what you think.

Sep 092010
 

    

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.


Sep 072010
 
Take Me Out to the Blue Claws!

     Families with teens and tweens that are visiting the Jersey Shore can’t go wrong with a night out watching the Lakewood Blue Claws minor league baseball team.  Just 25 minutes from many Monmouth and Ocean County shore towns, the Blue Claws are celebrating their 10th season by turning in a division leading performance and advancing to the post season playoffs.  The team is an affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and many Blue Claws eventually make it to the big leagues.      The Blue Claws play more than 60 home games a year at the very modern, 6,500 seat First Energy Park.  The season runs from mid April to early September.  Regular season tickets are $10 to $15 a person, with $5 tickets available for seating on the outfield grass.  Parking is $3.  Well stocked food courts and [...]

Sep 062010
 
Down the Shore ... with Earl

          Mother Nature, in the form of sun and surf, is usually the main summer attraction at the Jersey Shore.  Last week, however, strong waves and rip tides, courtesy of hurricane Earl, took center stage along the coast.         Although the storm did not deliver much in the way of wind or rain, it did have an impact on our daily plans since the wave heights and swimming conditions changed each day.  In the days before Earl arrived, the waves were strong enough to entertain the surfers but still safe for beach-goers.       As the week went on, the sun kept shining but the threat of rip tides forced life guards to close the beaches.  Our week down the Shore with Earl reminded us of the power of the ocean and the need to stay flexible with weather-dependent vacation [...]

Aug 262010
 
Heading Down to the Jersey Shore!

     No matter how old they get, the teens  never get tired of the annual pilgrimage to the Jersey Shore.  Hope you enjoy these photos of some of our favorite Jersey Shore moments.   Need more ideas for great Jersey Shore activities for teens and tweens?  Check out all the links on our Jersey Shore  Top 10 list. Hitting the Beach in Belmar  Catching the Waves on Boogie Boards A Thrill Ride a Minute – Boardwalks Jersey Style Winning Some Silly Prizes in the Arcades  Can’t forget mini-golf Lots of time for family fun!      We included a link to these photos on the Delicious Baby Photo Friday roundup.  Stop by there if you enjoy family travel photos.

Mar 162010
 
Jersey Shore Daytrip to South Street Seaport

     The northern reaches of the Jersey Shore in Monmouth and Ocean counties are well connected to New York City via trains, buses, highways and ferries.  If your tribe is ready for a break from the beach (or the weather is not cooperating) consider heading north to the high speen catamaran  Seastreak ferry from Highlands, NJ  for the 40 minute ride to Pier 11 at Wall Street near the South Street Seaport.  Our teen and tween had never visited New York so the trip to South Street Seaport , on the site of the former Fulton Fish Market, was a big thrill. Learn about America’s Maritime History at South Street Seaport      Within walking distance of the Wall Street ferry terminal, you will find the South Street Seaport Museum which hosts [...]

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