Cause down the shore everything’s alright

The Jersey Shore is alive and kicking.  Not to mention we are stronger than ever!

We have been working so very hard to make your trip down the shore as exciting as you remember in years past.  Our beaches are open and ready for you.  The landscape may have changed slightly, but not our determination.  We are still here and we want you here too!

Hotels are staffed and awaiting your arrival, restaurants are bringing out their best summer recipes, the boardwalks have been replaced, the amusement rides have been repaired and the game vendors have all the stuffed animals your kids can desire.  All we need to get our summer started is you!

Take the familiar ride down the parkway.  Feel the excitement as your destination exit comes into sight.  And when the kids ask from the backseat “Are we there yet?”  Without hesitation, you can say, “Yes!”

Welcome back to the Jersey Shore!!!!

Get those running shoes on!

The Jersey Shore is a great place to see, especially when you have time to take in the view. There are plenty of marathons happening in our area that may be of interest to the serious runner as well as the novice runner.

The New Jersey Marathon will be taking place on Sunday May 6, 2012. They offer a relay, a half marathon and a full marathon. The even better news is that the marathon is a qualifier for the 2013 New York Marathon and if you ran in the NJ Marathon last year (2011) your running time may qualify you for the 2012 New York Marathon being held on November 4 and this year it will be televised.

This is a well attended marathon with both locals and non-locals participating for the best time in their class or even just a personal best. Visit their site at http://www.njmarathon.org. You can register, check out the course map, find a hotel – it truly is a good website to view.

The next large “marathon” is actually a triathlon. The Danskin Triathlon is held on Sunday September 9, 2012. It starts at Sandy Hook and encompasses a ½ mile swim, a 12 mile bike ride and a 3 mile run.

There are many more running opportunities here at the Jersey Shore to experience. So pack your bags, your sneakers and your determination. Are you up for the challenge?

Ka-Boom went Ker-Splat in 2012

Well it’s a shame that this happened and I am sure there are people who are still lingering in disappointment since hearing that KaBoom Fireworks will not be displayed along the Navesink River in Red Bank this year.

It broke my heart when I saw it come across the wire.  For 50 continuous years, a fun family time of food, entertainment, catching up with friends, and most importantly fireworks was celebrated in the 2.2 square miles of Central New Jersey called Red Bank.  It was the party of all parties, a display of lights flashing across the night sky bedazzling spectators while synchronized to music played on Q104.3, but this year the night sky will be only illuminated from the light of the stars swirling around our universe.

I will need to rethink my plans for this year.  After all, there is still Long Branch.  They have Oceanfest along the boardwalk and promenade on Ocean Avenue.  Oceanfest lasts all day long and will tire out even the most energetic child.

Farewell KaBoom, maybe next year or possibly the year after, but I truly hope to see you again.  

Great News for Foodies!

Jersey Shore Restaurant Week is coming back April 13-22, 2012! 

Participating restaurants are gearing up to dish out the deliciousness you are craving.  The participating restaurants will offer a three course menu for $20.12 or $30.12 per meal.  You will be able to choose from three appetizers, three entrees and three desserts.   There is “shore” to be something for everyone.

So far some great restaurants are on board to serve up their dinner specialties.  In Red Bank, which is right around the corner from the Middletown Comfort Inn; Basil T’s, Pazzo and Temple Gourmet Chinese will be available for your dining pleasure.  If you go a bit to the east of us in Rumson, you can enjoy the scrumptious meals served at David Burke Fromagerie, Salt Creek Grille, and Undici Taverna Rustica.  There are plenty more restaurants to choose from along the shore.  I dare you to not cook all that week!

Did you miss Restaurant Week in the past because you couldn’t make it out for dinner?  Great News, this year select restaurants will offer Lunch Menus during this special week!  So mark your calendars, or iPhones or Blackberries – don’t miss out!

Weather Forecast For This Weekend

I never get down on the forecast as long as I see the sun shining through. Maybe it’s the eternal optimist in me, but I refuse to believe thunderstorms will happen until they actually do. Then it’s only about a 45 minutes disturbance in the outside activities of the day.

That’s exactly how I feel about this weekends forecast.  I think it’s going to be a great weekend and even if it’s not beach perfect there will be some sun and there’s a ton of great events going on here at the Jersey Shore. There’s no reason to remain home. I’m working on an events post right now and hope to have it up shortly. Some highlights will include New Jersey Seafood Festival in Belmar, Irish Festival at Monmouth Park and the long-awaited return of the Red Bank Wine Walk.  Hope to see you down the shore!

*Forecast from Accuweather.com and header image from New York Weather News Jeff’s Weather Blog

Memorial Day Forecast Is Lookin’ Good For Jersey Shore

The weather forecast for Memorial Day weekend at the Jersey Shore is looking pretty darn sweet. I am 100% looking forward to a 4 day weekend. Our hotel is located in Middletown, NJ which is about 9 miles from the beaches at Sandy Hook.  Pack your beach bag and we hope to see you this weekend

Spend Memorial Day 2011 At The Jersey Shore

Memorial Day at the Jersey Shore is the unofficial start to the summer season.  The area explodes into activity and there are events here for everyone.  The Jersey Shore is so much more than miles and miles of beautiful white sand beaches. Family attractions, fabulous restaurants, concerts, festivals, sporting events, arts and culture all await your visit.   Part of the reason I like writing on this blog is that it’s so fun to talk about all of the events that go on around here. It makes me feel very lucky to live in such an awesome place.  Without further ado here’s how you can spend your Memorial Day at our part of the Jersey Shore.

Jersey Shore Premium Outlets will be having their annual Memorial Day Sale Friday, May 27th through Monday, May 30th. Enjoy extra discounts on top of already low outlet prices. Click on the link to go to their event page to see store specific sales and deals.  If you don’t feel like spending your holiday shopping come back and visit us during the week to take advantage of our Jersey Shore  Shopping Package.

Atlantic Highlands Farmers Market Friday, May 27th from 12:00pm to 6:00pm in Veteran’s Park across from Borough Hall 100 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands. Market offers fresh produce, plants, Polish foods, fresh breads, pickled items, gourmet nuts and dried fruits, baked goods, gluten-free baked goods, chowder, fresh mozzarella and fresh-cut Jersey flowers.

Chicago takes the stage at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank at 8:00pm. Number 13 on Billboard’s Top 100 Artists of All Time, Chicago’s lifetime record sales top 100 million. Join original members Robert Lamm (keyboards, vocals), Lee Loughnane (trumpet), James Pankow (trombone) and Walt Parazaider (woodwinds) with Jason Scheff (bass, vocals), Tris Imboden (drums), Keith Howland (guitar), Lou Pardini (keyboards, vocals) and Drew Hester (percussion) for an unforgettable night benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County.

Spring Lake 5 Mile Race and Race Day Sidewalk Sale is Saturday,  May 28th. The Spring Lake 5 has been rated one of the country’s top 100 races by Runners World Magazine. Since it was first held in 1977, the Spring Lake Five Mile Run has grown from a small local fun run into New Jersey’s largest road race and a nationally recognized event. On Friday May 27th at 6:00 pm there will be Kids Races. The start line is at Ocean and Atlantic Avenues. From 10:00am to 8:00pm Packet Pickup will be available at the Spring Lake train station. Then Saturday May 28th Packet Pickup starts at 6:00am and at 8:00am the roads on race course will be closed to traffic.  Get there before 8:00am if you want to park close to the start. Race starts at Ocean and Sussex Avenues 8:30am sharp. Following the race will be a  Post Race Party!

“Brats Burgers and Beers” Day at Monmouth Park in Oceanport on Saturday, May 28th.  Munchmobile Hot Dog Showdown & BeerFest on Saturday and Sunday May 28, 2011 Sponsored by the Star-Ledger.  Kick off the summer with our two-day celebration of summer – Brats, Burgers & Beer. No advance tickets required. Enjoy some of the best burgers and dogs on the Jersey Shore.  Last year the Windmill dominated the competition, who will win this year? You can’t go wrong with a grilling competition and horse racing.

Find the Bradley Beach Memorial Day Parade at 10:00am starting on Bradley Blvd and Ocean Avenue Saturday, May 28th. The Arts and Crafts on the Boardwalk will feature vendors, food and entertainment on Ocean Avenue. Rain or shine event Saturday, May 28th and Sunday, May 29th from 9:00am to 7:00pm daily.

The 11th Annual Seaport Craft Show will take place in Huddy Park in Highlands on Sunday, May 29th.   Unique handmade treasures including jewelry, handbags, art, photography, gems, woodcraft, garden, brass, glass, soaps, candles, and so much more. Shop at Huddy Park from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The Highlands are located right near Sandy Hook so the craft show is an easy stop on your way to and from the beach. The Highlands Bridge construction is complete and the bridge has been renamed in honor of Joseph Azzolina, and is now the “Captain Joseph Azzolina Memorial Bridge.” For all the work that went into building it, I think it turned out great.

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation will hold its Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30, 2011, at 11:00 AM at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel, NJ.  The ceremony is held rain or shine.  The guest speaker for this year’s ceremony will be Colonel Bertrand A. Ges of Jackson, NJ.  The ceremony will also include the presentation of two scholarships to New Jersey high school seniors and the induction of two Vietnam Veterans into the Foundation’s “In Memory” program.

Atlantic Highlands Memorial Day Parade will be on Monday, May 30 and starts at the Municipal Harbor at 11:00am and will travel down First Avenue. Atlantic Highlands really is a cute little town and First Avenue is nice place to stroll around.  Stick around for dinner and visit one of our Atlantic Highlands restaurant recommendations.

I’ll be posting a weekly update on the local events throughout the summer season so you’ll always be aware of what’s up.  If you know of anything going on and want me to give the event a shout on here by all means let me know, and I’ll be happy to post it. Leave it in the comments or if you have pictures or flyer or the like you can email me

Jersey Shore CVB Hosts First Annual Tourism Expo

Jersey Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Expo and Icon Contest Kick Off

View more documents from Comfort Inn Middletown; Red Bank NJ

Jersey Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau and Hotels Unlimited will host a  Tourism Expo on Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 at Ramada Toms River from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.  Free Admission, prizes and food. Come see all the Jersey Shore has to offer with a live WPLJ Broadcast, local vendors, a preview of 2011′s spring and summer events and networking.

The CVB will also be unveiling the new Jersey Shore icon and hosting a press conference to announce the summer long contest that will accompany the use of the icon. It will be a very fun event and I will be representing Comfort Inn  Middletown-Red Bank joining our partners in tourism.

Directions to Ramada Toms River can be found here. There are some exhibition spaces still available, if you are interested contact Dana Lancellotti at 732-905-2626.

Comedy, Adventure, Shopping and Vintage Computer Fest: There’s Something For Everyone at the Jersey Shore this Weekend

Image via Wikipedia

As we wait for the arrival of summer and the Jersey Shore to get into full swing, there is plenty to do this coming weekend. We’ve got comedy shows, shopping specials, an adventure expo and a vintage computer festival, just to name a few. There truly is something for everyone so consider a visit while traffic and the crowds are still manageable.  The weather here is forecasted to be in the 70′s all week, a wonderful opportunity to spend a day at Sandy Hook Beach while it’s still free.  Check out our Specials Page for more information on our Sandy Hook and shopping deals.

On Friday, May 13th, 2011 Atlantic Highlands Farmers Market and every Friday from May 6 – October 7, 2011 in Veterans Park across from Borough Hall 100 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands. Market offers fresh produce, plants, polish foods, fresh breads, pickled items, gourmet nuts and dried fruits, baked goods, gluten-free baked goods, chowder, fresh mozzarella and fresh-cut Jersey flowers.

Whose Live Anyway? on Friday, May 13, 2011, 8:00 PM at Count Basie Theatre. Stars Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Chip Esten & Jeff Davis from the hit TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Whose Live Anyway features 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song. Performing some of the comedy games made famous on the Emmy-nominated show, plus some new ones, all based on audience suggestions, these four comedians have been making audiences gasp at the witty scenes they invent right before their eyes since opening in Vancouver, Canada in 1999.

AAA Member Appreciation Day at Jersey Shore Premium Outlets on Saturday, May 14, 2011 as part of the “Show Your Card and Save Program”. Don’t miss this all-day fun-filled event to include: a Jersey Shore Premium Outlets gift bag to the first 50 AAA members who register and present their card at the Information Center located in the Food Court and special one-day savings at participating stores for AAA members. AAA Staff members will be on site during the event from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Be sure to enter to win great prizes and no purchase is necessary.

Vintage Computer Festival East 7.0 will be held Saturday, May 14th and Sunday, May 15th InfoAge Science Center Wall Township, New Jersey. The doors open at 10:00am each day. Speakers begin at 10:15am and end at 2:00pm. The Exhibit and Marketplace open at 2:00pm. VCF runs to 7:00pm Saturday and 5:00pm Sunday. VCF is (mostly) indoors and is held rain or shine. Admission is $10 for one day, $15 for both days, and free for ages 17 and younger. Parking is free.

The Italian Laugh Pack arrives Saturday, May 14, 2011 8:00pm at Count Basie Theatre.  Starring Pat Cooper with: Rocky LaPorte and Joe Starr. Since a 1963 Jackie Gleason Show appearance, Pasquale Caputo (AKA Pat Cooper) has shared the stage with Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis Jr. and more. Impeccable timing and a commanding stage presence keep the original “loveable angry comic” in demand as a regular on the shows of Howard Stern, David Letterman and Regis Philbin.

Outdoor Adventure Expo Sunday, May 15, 2011 11:00am to 5:00pm at Turkey Swamp Park 200 Georgia Road in Freehold. Learn about various outdoor adventure opportunities in our area with the ability to meet local groups and clubs as well as testing a variety of outdoor equipment. Activities during this expo include rock climbing, snake shows, and hands-on demonstrations. Learn how to get started in scuba, try out the 25-foot climbing wall, try out a mountain bike, try your hand at paddling a canoe or kayak, compete in the fishing derby (for children), or go on a nature hike.

The New York Yankees play the Boston Red Sox in a weekend series and you can travel to Yankee Stadium via SeaStreak.  Boat rides are available for the May 14 and 15 games for $60 round trip. A cash bar is available.  Reservations can be made on-line and the boat departs from the Highlands Ferry Terminal in Highlands, NJ. I booked a trip for the June 5th Mets/Braves game last week and it was really easy to do.

We hope to see you this weekend. Do you know of any other local events?  Be sure to let us know in the comments below.

NJ Marathon Weekend & Other Jersey Shore Events

It’s been one crazy week, I apologize for the lack of posts this week.  Guilt is the main reason I’m sitting at my lap top while the Mets are playing and the NFL Draft is on TV but I digress. The weather report is looking pretty darn excellent for both Saturday and Sunday and that alone would make for a great weekend at the Jersey Shore. The bonus is there’s a bunch of fun events going on so there’s even more of a reason to plan a weekend getaway.  Here’s the scoop:

The annual New Jersey Marathon and Long Branch Half Marathon will take place in Long Branch, NJ this weekend. For full details on the events surrounding Marathon weekend, visit the New Jersey Marathon website.

The New Jersey Marathon Festival has something for everyone, with a Marathon, Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay, and Saturday Kids and Family Events, plus world-class courses designed for speed, great area restaurants and attractions, and amazing oceanfront scenery.

Friday and Saturday will feature and Health and Fitness Expo at Monmouth Park. The running related expo will be free, and open to the public, as well as to all participants in The New Jersey Marathon Festival.  Last-minute race applications will be accepted during the expo (no registration on race day). The prices are as follows: Full Marathon: $135.00 and Half Marathon: $115.00. The Expo Hours: 1:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday (4/29), and 9:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday (4/30).

There will be a special New Jersey Marathon Train from NYC Penn Station to Long Branch to ease your travel worries and traffic. Click here for the race day schedule.

Not into running for hours? No worries, there’s plenty more to do like see a show or dine in some really great restaurants.

Saturday April 30th 11:00am  to 5:00pm is Taste of Asbury Park. Over 16 Asbury Park Restaurants will be participating. It will be an event to appeal to everyone with children’s face painting, stilt walker, games, craft vendors and local artists. Rock on with three bands playing  jazz, classic rock and reggae. Discover what Asbury Park restaurant have to offer with food for $3 or $5 from every participating restaurant. Beer, wine and other beverages will be available as well. This year a VIP wine tasting tent  has been added.  Entrance to the event is only $5. Click here for complete information on Taste of Asbury Park.

Brian Regan will be treating audiences to two shows Saturday evening, April 30th at Count Basie Theatre. Show times are 7:00pm and 9:30pm. From Count Basie Theatre website on Brian Regan’s comedic style:

His observational humor about everyday events like shipping a package, visiting the optometrist, little league baseball, spelling bees and science projects are relatively “clean” and profanity-free, and resonate with a fan base ranging from young taste makers to middle-aged adults.

Middletown Arts Center will host “An Evening With Billy Van Zandt” at 7:30pm on Saturday, April 30th to benefit Middletown Township Cultural & Arts Council. Enjoy an exciting evening with actor/writer/producer Billy Van Zandt as he provides an inside look at his life and career. The evening will be moderated by actor Jeff Babey. Ticket price is $100. Purchase tickets early for preferred seating. Event is followed by a wine and cheese reception in the MAC gallery. Tickets are available online here.

Saturday is the start of the week-long “Paint The Town Pink” in Red Bank to raise awareness for breast cancer. Red Bank turns into Pink Bank for this annual event sponsored by Riverview Medical Center. Pink (Monmouth) Beach and Pink (Fair) Haven will also host events in their respective towns. There are a number of events occurring throughout the 3 towns from April 30 to May 7, 2011. Visit pinkbank.org for a full listing of events, details and to donate.

**Update 4/29*** I forgot about Red Bank’s the first Only One Red Bank Home Event. Like a Home Improvement Show, this event spotlights design, appliance, furniture and other businesses in Red Bank’s wonderful business district to help you plan your Spring cleaning and home improvement projects. Consult with design professionals and specialty merchants to bring your home improvement dreams to life! And… Visit 10 businesses to be entered to win a $500 Red Bank Gift Card, great prize packages and more!. So, enjoy your Saturday shopping and planning while indulging in special treatment of entertainment and refreshments at our great participating businesses, and fulfill your home improvement dreams! Then, stop for dinner at one of Red Bank’s great restaurants!

We hope to see you in our neck of the woods shore this weekend.  There’s a lot of fun things to do and see.  If you can’t make it this weekend, watch for next weeks post on: More Pink Bank, the start of Atlantic Highlands Farmers Market (a sure sign of warmer weather), First Saturday in Asbury Park, New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day Ceremony and Taste of Sea Bright. Whatever you do, have a fabulous and relaxing weekend.