What’s Up Jersey Shore? This Week Part 2 July 20-25

Yesterdays post included 5 events that were kind of different from everything else going on this week.  Everything else I think can be somewhat categorized into concerts, fireworks, farmers markets and movies.  There’s always something fun to do at the Jersey Shore and we’ve searched out the best ideas.

ShoreFlicks

Outdoor Movies: Our friends over at ShoreFlicks will be showing free movies every Tuesday evening  in Red Bank starting this week for the next 6 weeks. For a daytime view of where the venue is click here. Lovely right?  Movies begin at dusk, with live entertainment by Count Basie Theatre’s Performing Arts Academy and other special kid-friendly events beginning at 7:00pm. This Week’s Movie is Monsters vs Aliens and will be shown at Riverside Gardens Park 84 West Front St, Red Bank. If you spot TJ, owner & tweeter of ShoreFlicks be sure to say hello!  Then Thursday, July 22 Asbury Park will do  Movies on the Beach weather permitting and this week they will be showing Raiders of the Lost Ark.  Bring a beach chair or blanket to Boardwalk and Second Ave in Asbury Park.

Fireworks: Everyone loves a little eye candy and fireworks satisfy that yen. There’s no shortage of fireworks, pick your day and your location. Well due to my inability to complete 2 blog posts in

Rockin' picture of Asbury Park by Mike Black at backstreets.com

one day, we’ve missed the Keansburg Amusement Park fireworks, but FYI they have them every Monday on the Fishing Pier at dusk.  Every Wednesday there’s firework on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, weather permitting at 9:00pm. Get there early and dine at one of the many fantastic restaurants on the boardwalk. For more information on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, click here. Every home Friday, the Lakewood BlueClaws have fireworks following the game.  This week they take on the Charleston River Dogs at 7:05pm at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood.

Farmer’s Markets are plentiful in the Jersey Shore area.  Many local farmers grow the Jersey Fresh produce we enjoy.  Meet and speak to these local farmers at one of these great locations: Keyport Farmer’s Market (every) Thursday, July 22 in the Keyport Mini Park from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. On July 23rd there are two Farmer’s Markets, Atlantic Highlands Farmer’s Market every Friday from July 2 – October 1, 2010 in Veterans Park across from Borough Hall at 100 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands and Freehold Farmer’s Market has a large selection of locally grown seasonal crops, visitors  will be able to purchase freshly baked goods, flowers, honey and more. This farmer’s market runs every Friday from July 9 through October 15 in front of Hall of Records 1 E. Main Street, Freehold.  On (every) Saturday, July 24 the Highlands Farmer’s Market starts at 9:00am from July through October in Huddy Park, Highlands and Belmar Farmer’s Market 9:00am to 2:00pm every Saturday from May through September at Pyanoe Plaza 9th and Main St, Belmar. Red Bank ends the week with The Galleria Red Bank Farmer’s Market running every Sunday from May 9, 2010 – November 14, 2010 and offers fresh, locally grown produce from some of New Jerseys finest farmers as well as showcasing unique crafts and wonderful eateries. Takes place in  The Galleria Red Bank Parking Lot Corner of Bridge Ave and West Front St, Red Bank.

Concerts: Santana will be rocking the PNC Bank Arts Center with Steve Winwood on Tuesday, July 20th.  The show starts at 7:30pm. Chris Isaak will be at the Count Basie Theatre the same evening and his show starts at 8:00pm.  Smokey Robinson will be at the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove on Saturday, July 24th at 8:00pm. The Sandy Hook Free Summer Concert Series continues on Wednesday, July 21st and this week the featured artist is Beth Anne Clayton. She plays a Country Rock mix and it starts at 6:00pm on Beach Area E on Sandy Hook.  Thursday, Red Bank will have Jazz in the Park with Don Carter at Riverside Gardens Park 84 West Front St, Red Bank starting at 7:00pm. Then on Friday, Red Bank will feature Songwriters in the Park and this week performers will be The Spring Standards with The Amboys at Riverside Gardens Park. Two great summer series happen on Sunday evening.  This week Atlantic Highlands Summer Concert Series will have the Erik Van Hagen Firehouse Polka Band at the Municipal Harbor Gazebo at 7:00pm. Long Branch’s Blues on the Beach features local bands playing jazz and blues. This week’s performer: Saron Crenshaw West End Park Brighton Avenue, Long Branch.

What doesn’t fit categorically with the others but shouldn’t be missed: SeaStreak is offering the Yankees package this weekend for Saturday and Sunday games.  Take the boat to the game and skip the traffic.  Contact SeaStreak for ticket and boat availability, seats go quickly. Streetlife will happen again on the streets of downtown Red Bank. Free entertainment on the streets in the business district. RENT continues at the Count Basie Theatre this weekend, a show not to be missed. Catch it Friday July 23rd at 8:00pm, Saturday, July 24 at 8:00pm and July 25 at 3:00pm.  For tickets and information click here.

As always I hope that you will choose the Comfort Inn Middletown-Red Bank as your host when your travels bring you to the area.  If you have been to any of the events we have listed, please leave your advice and or stories in the comments section below, I’d love to hear from you.

Jersey Shore Summer Tweet Up at the Lakewood Blue Claws

On Tuesday, June 29th head out to FirstEnergy Park home of the  Lakewood BlueClaws for the Jersey Shore Summer Tweet Up! Tickets are only $10.00 and include a hot dogs, chips and a soda. The game starts at 7:05pm and we’ll be located in the Centerfield Cookout Area next to WRAT Trap.  Come out and meet your Twitter and Facebook friends and fans. Buster will be there and a good time will be had by all.  For more information or to order tickets call Dave Bochanski at 732.901.7000 ext 163 or email him.  Find the Blue Claws on Twitter @BlueClaws or on Facebook.

The Comfort Inn Middletown-Red Bank @cimiddletwnnj is an event sponsor along with Elkay Corporate Advisors @LKCoach, Metromix Jersey Shore @MetromixJersey, Jersey Shore Divas.com @JerseyShoreDiva Caruso Apps @CarusoApps, Surf Taco @surftaco, Atlantic & Pacific Real Estate @RealEstateChick, Jersey Bites @JerseyBites The Windmill @WindMillHotdogs, A. Levine Financial Services LLC @ALFinancial and Best Buy Eatontown @EatontownBB

Fun Events This Weekend at The Jersey Shore: May 21-23, 2010

Looking for something fun to do at The Jersey Shore this weekend? It’s hump day and we’re already thinking about relaxing and attending some fun local events.  Bring the family, there are lots of fun events May 21-23, 2010 at the shore.  It’s the LAST weekend before summer season.  Beat the crowds and come visit us.  We’ve got some rooms left at the Comfort Inn Middletown-Red Bank but call soon our double-bedded rooms book up quickly.

If you like Sports, you’re in luck! The Jersey Shore is a hotbed of sports activity this weekend. It all starts Friday night, May 21st when the Lakewood Blue Claws play at home vs. West Virginia Power at First Energy Field 7:05pm. For an added bonus, there will also be a post game fireworks display.  Saturday, May 22 is Opening Day at Monmouth Park Race Track with FREE Grandstand Admission and half-price Clubhouse Admission to welcome race fans back to the park. Be sure to check out the Great Destinations Celebration Travel Show sponsored by the Star-Ledger. The Show features all the best that New Jersey has to offer.  Are you a Mets or Yankees fan? The SeaStreak Ferry is located 3 miles from the hotel and they are running their Saturday and Sunday package to the Subway Series at Citi Field on May 22 and 23.  Advance purchase on tickets is required.  Avoid the traffic and relax on board. Bar and food services available.

Not much of a sports fan but love the Arts? There’s plenty for you as well. May 21 is the monthly “Night of the Arts” in Asbury Park. Night of the Arts is a monthly arts event held on the third Friday of every month that presents a sampling of the best arts in Downtown Asbury Park.  Count Basie Theatre is featuring the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Saturday, May 22 at 8:00pm.  The Sounds of the Highlands Concert will take place at the Central Baptist Church, 3rd and E. Highland Ave., in Atlantic Highlands 7:30pm.  Featuring The Corialis Chamber Trio, a classical trio and the Dan Wilensky Quartet, jazz musicians. The 16th Annual Two Rivers Garden Tour features a tour of seven gardens in Rumson and The Grove West Organic Community Garden and will take place on Saturday, May 22, 2010.

There’s even something for you History buffs. Friday, May 21 at Sandy Hook there will be a World War II Defense Lantern Tour. This very special night tour takes a look at how Fort Hancock’s big guns protected New York City during the Second World War. Please bring a flashlight. Fort Hancock Museum at Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit.  Then on May 23 the Hook will have Coastal Defenses Day from 12:00pm to 4:00m at the Fort Hancock parade Grounds. Fort Hancock return to life circa 1943 on this special day. Soldiers will be dressed in period garb and you can see how they lived at the time. Participate in loading guns, be a gun pointer and learn how to track ships, then visit the plotting room and learned how guns were aimed.

Events that don’t really fit into any mold? The Galleria Red Bank Farmers Market happens every Sunday until November 14 and offers fresh, locally grown produce from some of New Jerseys finest farmers as well as showcasing unique crafts and wonderful eateries. Located in The Galleria Red Bank Parking Lot Corner of Bridge Ave and West Front St, Red Bank.  Out on Sandy Hook participate in Ocean Fun Days at the New Jersey Marine Science Consortium, Building 22 at Fort Hancock from 11am to 3pm on Sunday, May 23.  It is their annual open house with exhibits, tours, touch tanks, crab races, kid activities and more.

The summer fun is starting already at the Jersey Shore and there much to do right near the Comfort Inn Middletown-Red Bank. Spend your weekend at the shore, on top of all of these great weekend events, there are great restaurants, pubs and attractions to experience.

Free and Low Cost Things To Do At The Jersey Shore This Summer

The economy appears to be on the rebound, Europe is exploding with hot lava, you want to save money but still go on vacation.  These are all perfect reason to plan your Jersey Shore Summer Vacation today.  Having something fun to look forward to is good for the mind and the soul. There are plenty of low cost or free things to do  and the Comfort Inn Middletown wants to be a part of your Jersey Shore vacation.  Make your reservations today, our two queen bedded rooms book up quickly.

This post focuses on what’s good for your wallet.  I tried to put together a list of free or low cost events that you and your family can enjoy on your visit to the Jersey Shore.  We’ll call this the first in a two (at least) part series on Jersey Shore events.  This one will discuss recurring events and the one(s) to follow will include more date specific features. Then we’ll do some posts with more specifics on some of the events we talk about here. Most of the events listed take place during the months of June, July and August on the dates specified.

ARTS & MUSIC:  If the arts  and music are your thing well you’ve come to the right place. The Jersey Shore has a deep history in both. Night of the Arts: A monthly arts event held on the third Friday of every month presenting a sampling of the best arts in Asbury Park. The event takes place in Downtown Asbury Park. Blues On The Beach Long Branch: A Sunday night music series featuring local bands playing jazz and blues taking place West End Park Brighton Avenue, Long Branch.  Atlantic Highlands Summer Concert Series: Each Sunday starting June 27th and running through throughout the summer.  Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor on Simon Lake Drive in Atlantic Highlands.   Belmar Friday Night Concert Series: A concert every Friday night by a variety of artists from July through September. *Weather Permitting at Pyanoe Plaza 9th and Main St, Belmar.

Keyport Farmers Market

FARMERS MARKETS: Who doesn’t love locally grown produce, fresh flowers and crafts? There are many Farmers Markets taking place throughout the area during the summer months. Belmar: Farmers market every Saturday from May through September sponsored by the Belmar Chamber of Commerce. Located at Pyanoe Plaza 9th and Main St, Belmar.  The Galleria Red Bank: This farmers market, runs every Sunday from May 9, 2010 – November 14, 2010 and offers fresh, locally-grown produce from some of New Jerseys finest farmers as well as showcasing unique crafts and wonderful eateries. The Galleria Red Bank Parking Lot Corner of Bridge Ave and West Front St, Red Bank. Manasquan: Locally grown fruit, vegetables and herbs. Great tasting baked goods and more. Every Thursday from June 24 – September 2, 2010, 9am to 3pm at Miller Preston Way, Manasquan.  Keyport: Annual farmers market running every Thursday from July through October. Fresh Picked, Jersey Grown, Fruits, Vegetables,Flowers, Jams and  Honey in Mini Park on West Front Street 1:00 PM to Sell Out.  Highlands:Wake up and smell the fresh flowers and just-picked Jersey-fresh produce available every Saturday from July through October at the Highlands Business Partnership’s weekly Farmers Market in Huddy Park, Highlands.

FIREWORKS: Ah beautiful eye candy. Keansburg Amusement Park: Free fireworks show July 3 & and 4 and every Monday night at dusk July 12- August 9th at the Fishing Pier. The Lakewood BlueClaws Fireworks Fridays: Fireworks display after each home game Friday nights during the season. Lakewood BlueClaws Stadium is located at 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood. Asbury Park: Fireworks on the Asbury Park boardwalk every Wednesday from June through August. *Weather Permitting*Boardwalk, Asbury Park.

MOVIES: Who needs the drive in when you can settle your beach chair into the sand and catch a flick on the beach?  Free movie screening on the Asbury Park Beach: Every Thursday in July and August. Bring a beach chair or blanket. *Weather Permitting* Asbury Park Beach. Free movie on the beach in Belmar: Every Sunday from July through September. *Weather Permitting*8th Ave. Beach, Belmar. Website lists the movie schedule.

SIDEWALK SALES AND EVENTS: Yes, shopping costs money but only if you buy something. You are more than welcome to come “window shop” and enjoy two historic towns. First Saturday In Asbury Park: Spend the first Saturday of each month enjoying sidewalk sales, shopping, and dining under a variety of different themes.  Red Bank Street Life: Free entertainment on the sidewalks of Red Bank. Red Bank Business District. Saturdays June 5 through August 28th.

SPORTS: Monmouth Park Family Fun Days: Family Fun Days are every Sunday and Holiday Memorial Day to Labor Day from 12 noon – 4 pm. All Activities are FREE and include:Pony Rides, Face Painters, Clowns,Bounce House & Live Music. Grandstand admission is $3, children 12 and under are always admitted free. Henry Hudson Trail: A multi-purpose train in Monmouth County.  Read our previous post on this local gem here.

Monmouth County has a rich County Park System most of which are free to enter.  Check out their website to see all of the things they have to offer.  There’s gardens, beaches, golf, fishing, boating, horseback riding and much more.

This is only a sampling of the great free and low cost things to do at the Jersey Shore. The Comfort Inn Middletown is your Choice Hotel when looking for a hotel at the Jersey Shore. Come stay with us, we want to share your vacation with you.

Calling All Baseball Fans – Have We Got a Great Road Trip Idea For You

For years now my friends Hallie, Amanda, Nancy and I have traveled the East Coast and Mid West to various baseball parks to follow our favorite team, the New York Mets. Well, Nancy is a Yankee fan, but she’s a great sport and comes for the love of us and the game. Our first venture was to Pittsburgh and PNC Park in 2006 hoping to catch the Mets win the NL East. We were disappointed by the Pirates taking 2 of 3 but not by our experience in Pittsburgh.  Not only were we able to catch 2 great baseball games in a park that was far superior to Shea Stadium, we were able to meet up with other sports nuts and scalp tickets from a man we only knew as “Kaleidoscope” to the Pitt vs. Michigan State Football game in the afternoon.  We’ve taken the road trip to Philadelphia a few times and anyone who knows sports knows Philly is a tough place to be an out-of-town fan and I’ll leave it at that. Two great things about the Phillies trips were the Holiday Inn is in the parking lot, which was perfect for tailgating and McFadden’s for pre/post game celebrating.

Chicago had been an annual baseball trip interrupted last year by the lack of a weekend series. Chicago is a fun city with great locals. We made many a friend at the Cubby Bear.  In 2008 and we managed to work out the Ultimate Baseball trip flying into Milwaukee to catch Mets vs. Brewers. Then we caught the one hour scenic and $20.00 Amtrak trip from Milwaukee to Chicago for Mets vs. Cubs. The Binghamton Mets, Cleveland Indians and Progressive Field, Tri-City Valley Cats, Oneonta Tigers and many other teams have worked their way into our road trips.  At this point I am digressing.  The point of the post is how baseball ties into the Jersey Shore and the Comfort Inn  Middletown.

If you and your friends are like us and looking for a unique and fun way to enjoy baseball and the beach with the added bonus of not having to make the wretched drive to the stadium, have I got an idea for you!  SeaStreak runs a ferry service on the home game weekends to both Citi Field and Yankee Stadium. The ferry dock is located in Atlantic Highlands, about 4 miles from the hotel.  If you’re not a NY baseball fan, maybe the Mets or Yankees are playing your favorite team?   SeaStreak Yankees information can be found here and the 2010 printable flyer here. SeaStreak Mets information can be found here and the 2010 printable flyer here. Full packages available for purchase for some dates include the boat ride and tickets to the game. Tickets for the boat ride only are also available.

All of the SeaStreak catamarans boast indoor and outdoor seating, a full cash bar offering spirits, beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks and numerous rest rooms. From the panoramic windows or observation decks, you will enjoy the stunning views of the New York City skyline. All SeaStreak facilities and vessels are handicapped accessible.  I’ve wanted to take the ferry to the game and it does sell out.  You do need to make reservations in advance so when you buy your game tickets, reserve the ferry as well.  For more information, call 1-800-BOATRIDE (800) 262-8743.

**Added baseball bonus!!! The NL East Champion Philadelphia Phillies have their single A farm team nearby.  The Lakewood BlueClaws and FirstEnergy Park are just a half hour away in Lakewood, NJ.  There are fireworks every home Friday night following the game. Click here to see the Lakewood BlueClaws Schedule. If you don’t want to fill your entire weekend with baseball, the beach is a few short miles away and you can make your own itinerary.  Enjoy all the Jersey Shore has to offer at Sandy Hook and Sea Bright Beaches.

The Comfort Inn Middletown is the closest hotel to the SeaStreak Ferry Dock.  We welcome baseball fans of all kinds. Our rates include our Comfort Sunshine Continental breakfast to start your day out right.  Call us today at 732.671.3400 to make your  reservations or click here.