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?

Non recognized holiday soon approaching

Did you know that August 6th marks the halfway point of summer? I was sitting here thinking how quickly the months are passing. Just six months ago we were knee-deep, nay, chest-deep in snow and this week we are looming on a heat wave! How quickly time passes and there are still so many things on my to do list. As I gazed upon our inventory I want to remind everyone that Labor Day is right around the corner and if you haven’t already made your plans you should get the ball rolling and start your end of summer planning. I am not wishing for summer to end, but I would hate for all our wonderful guests to miss out on getting the room of their choice at the hotel. The beach will be open, light house tours on Sandy Hook will be available, a delicious frozen drink can be found at the Outback Steakhouse, you can catch up on some reading while sitting out by our pool, plan a visit to some or all of the beautiful parks nearby, set a date night and enjoy a show at the Count Basie Theatre, take a stroll through Red Bank and enjoy the nightlife or maybe some boutique and/or antique shopping is your thing. I would be remiss not to mention the numerous fairs hosted in nearby towns. (I will have to list those for you.) I am taking one day at a time, but it always seems like something has to be put off onto another day. Don’t let the summer slip away from you. Do all you can each day so when you retire for the evening you feel fulfilled at what you accomplished!

Jersey Shore Events June 13-20, 2011

**I was at a loss for what “picture theme” to search for in Google Images so for the heck of it I searched for “fun”  and this picture came up. What big cow noses have to do with fun I don’t know, but it’s cute and fun(ny) nonetheless, so be it. Credit.

Despite this past weekends relatively crappy weather (compared to memorial Day weekend at least) I hope everyone got out to do something enjoyable. It’s not even officially summer at the shore yet so there’s plenty more time for sun n’ fun. There is no lack of things to this week either. Enjoy a beach concert or comedy show, run a race, go to the car show…the choice is yours. Here’s what’s up this week:

Asbury Park concerts on the beach start for the summer on June 13th and happen every Monday evening. Concerts on the beach in Asbury Park every Monday from June through September, weather permitting of course on the Beachfront in Asbury Park. I realize this post will go up after this has happened but since it’s weekly, I figured I’d post it anyway.

Sandy Hook 2011 Free Beach Concert Series on Wednesday, June 15th  and each Wednesday during the summer enjoy live entertainment at Sandy Hook’s beach. This week’s performer is Rip Tide. Concerts are held at Beach Area E Gateway National Recreation Area Sandy Hook Unit.

Also on Wednesday, June 15th Peter Frampton will be performing at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. Evening with Peter Frampton – Frampton Comes Alive 35 Tour starts at 8:00pm.One of rock music’s most celebrated artists and guitarists celebrates the 35th anniversary of his breakthrough release, Frampton Comes Alive!, with a performance of the whole album at opening night of the FCA 35 Tour. For tickets and more information visit Count Basie Theatre website.

Atlantic Highlands Farmers Market Farmer’s Market every Friday from May 6 – October 7, 2011. In Veterans Park across from Borough Hall at 100 First Ave in 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.

Comedian Bobby Collins takes the stage at Count Basie Theatre Friday evening. Bobby Collins blends the physical comedy of Jerry Lewis with the heart of George Burns and the good looks of Dean Martin. Even though he’s more eye candy than Quasimodo (according to Bobby), he is still a born storyteller whose humor engages audiences with universal characterizations and observations. The show starts at 8:00pm; for more information and tickets visit Count Basie Theatre’s website.

Spring Lake Irish Festival is on Saturday, June 18th with a rain date of Sunday, June 19th in Spring Lake, NJ from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.  Most events occur at Morris and Third Avenues.

The George Sheehan 5 Mile Classic is on Saturday, June 18th in Red Bank New Jersey.  Not only is there a 5 mile foot race but there’s also an event for kids and a two-mile family friendly Health and Fitness Walk.  Run with New Jersey’s best on a fast, USATF certified five-mile course. Clocks and water stops at each mile, medals to every finisher and computerized results. Overall and age group awards will be presented. For more information and registration visit the George Sheehan Classic Website.

We wrap up the weekly events post with the 17th Annual Cruise to the Jersey Shore Car Show.  Takes place at Ocean Avenue on the oceanfront in Long Branch, NJ from 9:00am to 4:00pm with street rods,customs,classics,race cars,trophies,dash plaques, food, DJ plus a free rock and roll concert featuring ”RB EXPRESS’. The Auto entry fee is $10.00 spectators free, proceeds benefit the local Ronald Mc Donald House. Rain date is set for June 26th. For an entry form and more information visit cruisetothejerseyshore.com.

Know of anything else going on in the area we missed? Let me know and I’ll gladly post it. Have fun no matter what you do even if it is just Google-ing.

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

Easter at the Jersey Shore

Easter is coming!  It’s so hard to believe it’s this weekend.  Even though it’s late this year, it seems to have crept up on me. The good news is that it also means there’s about 5 weeks until Memorial Day which is the unofficial start of summer here at the Jersey Shore.  Easter weekend is usually a pretty slow for us so we’ve decided to offer a special rate to  everyone who is connected with us on social media one way or another to come check us out.

Book your accommodations by calling 732-671-3400 request the Easter Special for a stay between April 22 and April 25th, 2011. The rate is $89.00* regardless of room type. Comfort Inn Middletown-Red Bank offers rooms with one queen bed, two queen beds and one king bed. All rooms have a hotel sized microwave and refrigerator. The entire hotel has free wireless internet. Our deluxe continental breakfast is available and free from 6:00am to 9:30am daily. Downtown Red Bank is 2.5 miles south on Route 35.

Looking for things to do to entertain the kiddies?  There are some fun Jersey Shore events scheduled for the holiday weekend:

April 23rd meet at Lot B on Sandy Hook at 8:45am  for the Sandy Hook Birding Program. Search for hawks and songbirds with Scott Barnes. Bring a lunch, binoculars and weather appropriate clothing.

April 23 & 24 See a demonstration of an old-fashioned sheep shearer at Longstreet Farm in Holmdel for Sheep Shearing and Wool Days.

April 23rd Easter Egg Hunt in Ocean Grove at the Main Avenue Beach.

April 24th will be the Easter Parade in Asbury Park.

For more information on these events visit the Monmouth County Tourism Calendar of Events

We have an added secret bonus too! Check in on Foursquare and if it’s your first time checking in with us (and even if it isn’t…) you’ll receive a voucher for a FREE Bloomin’ Onion at Outback Steakhouse.  It’s located 10 feet from the hotel.  Outback Steakhouse is finishing up their restaurant renovation and I’m hoping to make it over there to see it this afternoon. I’ll bring the camera and share so be sure to check back!!  Happy Easter, we hope to welcome you to the Inn!

*Applicable taxes are not included in that rate.

Spring Has Sprung! Winter is Over!

HAPPY SPRING!! It has been one heck of a winter but finally, officially it has come to an end.  I found this tulip growing in my back yard on the 27th of February and started my spring fever. On the vernal equinox the amount of daylight and darkness are about equal at 12 hours each.  The number of  hours of sunlight increase throughout the season and the first day of summer has the most amount of daylight hours.

Spring rolls into my life slowly and starts with the Mets heading to Port St. Lucie for Spring Training, which is my favorite thing about spring. The start of Daylight Savings Time is probably my second most favorite thing about spring and I look forward to it from the time the clocks are changed in November.

Seeing buds and flowers on the trees always make me happy.  It seems like one day everything goes from dead and brown to green and lush. If I didn’t see robins at Sandy Hook in January I’d say that was a nice sign of spring. But not in January. Wearing flip-flops is pretty high on the list of Happy Spring also.

These are my favorite things about spring, what are yours?

Middletown, NJ: Sometimes YouTube Makes a Blog Post Just A Copy/Paste Away

Not to sound like the laziest blogger alive or anything but I kind of didn’t feel like writing a blog post today. I did want to post something though.  Usually when I feel like this You Tube comes in super handy!  A simple search for Middletown, NJ surfaced this tour of Middletown put together by Weichert Realtors. Watch and see all Middletown, #89 on CNN Money.com’s 100 Best Places To Live, has to offer. Interesting fact: our all volunteer fire department is the largest in the world.  Who knew? I know I didn’t.  Attractions like Sandy Hook and the Twin Lights Lighthouses and restaurants like On The Deck, Talercio’s and Midtown are highlighted too. The Evil Clown of Middletown even makes a cameo appearance. When you come and visit, be sure stay with us at Comfort Inn Middletown, your home away from home.

What’s your “Go To” source for blogging tidbits?

Photo Credits From Left to Right: 1, 2, 3

What’s Up This Week

The weather is supposed to take a turn for the “much better” this week.  It’s the time of year where temperatures in the 50’s sound like balmy flip-flop weather.  That means there’s no excuses for remaining holed up at home. There’s a little something for everyone. A very busy week ahead at the Count Basie Theatre not to mention our Twitter friend Craig Mahoney’s event Sunday. Read on!

Wednesday, February 16th Darius Rucker the voice behind Hootie and the Blowfish takes the stage at the Count Basie Theatre. Local talent COREY WAGAR is the opening act. Corey will be accompanied on stage by Gordon Brown. Born and raised in Colts Neck, NJ, Corey Wagar fell in love with country music in the 3rd grade when her Uncle Paul had the Dixie Chicks recording “FLY” on repeat in his truck for an entire summer. This show is sold out, but if you’re coming to town, be sure to stay with us.

Hot Tuna Blues starring Hot Tuna, Charlie Musselwhite and Jim Lauderdale will be at Count Basie Theatre Thursday, February 18th at 8:00pm:

An all-star evening of electric and acoustic blues takes the Basie stage when the founding members of Hot Tuna, Jorma Kaukonen (guitar) and Jack Casady (bass), are joined by a drummer, Charlie Musselwhite (harmonica), Jim Lauderdale (guitar) and Barry Mitterhoff (mandolin). Friends since high school, Jorma and Jack earned commercial success as members of Jefferson Airplane, and have recorded and toured as Hot Tuna for forty years.

Bill Burr brings the funny to the stage at Count Basie on Friday, February 18th at 8:00pm:

Having first gained notoriety for his recurring role on the second season of “Chappelle’s Show,” Burr developed a comedic style of uninformed logic that has made him a regular on the “Late Show with David Letterman” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”

The Pink Floyd Experience will perform the “Animals” album live Saturday, February 19th at Count Basie Theatre at 8:00pm. Who knows, you might even see a flying pig?!

Without question, Pink Floyd remains one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Their record-breaking status is legendary. Now, get ready for THE PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE as they present Animals live in its entirety! With a spectacular light & video show, full quadraphonic sound and six outstanding musicians bringing you the most authentic Floyd experience possible.

For tickets to any of the available Count Basie Theatre shows listed above, visit their on-line ticket center or the box office at 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank, NJ. Click on the on-line ticket center link for all ticket information.

Searching for Seals Saturday, February 19th 2:00pm  to 3:30pm. Meet at Sandy Hook Visitor Center and hike out to the bay side with a park ranger to see seals during their annual migration. Learn about other marine mammals that use the Hook’s waters during different times of the year. To make sure seals are not scared or traumatized, humans should stay at least 100 feet away from them. Bring binoculars! I’m bummed I’m going to miss this, I really want to see a seal out at the hook. One of my first posts on this blog was about the seals at Sandy Hook and in the New York Harbor. You can read it here.

Sunday, Sunday, February 20th our friend and Twitterati Craig Mahoney will be displaying his comedic and emcee talents at Jack’s Goal Line Stand in Long Branch. Join him and his cast of characters for an evening of laughs and Craft Brewed Comedy.  Beach Haus has taken care of the promotions and giveaways. All it takes is $7 at the door and if you’re in the back room there’s a one drink minimum. If I make it back from vacation in one piece I’ll be there, come enjoy a birthday drink with me! You can go “like” Craig Mahoney on Facebook by clicking on the picture below and follow him on Twitter @CraigMahoney

Have a great week everyone!  If I missed anything, leave it in the comments below.

**Top photo credit sz-wholesale.com

What To Do and See This Valentine’s Day Weekend

Happy Valentine's Day

At a loss as to what to and see in and around the Middletown-Red Bank area this Valentine’s Day Weekend?   Allow me to first remind you that Comfort Inn Middletown and Outback Steakhouse both have great specials going on starting on Friday. Here are some other fun things to do and see while you’re here.

Count Basie Theatre has teamed up with Pazzo to offer a very cool dinner and a show package “The Pazzo Dinner Ticket and a Show“. There are several shows in the coming days to take advantage of this package starting with:  Tomorrow evening, February 10, 2011  the Count Basie Theatre welcomes No Reservations: An Evening with Anthony Bourdain at 8:00pm. From Count Basie website:

Anthony Bourdain, the internationally acclaimed chef, author, and host of Travel Channel’s “No Reservations,” has been dubbed “the bad boy of cuisine” for his rock star looks and blunt observations about the world of restaurants, chefs, and cooking.

The following evening Michael Amante will be doing his annual Valentine’s Day Concert on the Count Basie Stage at 8:00pm on Friday, February 11th. From Count Basie Website:

Join the Italian-American tenor who can sing it all, from the heroic volleys of Puccini’s “Nessun dorma,” to the tender phrases of “O Sole Mio,” for his full orchestra tribute to love! Blessed with movie-star looks, charm, and a classic Italian tenor voice, The New York Times declared that this, “Swashbuckling Italian tenor exhibits both the voice and charisma of a crossover star”.

Looking for some family fun?

Pile on the winter gear and head out to Sandy Hook and join Linda Mack and the Monmouth County Audubon Society on a winter birding tour. Meet Saturday, February 12th at 10:00am in the Visitor’s Center Parking Lot. Don’t forget your binoculars. Not into being outside in the cold? There’s a Valentine’s Day Bake Sale and Cookie Decorating at the Sandy Hook Child Care Center on Saturday, February 12, 10 :00am to 12 noon. Pre-register for cookie decoration by calling SHCCC Director Jessica Long at 732-291-2368.

Thomas and Friends LIVE are coming to the The MAC at Monmouth University for two shows at 3:00pm and 6:00pm.  The show will be Thomas saves the Day. For more Information visit The Mac at Monmouth University Event Schedule for more information.

On Saturday evening February 12th Count Basie will have  A Valentine’s Doo Wop featuring Jimmy Beaumont & the Skyliners, Frankie Lymon’s Legendary Teenagers, The Heartbeats, Cleveland Still & the Dubs, and Special Guest Star Johnny Tillotson.

No matter what you decide to do this weekend, I hope you enjoy.