Experience the Modern Renaissance of Asbury Park, New Jersey
When planning a weekend away, you may often find yourself having to choose your destination based on one primary attraction. You hear about the top notch slopes at a ski lodge or the morning sunrises at another getaway, but that’s all there is once you get there. What if instead, you could get much more out of a weekend trip? Asbury Park, NJ packs a lively boardwalk, a booming music scene, and over two dozen restaurants and bars into less than two square miles.
First, A Look Back
To understand the allure that is modern day Asbury Park, you first need to understand its rich history. The small city has been an attraction since the 1870s when it was founded as a residential waterfront resort. In the roaring twenties, Asbury Park’s Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall welcomed a rush of music and entertainment that continued to flourish through the 1970s when legendary music club The Stone Pony opened its doors. (1) Despite the music that flowed through the city, the town faced a steady decline in the 1980s and Asbury Park fell into disrepair.
Then, A Comeback
But a town that overflows with spirit and culture like Asbury Park won’t stay down for long. At the turn of the century, Asbury Park made it onto the radar of some of its urban neighbors in Manhattan who were intrigued by the laid back beach town just an hour away. (2) The newcomers infused the city with some much needed gusto, and the city is now filled with quirky new businesses that add a hodgepodge flair to the classic town staples. This mix of old and new has attracted an equally eclectic population spanning generations and income levels. Today, Asbury Park’s character and widespread appeal has earned it the affectionate title of “Brooklyn on the beach.” (3)
Visit Anytime
Asbury Park is truly an all-season destination. The short one hour commute from New York City and Philadelphia make this beach town the perfect weekend getaway or day trip. It’s also easily accessible by the New Jersey Transit Train which drops off folks just a few blocks from the sand. (4) In the summer, you’ll probably be drawn to the beach where you can get the quintessential boardwalk experience complete with plenty of restaurants just steps from the shore.
When beach-weather isn’t in the cards though, you’ll have no shortage of entertainment within walking distance and the ability to choose from a variety of indoor options. The Silverball Museum Arcade is a must. You can spend a couple of hours (or more of course) playing antique arcade games that date as far back as 1930. (5) If scouring through rows of antiques is your style, head over to the 20,000 square foot Antique Emporium to hunt for the perfect souvenir.
Asbury Park also has music venues galore, so be sure to catch a show or two while you’re there. The newly renovated Convention Hall and it’s neighboring Paramount Theatre are two of the most regal landmarks on the Jersey Shore. The Convention Hall seats 3,600 guests and has been host to performances by Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Frank Sinatra and The Rolling Stones. (6) Less elegant but way more rock n’ roll, The Stone Pony is an infamous club just off the boardwalk and has a tiny stage that has served as the launching point for many of those same legendary rock acts. (7) Or, you can stop into the Wonder Bar which has a state of the art sound system that brings new life to the bar, making it popular with locals and visitors alike. Plus, it has also come to be known for its dog-friendly happy hour if you happen to be traveling with your furry companion. (8)
Where To Eat
Along the boardwalk you’ll find several top rated restaurants and bars that are sure to cover any cravings you may have. Moonstruck is an upscale American-Mediterranean restaurant tucked in a multi-story Victorian building with views of Wesley Lake and Ocean Grove. A more laid-back dining environment can be found at the Speakeatery, known for their unique and often messy versions of sandwiches and burgers. If your stomach starts rumbling while you're on the beach, you can hop over to Pop’s Garage where you’ll find delicious tacos at just two for $6. (9)
Where To Stay
The Asbury Hotel is your go-to lodging solution and a central feature of the city. It opened in 2016 with the history and spirit of the town in mind, and the style reflects that. It’s located just two blocks from the boardwalk, but the hotel was designed so well that you might never want to leave. (10) You can lounge by the pool, listen to live music in the lobby, or grab a drink at one of the bars. The hotel is also known for restoring the Baronet Theater on its rooftop where you can catch a flick and munch on popcorn with unbeatable views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Whether you’re a music buff, arcade connoisseur or are in need of a nostalgia-filled trip to the Jersey Shore, Asbury Park has something for everyone. Pack your overnight bag and get on the road, there’s never a dull moment when you visit “Brooklyn on the beach.”
(1) http://www.apboardwalk.com/history/
(2) http://www.peterjonlindberg.com/new-page/
(3) (4) https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/10/travel/asbury-park-new-jersey.html
(6) http://www.apboardwalk.com/portfolio/convention-hall/
(7) http://www.apboardwalk.com/portfolio/stone-pony/
(8) http://www.apboardwalk.com/portfolio/wonder-bar/
(9) https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-restaurants-asbury-park-nj
(10) https://www.theasburyhotel.com/swim
