Greetings from Asbury Park | Travel Deals Blog BestTravelDeals.net

by Meghan

My family is definitely a “beach family.” I remember being bundled up as a little girl and driven the 45 minutes to the Jersey shore in the middle of February. We’d walk on the beach until my brothers and I couldn’t feel our extremities any longer then we’d head into one of the few off-season haunts that was still serving and enjoy some treats while enjoying the surf and ocean smell from a warm spot. Because of this, I personally like to wait until after Labor Day to head to the shore, instead of fighting the crowds and paying inflated, seasonal prices.

Last year, I visited Asbury Park – one of the Jersey Shore’s eccentric, hidden gems. Fun Fact: Bruce Springsteen released his debut album “Live From Asbury Park” in 1973.Possibly most well-known for hosting The Boss himself at the Stone Pony in his early years (which is still standing and serving cocktails to this day), Asbury Park is going through a cultural revolution of sorts.  After becoming a somewhat dilapidated portion of the shore in the 1980s and 1990s, Asbury is starting to reinvent itself as a place for artists and eccentrics alike. With a blossoming music scene – the Paramount Theater hosts funky, off-beat bands as well as large name acts – and a vibrant artist community, Asbury has become a great “off-the-beaten-track” place to vacation.

During my first trip to this hidden treasure, we stayed at the Berkeley Ocean Front Hotel ,  formerly the historic Berkeley-Carteret Hotel which was restored in 2007. I loved the funky, Art-deco style with bright, bold colors and simple lines. And for less then $100 a night, I couldn’t have been happier. Also, we had a beach view from our window: triple points!

We ate at the laid-back, reasonably priced Beach Bar which had cabana-like seats complete with comfy pillows and chaise lounges. For about $15 a person, we had a (non-alcoholic) drink and sandwich. For dinner, we went to the Salt Water Beach Café . This little gem is “Green Restaurant Certified” meaning that they are eco friendly and do their best to converse, reuse and reduce waste. They also serve almost exclusively local produce and meats with their meals. Sea scallops from Long Beach Island with a side salad made with fresh New Jersey Tomatoes: Yummy! This place can be a touch pricier then the usual boardwalk pizza joint, but it’s well worth it. There’s something for even the pickiest eaters out there. Plus, it’s right on the boardwalk with outdoor seating so you can enjoy the sun and sand while enjoying a beautifully prepared and presented meal.

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