The Renaissance of Asbury Park
There’s been a lot of gentrification in Asbury Park in recent
years and fortunately it has all been tastefully done. Located just about an
hour away from Manhattan and Philadelphia, Asbury Park enjoyed a good measure
of popularity since it was first established as a resort town well over a
hundred years ago. But like so many seaside destinations, many parts of it fell
into a state of neglect as the years waned. That’s when people saw opportunity,
and for the past decade or more it has become an exciting place where everyone
comes together to enjoy happening restaurants, bars, places of lodging and
shops, most of which are located within beautiful buildings that have been
restored to their original splendor.
Thankfully not all is buffed and polished in this colorful resort
town, which only adds to the charm and uniqueness of Asbury Park and the
surrounding area. Yet as the real estate increases, there’s less and less that
isn’t. But no worries, there’s still plenty of patina to preserve the authentic
nature of this beloved destination.
The Asbury Hotel stands out as one of the best examples of this
mixture of Victorian-era grandeur and rough and tumbling rock and roll culture
that’s still synonymous with Asbury Park, New Jersey. Steal some time away at
their swanky rooftop bar for the best views around accompanied by craft
cocktails and grooving music day and night. They even have a rooftop theater
replete with popcorn, a bar and more stellar ocean views. Pretty cool–just don’t
watch
Jaws in this setting.
If you’re looking for other smart and sexy accommodations in a
boutique hotel yet long to be on the beach, The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel is a
must. This landmark property has been a fixture in Asbury Park for some one
hundred years. And it’s no surprise because not only is it beautiful but it’s
also perfectly situated on the beach, just steps from the boardwalk and across
the street from the legendary Stone Pony, a great music venue. To top all this
off, The Berkeley boasts an outdoor pool decked out with cabanas and a Tiki
Bar. It’s all so grand that you might not want to leave but if you do, at least
you don’t have far to go to immerse yourself into the many Jersey Shore
happenings.
The music scene in Asbury Park is indeed still smoking hot. Check
the local calendar listings for concerts and events year-round and most
especially during the summer. You’ll find a lot of it in downtown Asbury Park,
a postage-stamp-sized area chockfull of restaurants, bars and cool shops. (No big
box stores here.) If you’re into firsthand, in-person info., go to the Asbury
Park Chamber of Commerce to find out all you need to know about Asbury Park and
the surrounding area.
Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten has become one of the most
beloved establishments of downtown. Often packed with hundreds of folks into
having a good time over beers, brats and good ‘ole oom pah pah music, this
authentic Austrian-Hungarian biergarten is a great place to gather with friends
and family for memorable celebrations or just a fun meal out. You’ll also find
a nice ambiance–this time with views–at the rooftop bar, which features tasty
eats from their food cart as well as music late afternoons on the weekends.
It’s open spring through fall and during December as well when you can
experience the Biergarten’s own version of igloos, just one more way to amuse
yourself at this oh-so happening place.
Leave your wheels behind and book a ride with Asbury Pedalcycle,
a fifteen-passenger vehicle entirely powered by your own pedal prowess. It
sounds like a party!
Now back to the music because it’s never out of reach in Asbury
Park. Consider taking in a concert at the recently refurbished Paramount
Theater in the town’s convention center. Music aficionados may already know
that The Doors once played here making this historic venue near sacred ground.
And just a rolling stone’s throw away–you guessed it, the Rolling Stones graced
this place as well–at The Stone Pony. Here you can also take in some great
acts. (Bruce and his E Street Band first made this place famous in the mid
seventies and he still comes around here today.) The Wonder Bar is another
classic Asbury Park music venue and highly recommended even if it’s just to
pass by and take a gander at its iconic grinning face mural. Indeed, it’s all
about the fun.
Many feel that some of the best games are ones from the past.
Remember Pac-Man? The Silverball Museum on the boardwalk showcases this gem
along with a slew of great pinball machines, foosball and other arcade games
from days gone by.
Can you take all this fun?