#TravelTuesday Ocean Grove #NJ

Ocean Grove is a lovely little town in my neck of the Jersey Shore. It was founded in 1869 by Methodist clergymen who wanted a summer camp meeting site on the Jersey Shore. A lot of the property in the town is still owned by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association and leased to residents for their homes and businesses. The town was declared a State and National Historic District in 1975 and has an amazing number of Victorian and early 19th century homes. It also has these fabulous tents that are occupied during the summer months and originated as places for people to stay for the camp meetings.

Ocean Grove beaches are some of the loveliest in the state and the beaches and boardwalk have been restored since the damage done by Hurricane Sandy. It is always fun to visit the beaches and then stroll into town for the small businesses (like my daughter’s surf and skate shop) and the many events that the town holds all year long.

This past weekend was the Brits on the Beach event! I loved visiting to see all the classic and modern British cars that were in town for the event. Today I’m sharing some pictures with you. Just click on a photo to see it full size!

Thursday 13 – Things to do Down the Shore!

There is nothing more that I like to do than to go Down the Shore as the Jersey folk say. (The real Jersey folk and not Gym/Tan/Laundry crowd from that show that will remain nameless). Being down the shore is so relaxing and stimulates my creative juices. I get a mess of writing done whenever I am there.

So today I am sharing with you those things that I love to do Down the Shore. The real Jersey Shore.

1. Walk along the boardwalk from Avon-by-the-Sea up to Asbury Park. Each town along the way – Avon, Bradley Beach, Ocean Grove and Asbury – has a unique flavor and peaceful surroundings.

2. Grab a lobster dinner at the Columns in Avon. The views of the ocean are great and the food is good.

3. Grab a book and a beach chair and relax in Bradley Beach. Much less crowded than at other beaches and totally family friendly.

4. Go for a bike ride along Ocean Avenue. We’ve gone as far as Long Branch and it’s a fun ride with views of the ocean and some really amazing homes.

5. Lunch at Windmill Hot Dogs. Yum.

6. Browse the many interesting shops along Ocean Grove’s Main Avenue.

7. Explore Ocean Grove’s amazing Victorians and the totally unique tent city.

8. Hit Asbury Park’s Convention Center, Paramount Theatre, WunderBar or Stone Pony for some music or the Jersey Shore Roller Girls.

9. Get some tomato pie from Vic’s or Pete and Elda’s.

10. Get a cannoli from Del Ponte’s in Bradley Beach.

11. Take in a movie at the Palace Theatre Beach Cinema, an eighty year old landmark in Bradley Beach.

12. Visit the library for one of their books, art shows, workshops or community events.

13. Stop and listen to the Pavilion Praise on the Ocean Grove boardwalk on Sunday mornings. No matter what your religious bent, you will feel the positive vibes with the melding of faith and nature on a glorious summer morning.

Hope you enjoyed today’s Thursday Thirteen. I welcome you to add any of your suggestions for what you like to do Down the Shore in the comments section.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants