Day Trips in Monmouth?

[718732]

Hi Everyone!

DH and I are on vacation next week and since we just bought the house, we decided to vacation at home this year. Any suggestions for day or half day trips in and around Monmouth County? What are your suggestions for people new to the area to check out? We may do an overnight trip to AC but that is all that is planned.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[Marilyn]

While not in Monmouth County, Point Pleasant Beach (in neighboring Ocean County to the South) has a boardwalk with games, food, etc. Seaside Heights, too. Also in Ocean County is the Lakewood Blue Claws, if you're into baseball. Don't forget Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson!

Here in Monmouth, if you're into the ponies there's Monmouth Park Racetrack and Freehold Raceway - with the Triple Crown coming up should be some fun times. There's always Sandy Hook, too! With the price of gas and everything else, you're definitely thinking smart by vacationing closer to home!

That's all I can think of for now.

[Elise]

My guy and I love to picnic in Riverside Gardens Park in Red Bank. There is really no better way to waste a few hours of a beautiful spring day! We stop at Delicious Orchards (on Rte 34 south, just past Rte 537) first and get provisions: cheese, salads, meat, bread, etc. then, stop at the liquor store to get a good chilled bottle of white. There's usually tons of parking on Front Street, and the Man won't harass you for drinking, as long as you use a plastic cup and keep the wine sorta concealed.

If you have a little more time to kill and don't mind driving, a wonderful place to spend a day is the Grounds For Sculpture. It's near Trenton so it is a little bit of a hike, but it's just an incredible place. There is a visitor's center on-site where you can buy sandwiches and stuff, so you can also picnic in the park, surrounded by these amazing sculptures. Also, Rat's Restaurant is in the park, but you don't have to go there - it's very expensive and hard to get into. Instead, try Kafe Kabul (also on-site), which looks like it's been lifted out of Marakesch and dropped into the park. Great wine list, and nice tapas/mezze menu.

If you feel like going north, the Liberty Science Center is SO much fun (for all ages), and you're right near Liberty State Park. Great views, and also a nice spot to just grab a snack and watch the world go by.

Enjoy your "local" summer!!

[718732]

Thanks much for the input.... we are enjoying our vacation at home so far with gardening and a trip to Jenks which is delightfully quiet this time of year. Had lunch at the Circus too... very cute with the carhops and all! We'll be trying some of your suggestions as well including a Blue Claws game tmw night and Liberty Science Center.! Thank you!

[718732]

Hi everyone! Vacation was great! We visited Delicious Orchards (a little crowded on a Sunday but nice!) and made it to Pt. Pleasant to walk the boardwalk. Also got to AC for the day. Had plans for a Blue Claws game but they fell through. They are definitely on our list for an upcoming homestand. Got the tomato and pepper plants in (thank you Casola Farms!). Ate in Delish on 34 one night... the food was excellent and the weather was warm so it was al fresco. Very nice!

Thanks again for your help!

[Elise]

oooh, you liked delish! i forget what it was before, but we'd eaten there once or twice and weren't thrilled with it. the place looks SO much nicer now. glad to hear the food is also great!