- NicoleDeRosa
NEW JERSEY - Part 2: Hamburg to West Berlin
Updated: Mar 10, 2022
In Part 2 of my New Jersey Travel Guide, I'll take you from Hamburg (the northernmost county in the State of New Jersey & the epitome of a small town) to Holmdel (where I grew up) which is full of parks with rolling green hills & vineyards to Bell Works which is an urban hub; a little metropolis in suburbia. A one of a kind destination for business, culture, technology, retail, wellness, dining, hospitality and more! Bell Works is the reimagination of the historic former Bell Labs building, designed by renowned architect, Eero Saarinen in 1962.
I will take you to Howell, to a unique converted barn space overlooking acres of land to a place called Yoga Barn which hosts a variety of classes, retreats, and events. We then stop in Jersey City (just across the Hudson River from New York) to a conscious vegan, vegetarian & plant based eatery.
I will also fill you in on my favorite spots in Little Silver, Lincroft, Long Branch, Manasquan, Middletown, Point Pleasant, Port Monmouth, Red Bank, Rumson, Sandy Hook, Sea Girt, Shrewsbury, Tinton Falls, Toms River, Wall and West Berlin.
HAMBURG
Things To Do:
Crystal Springs Resort
Hamburg, Vernon & Franklin, N.J.
Visit their website here
Accomodations | Golf | Spa & Wellness | Culinary | Meetings | Weddings | Celebrations | Activities
Nestled along the edge of the Appalachian Mountains, just an hour outside New York City sits one of the country's most spectacular resorts featuring 6 Top Rated Golf Courses, 10 Restaurants ( including a 4 star Restaurant + World Renowned Wine Cellar ), not one... but 2 Award Winning Spas! Also featuring, a best in class Wellness Program and gorgeously appointed guest rooms & luxury suites featuring stunning mountain and valley views!
Whether you are taking a quick family vacation, a romantic getaway or hosting colleagues, few destinations can match the warm welcoming splendor of Crystal Springs Resort. Come and see what makes this New Jersey's Favorite Resort and the #1 Golf, Spa and Culinary destination in the Northeast!
HOLMDEL
Food:
Turning Point
2132 NJ-35, Holmdel, N.J. (at the Commons at Holmdel)
Visit their website here
Daytime cafe (open: 7:30am - 3:00pm daily) serving breakfast, sandwiches, tea & coffee drinks in stylish surroundings.
Things To Do:
Bell Works
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, N.J.
Visit their website here
Shop | Eat | Play | Learn | Move | Care
An urban hub; a little metropolis in suburbia. A one of a kind destination for business, culture, technology, retail, wellness, dining, hospitality and more! There is a gorgeous roofdeck as well to relax and enjoy while catching some rays of sunshine. Keep up to date with all the Bell Works Event Calendar here .
Bell Works is the reimagination of the historic former Bell Labs building, in Holmdel, N.J. designed by renowned architect, Eero Saarinen in 1962. Bell Labs was a birthplace for many leading technological innovations of the 20th century.
Fox Hollow Vineyards
939 Holmdel Road, Holmdel, N.J.
Visit their website here
Menus | Tastings | Live Music | Wheels for Amar'e
History: Fox Hollow Vineyards is centrally located on 94 acres in Holmdel, NJ. It is owned and operated by the Casola Family, 6th generation farmers who decided to diversify into vineyards and wine making for future generations.
Historic Longstreet Farm
939 Holmdel Road, Holmdel, N.J.
Visit their website here
Free weekend activities here
The sights, sounds, and smells of rural Monmouth County in the 1890s have been recreated on 9 acres at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel Park, Holmdel. Interpreters in period dress show both daily and seasonal agricultural and domestic activities. Longstreet Farm is open daily year round from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors may enter at their leisure, free of charge. From Memorial Day through Labor Day the farm is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Pets are not allowed within the farm.
Longstreet Farm’s mission is to promote an appreciation for Monmouth County farm life at the end of the 19th century, preserving historic structures and practices through interpretive programs and tours. Livestock are an important component of this mission. The farm’s livestock are raised and cared for just as they were in the past – to meet the labor, food, and material needs of the farm. Mules and horses help plow the fields and harvest crops; dairy cows, chickens and pigs provide food to eat; and sheep are raised for meat and wool.
Howell
Things To Do:
Yoga Barn N.J.
134 Maxim Road, Howell, N.J.
Visit their website here
In a unique converted barn space overlooking acres of land, Yoga Barn N.J. hosts a variety of classes, retreats, and events. Yoga Barn offers private and semi-private classes in styles such trapeze, acro, partner, restorative, or beginner. Whether you're looking to further your practice or host a special event, Yoga Barn is here to help your ideas come alive!
Yoga | Events | Retreats | Sound Healing | Meditation | Private + Group Sessions
Health Coaching | Reiki Healing
Howell Living History Farm
70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville, N.J. 08530
Visit their website here
A visit to Howell Living History Farm brings you back to the year 1900: horses and buggies traveled the roads of Pleasant Valley, and fields were bordered by snake fences and Osage orange hedgerows. It was a pivotal time in U.S. history, and saw the beginnings of exciting new technology that would challenge the power of the workhorse and the skills of craftsmen across the nation.
Howell Farm offers people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests the chance to learn about their rural history and heritage by rolling up their sleeves for hands-on activities, meeting interpreters in historic costume, and embarking on tours through a farm that's really working year-round.
Depending on the season, you can see and help farmers as they plant and harvest crops, care for animals, build fences, and raise barns – or do the cooking and chores that keep the farm running smoothly every day. Ice harvesting, maple sugaring, sheep shearing, and threshing are just a few of the activities you will find...and if you happen by on the right day, there might even be a hayride, music, dancing, or homemade ice cream in the mix. Stop by on a Saturday if you can – that's when most of the neighbors do!
JERSEY CITY
Food:
Salt + Seed
210 Hudson Street, Jersey City, N.J.
Visit their website
Conscious Vegan, Vegetarian + Plant Based Eatery. They say "variety is the spice of life" and I couldn't agree more. Show above is Salt + Seed's Vegan and Gluten Free original S+S Chocolate Cake, Rosemary Coffee Chocolate Chip Cake, Plain Cheesecake and Strawberry Cheesecake. And that's just the tip of the iceberg as far as their menu is concerned!
LITTLE SILVER
Food:
Turning Point of Little Silver
496 Prospect Avenue, Little Silver, N.J.
They have many locations:
Visit their website here
Daytime cafe (open: 7:30am - 3:00pm daily) serving breakfast, sandwiches, tea & coffee drinks in stylish surroundings. I live their cold pressed juices like: "Kale To The King," "Just Beet It," "Walk On The Beach" and "Flight of The Juices"(where you can try them all). I also love their "I Can't Believe They're Vegan" Pancakes!
Sickles Market
1 Harrison Avenue, Little Silver, N.J.
Visit their website here.
What started as a farm stand has become a destination for the best produce, plants, gourmet specialties, garden accessories and gifts at the New Jersey Shore. Sickles has been a Family Owned and operated business for four generations. Sickle's Market has been around since 1908 that's 111 years and counting of sharing quality goods!
LINCROFT
Things To Do:
Thompson Park
805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, N.J.
Visit the website here
Great for biking! Nice wide trails, several to choose from and great scenery! Thompson Park has opportunities for varied recreational interests including 14 miles of multiple-use trails (4.9 miles paved), a playground, a fishing lake for canoes/kayaks and electric-powered boats, a seasonal group picnic facility, Creative Arts Center, and off-leash dog area. The park also features tennis courts, two of which are also lined for pickleball. These courts are open daily on a first-come, first-served basis. A field is available for rental for rugby games only. Find out more about this and other athletic facility rentals in the Park System.
Sunnyside Equestrian Center
805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, N.J.
Visit the website here
The Sunnyside Equestrian Center is the home of the Park System’s Equestrian Division. This division provides fundamental equestrian experiences for people of all abilities, with an emphasis on offering the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities, helping them to develop to their full potential.
LONG BEACH ISLAND
Food:
Living On The Veg
2613 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach Island, N.J.
Visit their website here.
Note: The L.B.I. location closes at the end of Summer & reopens in the Spring. Their Manahawkin location is open year round.
A warm, low-key vegetarian cafe with outdoor tables serving vegan deli wraps & sandwiches alongside fresh juices. Living On The Veg is one of the best vegetarian eateries in the city, and a must-go place for a cruelty-free and healthy meal. Aside from having delicious treats for breakfast, such as avocado toasts and scrambled wraps, this deli and juice bar also serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, and deli classics. Not to mention their burritos and smoothies, which will surely give you an extra dose of energy at any time of the day!
LONG BRANCH
Food:
The Juice Theory
87 Brighton Avenue, Long Branch, N.J. (also located in Brooklyn, NY)
Visit their website here
100% Organic, Vegan, Kosher + Made Fresh Daily
There are so many great selections, from their Vegan Caesar Salad to the Me So Zen Salad (kale, brussel sprouts, cabbage, roasted chickpeas, avocado, glazed tempeh with sesame miso dressing). I also love their "Really Good Veggie Burger Sandwich" (homemade mushroom burger, pickled onions, lettuce, tomato, avocado, spicy mayo served on Ezekiel bread) and the Burrito Light (arugula, jicama, quinoa, black beans, spicy tempeh, roasted corn, avocado, sweet jalapeno).
The Herd Juicery
80 Brighton Avenue, Long Branch, N.J.
Visit their website here
Organic, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Plant Based restaurant, using high quality superfoods and fresh organic produce that is rich in taste and nutrients. The staff is always available to discuss any health concerns or to give some nutritional advice. I also love their informative Blog as well!
Fresh Pressed Juices | Cold Pressed Lemonades | Superfood Smoothies | Superfood Lattes | Smoothie Bowls | Salads | Sandwiches | Buddha Bowls | Toasts | Soups |
Playa Bowls
88 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, N.J. (also located in Belmar, Red Bank & many more )
Visit their website here
Playa Bowls is your slice of summer, anytime. Using the freshest, highest quality ingredients, we serve healthy, delicious açaí, pitaya, coconut bowls and smoothies with sustainability and community in mind.
Trama's Trattoria
115 Brighton Avenue, Long Branch, N.J.
Visit their website here
Organic, Vegan, Made Fresh Daily, Kosher
Chef Trama has a strong following with food and wine aficionados due to his fierce commitment to quality, consistency and attention to detail. Chef Trama uses the highest-quality local, farm to table ingredients according to the seasons when they are at their optimum taste.
Chef Trama is a native New Yorker. From his earliest days helping out at his parent’s eatery and cooking with his grandparents, he has always had a passion for food and cooking. He began his professional culinary career behind the line at the River Café in Brooklyn under the tutelage of Charlie Palmer, the James Beard award-winning chef. River Café known for launching many world-class chefs has been referred to as the “Harvard Business School of Culinary Arts” by the New York Times. Chef Trama went on to work with the renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent, founder of the Myriad Restaurant Group, which includes Nobu, Della Femina, Batard and Tribeca Grill.
Things To Do:
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
221 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Oceanfront Park - In the summer, this 38-acre beach park is a great place to swim, sun and surf. In the off-season, a nice place for quiet walks. Everything needed to enjoy a day at the beach is readily available during the summer months: snack bar, sheltered eating areas, volleyball area, outdoor showers and changing areas, guarded swimming, designated areas for surfing. Read more here.
Tony’s Place - named in honor of former Board of Recreation Commissioners Vice-Chairman Dr. Anthony Musella, is a universally accessible playground. It is the second joint venture playground project of the Park System, Challenged Youth Sports (based in Middletown) and Friends of the Parks. "Summer Fun at Tony's Place" is a program that provides free access to the playground during the summer for children with special needs and their accompanying families. Read more here.
The Skateplex - Located off Atlantic Avenue at the north end of Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, the Skateplex is designed to allow skaters to move seamlessly through its features. The Skateplex is open year-round, 8 a.m. to dusk and use is subject to weather/safety conditions. Admission to the Skateplex is free all year. Read more here.
The Park System offers skateboarding lessons and one-day clinics at the Skateplex during the warmer months. Any upcoming classes will be list under Kids & Teen Sports & Fitness offerings on this registration page.
MANASQUAN
Things To Do:
Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway - 5.4 miles rail trail in New Jersey between Manasquan and Allaire State Park. The trail was constructed on a former roadbed of the Farmingdale and Squan Village Railroad and the Freehold and Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad.
MIDDLETOWN
Things To Do:
Deep Cut Gardens
152 Red Hill Road, Middletown, NJ 07748
Visit the website here
Deep Cut Gardens is dedicated to the home gardener. The 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses are planned as a living catalog of cultivated and native plant materials to be observed through the seasons. The renovated Parterre features 52 varieties of roses with over 180 bushes. Please be aware that pets are not permitted at Deep Cut Gardens. Discover new ways to improve your home garden by taking a walking tour of the park, ask the staff horticultural questions, or visit the reference library. Garden programs and classes are also offered.
Huber Woods Park
25 Brown's Dock Road, Locust (Middletown Twp.), NJ 07760
Visit the website here
Nestled on a hill overlooking the Navesink River, the park was established in 1974 with a 118-acre gift of land from the Huber Family and the J.M. Huber Corporation. Huber Woods Park has grown to 381 acres of permanently preserved open space.
Besides forests and meadows, the site also features over 8 miles of multi-use trails and an Environmental Center. A visit to Huber Woods Park is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the facets of nature that are often taken for granted. While there, take a moment amid the scenic beauty and panoramic views to observe small things - sounds, smells, light and shadow, subtle hints of seasonal change. Relax in a meadow or take a walk along a wooded trail. Each experience will enhance your appreciation of the fascinating natural world around you.
Tatum Park
151 Red Hill Road (or) 144 Holland Road, Middletown, NJ 07748
Visit the website here
366 acres of rolling hills, open fields and bird-filled woods, as well as two Activity Centers, a playground and miles of scenic trails, for area residents to enjoy. The park is named for the Tatum family, who donated 73 acres of property to the county in 1973.
In 1981, a special wing funded by the Heath family of Middletown was built to honor Mary and Clinton Heath. In 1885, Clinton Heath, a freed slave from North Carolina, settled in Middletown. The Heath family was part of the migration of African Americans northward after the Civil War. The wing features a permanent display of memorabilia from the county’s early black community.
Walkers, runners, bicyclists and equestrians can watch the colors change each season on winding paths through stands of tulip trees, and red and chestnut oaks. Or, enjoy the quiet landscape on trails through beautiful fields and meadows. Cyclists and equestrians are restricted to the west side of the service road. Old farm roads at the southwest end of the park are great for mountain bicycles. Enter from Red Hill Road or Holland Road. (6.3 miles of trails)
MONMOUTH COUNTY
Events For Persons with Intellectual + Developmental Disabilities & Their Families
The Arc of Monmouth’s mission is to improve the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy, services and supports, collaboration with community partners, and community education. TAOMC provides life-changing services such as family supports, residential and independent living options, recreational opportunities, adult day programs, and a college program affiliated with Brookdale Community College.
The Arc's Calendar of Recreation
Catering:
Grazing Tables and More by Gracie's Kitchen
Simple, seasonal and beautifully presented Grazing Tables / Charcuterie Boards / To-Go Boxes.
Visit Grazing Tables and More website here
POINT PLEASANT
Food:
Fresh Kitchen
2621 Bridge Avenue Point Pleasant, N.J.
Visit their website here
Their menu has been designed specifically to give you the maximum amount of nutrition along with an unbelievable amount of flavor and aroma. Fresh Kitchen does not use any salt or refined sugars. They use only Non-Gmo ancient grains, all of their lettuce and herbs are organic and hydroponic, all their vegetables are from local farms (except avocado, there are no Jersey avocados) and all their meats are are organic, grass fed, cruelty free with no antibiotics. Read more about the healthy ingredients that Fresh Kitchen uses here.
PORT MONMOUTH
Things To Do:
Bayshore Waterfront Park
719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
Visit the website here
Located next to Monmouth Cove Marina, preserves a thriving coastal landscape on Sandy Hook Bay. Enjoy the maritime shrublands, tidal creeks, salt marshes, dunes, mile of beach and scenic views across the water. The park offers a fishing pier, access to Raritan Bay, and beautiful views of the NY skyline. The Park System continues to add to this site's 229 acres in the Bayshore area. This park is also home of the Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center (Seabrook-Wilson House), one of the oldest surviving houses in the region. This large frame building, dating back to the early 1700's, was constructed in several phases over the course of two hundred years.
PRINCETON
Food:
Hoagie Haven - When I asked on Twitter what are some of your favorite spots in New Jersey, actor, Jon Tenney (True Detective, Scandal, The Closer, The Newsroom) who was born in Princeton answered:
RED BANK
Red Bank is an all-season destination to residents and visitors who look to retreat to the New Jersey coastline for relaxation without compromising their craving for culture. The town's rich historical roots, combined with world-class shopping, outdoor fairs, and festivals, are just some of the reasons families and friends journey to the riverside town. Traditional and contemporary art galleries, award-winning theaters and performing arts venues, gourmet and casual dining, luxury boutique hotels and pristine landscapes exemplify why residents and visitors, near and far, choose Red Bank.
Food:
JBJ Soul Kitchen
207 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, N.J.
Visit their website here.
Community dining with dignity. Diners pay a donation to eat an American meal at Jon Bon Jovi's community restaurant. Your support makes it possible for JBJ Soul Kitchen to continue their mission of addressing issues surrounding food insecurity. All are welcome at JBJ Soul Kitchen where locally sourced ingredients, dignity and respect is always on the menu.
About + FAQs | Menu | Events | Get Involved + Volunteer | Shop | Donate
Cé La Vi
16 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, N.J.
Visit their website here
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Crepes! A charming , chandelier lit locale featuring sweet + savory crêpes, Belgian waffles, espresso & more!
KITCH Organic
75 Leighton Avenue, Red Bank, N.J.
Visit their website here
New Jersey's own Organic + 100% Gluten Free dedicated establishment! A rustic-chic nook with homemade, gluten free fare for breakfast + lunch + creative juices + smoothies! Central Jersey Native, Joe Durso’s love for food and working with the best ingredients stems from his belief that food is the most common bond in life, no matter who you are, food is something that fuels us all. His vision for KITCH Organic is to provide not only a place to eat, but a place where people leave feeling energized and rejuvenated by the nourishment that his talented Chefs have created for anyone to enjoy.
Good Karma Cafe
17 East Front Street, Red Bank, N.J.
Visit their website here.
Offers smoothies & a range of vegan and vegetarian dishes, such as pad Thai & pizza, in modest digs. Good Karma Café uses only the finest ingredients and guarantee that they are at least 90% organic. You can be sure that all of their staples, including vegetables, grains, beans, tofu, tempeh and nuts, are free of pesticides and are not irradiated. Whenever possible Good Karma uses local and fair trade products.
Karma 2 Go
1 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank, N.J. (located in the West Side Lofts - free parking in the garage)
Visit their website here.
Karma 2 Go uses only the finest ingredients, guaranteeing that they serve whole food that is at least 80% organic. Providing fast, natural, vegan and vegetarian meals to meet your on the go needs.
Note: Karma 2 Go is the sister location of Good Karma Cafe. Karma 2 Go is takeout only and open: Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00am - 3:00pm.
Good Life Organic Kitchen
60 Broad Street, Red Bank, N.J.
Visit their website here.
Check out the menu here.
Any craving can be satisfied with high-quality, non-GMO and organic food & drink at Good Life Organic Kitchen. High school sweethearts, Melvin and Anita Pierce have staked a claim in downtown Red Bank with their first-ever business venture and I am so glad they did! Anita & Melvin, who started dating before they graduated Red Bank Regional High in 2003, have opened a Good Life Organic Kitchen franchise at 60 Broad Street. There is an outdoor seating area that’s inset into the structure & protected from the elements – perfect for enjoying a kombucha and beet-and-quinoa burger on a nice day.
They serve juices, smoothies, protein bowls, local Greek yogurt parfaits, baked oatmeal, seasonal soups, sandwiches, salads and other plant based options. G.L.O. follows sustainable practices with eco-friendly disposables & composting & by serving the most nutrient-dense food & drink options for a feeling of vitality.
G.L.O. makes it their priority to find the healthiest ingredients from the best sources. That means they strive to source as close to 100% organic as possible while emphasizing support of small, local farms & vendors. All of their produce scraps are composted for future use. At G.L.O., their primary focus is making an impact on the health of the local community.
Playa Bowls
14 West Front Street, Red Bank, N.J.
Visit their website here
Playa Bowls is your slice of summer, anytime. Using the freshest, highest quality ingredients, Playa Bowls serve healthy, delicious açaí, pitaya, coconut bowls and smoothies with sustainability and community in mind.
Sickles Market + Bottles by Sickles
200 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, N.J.
Visit their website here.
Sickles in Red Bank is a bit of the past, a bit of the future and about all things delicious! Covering the first floor of the newly renovated Anderson Building, Sickles will have the following departments & categories to shop from:
Butcher, Bakery, Catering, Fine Cheese, Gourmet Grocery, Deli and prepared foods, Produce, Sushi, Fresh Cut Flowers, Gift Baskets, Event Design and a coffee shop by Booskerdoo Coffee & Baking Co.
Additionally there is a brand new bottle shop, Bottles by Sickles on the premises! From fine champagnes and eclectic wines to craft beers and locally made brews to on-trend hard seltzers, decadent mixers, and festive tastings.
JJ Delicacies
21 West Front Street, Red Bank, N.J.
Visit their website here.
At JJ Delicacies, you can find the best dessert in Red Bank! They use fresh, high-quality ingredients in everything they make. Try the most popular items on their menu: ice cream roll, bubble milk tea, and chef bowl. You can also build your own poke bowl! Win Li, owner of JJ Delicacies, was drawn to Red Bank’s picturesque downtown & affectionately named the establishment after her daughter, JJ. This family-friendly eatery has something for everyone!
