Asbury Park

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This historic shore town features one of the best beaches in the state, ranked fifth best beach according to New Jersey’s Top Ten Beaches 2009.

Along with endless sand, great surf and unlimited fun, you’ll find a revitalized Boardwalk that’s better than ever. Unique shops, eclectic restaurants with breathtaking views and the crown jewel—the restored Paramount Theater and Convention Hall.

Don’t miss the annual Garden State Film Festival, Taste of Asbury Park, Memorial Day Fireworks Celebration, Fourth of July parade, festival and fireworks and Oysterfest every September.

And throughout the year, the historic downtown comes alive the first Saturday of every month, with First Saturday Asbury Park, which includes shops and restaurants open late, street entertainers and free parking. Go to www.asburyparkchamber.com for the most up-to-date events calendar.

If a weekend at the Shore is in your plans, check out The Berkeley Hotel, one of the grand hotels of a bygone era. Its recently restored 250 suites and rooms offer modern luxury and classic beauty just steps away from the ocean. Or, The Tides, another Asbury Park tradition recently lovingly restored to its former glory.

And there's the Empress Hotel along with the Sixth Avenue House and Mikell's Big House both fine B&Bs.

While in town, enjoy the city’s diverse and thriving restaurant scene. From Japanese to Mediterranean to Italian, it’s all here and it’s delicious. New restaurants like Synaxis, Stella Marina, Langosta Lounge and Tim McLoone's Supper Club have quickly established themselves as culinary gems alongside favorites like Bistro Ole, Carmine’s and Moonstruck.

And take in a show. The ReVision Theatre is dedicated to producing invigorating theater with a fresh perspective. And the legendary Stone Pony, where Bruce Springsteen has made numerous appearances, is one of the world’s most famous music “scenes.”

The Asbury Park experience would be sorely incomplete without taking in a show here.

Along with the great food and accommodations, USA Today picked Asbury Park as one of the top ten places to listen to music.

Don’t Miss:

• Asbury Park has a long and glorified history linked to music. Fans of Heartland Rock should visit the Asbury Park Library, which houses the largest collection of written material on Bruce Springsteen ever assembled.

• Stephen Crane House. One of America’s greatest novelists (and author of “The Red Badge of Courage”) , Stephen Crane lived in Asbury Park during his high school years.

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