Think Monmouth County is just for Shore fans, Revolutionary War buffs and the horsey set? Hold that thought. With winter upon us, Monmouth County is also ready for seasonal fun and flavor with music, dining, theater and events. See what’s on and make Monmouth County your winter destination.
Asbury Park: What’s Brewing?
No matter what the season, the event calendar in Asbury Park always sparkles. On January 26-27, you can imbibe in the Asbury Park Beer Fest 2019, which will feature craft and retro beers, ciders and boardwalk food at Convention Hall. (Plan now to spend the night at one of AP’s accommodations like Hotel Tides Restaurant & Spa and The Empress Hotel.) Or any time, visit the Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten, where you sit at communal tables and sample from a menu of wursts, schnitzel and over 100 different beers. The Festhalle joins Asbury’s legendary music scene—which includes The Stone Pony, Asbury Lanes, Paramount Theatre and Wonder Bar—in showcasing live performances. For daytime fun, go retro at the Silverball Museum Arcade, which features all of the pinball and arcade games from your youth. Playing Pong works up an appetite, so be sure to check out Asbury Park’s dynamic dining scene. Moderately priced TripAdvisor favorites include Taka and Talula’s Pizza.
Freehold: Family Fun and More
Missing summer at the beach? At iPlay America in Freehold, enjoy an indoor boardwalk, complete with rides, games and classic beach fare—plus concerts and events. Enjoy good, clean fun with Cimorelli—known for their tight harmonies and inspirational speeches—on January 19. For a winter date night, head to Freehold's #1 TripAdvisor-rated 618 for a romantic dinner, or indulge in lunch and shopping at Freehold Raceway Mall, which features 200 retailers, including Nordstrom, P.F. Chang’s and more.
Long Branch: Ice Is Nice
Go beyond the surf and sand and see what’s new in Long Branch. One recommendation: Pier Village, which features more than 30 boutiques, restaurants, year-round events and wonderful ocean views. Try Carmella’s Café for a quick panini stop, find a future beach read at Atlantic Books or sample Japanese and Italian specialties at Sawa and Sirena, respectively. And put your day out on ice with one of Long Branch’s favorite new traditions: Ice at the Pier. Through Presidents’ Day, lace up your skates and skim along Pier Village’s iconic ice rink. Work up an appetite for the fab apps at Happy Hour Ten Under Ten at the popular McLoone’s Pier House!
Red Bank: Count on a Show
Get a taste of Greenwich Village right here in New Jersey. Red Bank offers up coffee shops, fun dining and great theater. Catch a show at the Count Basie Theatre and liven up your winter with some laughs, classic music or show tunes. Coming up at the Basie: The Simon & Garfunkel Story (January 30), Swan Lake with the National Ballet Theatre of Odessa (February 1), Disney's DCapella (February 12), Black Violin (February 13) and Legally Blonde The Musical (February 21-22). And don’t miss Two River Theater, which is mounting the hilarious Noises Off January 12-February 3. It’s a farce within a farce with sight gags, pratfalls and flying sardines! For shopping “theater,” visit the Antique Center of Red Bank, where more than 100 dealers sell treasures for all budgets and styles. Feeling a little hungry? Check out favorites like The Cheese Cave, Via45 or the Good Karma Café.
Wall: Wrecks and Secret Tech
Monmouth County is known for its old lighthouses, live history farms and villages, and annual Battle of Monmouth Reenactment, but it also hides “a secret history” in Wall. Located on the grounds of a former secret lab (Camp Evans), InfoAge reveals tech innovations in wireless, radar, satellite hurricane tracking and more. Now a National Historic Landmark, InfoAge features 12 different museums, ranging from the New Jersey Shipwreck Museum to the Radio Technology Museum and Vintage Computer Museum. Shhh, don’t tell the kids it’s educational!
Discover more winter attractions and events in Monmouth County and around the state at visitnj.org, where you can also download a free NJ travel guide or sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism.
