Reclaiming the Jersey Shore
Everyone loves to poke fun at the Jersey coast, but the fact is, the joke's on them. Brian Hiatt explores three legendary—and recently spruced-up—shore towns that still promise the classic American summer.
Back at the boardwalk, we eventually return to Avenue, which has quieted down. We sit at the polished-steel bar, where I get a dirty martini and a few oversize shrimp from the raw bar—we did skip lunch, after all. Jazz remixes play from overhead speakers. I bite into a shrimp, sip my martini, and feel a pleasant sense of disorientation. This is definitely not Snooki's Jersey Shore. It's not Bruce's, or at least not the one he sings about. It's not really mine, either. But for the moment, I'll take it.
LODGING
Hotel Tides, Restaurant & Spa
408 7th Ave., Asbury Park, hoteltides.com, from $95
Bungalow Hotel
50 Laird St., Long Branch, bungalowhotel.net, from $199
FOOD
McLoone's Asbury Grille
1200 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, mcloonesasburygrille.com, entrées from $8
Frank's Deli & Restaurant
1406 Main St., Asbury Park, 732/775-6682, sandwiches from $3
Avenue
23 Ocean Ave., Long Branch, leclubavenue.com, entrées from $16
Tuzzio's Italian Cuisine
224 Westwood Ave., Long Branch, tuzzios.com, entrées from $11
Max's Famous Hot Dogs
25 Matilda Terrace, Long Branch, maxsfamoushotdogs.com, from $3
ACTIVITIES
Convention Hall
Ocean Ave. between Asbury and Sunset Aves., Asbury Park, apboardwalk.com
Silver Ball Museum
1000 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, silverballmuseum.com, 30 minutes' unlimited play $7.50
Lucky Leo's Amusements
315 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, luckyleosamusements.com
Pier Village
1 Chelsea Ave., Long Branch, piervillage.com
SHOPPING
Shelter Home
704 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, shelterhome.com
A SHORE THING
Budget Travel Real Deals
- From $827
- From $159
- From $1,549
- From $1,599
- From $460
- From $859
- From $888
- From $1,199
- From $1,375
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