By: | October 28, 2024 | | Monmouth County
By Ryan Loughlin
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is a good time to take a moment to reflect on some of the fabulous things we have to be thankful for right here in Monmouth County. Here’s the stuff that makes us glad we live where we do!
Location, location location
In a country as massive as the United States, few spots sit more centrally located to some of the greatest and most exciting cities in the world than Monmouth County. We can be in New York, Philly or Atlantic City in about an hour each, keeping the thrilling energy of those spots well within our reach, but just far enough away to not make life here an over-congested nightmare.
You can get your gobble on
The sheer number of fantastic restaurants that can be found in our neck of the woods is impressive to say the least, and we could easily devote pages and pages of this magazine to just listing off the notable ones, but for this specific time of year things get even more exciting, as Monmouth County eateries have been known to put out some of the greatest Thanksgiving sandwiches anywhere. One bite of “The Turkinator” at Hoagitos in Oakhurst or the “Turk Diggler” at The Speakeatery in Asbury Park and you will be a loyal devotee for life.
Landscapes and seascapes
New Jersey has been the butt of jokes for decades, earning a reputation as some sort of dirty, industrial wasteland void of all natural beauty, but the ignorance of those who chose to make such remarks is never more glaring and obvious than when you take a quick look around Monmouth County. From the breathtaking panoramic views atop Mount Mitchill in Atlantic Highlands, to the fertile and picturesque farmlands of Colts Neck and Freehold, and of course, the miles of sparkling sandy beaches, this county is truly the jewel of the Garden State.
The town that Bruce built
There are a lot of incredible towns in Monmouth County, but Asbury Park really shines in a way that is unmatched. Think about it — can you name another town anywhere in the country that simultaneously offers a funky hipster vibe, a laid-back suburban vibe, a beach vibe, a city vibe, an artsy vibe, and an absolutely legendary musical history that spawned one of the world’s most famous rock stars? We sure can’t.
For us, play time is a year-round thing
Fun and games are the bread and butter of the Jersey Shore, and nobody does it better than Monmouth County. Vacationers from out of state sit in hours of traffic every summer just to spend a week strolling our beaches and boardwalks, and for good reason. But what all those folks miss when they head home is the stuff we get to enjoy all year long. What would life be like without a few rounds of winter skeeball at the Silverball Retro Arcade or a fall day spent apple picking at Eastmont Orchards?