Asbury Park | The Coolest Spot on the Jersey Shore
The last time I went to Asbury Park, I partied at The Stone Pony for my first concert, Taking Back Sunday and Saves the Day. I was 15, and it was in a terrible neighborhood. Nearly two decades later, I’m back to explore all this beach town has to offer because Asbury Park is experiencing a renaissance.
Running into the Atlantic Ocean at the Jersey Shore’s Cool Spot, Asbury Park.
First stop on the list is Asbury Book Cooperative. The independent bookstore carries used and new books. I was able to score a first edition of Murakami’s IQ84 for only $10! Next door was the unique Paranormal Books & Curiosities. They had a huge collection of tarot cards, quiji boards, and other freakish memorabilia. I picked up a Shining themed shirt.
The cutest storefront at Asbury Book Cooperative.
Scored a $10 find at Asbury Book Cooperative!
Freakish stuff at Paranormal Books & Curiosities.
My new boyfriend at Paranormal Books & Curiosities.
Next we bounced from boutique to boutique. We popped in to The Foolish Ginger, Rebel Supply Co., and Interwoven. Each store carried quirky and cute items. I would buy everything if I could!
Rockin’ the baby blue at Rebel Supply Co.
Of course the key to any beach town is the ocean. I ran into the Atlantic Ocean, which I hadn’t seen in nearly ten years. We even got to see graffiti art on the boardwalk.
Mural art on the boardwalk at Asbury Park.
Badass boombox at the boardwalk in Asbury Park.
As evening came upon us, we headed over to Talula’s to order “The Super Mario!” - a white pizza with ricotta, broccoli rabe, and fennel sausage. The ingredients were all fresh and local, and I loved it. We also ordered the “Milk & Honey Pana Cotta” with honey and bee pollen brittle for dessert. It tasted just like farm-to-table. We ended the night with a rum flight at Bonney Read. At Bonney Read you can try three flavors of rum and choose from over 60 different kinds. It was the perfect way to end the night.
Rum flight at Bonney Read in Asbury Park.