Star News Group
Calendar of Events
Restaurant Guide
Asbury Park
Avon-by-the-Sea
Bayhead
Belmar
Brick
Brielle
Freehold
Howell
Lavallette
Monmouth Beach
Manasquan
Mantoloking
Neptune
Point Pleasant Beach / Point Pleasant Boro
Sandy Hook
Sea Girt
Seaside Heights
Spring Lake
Toms River Township
Asbury Park
This historic shore town features one of the best beaches in the state, ranked sixth best beach according to New Jersey's Top Ten Beaches 2008. 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 (both in April), 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.
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 and Langosta Lounge 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.
Avon-By-The-Sea
Avon-By-The-Sea Brief History:
Back in 1878, many wealthy visitors from New York and Philadelphia vacationed at the Jersey Shore in such towns as Asbury Park, Long Branch & Ocean Grove. At this time, present day Avon-by-the-Sea was known locally as New Branch or the Swanton Tract, depending on whom you talked to.
One of the many wealthy visitors to frequent the shore was a tobacco manufacturer from Philadelphia named Edward Batchelor. One day while en route to a fishing hole, he happened upon New Branch and was very impressed with the land. Coincidentally, the land was for sale, so Mr. Batchelor purchased it the next day for $45,000.00.
In 1897 Mr. Batchelor hired a few engineers to look after the land. It is during this time that the town started to take shape. Mr. Batchelor had wanted to use the land as the new headquarters of his tobacco company, but instead took the advice of his engineers and developed the land for residential use.
With Mr. Batchelor's guidance and investments over the next several years, the town started to grow as a resort community. Land for residential purposes was sold for astronomical amounts.
The town was incorporated as "Avon-by-the-Sea" on March 23, 1900. Soon after, a boardwalk was laid and a fire department was organized.
However, where the name "Avon" came from remains somewhat of a mystery. It is suggested by some that the name "Avon" came from the Avon Inn, constructed in 1883.
Nowadays, Avon By The Sea still offers much to vacationers or day visitors. Just 60 miles from New York and Philadelphia, it is a great place to swim & relax in the summer sun. Plenty of fine restaurants, shops, Victorian homes and a non-commercial boardwalk make Avon one of New Jersey's most relaxing respites.
Bayhead
Since its incorporation in the 1880's, Bay Head remains a premier location for visitors to relax in a quaint country village by the sea. Just 70 miles South of New York City and 65 miles East of Philadelphia, Bay Head offers many unique shops and bed & breakfast inns. Architecture buffs will enjoy marveling at the many large, well kept Victorian homes that dot the tree-lined streets of this shore town.
Bay Head remains a small, quiet community ~ there are no public changing rooms and food & beverages are not allowed on the beach. However, visitors may rent kayaks, bikes and surfboards right in town.
While the town of Bay Head maintains a non-commercial boardwalk, visitors can take advantage of being only one mile south of Pt. Pleasant, which offers many amusements as well as restaurants and additional shopping. Barnegat Bay, just to the west of Bay Head, offers boating, fishing and water-skiing.
If what you are looking for is a quiet getaway to one of New Jersey's most charming seaside town, Bay Head is the place for you.
Belmar
Belmar NJ is one of the most active towns on the Jersey Shore. It boasts a large public Marina along with a new gateway to the beach. The Belmar Bridge once was an obstacle to the southern routes along the Jersey shore. Now it is the convenient way to tour the New Jersey Shore. The Borough of Belmar enjoys an influx of over one hundred thousand visitors per season, beginning with the St. Patrick's Day Parade, followed by the annual Sea Food Festival.
Later in the summer, a popular 5k race on July 9th and a mid-summer Professional Volleyball Tournament on July 8th through the 10th, add to the appeal of this summer haven. The public docks at the Marina provide easy boating access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Shark River Inlet. Along the Shark River Inlet, you will pass the Coast Guard Station on the North Shore in Avon-By-The-Sea.
Belmar NJ is unique within the Jersey Shore. It offers a brisk summer rental market where a family of four can enjoy a low cost vacation. The weekend visitor has a real treat in store. There are a multitude of hotels, bed and breakfasts, real estate for sale, fine Belmar restaurants, shopping and fun bars to entertain and amuse.
Belmar fishing is renowned for the beginner as well as the serious enthusiast.
Have fun and don't forget your sun block!
Brick
Brick Township is a Township in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township had a total population of 76,119, making it the second most populous municipality in Ocean County behind Toms River Township. While Brick Township is located on the mainland, Beaches I, II and III are situated on the Barnegat Peninsula, a long, narrow barrier peninsula that separates Barnegat Bay from the Atlantic Ocean.
Brick Township was incorporated as a township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 15, 1850, from portions of both Dover Township (now Toms River Township) and Howell Township. Portions of the township were taken to form Point Pleasant Beach (May 18, 1886), Bay Head (June 15, 1886), Lakewood (March 23, 1892), Mantoloking (April 10, 1911) and Point Pleasant (April 21, 1920).
After hovering for years in the top five, in 2006, the township earned the title of "America's Safest City", out of 371 cities included nationwide in the 13th annual Morgan Quitno survey.
Brielle
Brielle New Jersey Brief History:
In 1664, when the area of present day Brielle was founded, it was a section of Shrewsbury Township, one of the original townships of Monmouth County. By the late 1600's, Dutch and English settlers were arriving and pursuing trades in the agricultural fields. A modest ship building industry developed, as did related shipping activities.
It wasn't until the second half of the 1800's that Brielle started to develop as a "summer" destination. At this point, many summer cottages and hotels were being built along the Manasquan River. The most popular riverfront hotel was The Union House, established after the Civil War by Captain John Brown.
In 1881, a group of investors formed the Brielle Land Association. They purchased 150 acres of farmland between Debbie's Creek and Mud Pond to be divided into lots for sale as vacation homes. One of the investors had a recent trip to Europe and suggested "Brielle" as a name for this area after Brielle, Holland. He thought the area resembled the coastal towns that dot Europe's North Sea and English Channel. The area started to flourish as a resort.
In the early 19th Century, Shrewsbury Township was divided. The southern section became Howell Township. In 1851 it was divided again and Wall Township was created. Brielle was created from a section of Wall in 1919.
Over the years Brielle has grown into a residential community with many of it's inhabitants commuting to careers in New York. Locally, the main industry is still tied to the waterfront. Brielle's marinas host more than 200 commercial and charter fishing boats.
Although there is no ocean frontage in Brielle, visitors are only a quick drive or bike ride away from the beautiful beaches of Pt. Pleasant and Manasquan. Recreation lovers will enjoy the abundant fishing opportunities in Brielle, as well as its nationally renowned golf course.
Freehold
If you ever heard the song "My Hometown" by Bruce Springsteen, you might wonder, where did these events take place? It's Freehold, New Jersey - the town where he grew up, the town that inspired much of the small-town America imagery of his lyrics.
However, the history of Freehold predates Bruce Springsteen by roughly 300 years. First settled in 1650, Freehold is one of the original townships of Monmouth County. It has always been the county seat, and from 1715 to 1801 Freehold was simply called "Monmouth Courthouse".
Freehold enjoys a past that is rich in American Revolution History. Visitors to Freehold can hike, horseback ride or picnic on the grounds of Monmouth Battlefield, the 18th century landscape of fields, woods and orchards where one of the largest battles of the Revolutionary War took place. In was here, on a scorching hot day, June 28, 1778, that George Washington attacked the British Troops who were at the time retreating from Philadelphia back to New York. Other famed participants of the Battle of Monmouth were Benedict Arnold, Alexander Hamilton, the Marquis de Lafayette and Molly Pitcher, who took over her husband's cannon after he was killed by British gunfire.
A walking tour of downtown Freehold is like a step back in time. Many of the beautiful buildings along Main Street date back to the 1800's - even before. The American Hotel, built in 1824, is in the process of getting a "face life" and will once again be open for business in the near future. The hotel's most famous visitor was Abraham Lincoln, who stopped here on the way to the White House in 1861. The oldest building in Freehold is St. Peter's Episcopal Church, built in 1683. Take a stroll through the old cemetery - you'll be fascinated by dates going back to the times of the pilgrims.
No trip to Freehold would be complete without stopping by Freehold Raceway, the nation's oldest and fastest daytime half-mile harness racing. It was first opened in 1853, and still operates seven days a week, night & day.
Freehold is a town as diverse at it is old. Quaint Victorian houses lay steps away from trendy dining spots and antique galleries. Freehold is a great day or weekend trip for those who love history, architecture, and of course, food!
Howell
Howell was formed from territory taken from Shrewsbury Township under an act of Assembly passed February 23, 1801, and included in addition to its present area all of what is now Wall Township, Lakewood Township, Brick Township, and all the boroughs along the Atlantic Ocean from Barnegat Inlet of the Shark River Inlet at Belmar.
Today, Howell functions as a diverse community in Central, New Jersey. A variety of activities are abundant in this bustling town. Point of interest are the Manasquan Reservoir that offers nature and exercise related activities such as fishing, bird watching, jogging, biking, dog walking. The reservoir also has a nature exhibit where people can go see the local wildlife. Turkey Swamp Park, which has many trails that you can walk or go horseback riding on. The park also has campgrounds that you can stay in all year round. Shark River offers fishing and rafting, and shoppers and bargain hunters can be thrilled by the township's close proximity to the Freehold Raceway Mall and Jackson Premium Shopping Outlets.
So whether it's a day biking, hiking, horseback riding, or shopping, Howell Township has something for everyone.
Lavallette
Lavallette NJ Brief History:
Captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey first happened upon Lavallette in 1614. As Captain Mey sailed the Northern end of Long Beach Island, he noted very rough tides through the northern inlet. He named the inlet "Barendegat", which means "Inlet of the Breakers". This name has since been Anglicized to "Barnegat". Lavallette enjoys two beaches on Barnegat Bay as well as eight ocean beaches.
Because of its Bay and Ocean Beaches, Lavallette has always been an ideal family community.
There are designated beaches for surfing and fishing, as well as playgrounds and crabbing docks. Visitors can boat, windsurf and water ski on Barnegat Bay.
Lavallette's location also provides easy access to many other great resort attractions in Ocean County, such as Long Beach Island, Atlantic City and Cape May.
If you are looking for a vacation that offers beautiful beaches, plenty of water sports and easy access to top rated restaurants and entertainment, Lavallette is the place for you!
Manasquan
Long before Dutchman Henry Hudson came ashore Manasquan in his ship, the "Half Moon", the Unamis Indians, a local branch of the Lenni Lenape's, lived along the Manasquan River and the beachfront. Various old records show the land named as "Miniquan", "Mannisquan", "Squan" and "Squan Village". The name "Manasquan" is said to mean "an island with enclosure for squans".
Since Captain Hudson arrived in Manasquan NJ in 1609, much has changed. The first several hundred years of settlers in Manasquan were devoted mostly to agriculture and fishing for their main economic base. In the 1800's, investors saw the opportunity to market Manasquan as a resort town for people eager to get out of New York and Philadelphia on hot summer days. Hotels were erected as well as large summer cottages for the wealthy. Visitors could enjoy the beach as well as the Manasquan River.
Today Manasquan remains one of the top New Jersey Shore getaways. Thousands flock to the beach each summer by day - and many more come to Manasquan in the evening to enjoy the fine restaurants and nightlife. Manasquan offers fishing in the ocean and river, as well as one entire beach devoted to the needs of the handicapped.
Sitting just north of Pt. Pleasant, Manasquan NJ is an ideal vacation spot for couples, families, and anyone else looking for lots of sun, sand, and plenty of activity.
Mantoloking
Mantoloking is a Borough in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the borough had a total population of 423. Mantoloking is the wealthiest community in the state of New Jersey and is ranked as the 15th highest-income place in the United States.
Mantoloking was incorporated as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 10, 1911, from portions of Brick Township.
Mantoloking is a Jersey Shore community situated on the Barnegat Peninsula, a long, narrow barrier peninsula that separates Barnegat Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. Mantoloking is home to the Olympic-champion producing Mantoloking Yacht Club. Mantoloking is home to many homes of the Shingle Style and seashore colonial designs with cedar shakes and white trim; popular in places like Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Newport. Together with Bay Head to the north, Mantoloking is considered part of the Jersey Shore's "Gold Coast".
Monmouth Beach
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Shrewsbury River, Monmouth Beach has a history that dates way back to 1668, when the land, including Sea Bright, was purchased by Eliakim Wardell. A few hundred years later, in 1842, the property was in the hands of Wardell's great-grandson, Henry. Henry sold one of the lots to the U.S. Life Saving Service, and the rest, in 1865, to Arthur V. Conover of Freehold. Mr. Conover purchased the land from Wardell for just $5.00 an acre, and soon after sold lots for $100.00 an acre.
In 1871, Conover and some investors founded the Monmouth Beach Association, headed by a Swedish engineer who was to map out streets and lots for homes. Large, oceanfront homes were built, and those wealthy enough to buy them came in droves.
The town of Monmouth Beach officially got its charter on March 9, 1906. Monmouth Beach enjoys a perfect mix of small town charm and seaside resort. The architecture of Monmouth Beach includes many 19th Century Victorians as well as contemporary seaside mansions. This, combined with a newly expanded beachfront and fabulous dining nearby, make Monmouth Beach an ideal spot on the Jersey Shore.
Neptune
Neptune, named after the Roman God of the Sea, was incorporated as a borough on October 4, 1881. At this time, Neptune NJ included all of present-day Avon by the Sea and Bradley Beach. In March of 1900, Avon by the Sea was created as its own borough. Seven years later on 1907, Bradley Beach separated from Neptune to become its own borough as well.
Known as the "Crossroads of the Jersey Shore", Neptune has seen a tremendous increase in technology in the last decade. Neptune is home to Jersey Shore Medical Center, a university hospital and affiliate of the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Jersey Shore Medical is a top hospital for cardiac care, and is also on the cutting edge in other major health related fields such as cancer research and women's health.
The residential and commercial increase of Neptune NJ has been substantial as well. Large homes with close proximity to Jumping Brook Golf Course continue to be in high demand. Many great restaurants are flourishing in this area due to the large amount of tourism in the summer months and beyond. Visitors to Neptune have close proximity to the charm of Ocean Grove, the peaceful atmosphere of Deal and the legendary Rock Clubs of Asbury. Whether you are looking to golf or sunbathe, shop or fish, it's all nearby in Neptune.
Point Pleasant Beach / Point Pleasant Boro
On September 2, 1609, Henry Hudson and the crew of his ship, Half Moon, noticed Point Pleasant Beach on their way north to explore the Hudson River. Crewmember, Robert Juet, noted in his journal, "This is a very good Land to fall with and a pleasant Land to see." The Borough of Point Pleasant Beach was established 277 years later on June 2, 1886.
Originally a seashore playground for the Leni Lanape Indians, settlers arrived during the 1700's. Fishermen and farmers by trade, many owned hundreds of acres of land. Summer tourism began in the early 1800's, when Thomas Cook, Jr. opened his farmhouse on the site of the current Antrim Elementary School to boarders. Soon, the four or five other farm families who owned most of the local properties were also taking in guests. The fee of $8-12 a week for room and board would often include meals and a wagon ride through the cornfields to the beach. Visitors enjoyed the seclusion, cool sea breezes, picnicking in cedar groves along the Manasquan River, fishing and hunting. They probably did not drink or party, as Cook and other early landowners were devout Quakers.
Captain John Arnold did the most to establish Point Pleasant Beach as a destination for visitors in the 1870's, when he retired from a career at sea and bought land. In 1870, he built a roadway to the ocean, now known as Arnold Avenue. In 1875, he was instrumental in building the first bridge over the Manasquan River to Brielle. Later, he convinced the Central Jersey Railroad to extend its service to Point Pleasant Beach by giving it right-of-way, land for a depot, and about $6,000 cash. On July 3, 1880, the first passenger train rolled into Point Pleasant Beach.
The 1870's was also an era of major tourism expansion, driven by developers who subdivided old farms for vacation home lots. Captain Arnold devised Arnold City between Central and what was to become Arnold Avenue. In 1877, the Point Pleasant Land Company bought the old Forman Farm, 250 acres on what is now Route 35 South, between Forman and Elizabeth Avenues, and began selling lots. To attract buyers, it built the Resort House in 1878 and began horse-drawn trolley service for tourists. The grand four-story, 200-guest Resort House was, by far, the largest building in town. It featured shaded groves of oak and locust, a velvet lawn and a commanding view of the beachfront dunes. Inside, was a ballroom and bowling alley. About a half dozen other gracious hotels were built before the turn-of-the-century. The Leighton was the largest, located on the dunes between Forman and Trenton Avenues. The Beacon Hotel, on 18 acres of oceanfront near the Bay Head border, advertised the beneficial qualities of its spring water. Zimmerman's on Bay Avenue, now a residential hotel, emphasized '92 New York trains, 20 Philadelphia trains, trolley lines, water works, electric light plants and no mosquitoes. Many of these edifices, including the Resort House, burned to the ground, while others succumbed to changing tastes in lodging. The Leighton was dismantled for scrap wood during World War II.
Boardwalk enthusiasm came relatively late. In the earliest years, visitors focused their attention on the Manasquan River, cedar groves and farmhouses; but eventually, wanted to be near the ocean. The first beachfront pavilion was constructed on Atlantic Avenue in 1880. Ten years later, the first boardwalk was built-a flimsy, portable structure. It washed away within two years.
Around 1892, visitors flocked to Clark's Landing, the original amusement area, on the Manasquan River in Point Pleasant. It featured a merry-go-round with a steam organ and ice cream making machine. In 1896, a small snack shack on the Manasquan Inlet served coffee, sandwiches, ice cream and pie. In 1897, the decision for privately owned beaches in Point Pleasant Beach was made when, as noted in the August 16th Council minutes, "Ownership of the Beach turned down by the Council because of the extreme cost to the Borough for maintenance."
The first permanent boardwalk, which ran between Philadelphia and Central Avenues, came in 1915. It would eventually be expanded to run the entire length of Point Pleasant Beach; but was shortened to its present length by the hurricane of September 1938, which destroyed the southern portion. The boardwalk was slowly transformed from a place to stroll to an active amusement area. It was already the long-time home of a merry-go-round and several other amusements when, in the late 1920's, Orlo Jenkinson built Jenkinson's Pavilion and Swimming Pool. The boardwalk pavilion became the place to go for a night of sophisticated dancing to well-known big bands. Sometimes, a live nationally broadcast radio hookup added to the excitement.
Nowadays, Point Pleasant Beach has a thriving downtown business district, hosting diverse shopping experiences, as well as premiere antique establishments. It is famous for its annual Seafood Festival in September. The Boardwalk is home to a first class aquarium, as well as rides, arcades and diverse dining experiences, ranging from the traditional sausage sandwich to sushi.
Sandy Hook
Originally discovered by the famous Sea Captain Henry Hudson in the early 1600's, Sandy Hook remains a beautiful, 1,665-acre barrier peninsula within view of the Manhattan skyline. The seven-mile stretch of spectacular ocean and bay beaches are excellent for surf casting, swimming, and relaxing on the sand. Nature lovers will revel in the 300 - plus species of migratory birds, as well as the pristine holly forest.
There is no beach town or commercial community of Sandy Hook - it is actually a National Park that is also home to a military base and a lighthouse. It is recommended that those who would like to spend some time in Sandy Hook stay in Highlands, which is located on the hill across the bay. Highlands is the highest point on the entire eastern seaboard, and during the height of Prohibition became a bootleggers paradise. A sleepy seaside town, Highlands lost many vacationers to glitzier towns such as Atlantic City during the second half of the 20th Century.
Highlands boasts an abundance of seafood restaurants, nightlife and outdoor activities. The main historic site in Highlands is the Twin Lighthouses, commissioned by the Federal Government in 1828 to aid the ships navigating the harbor. Twin Lights was the first twin lighthouse ever built, the first to use kerosene and the first to use electricity. Visitors may tour the maritime museum, as well as enjoy a spectacular view of the ocean, the bay, Sandy Hook and New York.
The Sandy Hook / Highlands area remain a favorite Jersey Shore getaway for Manhattanites due to the convenience of a forty-minute ferry ride from the Wall Street area. Come to Sandy Hook to spend the day enjoying the ocean and basking in the sun, top it off with a wonderful seafood dinner and cocktails in Highlands!
Sea Girt
Sea Girt NJ Brief History:
The Borough of Sea Girt was incorporated in 1917 and was, prior to incorporation, part of Wall Twp. The one-square mile municipality includes the area between Stockton Lake and Wreck Pond. The National Guard Camp and State Police Academy, located in the southernmost area of town, is the only area of town that has not been developed.
The Spring Lake entrance to Sea Girt is from the north end of town over the Wreck Pond Bridge. Because the railroad tracks at the west end of town established dead end streets on all but Beacon Blvd. and Washington Blvd, the only two exits are to the west.
Most of the town's residents are year-round inhabitants. If you are hungry or thirsty, visit The Parker House (restaurant/bar), Rod's (restaurant/bar), and Edgar's.
The Sea Girt National Guard Camp is host to summer and fall Monmouth-Ocean County soccer camps and leagues. The National Guard camp was once the summer home to past governors of the state and was frequented b President Woodrow Wilson. Today, Sea Girt boasts an award-winning lifeguard program and a variety of youth-related activities offered by a capable and respectable town government.
Seaside Heights
Seaside Heights NJ Brief History:
Seaside Heights, a small .3 square mile Jersey Shore town, started to see its first real development stage in the early 1900's. A local development company campaigned wealthy Philadelphia-area residents to build vacation homes in Seaside Heights. During this period, land costs were quite reasonable. This fact, combined with the beautiful beaches and salty air was all it took to start Seaside Heights on its way to becoming a premier spot for a Jersey Shore vacation.
Seaside Heights was incorporated as a borough in 1913. By 1915, Seaside Heights had two hotels as well as development plans for a carousel, billiards, and other amusements. That same year, a toll bridge across Barnegat Bay was constructed to link Seaside Heights with the mainland. Vacationers no longer had to use a boat or train to get to Seaside Heights. From 1917 to 1921, construction of the boardwalk was underway. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 1955. Of course, it was rebuilt and today visitors enjoy the mile long boardwalk filled with rides, food, amusements and games.
Bordering Barnegat Bay on the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Seaside Heights has a year round population of 3,100 people that swells to 30 - 40 thousand per weekend in summer. It is a convenient ride from the Philadelphia and New York Metropolitan areas, and just one hour away from Atlantic City.
Visitors to Seaside Heights will be welcomed with a dizzying array of things to do. Besides the pristine beaches, there are hundreds of choices for food, nightlife, water sports and boardwalk activities. Seaside Heights enjoys sunrises over the Atlantic and sunsets over Barnegat Bay. Come to Seaside Heights to experience all the best attractions that the famed Jersey Shore has to offer!
Spring Lake
Spring Lake New Jersey Brief History:
Named after the natural springs that feed into the town's largest lake, Spring Lake is considered one of the most beautiful seashore towns in the state. Ever since its incorporation in the 1800's, large, well-kept Victorian mansions line the perfectly manicured, tree-shaded streets. A quaint downtown area boasts no fewer than 60 fine shops and boutiques as well as many gourmet restaurants.
Toms River Township
As the 7th largest municipality in New Jersey, Toms River prides itself on its 242-year old history that has laid the foundation for our township to become the seat of Ocean County, which is the second largest county in New Jersey.
Town Hall is the center of an attractive government complex, with the Ocean County Superior Court House and main branch of the county library system and downtown business district all adjacent to our municipal center.
Toms River's exit 82 A/B off the Garden State Parkway leads visitors to our main commercial corridor, Rt. 37, which rides directly into Jersey's Shore's own Seaside Heights Borough.
Our ideal demographics also place our municipality midway between New York, Philadelphia and a short distance from Atlantic City. Since the mid 1800's, Tom River's rural farming, fishing and boat-building area has grown from a 2,700 populace to today's 95,000 residents.
Toms River is not only a wonderful place to live but also an attractive place to visit, with miles of Atlantic Ocean on Toms River's Ortley and Normandy beaches. Aside from oceanfront fun, Toms River's Silverton section and Toms River itself spill into the Barnegat Bay, making our township a fine boating and fishing haven with marinas and inlets to satisfy the avid fisherman and boater.
Along with waterfront activities, our municipally owned 18-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks and numerous playgrounds, parks, sport fields and recreational facilities, making our township one-of-a-kind.
While providing residents and visitors with entertaining opportunities, safety is Toms River's first priority with an outstanding police department that under their watch assisted Toms River in being designated 9th Safest City in the United States.
With so much more to learn about our terrific township, I encourage you to browse the site and learn for yourself.
For further information on fine dining, fireworks and entertainment events, please visit the Chamber of Commerce website.
For further information on the history of the area visit the Point Pleasant Area Historical Society website.
