A Walk Through Asbury Park NJ

Once rated the worst, now among the best shore towns.

When we moved from Michigan to New Jersey in 1996 I asked my new neighbors about the Jersey Shore. I was told two things. 1). Each town has its own flavor. There are those on the Jersey Shore that are family friendly. And there are towns that appeal to young people and are known for their bars and debauchery. And 2). Stay away from rundown crime-ridden Asbury Park. Walking the boardwalk there is taking your life into your own hands. But today, that is far from Asbury Park’s story.

My son likes to say that Asbury Park has its fair share of hedonism on display. And while that may be true, there is a real coexistence between its straight, gay and traditional family constituencies. For example, this playground on the beach and a nearby water splash park just across the boardwalk are great family attractions. But there are a plethora of bars and restaurants too - for every palate - and I’m not just talking about the food.

Wesley Lake separates Asbury Park from Ocean Grove and on the Asbury Park side you can treat yourself to a spin on the lake on a swan pedal boat. A delight for children but also a romantic stop for couples. The footbridge in the background connects the two towns. And the lifestyle on the other side of the bridge couldn’t be more different. Ocean Grove was founded by the Camp Meeting Association in 1869 by Methodist clergymen and remains a dry town to this day. Until recently, the beach was off limits on Sundays. This year is the first when you can stroll on Ocean Grove’s beach on the Christian sabbath.

There are a number of expressive murals scattered throughout Asbury Park.

A classic Porsche is parked in front of one of the many restaurants offering outside dining on Cookman Ave.

The internationally famous Stone Pony and the locally famous Wonder Bar are blocks apart and both feature terrific live bands playing original music. They are sometimes frequented by Asbury Park’s most famous son, who has been known to occasionally pick up a guitar and sit in with the featured band for a familiar tune or two. Hint: One might be “Born in the USA.”

All photos copyright Gary Baumgarten

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