With Memorial Day rapidly approaching, what better way to spend a hot summer day than at the Jersey shore? Jump on Parkway South to exit 98 or cruise along Route 34 or 35 for the scenic path to Point Pleasant Beach. There is so much going on there from coffee shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques to sandwich shops and ice cream parlors. It’s a nice quiet area from Labor Day to Memorial Day but once summer hits, it’s all the rage.
After the drive over, there is no better way to satiate your travel-induced hunger than near Arnold Avenue, at Frankie’s Bar and Grill . It has a nice casual atmosphere with a large bar and generous seating. Their burgers are big and the beer is as cold as you’d hoped. I have always gotten my money’s worth here. Then, for some after-dinner caffeine or an early-morning pick-me-up, check out The Grind Coffee House on Arnold Avenue for your favorite flavored blend (and note that they feature a new lunch special everyday).
Window shop down Bay Avenue filled with antiques, furniture, jewelry, and odds and ends. Wander into Fabulous Finds, an eclectic gift shop, and you are likely to dig up something fun. Point Pleasant is home to the original Jersey Mike’s Subs – delicious, huge and inexpensive – as well as Hoffman’s Ice Cream , which makes their own ice cream and serves a multitude of flavors, including flavor of the month (April’s was creamsicle).
But, hey! You didn’t drive all this way just to check out stuff indoors! Jenkinson’s Boardwalk will greet you with the smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves and the sight of bikinis (if you have the eyesight for such tiny things). You can win your girlfriend a stuffed animal at one of the game booths or succumb to your sweet tooth at the numerous candy and ice cream shops. I’m personally fond of Dippin Dots, those tiny balls of flash-frozen ice cream that make you think of astronaut food. I tried them first at Jenk’s and have loved them since!
If you didn’t stuff your face too much, ride the Himalayas at Jenk’s amusement park. For those with queasy stomachs, opt for the train around the park. Once you’ve had your fill of exciting rides, look for the large, coral-colored building – Jenkinson’s Aquarium . It is home to seals, sharks, penguins and a touch tank. You can actually touch the sea stars and sharks in the tank! Further north, you will hear the sound of Ol’ Blue Eyes pouring from a spot the locals call the Sinatra house. The boardwalk ends at the Manasquan Inlet , a nice place to relax and watch the boats come in.
As the sun sets, the nightlife awakens. At Jenk’s Club or Martell’s Tiki Bar , you will find an eclectic mix. Live music and DJs have the dance floor packed! Beware of the “pumpin’ fists” dance maneuver! The Tiki Bar is more relaxed with lots of seating for the young and old, bennys or tourists.
There is only one thing to do after a night of drinking and dancing: eat again! The Ocean Bay Diner, aka OB Diner on Route 35 is open 24/7 and serves typical diner food along with Italian and Greek dishes. I suggest the pork roll sandwich with cheese, a Jersey favorite, of course!
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One of the greatest things about working in a restaurant is all of the interesting characters you can work with. If your experiences are anything like mine, they will become like a little family. But in every family there are always some black sheep. Here are a few of the co-workers you may not invite out with you after your shift for drinks – but the job just wouldn’t be the same without them.
