Beach Haus Brewery is a one-of-a-kind find in downtown Belmar, New Jersey. Beach Haus is the first and only microbrewery in the borough, serving up locally inspired whistle wetters such as Parade Day Coffee Stout, Winter Rental Black Lager, and Belmartian Milkshake India Pale Ale — and now offering casual dining and cocktails. Beach Haus Brewery opened in 2015 at the former location of Freedman’s Bakery on the corner of Main Street and 8th Avenue. The restaurant is adjacent to the window-lined Beach Haus taproom on the second floor of the brewery. (Local readers may recall when Benny’s Fattoria once occupied the space.) The 4,000-square-foot area is thoughtfully designed for sampling, dining, and socializing. The food menu includes selections of appetizers, wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts. After acquiring the liquor license from the former Jack's Tavern in 2019, the Beach Haus folks also introduced a full-service bar with specialty drinks, wine, beer cocktails and craft spirits, in addition to their tasty beer flights (four samples per flight). Happy hour at Beach Haus is Monday through Friday, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.with a small selection of food and drink specials, including half-price pizzas, $1.00 off beer flights, and $5.00 glasses of wine. Monday night is industry night at Beach Haus, with 50 percent off your check with proof of employment in the restaurant or bar business. Seating is first-come, first-served, so it's best to get there early to avoid long waits, especially on the weekends. Just outside the taproom and restaurant, a palm-lined deck with umbrella tables is the perfect spot to take in the sweeping views of the Belmar Marina and downtown Belmar. In recent years, the deck at Beach Haus has been a popular place to watch the annual Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We like how Beach Haus Brewery collaborates with other Belmar businesses to inspire new products. For example, Turnstile Coffee Roasters and Main Street Donuts partnered with Beach Haus on a project called the Parade Day Coffee Stout Donut. Turnstile roasted the coffee beans that were used to make the beer that was subsequently used in the doughnut batter and buttercream icing. Genius — and delicious! Also check out the "Joey Bag of Donuts" dessert on the restaurant menu, freshly prepared by Joe Rizzuto, proprietor of Main Street Donuts. RELATED: One-Of-A-Kind Finds – Main Street Donuts The first floor of the brewery houses a spacious retail shop with a beer bar, as well as takeout beer and swag for sale. Bring in your growler for a refill, or take home some bottles, cans or kegs of your favorite microbrew. The swag for sale includes Beach Haus hoodies, hats, T-shirts, mugs, and glassware. Gift cards are also available for purchase in the store and on the Beach Haus website. RELATED: One-Of-A-Kind Finds - Flames Brazilian Steakhouse In spring 2019, Beach Haus Brewery earned first- and second-place honors at the Atlantic City Beer and Music Fest for two of its newest craft creations. Free World Pale Ale won first prize in the American Pale Ale category. A milkshake IPA named We Were Made For Peach Other snagged second place in the category of New England IPAs. The taproom, retail store, and restaurant are all currently open seven days a week at Beach Haus Brewery. CDC COVID-19 guidelines are being carefully followed to ensure a safe guest experience for all. If you live outside the area, you can still get your craft beer fix with "Haus to House" statewide delivery. Deliveries are made between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month and must be ordered by 10:00 p.m. the Wednesday prior. Minimum $75.00 order plus $10.00 delivery fee. Visit the Beach Haus website for more information. Beach Haus Brewery 801 Main Street Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-202-7782 www.beachhausbeer.com Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. RELATED: Plan Your Vacation In Belmar, New Jersey Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

You can’t drive through downtown Belmar, New Jersey, without noticing the iconic Taylor Hardware store on the corner of Main Street and 10th Avenue. For over 125 years, generations of area families have shopped at Taylor Hardware for its vast selection of home and garden goods, seasonal merchandise, and home-improvement services. Without a doubt, residents and visitors alike appreciate the friendly, small-town customer service that Taylor Hardware is best known for. Tell us a little bit about your business. Taylor Hardware has been serving the Jersey Shore since 1894. The store has had various locations in Belmar, and we have been located on the corner of Main Street and 10th Avenue since 1962. We sell everything for the homeowner, small contractor, and do-it-yourself crowd. Our business is known for great service, a large selection of products, and a very knowledgeable staff that is always willing to help the customer. In March 2020, Taylor Hardware also began selling the full line of Benjamin Moore paint products, after taking over the license from Belmar Paint & Decorating. What was the inspiration for your business? Our store fills a need for the Shore towns. Trends and technology changes over the years, but people still need a good hardware store. We have a strong and loyal customer base and work hard to keep them happy on a daily basis. RELATED: Shopping For A Good Cause At The Center Square Thrift Shop What do you enjoy most about being part of the local business community? I feel that we are a strong part of the local business community. Its enjoyable to see how the businesses support each other. I interact with almost everyone in town in at some point. People come in to get a key cut and end up hanging around sharing stories and town news. What makes Belmar great is our people and their loyalty to our town! What is something most people don't know about your business? People are often surprised that I am not Joe Taylor! My dad, Bill Connor, bought the store from John Taylor in 1978. We are entering our 40th year in business. If I was asked to describe my background in a few sentences, I would tell you that…. I was raised in Belmar, graduated from St. Rose High School in 1982, and went onto Saint Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont, graduating in 1986. I met my wife, Donna, at St. Rose, and we have been married for 29 years. We have two children: Our son, Jake, is currently involved in the business, and our daughter, Gabriella, works for a marketing firm in Red Bank. RELATED: Shopping In The Belmar Area When I’m not working, I like to…. When I am not in the store, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love to play golf and have met a lot of great people on the golf course. Often, I get to play with my mom and my son; we call it the three-generation game! Donna and I love getting out on the boardwalk and enjoying our beautiful beaches; it is a happy place for us. What is the biggest lesson you have learned being in business for yourself? The biggest lesson I have learned over the years is patience. Some years are better than others, but over the course of time, it evens out. Another lesson that we practice every day is trying to treat everyone with respect. Take care of your customers and they will always come back! Taylor Hardware Store 914 Main Street Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-681-0511 www.taylorhardwarebelmar.com Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

With its scenic riverfront location along Route 35 in Belmar, New Jersey, Maclearie Park is an outdoor adventurist’s dream destination, especially if you like to play pickleball with a water view. Pickleball is a popular racquet sport that is part badminton and part ping-pong, played on a 20-foot by 44-foot court with a net height of 36 inches. The court has a 14-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net. This feature is designed to prevent spiking of the ball. The blue-surfaced pickleball courts in Belmar are one of nearly 8,500 locations nationwide dedicated to the sport. Belmar’s pickleball courts were built in 2021, near the public tennis courts at Maclearie Park. Court time is available on a first-come, first-served basis. RELATED : Best Playgrounds And Parks In Belmar About The Game Of Pickleball According to the USA Pickleball Association, the game originated in a Seattle-area back yard in 1965. Over the past 55+ years, pickleball has exponentially grown into an international recreational, league and tournament sport, with over 3.3 million players in the United States alone. Similar to tennis, two to four players can play a game of pickleball, either as singles or doubles. The pickleball serve is always an underhand serve made diagonally to the opposing team or player, according to the International Federation of Pickleball . Only the serving side can score points in a pickleball match. Similar to volleyball, the person who serves in a pickleball game continues to serve until their side commits a fault. Common pickleball faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, failing to hit the ball over the net, or touching the lines or any other part of the non-volley zone. The first side that scores 11 points with a two-point lead over the other side is declared the winner of the pickleball game. RELATED : Area Attractions Near Belmar, New Jersey Belmar Recreation Pickleball Games Intermediate and advanced pickleball players are invited to participate in Belmar Recreation's weekly games at the municipal gym, 601 Main Street (in the Borough Hall building). Adult evening pickleball games are played every Monday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. now through the start of basketball season in June. Players must be age 21 or older. The cost is $10.00 per game. Residents over age 65 may play pickleball at the municipal gym for free every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between the hours of 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Intermediate or advanced levels only. For more information, contact Belmar Recreation by email or by calling 732-681-3700, ext. 211. RELATED : Find A Free Little Library In Belmar Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com . Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog , a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

One of best things about living at the beach is the opportunity to enjoy a stay-at-home vacation when summer season is in full swing. Here's a recap of our recent staycation adventure in Belmar, New Jersey, one of the most popular family travel destinations at the Jersey Shore. Day one of staycation kicked off with a bike tour through town. First stop: Fueling up with lunch at the Belmar Marina waterfront restaurant, Marina Grille, where we enjoyed small plates of grilled octopus with pickled red onions and crab-and-spinach fondue. After lunch, we biked over to the nearby miniature golf course at 9th Avenue Pier for 18 holes and then headed to Klein’s Fish Market and Waterside Café for sushi and a happy hour beverage. After a quick stop home to freshen up, our outing continued with dinner under a sunset sky at Rajin’ Cajun and a final stop for homemade ice cream at Niki Maccanico's Ice Cream on Main Street. RELATED : Marina Grille: 12,000 Square Feet Of 'Wow!' At The Belmar Marina During day two of our staycation in Belmar, we enjoyed an early dinner of Margherita pizza and Caesar salad at La Terrazza on Ocean Avenue, followed by the annual Belmar fireworks on the beach at dusk. Day three of staycation, our last day, included a picture-perfect afternoon relaxing on Belmar beach, followed by a return trip to Marina Grille to watch the sunset with friends. RELATED : Area Attractions Near Belmar, NJ RELATED : Best Spots For Watching The Sunset In Belmar As you can see, whether you’re a year-round resident or a summertime visitor, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Belmar, a charming small-town by the sea. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com . RELATED : Visit Belmar, New Jersey - Tourism Information Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog , a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

The Jersey Shore Modern Quilt Guild invites young sewers to take part in "Kids Sew for Others" day on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Participants will be sewing zippered toiletry bags to benefit The Village in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, which provides clothing and necessities to foster care families and children in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The event takes place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Old Spool Sewing in Brielle, New Jersey. Belmar resident June Mellinger, who retired from the sewing industry after 25 years, has been a member of the Jersey Shore Modern Quilt Guild (JSMQG) for over four years. “Our guild has been involved in helping people in many different ways,” Mellinger says. “We have a very active charity quilt chairwoman who is always on the lookout for people who could benefit from our efforts. Every year, our guild makes one charity quilt to show at the Modern Quilt Guild’s QuiltCon, which requires all the quilts to be donated after the event is over. This year, our quilt was titled ‘Jersey Shore Bird,’ and we will be donating it to a young Marine Corps veteran from Neptune Township who is having a Smart Home built for him by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.” Over the past several years, the group’s charitable quilting initiatives have also benefited the Valerie Fund at Monmouth Medical Center, women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, and dialysis patients at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Members also have sewed portable diaper packs for hurricane victims in Houston, placemats for local Meals on Wheels clients, and even draft dodgers and bandannas for a senior dog sanctuary. In addition, JSMQG has donated 22 quilts to residents of the HABcore transitional housing community in Red Bank and over 40 quilts for the families displaced by the devastating 2017 Ocean Grove apartment fire. “The charity sews happen in many different ways,” Mellinger says. “For instance, when we decided to help the victims of the Ocean Grove fire, we set up a day of quilting in a huge auditorium in Asbury Park and invited anyone to come in to help us out. Other times, we have met in members’ homes for various stages of the projects and ultimately finished up at a Saturday sew-in. JSMQG meets the second Thursday of every month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. either through Facebook Meetings or in-person at the Old Spool Sewing Studio, 617 Higgins Avenue, Brielle. “Joining this group has been great,” says Mellinger. “It keeps me involved, and I have met lots of new friends. In addition to our charitable sewing, we participate in quilt shows, travel to local quilt shops and other guild meetings, and attend classes in New York City. We sometimes meet at members’ homes to work on projects.” Yearly membership dues are $40.00, with a $10.00 new-member fee for the first year. Members receive access to the national Modern Quilt Guild resources, forums and webinars as part of their JSMQG membership. “Our membership is open to all, and skill levels are not judged,” Mellinger says. “Members and friends bring their favorite project to work on, and new techniques are discussed at each meeting as well. We share and ask advice about what everyone is making. The best part about being in the guild is the camaraderie with folks you never would have met otherwise.” Email the Jersey Shore Modern Quilt Guild to learn more. Jersey Shore Modern Quilt Guild Website Facebook Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. Story © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

My fondness for all things Scone Pony began innocently enough: I was sipping morning coffee on the front porch when our rental guests that week surprised me with a plate of freshly baked scones from the Scone Pony in Spring Lake, New Jersey. It was love at first bite! The father of the family, who so generously shared his score from the bakery, said he waited 45 minutes for his turn at the busy counter. "The line went out the door and around the building," he said. In peak summer season, a customer waiting line of this magnitude is not unusual, for good reason. The scones we savored from our guests — cranberry orange and blueberry lemon — were heavenly in every way. They were l ightly glazed, with a moist and delightfully airy texture. Not too dry, not too crumbly, not too sweet. RELATED : Places We Love - Del Ponte's Bakery RELATED : A Slice Of Indulgence At Sweet Tease Tea Room In addition to their delicious namesake scones, this lovely little bakery offers a tempting selection of cupcakes, cakes, fresh fruit pies, and other treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. Get there early if you're going on a summer weekend! Scone Pony Specialty Bake Shoppe 305 Washington Avenue Spring Lake, New Jersey 732-280-8887 www.thesconepony.com Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com . Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog , a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

"One arm at a time! One arm at a time!" bellowed the surfing instructor as his young charge padded out into the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Back on the sand, the rest of that day's hopefuls looked on, eagerly awaiting their turn in the water. For the instructors and pupils alike, Summertime Surf School in Belmar, New Jersey, is one summer school that everybody loves to attend. Summertime Surf School has been teaching generations of young wave riders since 2006. Weekly kids' surfing camps for ages 7 to 15 are offered Monday through Friday at 3rd Avenue beach in Belmar beginning in June. The Summertime Surf instructors and camp counselors are experienced surfers who excel at providing an unforgettable first surfing experience centered around ocean safety and environmental responsibility. In addition to water safety, participants will learn paddling and surfing techniques and life skills such as environmental awareness and self-confidence. "Our mission is to provide the ultimate environment for teaching and learning the practices and values of the surf and ocean lifestyle," according to the Summertime Surf brochure and website. RELATED : Mini Golf With A Water View For summer 2022, the camp tuition is $475.00 for three-hour sessions (ages 7 to 14) and $375.00 for two hours (ages 4 to 6). One-hour learn-to-surf classes are also offered for ages 15 and up, starting at $75.00, and private surfing lessons are available for all ages beginning at $125.00. Surfboards are included for each student. In addition to their popular surfing camps, Summertime Surf offers private surfing lessons and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lessons for children, adults, families, and groups. Gift certificates are available for all Summertime Surf School experience packages and may be purchased online . Summertime Surf School Belmar beach at 3rd Avenue Enroll on the boardwalk at 3rd Ave. 732-599-2700 www.summertimesurf.com RELATED : Belmar Business Spotlight - Eastern Lines Surf Shop Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com . RELATED : Plan Your Vacation In Belmar, New Jersey Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog , a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

From just-baked blueberry scones and red velvet cupcakes, to freshly steeped green and white tea, you will find a rainbow of tasty treats at Sweet Tease Tea Room and Café in Belmar, New Jersey. “Gather and indulge” is the mantra at Sweet Tease, and owner Kate Heath provides a warm and welcoming place to celebrate friendships and family in vintage style. "I invited a crowd to my first official tea party at age 4, and it the rest is history,” says Heath of the self-described “Wonderland” she has created at Sweet Tease. “Opening my own tea room was always a dream, but never a goal,” she explains. “My mom, sisters, and the other ladies of the family always loved finding tea rooms and little out-of-the-way places to grab a bite. It was always a celebration of an otherwise regular day. When the opportunity came up to actually open a shop at the same time I wanted to stop commuting, things just fell into place.” Creating A Quaint Tea Room Experience The menu at Sweet Tease in Belmar includes brunch, lunch, and catering. The bakery at Sweet Tease is well-known for its from-scratch selections of buttery scones, flaky turnovers, muffins, cupcakes, quiches, croissants, pies, and cakes. Flavors and fillings of the baked goods vary every day. No tea room would be complete without an elegant high-tea service, and Sweet Tease serves afternoon tea in grand style. Along with endless pots of tea, the four-course service starts with soup or quiche. The starter course is followed by scones with jam and cream, along with assorted tea sandwiches and a selection of petite desserts. RELATED : 8 Great Breakfast Restaurants In the Belmar Area Bringing People Together Over Tea True to her gather-and-indulge spirit, Heath hosts numerous events at Sweet Tease, such as the World of Tea Book Club, which meets monthly. “Each book has a connection to a part of the world we get our tea from or a country with a strong tea culture, such as England,” according to Heath . “The books are mostly historical fiction, and I provide additional reading materials, which are autobiographical, memoirs or essays on the region or the featured tea. The night we meet, we have a tasting of several teas and a sampling of foods from the region mentioned in the book. Everyone gets a stamp in their Tea Passport and an ounce of tea to take home and brew.” In addition to the monthly book club, Sweet Tease hosts holiday cookie-decorating parties, girls night out sip-and-stitch gatherings, and other tea-themed events throughout the year. With on-site catering accommodations for up to 50 guests, Sweet Tease also hosts birthday parties for kids and adults, baby showers, bridal showers, and other special celebrations. Custom party packages start at $20 per person. Off-site party catering is also available for up to 200 guests. RELATED : Places We Love: Scone Pony Specialty Bake Shoppe Supporting A Vibrant Business Community Sweet Tease has been delighting guests since it first opened in a small Manasquan, New Jersey, storefront in 2009. Heath relocated her growing business to Belmar in 2014 after finding a perfect larger location on Main Street across from Belmar Borough Hall. “The Belmar business community is wonderful and unique. No other Jersey Shore town has the marina, train, beachfront and lakes, as well as easy highway access,” Heath says. “When we were looking, we found the difference between Belmar and some of the other towns was the Belmar Business Partnership [BBP]. They were very proactive in reaching out and offering not only financial support, but also a network of individuals committed to making Belmar a great place for businesses and families.” Sweet Tease is also one of the first businesses in Belmar to go all green in support of the environment. Coffee and tea are served in recyclable cups made from recycled materials, cold beverages are served with paper straws, and the takeout containers are recyclable cardboard and paper. As Sweet Tease continues to evolve and grow, Heath is savoring every moment. “Our customers come from all over the state, and our party business has grown so much bigger and faster than we anticipated in part due to the space we now have,” she says. “Our special events are selling out — so look for more of them to be posted.” Sweet Tease Tea Room and Café 604 Main Street Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-722-8030 www.sweetteasetearoom.com Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com . RELATED : Visit Belmar, New Jersey Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog , a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

Through its “Operation Thank You” program, the Borough of Belmar, New Jersey, provides free beach access to active-duty military personnel, disabled U.S. military veterans, and Gold Star families. In addition, Belmar businesses that participate in Operation Thank You provide special offers and shopping discounts to members of the U.S. armed forces and veterans in appreciation of their service. Eastern Lines Surf Shop on Ocean Avenue in Belmar has been involved with, and an advocate for, Operation Thank You since it was launched in 2015-16 by the Belmar Tourism Commission. "I am a firm believer that we all should support and thank our military and first responders for all they have done and continue to do," says Eastern Lines owner Don Tarrant, who has operated his Ocean Avenue business since 1981. "I think it's our duty to thank them for their service in any small way that we can." Look for the "Operation Thank You, Belmar" decal on the door or window of participating Belmar businesses. Special offers and discounts vary by business. For more information about "Operation Thank You, Belmar," contact the Belmar Tourism Commission at 732-681-3700, ext. 214. RELATED: Visitor Guide To Belmar Beach Tags, Parking, And More Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. RELATED: Visit Belmar, New Jersey Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

In addition to the wide variety of clothing boutiques, gift shops and other retail stores for shopping local in Belmar, New Jersey, you'll find some unbeatable bargains at the nearby outlet malls and shopping centers. Outlet shopping during your Jersey Shore vacation is a great way to spend a rainy day or to take a break from the beach if you've had too much sun. 1. Jersey Shore Premium Outlets 1 Premium Outlets Boulevard Tinton Falls, New Jersey 07753 732-918-1700 Jersey Shore Premium Outlets is approximately 15 minutes from Belmar by car. It is an open-air shopping center with 120 stores, selling everything from athletic wear, to women's, children's and men's clothing; shoes; designer handbags, fragrances, and cosmetics; candles; housewares; sunglasses; and much more. Open seven days a week. Work up an appetite while bagging all those bargains? Jersey Shore Premium Outlets also has a food court, as well as casual grab-and-go eateries such throughout. RELATED : Shopping Local In Belmar, NJ 2. Jackson Premium Outlets Route 537 Monmouth Road Just north of I-195 Jackson, New Jersey 08527 732-833-0503 Approximately 30 minutes from our Belmar vacation rental you'll find Jackson Premium Outlets, two miles from Six Flags Great Adventure. This outlet mall is easy to reach via exit 16 of Interstate 195 West and has 70 stores selling name-brand and designer merchandise. Other Nearby Shopping Centers Brook 35 Plaza 2150 Route 35 Sea Girt, New Jersey 732-974-2284 Website Stores include: Ann Taylor, Barefoot athleisure boutique, The Bee, Banana Republic, Williams-Sonoma, Gap, Bath & Body Works, Starbucks, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and more. Monmouth Mall Junction of Routes 35 & 36 Eatontown, New Jersey 732-542-0333 Website Stores include: Macy's, Boscov's, JCPenney, AMC Movies, Barnes & Noble, Express, Old Navy, Pac Sun, Victoria's Secret, and more. In addition to a mall food court with Chick-fil-A and other to-go restaurants, the Monmouth Mall has a Shake Shack, Chili's Grill & Bar, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Ruby Tuesday, TGI Fridays, Auntie Anne's, and other casual dining options. Freehold Raceway Mall Routes 9 and 33 Freehold, New Jersey 732-577-1144 Website Stores include: Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Nordstrom, Abercrombie & Fitch, Bath & Body Works, White Barn, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Sephora, Charlotte Russe, JCPenney, Kirkland's, L.L. Bean, P.F. Chang's, Cheesecake Factory, AMC Theaters, and more. Christmas Tree Shop is nearby in a separate shopping center. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com . RELATED : Visit Belmar, New Jersey Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog , a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

Flames Brazilian Steakhouse is a one-of-a-kind find in Belmar, New Jersey. With its authentic rodizio dining experience, Flames serves prime cuts of meat, sausage, and poultry — cooked to order — accompanied by an endless gourmet salad bar and freshly prepared hot entrees and sides.​ Their menu also includes small plates for sharing and housemade desserts. At Flames in Belmar, your upscale dining experience begins with a plate of melt-in-your-mouth Brazilian cheese bread, served warm from the oven. The tableside Churrasco service includes various cuts of beef, including prime rib, skirt steak, ​​sirloin; Parmesan pork; bacon-wrapped turkey; garlic chicken; chicken wings; sausage; and grilled salmon upon request. Keep the “yes” side of your tabletop token visible for non-stop servings of hot meat hand-carved onto your plate. The fresh all-you-can-eat salad bar at Flames has something to please every palate. Pile your plate with smoked salmon, chick pea salad, marinated mushrooms, cheese and fresh fruit, asparagus spears with bacon, artichoke hearts, oxtails, and more. Other selections include Caesar salad, arugula with mandarin oranges, creamy potato salad, mozzarella and tomato salad, potato salad, and crab salad. The menu at Flames in Belmar also includes a hot buffet. The variety of hot entrees and side dishes includes Brazilian black bean stew (feijoada), rice, fried bananas, yucca fries, mashed potatoes, crispy chicken fingers, French fries, and other selections. To ensure a safe dining experience during the pandemic, both of the self-service buffets are shielded with plastic barriers. Guests are given disposable gloves to use while making their selections, and capacity is limited around the self-serve areas to minimize contact with other diners. Flames rodizio restaurant has a full-service bar with an extensive cocktail menu. Whet your whistle with authentic Portuguese sangria (delicious!), as well as Brazil’s signature cocktail, caipirinha (also delicious!), mojitos, martinis, margaritas, and more. (Beverages not included in price of dinner.) Happy hour dining at the bar is available from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day Sunday. RELATED : 5 Best Happy Hour Restaurants In Belmar For dessert, try the papaya cream, passion fruit mousse, Brazilian coconut flan, tres leches cake, or brigadeirao [chocolate flan]. Other tempting choices on the dessert menu include banana flambe, chocolate fudge layer cake, tiramisu, and cheesecake. (Desserts and coffee are extra.) Flames is one restaurant you definitely want to try during your Jersey Shore vacation. We surely recommend this sizzling Belmar Brazilian steakhouse to our summer rental guests. Reservations recommended! Flames Brazilian Steakhouse 1000 Main Street Belmar, NJ 07719 Reservations: 732-681-7680 www.flamesbraziliansteakhouse.com Flames Belmar, New Jersey, Menu Pricing Full rodizio dining service: $54.99 Gourmet salad bar only: $34.99 Kids up to age 4: Free Kids age 5 to 11: $27.99 Happy hour: Monday to Friday, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., all day Sunday. Includes half-price appetizers and $5.00 cocktails and house wine. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com . RELATED : Plan Your Vacation In Belmar, New Jersey Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog , a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.

On April 29, 2022, the National Arbor Day Foundation will mark its 150th anniversary of the special day dedicated to the planting of trees to benefit the environment and beautify the community. In advance of this annual celebration, the Belmar Shade Tree Commission is offering Belmar residents the opportunity to purchase select species of trees at a special price of $325.00 for deciduous trees and $225.00 for evergreens. This limited-time “Beautiful Belmar” offer includes the tree, as well as delivery and planting by Fernbrook Farms Nursery of Bordentown, New Jersey. Trees will be approximately eight to 12 feet tall and guaranteed for one year by the nursery. The tree options for Belmar homeowners include: Smaller flowering trees ($325.00 each): Eastern Redbud, Trinity Pear, and Okame Cherry, recommended for planting in smaller yards and under utility wires. Evergreen trees ($225.00 each): American Holly, Leland Cypress, Bosnian Pine, and Sweetbay Magnolia Larger trees ($325.00 each): Red Sunset Maple, Ivory Silk Lilac, Golden Rain Tree, Green Vase Selkova, Skyline Honeylocust, and White Oak, suitable for larger yards and areas free of overhead utility wires. Trees planted between sidewalks and curbs, which is considered public property, require a permit from the town. The permit costs $10.00. Permits are not required to plant trees on your private property. Belmar is one of more than 3,600 towns nationwide to be recognized as a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation. Learn more about Belmar tree regulations. The payment deadline for all tree orders is April 10, 2022. Make your checks payable to Fernbrook Nursery and mail or drop checks off at Belmar Borough Hall, Attn: Beautiful Belmar, 601 Main Street, Belmar, New Jersey 07719. Trees will be delivered and planted in June. Homeowners are responsible for the watering and mulching of the trees, including those planted between the curb and sidewalk. Contact the Belmar Shade Tree Commission at shadetree@belmar.com with any questions. RELATED: Tree Of Heaven - A Devil In Disguise RELATED: Best Spots To Watch The Sunset In Belmar Belmar Arbor Day Celebration April 29, 2022 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Fourth-graders from Belmar Elementary School and St. Rose Grammar School will team up with the Belmar Shade Tree Commission to plant saplings in at the Belmar Public Library grounds. The saplings will be added near the raised flower beds constructed by Belmar DPW for the town’s 2021 Arbor Day project. Read more about the history of National Arbor Day. Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, solo adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com. RELATED: Visit Belmar, New Jersey Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.