The diversity of dining options in downtown Belmar, New Jersey, includes fresh and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Mr. Greek restaurant in Belmar Mall’s locally known "restaurant row” is a family favorite in our house. Mr. Greek Mediterranean Cuisine, which opened December 2020, serves freshly prepared pita sandwiches, traditional Greek dips and salads, and specialties such as spanakopita, gyro platters, stuffed grape leaves, and avgolemono soup. My go-to order from Mr. Greek in Belmar is the three-dip sampler platter and chicken pita sandwich with tzatziki. The dips are served with warm pita breads, a perfect accompaniment to the smooth and creamy hummus, roasted red pepper dip, and harrissa blended with feta cheese (my favorite!!). Sometimes, I’ll mix it up with an order of jumbo shrimp thessaloniki with chopped tomatoes and feta, or some Greek lemon chicken soup (avgolemono). I will definitely be recommending Mr. Greek restaurant in Belmar to our rental guests in the summer. Take a peek at their menu in the photos below. Mr. Greek Mediterranean Cuisine has a casual indoor seating area, and the restaurant is BYOB. To-go orders are available with curbside pickup or delivery through DoorDash or Uber Eats. Mr. Greek Mediterranean Cuisine 821 Belmar Plaza Belmar, New Jersey 07719 848-404-9633 www.mrgreekbelmar.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. 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

Summer vacation doesn’t have to derail a healthy diet. You’ll find a multitude of healthful food options in the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore — whether you’re shopping for organic produce at the supermarket, choosing low-carb or gluten-free dishes at a local restaurant, or enjoying a bottle of raw cold-pressed juice from Nourished by Nature, a popular juice and smoothie bar in downtown Belmar. Nourished by Nature is owned by Cassandra Quarantello, who opened her business in 2014 after an unfulfilling stint in the corporate world. She had been laid off from her position and was seeking a new path forward without the restrictions and monotony of corporate life. As fate would have it, Cassandra had a life-changing “aha” moment over at juice drink at Whole Foods with her mother. An entrepreneur herself, Cassandra’s mother encouraged her daughter to open a small business built around her long-time passion for juicing and the healing qualities of juice. Cassandra started out with made-to-order juices, working in a rented commercial kitchen to fulfill customer orders. Six months into her new endeavor, she had built an established clientele and decided the time was right to launch her first retail operation in downtown Belmar. Fast forward to a decade later, and Cassandra has made her mark in the Belmar business community. In 2021, she relocated to a larger space with a vegan café on Main Street (next to Beach Haus Brewery). She also has expanded the Nourished by Nature menu with the addition of organic nut milkshakes, juice cleanses, detox lemonades, juice power shots, and vegetarian/vegan smoothies. Nourished by Nature also sells breakfast toasts, sandwiches and wraps, hot and cold coffee drinks, protein-packed energy balls, overnight oats, organic oat bars, and other healthy snacks. Locally sourced Belmar Honey is also available for sale. The honey is bottled by resident Ed Lippincott, who has a small apiary on his Belmar property. Cassandra also has teamed up with local candlemaker Matt Dates, owner of Midnight Candle Company, to produce Nourished by Nature hand-poured jar candles in heavenly scents such as Coconut Kick, Peace Punch, and Lavender Lemonade. Succulent planters from nearby Lanza's Nursery in Wall Township, New Jersey, are also available for purchase. RELATED: Belmar Honey – How Sweet It Is RELATED: Belmar Business Spotlight – Midnight Candle Company Cold-Press Juice Process In a recent “Busy People Podcast,” Cassandra explained how the process of extracting cold-pressed juice differs from that of other fresh juice drinks and the commercially produced, pasteurized juice that you find in a grocery store. “When you go to a juice bar, the machine you see is a tabletop machine or a traditional masticating juicer like you would use at home,” she said. “The juice comes out one side and pulp comes out the other. The fast blade makes the juice break down because it’s introducing heat and air. The layer of foam you see at the top is the air that’s in the juice that’s causing it to break down, or to oxidize. If you don’t drink it within 15 to 20 minutes, the juice starts to turn brown, and at that point, you are just drinking calories, you’re not getting the nutritional value.” In contrast, the cold-press process, according to Cassandra, uses a huge commercial juicer to grind the fruits and vegetables with a blade, rather than whipping or blending them as with other juicing methods. “All of that pulp is dropped into a big bag, which is then pressed with two plates that apply thousands of pounds of pressure, and the juice comes out of the bottom. That pulp, when we are done pressing it, is extremely dry, rendering all of the nutrients intact and keeping the juice alive for at least four or five days after bottling, as opposed to traditional juices, in which the nutrients die within 15 to 20 minutes,” Cassandra said in the podcast. Because Cassandra’s juice is refrigerated right after bottling, the health benefits are preserved for several days. Vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals in the juice “provide a great nutritional boost to help detox the body and support the immune system,” she said in the podcast. Top-Selling Juices Some of Nourished by Nature’s most popular juices are the green varieties, due to their low fruit and fructose (sugar) content. The green juices are prepared from fresh ingredients such as organic kale, celery, cucumber, and spinach, making them high in Vitamin K. RELATED: Dining Around - Skratch Kitchen In Bradley Beach RELATED: Explore The Belmar Treasure Trail One of the most popular fruit juices at Nourished by Nature is the Ginger Snap Apple, made from organic apple, lemon, turmeric and ginger. The juice contains anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants to hydrate and cleanse the body inside and out. One detox lemonade that “flies off the shelf,” according to Cassandra, is the Black Ginger-Aid. It has activated charcoal, which “acts as a broom to sweep the internal system,” she said. During flu season, Cassandra’s elderberry organic power shots are popular, as is the Shoo Phlew shot, which is a concentrated 2-ounce drink with cayenne pepper, lemon, ginger, and pineapple. In addition shopping at Cassandra’s retail store in Belmar, you can place delivery orders of selected smoothies and breakfast toasts via DoorDash. Juice orders for delivery can be placed via the Nourished by Nature website. The delivery fee is $10.00 and service is available to most of New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia and local suburbs, including Bucks County) and New York. Gift cards for use in the retail store are also available for purchase. Nourished By Nature 801 Main Street, Unit 1A Belmar, New Jersey 07719 908-907-5893 www.iamnourishedbynature.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. 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.

Are you looking for a way to enjoy a night out with friends or loved ones without spending a fortune on drinks? The Belmar region of the Jersey Shore has a vast selection of BYOB restaurants with excellent food, so you can indulge in a fine meal without breaking the bank. The Belmar Beachcomber Blog has put together this list of the best BYOB restaurants around Belmar to help you plan your next outing. (Restaurants listed in alphabetical order.) Antonio’s Trattoria 2420 Highway 35 Manasquan, New Jersey 08736 https://antoniostratt.com There’s a reason Antonio’s parking lot is always full — people flock there for the amazing Italian food! During a recent Friday night dinner, I paired the burrata salad (Burrata Di Nonna) with the potato-crusted crabcake appetizer for a fantastic light meal. My dining companion chose the Polla Alla Antonio, boneless chicken breast stuffed with fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers with a light cream sauce and fresh basil. The menu is extensive, with so many great choices that make it hard to decide. (Not a bad problem to have!) Reservations are recommended. Avon Promenade 600 Ocean Avenue Avon by the Sea, New Jersey 07717 732-505-7770 Avon Promenade is an oceanfront fine-dining restaurant on the boardwalk in Avon by the Sea, New Jersey, formerly known as Avon Pavilion. The owners, who took over in 2023, also run Amelia’s by the Sea in Spring Lake, New Jersey. I've enjoyed several dinners here with friends in the summer. Reservations are recommended. RELATED: Dining Around – Avon Promenade Casa D’Angelo 718 Arnold Avenue Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey 08742 Casa D’Angelo in downtown Point Pleasant Beach opened in December 2023 and is operated by the former owners of Citrico’s in Bradley Beach (now known as Skratch Kitchen). At Casa D’Angelo, you’ll find classic Italian food, freshly prepared in a cozy setting. Clementine’s 306 Main Street Avon by the Sea, New Jersey 07717 732-988-7979 http://www.clementinesavon.com Clementine’s is known for its creole and Cajun-style cuisine with a southern flair in downtown Avon, New Jersey. Try the fried or blackened catfish or the ​seafood jambalaya pasta. I usually order the halibut special when it’s available. The desserts at Clementine's are over-the-top indulgences! Reservations are recommended. Fed’s on 10th 705 10th Avenue Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-681-3337 https://www.fedspizza.com Federici's is a fourth-generation family-owned Italian restaurant with a flagship location in Freehold, New Jersey, and a second spot in Belmar, which opened in 2014. In 2023, Federici's Italian restaurant was recognized in the "Dining - Best Pizza" category of the Asbury Park Press "Best of the Best Awards" and was also honored for "Dining - Best Italian Food" in the newspaper's 2022 reader's choice awards. In addition to super-thin-crust pizza from their brick oven, Fed's on 10th has an extensive menu of Italian cuisine, with everything prepared from scratch. Some of my favorite dishes at Fed's are those made with their amazing Francaise sauce. It is undeniably the best Francaise sauce that I've ever eaten, so buttery and velvety! Try the artichokes Francaise appetizer — or go all in with an order of chicken Francaise. The vodka sauce pizza with a Shanna Salad are also highly recommended. Reservations are recommended. A few of the best BYOB restaurants at the Jersey Shore: Fed's on 10th, Belmar; Skratch Kitchen and DelPonte's Coal-Fired Pizza, Bradley Beach; Clementine's and The Promenade, Avon by the Sea; Via Veneto, Manasquan; and finally, Spike's Seafood Restaurant and Spano's Ristoranto Italiano, Point Pleasant Beach. Story continues below>> Lubrano’s Trattoria 2439 Highway 34 Brielle, New Jersey 08736 732-292-0050 http://www.lubranostrattoria.com Chef and owner Domenico Lubrano and his staff have been delighting diners since 2000 with their delicious Italian specialties. Try the artichokes oreganata, spicy garlic shrimp, and handmade burrata-filled ravioli. Don’t forget the freshly baked rosemary focaccia bread with dipping oil! It's a casual place with a pizza restaurant and a nicer dining room. Reservations are recommended. Pizza Heaven 507 Main Street Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-556-6062 https://pizzeriaheaven.com Pizza Heaven is one of the best-kept secrets in Belmar! A BYOB favorite when I’m craving their delicious Margherita or eggplant Parmesan pizza with fresca salad on the side, or the salmon dinner with creamy mashed potatoes and wood-fired Brussels sprouts. The owners are brothers who prepare their handcrafted pizzas in the Neapolitan style using specially milled flour imported from Italy. The dough cooks to thin perfection after a short stint in the hot wood-fired oven. RELATED: Dining Around – Pizza Heaven SeaGrass Restaurant 68 Main Avenue Ocean Grove, New Jersey 07756 732-869-0770 https://www.seagrassnj.com If you love seafood, you’ll have lots of options for fresh fish and shellfish on the dinner menu at SeaGrass, a BYOB restaurant in downtown Ocean Grove, New Jersey. For the carnivores at the table, SeaGrass has poultry and meat selections. In the off season, SeaGrass offers half-price lunch and dinner entrees every Wednesday. First-come, first-served seating; no reservations. Skratch Kitchen 812 Main Street Bradley Beach, New Jersey 07720 732-984-6363 https://www.skratchkitch.com Owner and Chef JT Dunn has developed a selective menu of rustic Italian fare at Skratch Kitchen. Choose from an array of appetizers and salads; main courses starring seafood, chicken, pasta, and prime cuts of meat; homemade ricotta dumplings (gnudi); stuffed rigatoni and shrimp with vodka sauce; and other pastas. Finish off with a house-made dessert such as decadent pistachio tiramisu and an after-dinner coffee drink. Reservations are recommended. Spano’s Ristorante Italiano 719 Arnold Avenue Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey 08742 Reservations Required: 732-701-1600 https://www.spanos.net Authentic Italian dishes are prepared by owner and chef Joseph Spano in his namesake restaurant in downtown Point Pleasant Beach. My go-tos are clams oreganata for my appetizer and a main course of the seafood-stuffed flounder in tomato-cream sauce. Soooo good! The tiramisu and tartufo at Spano's are some of my favorite desserts. Reservations are required for all party sizes, with dinner seating from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Spike’s Seafood Restaurant 415 Broadway Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey 08742 732-295-9400 https://www.spikesseafood.com Spike's Fish Market & Restaurant in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, is a casual, old-school seafood shanty that's been serving the Jersey Shore for 97 years. I highly recommend the New England clam chowder and the broiled seafood combination. First-come, first-served seating; no reservations. RELATED: Dining Around – Spike’s Seafood Restaurant Via Veneto Italian Restaurant 2410 Highway 35 (Next to Pastosa’s) Manasquan, New Jersey 08736732-722-8458 https://viavenetoristorante.com Via Veneto in Manasquan, New Jersey, is another great Italian BYOB restaurant near Belmar, perfect for a special-occasion celebration such as a birthday or anniversary dinner. During a recent visit, seafood salad (Insalata Di Mare) and clams oreganata were perfect pairings as my meal. A heavenly peanut butter-chocolate mousse cake followed for dessert. Reservations are recommended. Other Popular BYOB Restaurants Near Belmar I hope you are inspired to make reservations at the restaurants on our list of best BYOBs around Belmar. It's impossible to list all of the local BYOB restaurants because there are too many to name. However, here are just a few more that you might want to try: Arugula, Spring Lake Brandl, Belmar Del Ponte’s Coal-Fired Pizza, Bradley Beach F Street Social, Belmar Harvest, Farmingdale Mr. Shrimp Seafood Restaurant, Belmar Ragin Cajun, Belmar Vic’s Pizza, Bradley Beach In addition to the restaurants listed above, if you love Mexican food, many of the Mexican restaurants in and around Belmar are also BYOB. The Cutwater brand of craft margaritas in a can are great for sipping while you're noshing on chips and guac! RELATED: Must-Try Mexican Restaurants In Belmar And Beyond 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. 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.

From dirty-water dogs and gyro platters, to gourmet sandwiches, thin-crust pizza and signature salads, you'll find a variety of casual, family-friendly dining options in Belmar, New Jersey. Here are some popular places to check out in Belmar when you're looking for lunch or a light bite. 1. F Street Social Craft Pizza and Kitchen 1002 Main Street Belmar, New Jersey 07719 732-934-2378 Specialty: Wood-oven pizza, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and more www.fstsocial.com F Street Social serves both lunch and dinner, with an extensive and diverse menu that includes appetizers; homemade soups; big salads; sandwiches; charcoal-grilled burgers; pasta, meat, chicken, and seafood entrées; family-style meals; and house-made desserts. There's also an $8.00 children's menu. The pizza menu at F Street Social in Belmar is equally as vast, with your choice of ultra-thin crust or hand-tossed thin crust. Pizzas come in two sizes, a 10-inch personal pizza or the 16-inch large pie. All pizzas are cooked in a specially designed wood-burning oven that the owners imported from Italy. 2. Comfi of Belmar 707 Main Street Belmar, New Jersey 732-749-3583 https://www.comfinewjersey.com Specialty: Breakfast, brunch, and lunch Comfi of Belmar is one of our go-to spots for breakfast and lunch, and we love to ride our bikes there in the summer. On a recent visit, Comfi's "And Then I Met You" sandwich provided a generous serving of grilled turkey topped with egg whites, melted pepper jack cheese, and guacamole. Served on a hearty multi-grain bread with sweet potato fries. Add bacon and Sriracha sauce to make this sandwich over the top! Comfi has a newly remodeled dining room and offers sidewalk seating outside, as well as takeout with curbside pickup. 3. Mr. Greek Mediterranean Cuisine 821 Belmar Plaza Belmar, New Jersey 07719 848-404-9633 Specialty: Greek and Mediterranean food www.mrgreekbelmar.com Mr. Greek Mediterranean Cuisine, which opened December 2020 in downtown Belmar, serves freshly prepared pita sandwiches (lamb and chicken gyros), traditional Greek dips and salads, and specialties such as spanakopita, gyro platters, stuffed grape leaves, and avgolemono soup. Mr. Greek Mediterranean Cuisine has a small seating area for socially distant ndoor idining. You also can order curbside pickup/takeout or delivery through DoorDash or Uber Eats. RELATED: Belmar Business Spotlight - Mr. Greek Restaurant 4. Federici's on 10th 705 10th Ave Belmar, New Jersey 732-681-3337 Specialty: Thin-crust pizza and Italian food www.fedspizza.com If you're fond of anything prepared in the Francaise style, you must try the Francaise sauce at Federici's on 10th Avenue in Belmar. Their Francaise sauce is the best I have ever eaten! Try the artichokes Francaise appetizer for a sample of Fed's velvety lemon-butter sauce — or go all in with an order of chicken Francaise. The vodka sauce pizza with a Shanna Salad on the side are also highly recommended, along with the daily selection of fresh hot soups. Feds on 10th has shaded patio seating, as well as indoor dining and takeout. Reservations are recommended. 5. Hoagitos 807 Belmar Plaza Belmar, New Jersey 732-556-6617 Specialty: Gourmet mini hoagies (subs) www.hoagitos.com "Small size, big flavor" is the motto at Hoagitos, which is located in Belmar Plaza, a few doors down from 10th Ave. Burrito Co. The sweet-and-spicy glaze on their "Forbidden Chicken" sandwich is a personal favorite, along with their "Southern Comfort" panko fried chicken sandwich topped with griddle macaroni and cheese (oh my!). Dine in at the Hoagitos dining room or get your order to go. Delivery is also available through DoorDash. Hoagitos was featured on Season 11 of the Travel Channel's "Food Paradise." RELATED: Best Spots For Outdoor Dining In Belmar 6. Sonny's Grille 821 Belmar Mall Plaza Belmar, New Jersey 732-749-3953 Specialty: Italian hot dogs, dirty-water dogs, hand-pressed Angus hamburgers, disco fries www.sonnysgrillenj.com Locals flock to the family-owned Sonny's Grille for their old-school dirty-water hot dogs and their half-pound Angus burgers. Customers also rave about Sonny's pulled pork, cheesesteaks, handmade crab cakes, shakes, and French fries. “Our vintage-looking restaurant was hand built by my family and me. We put our heart into this place,” says owner David LaTempa. "We pride ourselves in using the best ingredients and making most items from scratch, including our famous chili and hand-made burgers. We are mostly known for Sonny’s Italian hot dog and our signature hot dogs, for which we were voted among New Jersey’s 25 Best Hot Dog Joints." Sonny's Grill offers takeout and delivery via GrubHub and DoorDash. 7. La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant 408 Ocean Avenue Belmar, New Jersey 732-894-3855 Specialty: Italian food, pizza, pasta Website La Dolce Vita is the place to go in Belmar for Italian favorites with an ocean view. Located on Ocean Avenue La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant is a great destination for lunch or dinner with appetizers, pasta dishes, pizza, and more. Lunch is served from opening until 3:00 p.m. RELATED: Outdoor Dining With A Water View In Belmar, NJ 8. 10th Avenue Burrito Co. 801 Belmar Plaza Belmar, New Jersey 732-280-1515 Specialty: Tex-Mex www.tenthaveburritoco.com Local and visitors alike enjoy gathering for a casual meal at 10th Avenue Burrito Co. in downtown Belmar, New Jersey. Our favorites here include the sweet and spicy corn soup, pineapple-habañero wings, pork molé nachos, and shrimp in tequila-lime sauce. 10th Ave. Burrito Co. has indoor seating, as well as outdoor seating under a covered patio and at tables in the Belmar Plaza parking lot. In 2010, owner Brian Katz shared his secrets to a great adobo sauce during a taping of Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," with host Guy Fieri. RELATED: More Belmar Dining Stories RELATED: 8 Great Breakfast Restaurants In the Belmar Area 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. 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.

If you enjoy BYOB restaurants at the Jersey Shore, book a table at Skratch Kitchen in Bradley Beach. Skratch Kitchen opened in spring 2023 at 812 Main Street, in the former location of Citrico’s. I’ve had the pleasure of dining at Skratch Kitchen to celebrate a birthday and for a girls’ night out. It’s also a great spot for a special occasion or date night. The restaurant has an intimate dining room that seats up to 48 people, as well as outdoor sidewalk seating in the warmer months. Owner and Chef JT Dunn has created a unique menu of rustic Italian fare at Skratch Kitchen. Choose from an array of appetizers and salads; main courses starring seafood, chicken, pasta, and prime cuts of meat; homemade ricotta dumplings (gnudi); pappardelle bolognese; and other pastas. The restaurant also has gluten-free and vegetarian options, such as wild mushroom tacos; orange, fennel and arugula salad; and romaine chopped salad. Make sure you ask about the chef’s daily specials, too. If you have a sweet tooth, I can vouch that the blueberry bread pudding and other house-made desserts at Skratch Kitchen are worth every indulgent calorie! During a recent dinner at Skratch Kitchen, friends and I shared appetizers of Caesar salad tacos, crispy calamari with cherry peppers, and grilled artichoke hearts wrapped in prosciutto. The artichoke hearts were accompanied by lemon whipped goat cheese and the entire dish was surrounded by a citrus reduction. Outstanding!! RELATED : Read More Restaurant Reviews And Recommendations For my entrée, pan-roasted Tuscan cod was a hearty and flavorful delight. The fish was accompanied by clams and cannellini beans in a savory broth, perfect for dunking toasted bread. We finished our meal with after-dinner cappuccinos and two desserts for sharing: Skratch Kitchen’s signature pistachio tiramisu and a decadent brownie with homemade ice cream and bananas. Reservations at Skratch Kitchen are recommended, especially on busy summer weekends. You may book your table via the Resy app, via their website , or by calling the restaurant at 732-984-6363. Takeout is also available (no delivery, though). The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Current hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Note that a 3 percent service fee is added to credit card transactions; no fee is added to your bill if you pay cash. RELATED : Area Attractions Near Bradley Beach, NJ Scratch Kitchen 812 Main Street Bradley Beach, New Jersey 07720 732-984-6363 BYOB – Bradley Liquors is next door www.skratchkitchen.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.

Since its founding in October 2007, MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue in Belmar, New Jersey, has helped more than 1,000 bulldogs in need find permanent, loving homes. The dogs fostered and adopted through this nonprofit rescue group come from heart-wrenching, and often dire, circumstances — but the organization's dedicated volunteers, fosters, and adoptive families are determined to give these dogs a second chance. "Bulldogs have the absolute best personalities and cutest faces," says Belmar resident Cathy Kittell, who co-founded MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue (MABR) and serves as its treasurer and secretary. "When we bought our first bulldog puppy, I realized this breed can be high maintenance and not for everyone. That’s one of the reasons so many are surrendered to rescue." According to the American Kennel Club, French bulldogs and bulldogs are the second and sixth most popular dog breeds, respectively, in the United States as of 2021. Kittell and her husband adopted their bulldog, Brenner (pictured below, left), in October 2019, after their beloved rescue, Monty, crossed the Rainbow Bridge in January 2019 after battling some health issues. "We strive to educate the public on the bulldog breed," she says. "We understand that not everyone is equipped to take a rescue dog, as some are elderly and may have ongoing health issues. It’s important that people who are getting a pet understand it’s a long-term commitment. Yes, peoples’ lifestyles and situations may change, but we have had dogs surrendered to us in poor health, and sometimes we are unable to save them due to neglect." Michelle Fontanez and her family adopted their rescue, Rocky (pictured below), in December 2016 after agreeing to foster a puppy for MABR. Rocky was saved from abusive home, where he was kept in a crate and never allowed outside.​ "Once I got him, I said I was keeping him. My kids love him. He is the king," says Fontanez, who owns Surf's Up Candles in Belmar and Salty's Beach Bar in Lake Como. "Working with Cathy and her rescue group was a wonderful experience. I recommend them to everyone. They obviously have the best interest of these dogs at heart." "Adoptions like Rocky’s are our happiest days," Kittel says, "and Surf’s Up Candles has been a great supporter of our rescue, not only adopting a dog from us, but also donating candles for our raffle baskets. We also appreciate the support we receive from Purr-fect Partners Pet Grooming in Belmar, which hangs our posters and trimmed Monty's nails, and from The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, which hosts our Bully Pallooza and Bully Bash fund-raisers every April and October." For more information about the Bully Bash, becoming a foster family or adopting a bulldog from MABR, please contact Cathy Kittell at 732-939-4445, or visit the MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue website. Support MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue during its Bully Palooza at The Wonder Bar in spring 2024. Proceeds from the $10.00 admission fee will be donated to the medical care of MABR bulldogs. The Wonder Bar is located at 1213 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Dogs of any breed are welcome into the event — must be healthy, spayed/neutered, well-behaved, and leashed. For more information, call 732-939-4445. Photos and images courtesy of MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue, Cathy Kittell, Mladen Scekic, and Michelle Fontanez. All written content © copyright by Christine Cardellino owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide to the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved. 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

Belmar beach is open and ready for summer 2024! Plan your visit to Belmar, New Jersey, with our local travel and tourism guide from the Belmar Beachcomber Blog. Belmar Beach And Boardwalk Belmar beach and boardwalk will be open for summer 2024, as will the public restrooms and beachfront playgrounds. Beach tags are required to access Belmar beach for everyone age 14 and older. The beach tag requirement is in effect seven days a week between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. beginning the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend (May 29, 2023) and ending on Labor Day (September 4, 2023). Beach tags are not required prior to Memorial Day weekend or after Labor Day. Prices for Belmar beach tags have increased slightly for summer 2024. This year, Belmar beach tags cost $80.00 for the season, plus a $2.00 processing fee. Senior badges are $32.00 for those age 65 and older (proof of age required), plus $1.00 processing fee. Daily beach badges are $12.00 per person, plus a .25 cent processing fee. Seasonal beach tags for disabled individuals are $32.00. Proof of disability (from Social Security Administration or Medicare) and government-issued identification for the disabled person are required to receive a discounted price. Handicapped parking placards are not acceptable proof of disability. RELATED: Visitor Guide To Belmar Beach Tags, Parking And More Daily beach tags must be pre-ordered via your smartphone or mobile device prior to visiting a beach tag booth. Once your purchase is completed, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code. Upon your arrival to the beach, you will need to check-in at one of the Belmar beach tags booths and scan the QR code to receive a daily wristband. Alternately, show your confirmed QR code to the beach attendant to obtain a wristband and get onto the beach. Beach tag booths are located on the boardwalk at 3rd Avenue, 8th Avenue, 11th Avenue, 14th Avenue, 16th Avenue, and 19th Avenue. Daily and seasonal Belmar beach tags may also be purchased at Taylor Pavilion on the Belmar boardwalk. Taylor Pavilion is located at 500 Ocean Avenue. Hours of service are daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. RELATED: Belmar Provides Free Beach Access For Active Military And Gold Star Families Parking At Belmar Beach For summer 2024, the Borough of Belmar is using ParkMobile pay-by-app parking at six designated zones throughout town. The zones include key spots along Ocean Avenue and around Silver Lake, as well as certain sections of the Belmar Marina parking lot on Route 35. Paid parking in Belmar is in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily through October 31, 2024. (Parking is free beginning November 1.) Before you visit, download the mobile application called ParkMobile and set up your account with a credit card. RELATED: Download The Mobile App For Parking At Belmar Beach Belmar Marina: Fishing, Parasailing, Mini Golf Commercial fishing boats and charters are sailing daily from Belmar Marina. Read our guide to the Best Fishing Boats And Charters At The Belmar Marina. The miniature golf course at the Belmar Marina is open daily based on weather conditions. Call ahead to confirm their hours of service, 732-749-3800. Belmar Parasail is operating for summer 2023. Hours of service vary depending on the weather. RELATED: Area Attractions Near Belmar, New Jersey Belmar Shops and Restaurants: What’s Open? Belmar restaurants and shops are open and ready to serve customers. Restaurant menus, hours, and reservation requirements vary by establishment, so confirm directly with the restaurant prior to venturing out or placing a takeout order. If you wish to shop in Belmar, contact each retailer directly to confirm if they are open and their hours of service. RELATED: Dining Guide - Belmar, New Jersey RELATED: Shopping In Belmar Belmar Playgrounds and Parks Are Open All public playgrounds in Belmar, including those on the beach, are open. Maclearie Park on Route 35 in Belmar is also open, including the tennis and pickleball courts. RELATED: 5 Best Parks And Playgrounds For Kids In Belmar 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. 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

Fluke, sea bass, and bluefish are a few of the saltwater species in season during summer at the Jersey Shore. If you are "angling" for a fresh catch of the day during your Belmar vacation, the Belmar Marina is a great place to set sail on a party fishing boat or private fishing charter, or to rent a small motor boat for some action closer to shore. Read more below in the Belmar Beachcomber's local guide to ocean fishing during your Jersey Shore vacation. Party Boats And Head Boats In Belmar The Belmar Marina is known for its sizable fleet of party boats (head boats) that sail every day of the year, weather permitting. Morning excursions depart the marina generally around sunrise and return in the mid-afternoon, between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Some ships also go out for afternoon fishing charters and special excursions, such as sunset cruises, whale watching, and July 4th fireworks. On a fishing party boat, you're always welcome to bring your own rods and tackle, but this equipment also may be rented or bought on the boat ( Local Tip : find out prior to booking if the ticket fee includes rods and/or tackle). Feel free to pack a small cooler with cold drinks, snack, and lunch. Don't forget your sunscreen, sun glasses, a hat or visor, and whatever else you need to enjoy a summer day fishing off the New Jersey coast. For your convenience, many vessels offer online booking, and tickets may be bought in advance if you are planning your vacation in advance or buying tickets as a gift. Please contact each of the boats below directly for more information. Big Mohawk 732-974-9606 Website Capt. Cal II 732-977-2020 Website Golden Eagle 732-681-6144 Website Miss Belmar Princess 732-681-6866 Website Ocean Explorer 848-565-0519 Website Suzie Girl 732-988-7760 RELATED : Mini Golf With A Water View - 3 Scenic Spots Private Fishing Charters At The Belmar Marina For a more intimate saltwater fishing experience on a smaller boat, a private charter might best suit your needs. Several private charters currently sail from the Belmar Marina. Private charter boats usually provide you with rods and bait. The captains and crew take pride in giving you a highly personalized boating and fishing experience, and in sharing their vast knowledge of the local waters and honey holes. In addition to guided fishing excursions, many captains charter their boats for pleasure cruises to watch the sunset or July 4th fireworks, or to help you celebrate a birthday or family event. Contact the charters below for more information on hours, prices, and reservations. Big Kid Sportfishing 1-800-836-8862 Website Canyon Eagle I 973-865-1727 Website Celtic Stoirm Charters 732-742-9276 Website Fin-Ominal Charters 732-489-1463 Website Katie H Sportfishing 908-600-6413 Website Ol’ Salty II Sports Fishing and Scuba Diving Charters 732-681-6650 Website Parker Pete's 732-496-5028 Website Skylarker Charters 732-309-7689 Website Teri Jean II Sportfishing 732-280-7364 (Landline) 732-280-8133 (Boat) Website Venture III 732-928-4519 XTC Sportfishing 732-616-3763 Website Motorboat Rentals at the Belmar Marina If you'd rather fish closer to shore in the Shark River inlet or the Belmar harbor, consider renting a 16-foot motorboat from the Fisherman’s Den Bait & Tackle Shop at the Belmar Marina. Boats may be rented for a half day ($74.95) or a full day ($94.95). Motorboat rentals come equipped with an 8-horsepower outboard motor, operating instructions, and a full gas tank. Rental hours of service are from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition to boat rentals, bait and tackle may be purchased at The Fisherman's Den. Fisherman's Den Bait And Tackle Shop The Fisherman's Den Bait and Tackle Shop is located adjacent to the Marina Grille at the Belmar Marina. They sell everything you need for a day at sea. Summer Hours (May to October), 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week Winter Hours (November to April), 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week 732-681-5005 info@fishermansdennj.com RELATED : Marina Grille - 12,000 Square Feet Of "Wow" At The Belmar Marina Parking At The Belmar Marina Parking in Belmar can be tricky, especially on busy summer weekends. There are a limited number of free parking spaces at the marina near the fishing boats. You may need to pay for parking at the Belmar Marina if you cannot find a free spot in the area designated for fishing boats. For paid parking, Belmar uses the ParkMobile app. ParkMobile is used at certain areas of the Belmar Marina near Marina Grille and the marina entrance at Route 35 and 10th Avenue. This area is known as Zone 6 (58106) on the ParkMobile app. The cost for parking in Zone 58106 is $2.00/hour between 4:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. This is a year-round paid parking zone. RELATED : Download The ParkMobile App For Parking In Belmar Belmar Manutti Marina 905 Highway 35 Belmar, NJ 07719 732-681-2266 Summer hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week (May through September) No Sea Legs? Try Surf Fishing Instead Surf fishing is fun to do along the Belmar coastline. You may cast your line along any part of the Belmar beach, but a lot of people usually fish near one of the jetties. Local Tip : Try the big jetty between the waters of Belmar and Avon by the Sea, down near the Belmar draw bridge. This is also a prime spot to watch the fishing boats cruise in and out of the inlet. 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, single 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. RELATED : Plan Your Vacation In Belmar, New Jersey

4 Reasons Why Shore Vacation Rentals Offer More Value Than B&Bs, Hotels, And Other Lodging When you’re looking for a place to stay for your summer vacation in Belmar, New Jersey, private homes for rent by owner (i.e., vacation rentals) are a great alternative to bed and breakfasts, motor lodges, and motels. At our Belmar beach house rental, for example, you get a whole two-bedroom house with a full kitchen, living room, and dining room for about the same price of a single room in a B&B, hotel, or inn. 1. Vacation rentals offer more space and privacy . Renting a whole house for your Jersey Shore vacation stay gives you more square footage to enjoy than a small guest room in other types of lodging. For example, at our Belmar vacation rental, you'll find: A modern kitchen with granite that has everything you need to prepare meals and cook on the grill. A sunny dining area adjoining the kitchen, with screen doors that slide open onto your own private deck. A comfortably furnished living room with flat-screen high-definition TV, DVD player, and selection of movies, games, and books. Two bedrooms furnished with antiques, each sleeping two people in beds (sheets included), and a flat-screen TV in the master bedroom. An updated, exceptionally clean bathroom with a full bathtub and shower, as well as built-in storage and a granite-topped vanity (bath towels included). A spacious deck with plenty of seating for dining and relaxing outside, along with gorgeous garden views. Free high-speed wireless internet. Central air conditioning and ceiling fans throughout. Weber grill with grilling tools. Outdoor shower tower for rinsing off after the beach. RELATED : Celebrate Summer In Belmar 2. Prepare your own meals and save on the cost of dining out . While B&Bs provide you with a morning meal or continental breakfast to start your day, you’re on your own for lunch, dinner, and snacks. The cost of dining out every night can quickly add up. When you rent a whole house, however, you'll have a full kitchen at your disposal for cooking meals. At our beach house rental, for example, you’ll find a spacious cook's kitchen and a Weber propane grill. Guests frequently compliment us on how well stocked our kitchen is. Our numerous kitchen amenities include: GE Profile gas range with convection oven Built-in microwave over the stove Dishwasher with detergent Keurig, drip coffee maker, French press, coffee bean grinder, and electric tea kettle Henckels knife block All-Clad stainless steel pots and pans, cooking utensils, and grilling tools Dishes, flatware, Pyrex, and a variety of glassware Toaster and toaster oven Blender, stick blender, and hand mixer Cuisinart panini press/griddle Slow cooker Sponges, dish towels, and dish soap Basic pantry items: S&P, food wraps and foil, trash bags, and cleaning supplies RELATED : What's For Dinner? Favorite Gourmet Takeout Markets Near Our Rental 3. Enjoy extra amenities and conveniences at a beach house rental . In addition to all the homelike amenities we provide, our vacation rental comes with Belmar beach tags, beach chairs, a beach umbrella, boogie boards, sand toys, a beach wagon, and a wheeled beach cart. Upon request, we also can provide coolers and yoga mats. In addition, while many inns prefer adult guests only, our Belmar vacation has numerous family-friendly amenities for your convenience if you’re traveling with little ones: A Graco pack and play Feeding seat Lightweight fold-up stroller Diaper-changing pad Bjorn baby bathtub and potty seat Portable beach play yard Safety gate for the deck stairs Sand toys and boogie boards RELATED : Fun Things For Families To Do On Vacation In The Belmar Area 3. Personalized service and attention to detail . At our Belmar vacation rental, the owner is easily accessible to answer questions, provide directions or restaurant recommendations, or assist with anything you need during your stay. We also have a comprehensive guest book that provides helpful information about our home, local grocery stores , seasonal summer events , and more. In addition, we provide a variety of restaurant menus and tourism brochures for area attractions. RELATED : Read Our Five-Star Reviews RELATED : Dining In Belmar 4. Get more value for a longer stay . One major difference between vacation rentals and other types of lodging and accommodations at the Jersey Shore is the required minimum stay. While inns and hotels might be more suitable for a night or two, renting a whole house can be more economical if you are planning a one- or two-week summer vacation, or if you are looking for a partial-week stay of three nights or more. Find out more about renting our shore house in Belmar, New Jersey. Summer rentals near Spring Lake, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, and Avon by the Sea RELATED: View photo gallery See details of our home features and amenities Check current availability and rates Learn more about vacationing in Belmar Contact owner with any questions Like our Facebook page RELATED : More Family Travel Stories On The Belmar Beachcomber Blog 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.

Spike’s Fish Market & Restaurant in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, is a casual, old-school seafood shanty that's been serving the Jersey Shore for 97 years. Situated alongside the Manasquan River, near the Queen Mary party boat dock, Spike’s Fish Market & Restaurant has a cozy indoor dining room with a corner raw bar, as well as outdoor dining on a heated patio. If you want to cook your fresh catch at home instead of enjoying a sit-down restaurant meal, the seafood market at Spike’s has you covered. From live lobsters and clams, to fresh fish and crab legs, you’ll find a delicious variety of off-the-boat seafood for sale at Spike’s. During a dinner outing at Spike’s this past summer, I savored the slamming New England clam chowder, which is some of the best I've ever eaten. Do yourself a favor and size up to the bowl for an extra dollar ($8.95/bowl vs. $7.95/mug). You can always take home the leftovers if you don’t want to fill up on the whole bowl -- and you'll definitely want to save room for the seafood feast to come after appetizers and the soup course. RELATED: Area Attractions – Fresh Fish Markets RELATED: Recipe – Garlic Clams On The Grill For my entrée, I chose the broiled stuffed shrimp ($25.95), a portion of six shrimp with a side of steamed vegetables and a small house salad. My dinner companion ordered the broiled seafood combination platter ($24.95), which had succulent shrimp, scallops, clams and flounder, alongside a baked potato with butter and sour cream. Nothing is ever fried at Spike’s. Spike’s in Point Pleasant is BYOB. The restaurant is open year-round, seven days a week, with takeout available (call in your order first). The restaurant opens for lunch at 11:30 a.m. daily. Reservations are not accepted, so be prepared to wait upwards of 30 minutes or more for a table during peak summer season. The seafood market inside the restaurant opens at 9:00 a.m. daily. Spike’s Fish Market & Restaurant 415 Broadway Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey 08742-2615 732-295-9400 BYOB Website 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. 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.

Whether you’re a fiber enthusiast who enjoys knitting and crocheting, or you like to visit with friendly farm animals, you’ll certainly enjoy an afternoon outing to Arrow Acres Alpaca Farm in Wall Township, New Jersey. The family-owned farmstead, a short drive from our beach house rental in Belmar, sits on 16 wooded acres off New Bedford Road. The owners, Don and Dee Sherman, run the farm and retail store, known as The Coop, with help from their grown daughters and grandchildren — three generations in all. During our recent visit on a crisp, sunny Saturday, Don introduced us to his family’s herd of Huacaya alpacas. They gently took baby carrots through the fence and nibbled on hay while our small tour group took turns snapping photos of the adorable animals. RELATED: Explore The Belmar Treasure Trail About Alpacas According to the Alpaca Owners Association, “Alpacas (vicugña pacos) are members of the Camelid family and are a domesticated species of the South American camelid. Camelids originated in North America over 40 million years ago. Camels migrated east via the Bering Strait and llamas migrated to South America. Today, there are five recognized camelids breeds: camels, llamas, guanacos, alpacas, and vicunas. They vary by size and purpose, some being used primarily as pack animals and others valued for their fiber.” Alpacas live an average of 20 years and are considered livestock animals. They are sociable creatures and do best living in a herd with at least two other alpacas. Males and females are usually kept in separate fields to keep harmony in the herd. At Arrow Acres Farm, the alpacas are sheared every spring, before the summer heat sets in. Their fleece is processed and spun into the softest yarn, which then can be knitted and crocheted into socks, scarves, collar wraps, gloves, blankets, and other apparel. Alpaca fleece comes in various colors, from silver and rose gray, to black, white, brown, and beige. The spun yarn can be used in its natural hue or hand-dyed to create unique color combinations. Alpaca yarn is hypoallergenic, highly resistant to water, and lighter than wool yarn. Arrow Acres alpaca yarn may be purchased in person at The Coop or via their Etsy shop. Visiting The Farm Although Arrow Acres does not charge an admission fee for tours, donations to the alpacas' “carrot fund” are greatly appreciated. In addition to offering tours and operating their farm store, Arrow Acres Alpaca Farm offers knitting and crocheting lessons. Classes are taught by one of the Sherman’s daughters, Leanne, and are tailored for beginners, as well as those with more knitting experience. RELATED: Belmar Honey – How Sweet It Is The Sherman family also exhibits their alpacas in national and regional competitions, including the North American Alpaca Show and the New York Sheep and Wool Festival. For those who enjoy reading, two of the Sherman's daughters hold cocktail hour book club meetings every month via Zoom. The farm and store are open most weekends in the fall, winter and spring, but closed to the public after Memorial Day. They reopen on the last weekend in September to celebrate National Alpaca Farm Days. (NOTE: The farm is closed the weekend of October 15 and 16, but will reopen the following weekend.) Did You Know? Wall Township has two alpaca farms! Edel Haus Alpaca Farm, at 2660 Allaire Road, is open year-round and has a modest admission fee of $2.00 for children and $5.00 for adults. Next door, you’ll also find Allaire Lavender Farm, which is an offshoot of Princeton Lavender Farm in Mercer County, New Jersey. Arrow Acres Alpaca Farm 2021 Bentz Road Wall, New Jersey 07719 732-861-1385 www.arrowacresfarm.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. 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.

Day trips to New York City are a fun excursion during your vacation in Belmar, New Jersey, especially you are visiting from outside the tri-state region. Although you can easily get to New York from the Belmar train station, you might want to level-up your Big Apple adventure with a leisurely cruise on the Seastreak ferry. Seastreak offers weekday and weekend service to two points in Manhattan, New York, via their ferry terminals in Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, New Jersey. These departure points are about a 45-minute drive north from our beach house rental in Belmar. Park your car at the ferry terminal, board the boat, and sit back and relax while you meander up the Hudson River into New York Harbor. Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful scenery and notable landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Depending on your day trip itinerary, you can disembark the ferry at either Pier 11/Wall Street or East 35th Street in Manhattan, and then venture out to explore the city. If you wish to tour the Statue of Liberty, you’ll need to book a separate ferry from Battery Park to Ellis Island. Battery Park ferries to Ellis Island are within a short walk of the Seastreak port at Pier 11/Wall Street. RELATED : Outdoor Dining With A Water View In Belmar In addition to their popular Manhattan cruises, Seastreak offers service from Monmouth County, New Jersey, to other points of interest along the northeastern coast, including Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Seastreak also offers special summer events and excursions, such as whale-watching trips from the Highlands port to the waters off Sandy Hook, New Jersey; July 4th fireworks cruises from Highlands to the East River in New York; and sunset sight-seeing cruises from Highlands to Manhattan. In the fall, two of my favorite Seastreak adventures are the foliage and football cruises to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. Although the foliage and football trips are offered individually, if you time it right, you can book a West Point football cruise in mid to late October — when fall foliage peaks along the Hudson River — the best of both adventures for one ticket price! The photos below show the ferry docked at West Point and an Army football game in Richie Stadium. Riding on the Seastreak ferry is comfortable and convenient. There’s plentiful indoor, climate-controlled seating and satellite TVs. Seating options include rows of seats in the middle of the cabin (similar to airplane seating) and booth tables along the cabin windows. The booths seat four people each. Outside, there’s additional seating on an open-air upper deck. The deck is a great place to take in the expansive views of the water and scenery. You can bring your own food on board, and the ferry has a full-service bar that serves adult beverages as well as non-alcoholic drinks and packaged pretzels, chips, and other snacks. The ferry also has restrooms. RELATED : Area Attractions – Belmar, New Jersey Seastreak encourages guests to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure to allow sufficient time to park and buy tickets. Free parking is available at both the Highlands and Atlantic Highlands terminals. No matter which Seastreak departure point you choose, seeing the sights of New York City from the water is one vacation memory you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Seastreak Ferry Terminal at Atlantic Highlands 2 Simon Lake Drive Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey 07716 Seastreak Ferry Terminal at Highlands 326 Shore Drive Highlands, New Jersey 07732 1-800-BOATRIDE (1-800-262-8743) www.seastreak.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, single 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.